Here is the entire email trail:
FSUrf02 . <reidforrest@gmail.com>
1:37 PM (2 minutes ago)
to Terri
What don't I get? You say in one breath how you spend hours upon hours with your customers to provide all this customer support, but me simply requesting a picture of the dragon I would like to purchase sends you over the edge???? Can you honestly hear yourself?
So you sell cheap dragons now? That must be what you are saying because you told me you had some in my the $200 price range. And, thank you for making it perfectly clear what got you so upset in the first place. I guess me deciding not to go with the $500 dragon and instead opting for the $200 one really burst your bubble. I see it is all about the $ with you. Phew, I'm actually glad I avoided doing business with you (and many people online seem to hold that same sentiment by the way). Yeah, you may want to step outside of the comfy confines of those echo chambers (your facebook page and website) where you can control the content and hear what people actually think about you and your company. And I just added my damning "testimonial" to the countless others as well.
And I'm sorry if you find my rants insulting. I was just providing you with "facts". But again, things didn't turn ugly until you decided you wanted to make it that way. And at least it is out in the open it was all because I chose not to buy one of your $500 dragons. Pathetic.
And please, spare me with the "I will not sell you a dragon". If I didn't make it perfectly clear already I would never purchase a dragon you. You aren't the only person in the world who can breed dragons I can assure you of that.
Bye bye.
On Tue, Jul 25, 2017 at 1:13 PM, Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
Wow. You just don’t get it at all. Please find your cheap dragon elsewhere from a breeder who does not care, will not help you and whose dragon will die. We spend 5 hours of coaching per customers easily. That is our gig, gorgeous, purebred, healthy dragons and a breeder who cares and spends hours in coaching long after the sale to make sure the dragon and owner are okay. I find your rants insulting. I will not sell you a dragon. Just go okay. Thanks.,
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2017 12:01 PM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: RE: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
Terri,
It wasn't your "facts" that I found rude. I actually found your inclusion of them more confusing than anything as it was completely irrelevant to my request (for pictures) and it came off as rather defensive and insecure to be perfectly honest. No, the part I was referring to as rude was where you told a potential customer who was looking to spend $300 (or more) with you, that "maybe I should go elsewhere" simply for requesting a picture (one or two, not "hundreds") of the dragon I was wanting to purchase. Now, I realize that $300 may be chump change to you, but $300 is still a good amount of money especially for a dragon, and I am of the opinion that a business should be judged on how they treat all of their customers, small and big.
And I apologize if it was my comment about our hesitation in buying a dragon from online breeders that you took as a slight to your integrity. That wasn't my intent at all. That comment was more about my wife and I's general anxiety of the online buying process as typically we like to be able to see, touch, and interact with any pets prior to taking them into our homes. However, we realize that this particular situation was different and we would have to get over our apprehension. But I never dreamed that I I would ever encounter such resistance to simply asking for a picture of the bearded dragon I was looking to purchase. I guess I figured that was common practice and that you would understand our desire to see him prior to purchase. I guess I was wrong.
I mean, even your own website is littered with pictures of your dragons. If your opinion is people should just trust your knowledge and expertise and blindly fork over their cash no questions asked, then why have any pictures on your website at all? Just take them all down and leave up nothing but your "facts" and see how that works out for you. But of course you wouldn't do that. Because most people like to at least see what they are going to buy before they purchase it and me simply requesting a picture of the dragon you were trying to sell me should not elicit the absolutely rude and patronizing response I received. How you don't see that is beyond me.
But this all wasted breath at this point. It was never my intent to get into a pissing match with you and I am honestly shocked how this whole interaction has taken such an ugly turn over what I view as such a benign request. I was simply looking to purchase a dragon. Obviously, that that isn't going to happen now. Not from you at least. So you are correct, I will gladly take my business elsewhere and I will be sure to share my experience I've had with you to anyone who cares to hear it. So good luck with your business. You'll absolutely need it if this is how you treat the average customer.
On Jul 24, 2017 11:50 PM, "Terri Sommella" <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
I am sorry you took the facts I mentioned as rude. I guess to me I took the original comment as an insult to our integrity. But I agree. I am sure you can find all sorts of breeders that have so many unsold dragons to send hundreds of pics. We are not a warehouse breeder. I really hope it works out for you. Thanks and good luck.
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 10:07 PM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: RE: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
Wow. I'm really having a hard time understanding why I am getting such a rude response when I literally have only asked for a picture of the bearded dragon I would like to purchase. But you are right. If simply asking for a picture of my future purchase solicits such a response I absolutely will be taking my business elsewhere.
On Jul 24, 2017 7:55 PM, "Terri Sommella" <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
Hi Rein, No problem. We have been in business 17 years, only breed purebred dragons, have over 20,000 LIKES on Facebook and testimonials on our website and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/terri.sommella . The publisher asked me of all bearded dragon breeders to rewrite the Bearded Dragon Manual. But if that is not enough to be trusted my suggestion is to go somewhere else. Thanks.
