Shipping

[Pattyhud]

When shipping a ball python to its new owner, do you all buy the insurance? I haven't the past few times but I'm wondering if I'm being stupid and should really buy the insurance all the time.

[Malum Argenteum]

I do not buy insurance when I ship reptiles. I've done the math, and it isn't worth it (no basic insurance is, overall). If a person loses enough animals in shipping to make the insurance a good financial bet, then that person just shouldn't be shipping reptiles.

I pack healthy CB animals in the very best way possible, and only ship to FedEx Ship Centers (also inaccurately called a "hub"). Those are better ways to minimize risks than to buy insurance.

[Pattyhud]

That's exactly what I do! I pack snakes extremely well and only ship to FedEx shipping center. I don't want them to bounce around in the truck all day. Thanks

[Malum Argenteum]

That's exactly what I do! I pack snakes extremely well and only ship to FedEx shipping center. I don't want them to bounce around in the truck all day. Thanks

Yes, and another reason to ship to a Ship Center is that a slight delay doesn't turn into a 24 hour delay if the package arrives at the destination city a little late to get on the delivery truck. It also ensures that the package is handed directly to the customer -- not left on the porch or given to a questionable roommate.