Newbie - Concerned about new snake purchase

[Hugsplox]

This is actually a pretty small, local store. I've been going there for fish for the past five years as they have an amazing fish section (most of the store is fish), and really go the extra mile to take care of and display them, especially their bettas. (You won't find them kept in tiny plastic cups at this place.) They're usually on top of marking tanks off if any signs of illness show up until they can get the situation managed. I also know the owner himself and his wife (the manager I spoke to) both own quite a few lizards and snakes themselves, which had me put a little more trust in them. When I first went in a few months ago to ask about their snakes, I got a couple of the employees to give me run down of where they got them from and what kind of handling and care they got at the store.

But yeah, the more I look at this situation, the more I agree with you. The manager of this place had said she'd do an exchange if they couldn't get this one to eat, but I'm really hoping she'll just agree to give me a refund so I can look elsewhere. Just haven't been impressed with my few experiences here concerning reptiles...

I get what you're saying, I learned very quick that just because my local places were good with one thing didn't mean they were good with everything. The place I get 99% of my tropical fish from I won't buy any other animals from, and the shop I get my feeders and reptiles from, I won't buy fish from. I'll spare you the reasoning but just know, some places do better than others. Just remember that regardless of how good they may be with some things, the store is there to make money at the end of the day, and while it's admirable that the manager is willing to work with you, is there a guarantee that the next snake they send you home with won't be in the same boat?

I agree 100% with Kevin though, if you're intent on having this specific snake, at a minimum I would ask them to let the breeder take her back and get her eating, and then purchase her from the breeder directly. I wouldn't trust some kid at a local pet store who clearly has a history of mishandling animals, to try to assist feed her.