Quote Originally Posted by MarkS View Post
wouldn't have made any difference since she was already a little anxious handling a box marked 'Live Reptiles'

I feel pretty strong about this but I don't want to hijack this thread any further. If you want to start a new thread on this subject I'll be happy to join in.
You can start a new thread if you want, this is probably my last input for this subject though.

Breeders rightfully protect their own financial and business interests with terms of sale and shipping policies. As buyers we have to be aware of this and prepared to protect ourselves in the event something accidentally or otherwise occurs that leaves us with a sick animal, or one unrepresentative of the intended purchase. The longer the animal is in the buyer's possession for, the less leverage there will be in contesting the charges. Additionally, I have read some live arrival guarantees that are actually void if the animal is shipped directly to a home, and not to a fedex facility.

It is pretty easy to go to your car, look the snake over quickly and check for any visual signs of illness before bringing the animal into your home. I don't always do this, but if the seller isn't widely known in the community it is best to take precautions.