Reptile Show Etiquette and Questions from a Newbie

[TheSnakeGeek]

Hello folks!

I will be attending my first show in about a week (the repticon in Atlanta on the 27th / 28th).

I'm very excited about going, but am a total newbie when it comes to what to expect at the show and what procedures / etiquette is expected by the vendors in attendance. With that in mind, I have a few questions to pose for you show-savy snake keepers.

1. Do most vendors expect you to pay in cash?

2. Is haggling expected, tolerated, encouraged, or frowned upon? (or is this dependent on if you buy multiple animals, etc.)?

3. When you go to a show, do you go to all the tables or do you have a "short list" of vendors that you visit first?

4. How do you transport / handle your new acquisitions while you're still at the show and on the trip home (we will have about 2.5 hours to go between when we leave the show and arrive at home..not sure if heating is necessary for the trip)?

5. When purchasing frozen rodents, I assume it is better to wait until you are about to leave the show? (I will have an ice-packed cooler in the car waiting for them)

Thank you so much for your time and help! If you think there's anything else I need to know about attending a show I would greatly appreciate your input!

Artgecko

1) nope, but cash may get you a better deal.

2) i would say it's expected. it's definitely not frowned upon unless you're just lowballing on everything and being an ass about it.

3) I go to all the tables. you never know what you'll find. a lot if times breeders you've never heard of will have the prettiest animals. plus its just fun to check everything out. its called a "show" for a reason. i go more to look at everything than strictly a shopping spree.. although those are fun as well. lol

4) not too hard. just leave them in their deli cup and keep the AC or heat on (depending on what time of the year). just make sure they dont get exposed to extreme temperatures and they'll be fine.

5) every time i've purchased frozen rodents i just pay for whatever i want and they'll hold them for me in their freezer and i just pick them up right before i leave.

have fun! shows are one of my favorite parts of the hobby