Ten Things To Look For In a Good Reptile Breeder.
Whether you're purchasing a gecko, a lizard, a snake, or even an amphibian, there are certain things that will make a good breeder stand out from a bad one. When investing in a product, it is important to pay close attention to the person you're doing business with, because they will be with you far before and far after your initial purchase of the animal.
Finding a decent supplier can be a matter of an excellent transaction or a total waste of money, and it's very important to recognize when you can trust your breeder in the long run. Here are ten things to look for in a good reptile breeder.
1. Reputability
One of the most important things to do before choosing a supplier/breeder is to do your research. Testimonials are excellent, because you can then see other's experiences with the breeders and this will help you judge whether it seems as though you will have a positive interchange with this person. Of course, if you see lots of negative reviews, it's best to avoid this breeder. It also is terrific if you can find other's within your close circle community that can suggest a good breeder to you. Herpetology clubs and websites are wonderful places to get information from other's about reputable breeders.
2. Availably
It's important the breeder you choose is available and easy to contact. You could send an email/text or attempt to call/message the individual you've taken interest in. If they prove to be difficult or near impossible to get ahold of, it would be best to look elsewhere. If they don't take interest in a potential buyer, they certainly won't take interest in the aftermath of a sale.
3. Initial Contact
It's crucial to take note of how your initial contact goes. Is your breeder well informed? Do they seem interested in doing business with you? Did they answer your first questions? Did they appear standoffish or uninterested in you? It's important to find a breeder that sounds excited to work with you and do potential business with you, whether you decide to buy an animal from them or not.
4. Animal Quality
One of the most important things to see in a breeder is their animal quality. A breeder that sells sick animals knowingly has no business gaining any kind of success from their habits. Do not reward a breeder that has subpar conditions, ill animals, or unhealthy ideas by giving them business.
5. Education
The breeders you choose should be knowledgable about the animals they are selling. They should be able to answer all questions properly and confidently, and be capable of educating you 100% in the keeping and care of the animals they are selling you.
6. Willingness To Answer Questions
A breeder that seems annoyed by questions, unwilling to answer, or standoffish at a concern is NOT a good breeder. No matter how silly, simple, or even wild your question may seem, a breeder should be prepared to answer it with kindness and accuracy.
7. Pricing
A fair breeder will have fair pricing. Although you should be prepared for certain animals to be expensive, a good breeder will not overcharge you and will also be willing yo cut you a deal here and there on certain things. If a breeder seems to be pricing things too high or is set in stone in the price the've picked, sometimes it's best to look around a bit more and reconsider the breeder. The best thing to do is to research what other's are selling a particular animal for, and then make a decision based on that.
8. Attitude
In any business, it's important to be kind to customers. If your breeder seems rude, sharp, or annoyed with you, you have every right to take your business else where, since obviously they are are not interested in getting into a business relationship with you.
9. After-Sale Availably
The before and present time that comes to a sale is only half important. Your breeder/supplier should be around after the sale for questions and concerns you may have. If something were to happen, if a problem were to arise, or if a simple concern was to come to mind, it is important that your breeder be willing to work with you after the fact. A breeder who is uninterested in a relationship after a sale is a poor breeder.
10. Flexibility
Things happen, and your breeder needs to be flexible when it comes to issues. Animals will fall ill, and sometimes even the best breeders will accidentally sell an animal that is ill. Sometimes situations arise that are on YOUR part. Maybe your spouse disapproves of your newest investment, or you even failed to ask your mom first! Maybe the animal proves to be too much for you than initially thought. Anything can happen, and a breeder should be prepared and sensitive to that. A breeder who refuses to work with you at all is not a compassionate business person. Breeders should have their limits, but to be extremely uninterested in being flexible with a good client gives clue about whether they're a good breeder or not.
