Repticon queston!

[CALM Pythons]

This is only my personal feeling and I don't want you to feel you have to think the same...

As this pertains to ball pythons... there are many great breeders out there and most likely a few will be at that show. I would research them like was mentioned before hand. Gravitate toward them and avoid anyone just reselling or flipping ball pythons for a quick profit. Sometimes this happens with breeders but at these shows, most of the time, the flippers have no idea about the health of the snake they are flipping and could care less once it gets sold to you. You run the risk of getting a snake that is either a problem feeder, sick, or just not a thriving snake. It ends up in cases like this discouraging a first time owner because now you have a snake that won't feed or worse yet is sick and you end up with expensive vet bills or worse. You also by buying from these people support what to me is an unwanted side industry of this hobby. I would rather see you own a healthy and well taken care of snake from a breedeer that is going ot care about making sure you get something that will make you enjoy this hobby.

If you have to spend more for it, it is worth it as you support someone passionate about this hobby and you end up with a healthy snake and not a hardship on you and the snake.

In short, avoid flippers, buy from and support an actual breeder.

Just to add to this.... I myself would much rather look at the breeders on our site as Id trust that more than someone set up at Repticon. Besides this Forum there are several excellent breeders out there that ship.
I do not believe as you mentioned in your question that you get a better deal.. Id much rather order online from some of the best breeders around.. Its not hard to find out who we all use
Dont forget the Business section Trade/Sell on here. Ive seen Great deals this year already.