What does one do to make you want to do business with them (or not?)

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Here are a few important thing for me

Good reputation
Professionalism
Nice animals
Good customer service
Knowledgeable
Down to earth
Good communication

[Rapture]

Firstly, they must have an animal that I am looking for. This means there should be a photo of good quality and the animal appears healthy.

When I inquire about an animal, they should be at least somewhat professional and preferrably friendly. They should be able to answer my questions completely or better yet they should have all information on the ad itself.

If ordering online I believe they should accept at least paypal or personal check or money order. Payment plans are a plus especially if they advertise payment plans.

They should be certified to ship live animals through a carrier that knowingly provides this service, and they should at the least guarantee live arrival if the package arrives in my hands on time. If there is a problem with shipping they should be there to help solve the problem, and if something happens to the animal during shipping, they should do their best to remedy the situation depending on the wishes of that individual customer.

They should provide at least a 24-hour guarantee on the animal in case there is some kind of problem as far as the weight, sex, color, ect. of the animal.

Really the most important thing is that they do their best to ensure the customer is satisfied, and express in some sincere way that they appreciate their customer.

[photoman100169]

I would have to say the customer service (e-mail reply) is one of the big ones. I recently found someone the breeds here in the town I live in, and I sent them an e-mail to see how much one of their snakes were and if they were willing to take a payment plan. I heard nothing back. Now if this person doesn't want to do payment plans is fine with me, I completely understand. All I ask is that you write me back and explain that to me.

[Cheryl Marchek aka JM]

I'm agreeing with a lot of this~ but the email thing............
Do you check your Spam fliter regularly? No kidding~ I get 200 - 300 spam a DAY (I've had the email address for so long that apparently it's on EVERYBODIES list) Do you have any idea how often inquiries wind up in my Spam filter because they have subjects that sound like spam? And if I don't know who you are and am not expecting an email from you.......if it winds up in my spam filter with a subject such as "Interested" I'm not going to notice it before I delete it.

[broadude]

That's a very good question. As a buyer we would want the issues listed above to be addressed.

On the other end of the spectrum I am with Jane. My animals don't support me.

I understand how communication and customer service are important to being in the business...I just want to throw in another perspective.

Read the website fully, some of us do update at least once a month. Then if you have questions send an email and you are right to expect a quick response. I am available 24/7 (unless I am sleep) for any issues that may arise with my animals that have been sold. I will bend over backwards within reason to make sure that they remain happy with their purchase(s).

Please do not IM me with questions on an animal that was purchased somewhere else. I am polite, but I dislike discussing other breeder's animals and would prefer that anyone that buys an animal from a specific breeder...contact them, they know the animal better than I do. Do not ask me if I think a price advertised on another site is a fair price. It's their animal talk to them; I am responsible for my own prices only and really have no opinion on the prices of other breeders.

Please remember that although my IM is open almost 24 hours a day, that does not mean that I am actually at the computer. I may have forgotten to put on the "away" status indicator.

For me to want to sell to a buyer, they would have to show that they at least have a clue how to take care of my babies. I have sold one hatchling to one youngster but both her parents were supportative and their mother even sent me a personal email... so I was confident that my baby was going to a good home.


If both the seller and breeder just take the time to understand the limitations and responsiblities of running a business things would be much easier.

[Bruce Whitehead]

I get that people get busy... especailly during breeding season etc... but i think that it is the responsibility of the breeder to keep up on email and sites.

I have sold my first two clutches online, and get how frustrating it can be... but even if a person just keeps a page of macros to cut and paste that is something.

Especially when breeders do not have spaces to visit, consumers cannot come and see the snakes, and money is exchanged before you even see the snake you are getting.

I work in retail and we have a policy that selling a bulb (I work in lighting) is as important as selling a 10,000 light, as the person that buys that bulb, if he/she gets bad service will never come back, they get good service then they may be the next big sale.

And they will likely tell/bring their friends...

Customers are loyal so you cannot predict where the sales may go.

It is just my personal peeve. Even if I buy from a person, and I get bad service or dismissive service after the fact I will hesitate to buy from them again.

Snake buyers are repeat customers, as consumers we are ALWAYS buying and looking for more snakes. And we tend to buy better and more expensive snakes with each purchase...

Just a thought.

Bruce

[juddb]

I'm agreeing with a lot of this~ but the email thing............
Do you check your Spam fliter regularly? No kidding~ I get 200 - 300 spam a DAY (I've had the email address for so long that apparently it's on EVERYBODIES list) Do you have any idea how often inquiries wind up in my Spam filter because they have subjects that sound like spam? And if I don't know who you are and am not expecting an email from you.......if it winds up in my spam filter with a subject such as "Interested" I'm not going to notice it before I delete it.

I always check my spam inbox for this reason!!! Sometimes i get responses from dealers/breeders etc. that end up in my spam.

[Laooda]

Great questions Heather!

I like knowing that I'll get histories on the snakes; hatch dates, current weight, not so much sheds and poops, (although it's nice) but feeding... and more importantly WHAT they have been feeding on.

Definitely a response to a question... *timeline within reason, I know life happens*

Actually, I like speaking with people in person, or over the phone, or at least having the option in case there is a problem with shipping, etc...

"Knowing" the person... I think the only snake that I purchased without knowing the seller through the net, or meeting at a show, was Naomi my female Mojave. And well, I just HAD to have her when I saw her and haven't regretted it one day!

Of course the representation of the animal; the photos and info on the sight. It doesn't haft to be fancy, just a decent pic... maybe a description if needed, and a hatch date.

Being REAL. REALLY real... not just a used car salesman.

[janeothejungle]

I would have to say the customer service (e-mail reply) is one of the big ones. I recently found someone the breeds here in the town I live in, and I sent them an e-mail to see how much one of their snakes were and if they were willing to take a payment plan. I heard nothing back. Now if this person doesn't want to do payment plans is fine with me, I completely understand. All I ask is that you write me back and explain that to me.

Case-in-point. Check your messages guy-who's-name-I-still-don't-know, despite your repeated notes to me and your offer to sell me rodents CHEAP.


~Kat

[Royal Morphz]

Case-in-point. Check your messages guy-who's-name-I-still-don't-know, despite your repeated notes to me and your offer to sell me rodents CHEAP.


~Kat

man Kat your brutal and so damn funny