Advice for First Time Buyer at Repticon?

What advice do you have for a first time buyer who will be looking to buy a snake at a convention? Also, just a first time buyer in general? What questions should be asked, any paperwork the snake should come with, etc?

Thanks!

Bring cash.

Don't touch any snake you don't 100% intend on buying.

It's better to go home with a stack of business cards and no snake than the wrong snake.

Get a list of attendees, usually Repticon has them on their Facebook page or web site, and research them on the BOI here before going to the show.

Take someone experienced with you.

Great suggestions Melinda!

I don't have much to add besides take your time, look around a lot.

If a vendor is busy but you want to talk to them, sometimes it's good to come back when they are not busy so you get their full attention.

Usually all I get with a purchase is a business card and/or receipt, in my experience sellers do not bring feeding records or DOB info with them.

Most important - have fun!

Thanks for the tips! Unfortunately, I don't know anyone experienced that can come with me. My friend is coming too, but it's her first time too, and she also just got into reptiles.

I have tried to check out some of the vendors on the BOI, but am not finding much. I don't know if it's because I just know the business name in most cases, or I'm not using the search right. I have had direct experience with one of the vendors by visiting their shop locally, and I don't think I'll be buying from them, but don't really know anything about the others.

It's good to know I shouldn't expect most vendors to bring records with them. Would it be wrong to ask them if they were able to email me the records after the show, if I do buy?

It would be fine to ask, you're more likely to get a positive response and actual follow up from the small hobby breeders. A wholesaler/reseller (there will most likely be a few at the show) may not have the info available but again, never hurts to ask.

If you use internet on your phone, you can do a BOI search while at the show as well.

Thanks, a think BOI search on my phone at the show is going to have to be the way to go. I checked the vendors list again, and still haven't come up with anything useful from the business names. Their Facebook pages generally have good reviews, but I know that that is not always the most reliable way to judge.

My friend and I are only going on the second day of the show, so we're hoping that there will still be some good animals and possibly good deals.