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 3:47 PM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: Re: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
I understand, and I'm really not trying to determine what he will look at as far as his adult color (I understand they change significantly each time they shed until they reach maturity) and understand that the $200 lizard I want will not turn out to be nearly as brilliant of a color as Goliath or Sundance. But I am having a hard enough time convincing my wife (and myself really) to purchase a dragon we can't look at in person; much less purchasing one without seeing a single picture of him. If it is a matter of waiting a week or so until he sheds to get it, I am willing to do so and if someone beats me to the punch by buying him before then, than so be it. Sorry, not trying to be a pain, just hoping to get a look at the little guy before making a commitment. Thanks again.
On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 2:46 PM, Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
I asked Adam and he said he was in full shed. On top of that they change a lot after each shed so I am not sure what you would be able to tell in terms of adult color.
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 2:28 PM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: Re: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
Any way I could get some pictures of him prior to locking it in? Want to be able to show my wife tonight then I should have you an answer by this evening or tomorrow at the latest. Thanks.
On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 2:01 PM, Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
I just spoke to Adam. We have a 200 non leatherback super citrus baby at 8 grams so he can ship in 1-2 weeks or until he is 10 grams in body weight.
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 1:24 PM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: Re: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
Terri,
Appreciate the info. And you are correct there is a noticeable difference, but I'm still thinking I would probably be alright with the $200 color quality (possibly look at the $300 but that would be the highest I go). There may come a time when I will want to get a second dragon and I may splurge and get a really high quality one similar to Sundance or Goliath, but I'm more concerned with the temperament than the color quality being exactly what I want this go around.
Let me know if you have any males that would be available shortly in the $200-$300 price range. I appreciate it.
On Mon, Jul 24, 2017 at 12:34 PM, Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
Reid, There is a huge difference between color qualities. If you go to our Pricing and Breeders page, look at Buttercup versus Sundance. Buttercup would have sold for 300, Sundance for 500. Let me know which you prefer and I will ask Adam once he gets here. Thanks, Terri
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 12:25 PM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: RE: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
I probably would be looking at the $200 color quality considering the shipping cost would put me closer to $300. But would be interested in knowing just how much difference there would be between the different levels of quality.
On Jul 24, 2017 12:17 PM, "Terri Sommella" <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
If you let me know which color quality you would like I will ask Adam if we have one that can ship now or very soon. He can only post pics of babies out of shed so we have more than is posted. Just let me know. Thanks.
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 12:08 PM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: RE: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
I apologize, I misunderstood you. Ok. I'll let you know. I'm thinking 8 weeks may be a little longer than we wanted to wait for the babies but I'll talk to the wife and decide. Thanks for the info.
On Jul 24, 2017 12:04 PM, "Terri Sommella" <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
Reid,
They are still hatching so we can’t send pics. In any event 99% of our dragons are sold by pre-sale. Once babies are old enough to sex, we assign all pre-sold dragons. If any are left over we post a pic on the for sale page of our website. Hope this clarifies things.
Shipping to FL is 75.
Thanks,
Terri
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 11:58 AM
To: Terri Sommella <terri@fireandicedragons.com>
Subject: RE: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
Terri,
Woud you mind sending me pics of the two citrus males you have that are priced at $200 and $300? They both are scaled correct? Thanks.
For shipping I am located in Lakeland, FL 33811.
On Jul 24, 2017 11:51 AM, "Terri Sommella" <terri@fireandicedragons.com> wrote:
Hi Reid,
Goliath is a super citrus and would have sold for 500 as a baby. We have super citrus males for 300 and 200 as well. It depends on color quality.
Yes. Luna has normal scaled and leatherbacks with Rocket.
The babies are still hatching so these little ones will be big enough to ship in about 8 weeks. We are accepting pre-orders now if you are interested.
Just let me know which color quality you would like and the state we would be shipping to so I can look up shipping. It runs 45-95 depending.
Thanks!
Terri
Terri Sommella
Author of the 2017 rewrite of The Bearded Dragon Manual. To place your order, please send your request through one of the methods below.
Fire and Ice Dragons
www.fireandicedragons.com
1-717-359-8669
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000688976689
terri@fireandicedragons.com
https://twitter.com/#!/fireicedragons
From: FSUrf02 . [mailto:reidforrest@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 24, 2017 10:34 AM
To:
terri@fireandicedragons.com
Subject: Looking to Purchase a Dragon
Hey Terri,
I'm looking to purchase a bearded dragon. I had one some time ago when I was in college and am looking to have another. We still haven't settled on exactly the type of dragon we are looking to purchase, but tend to lean towards the citrus color and I think we'd prefer a normal "scaled" or "spikey" one rather than the Leatherback. If I could hand select the exact way I want my dragon to look once full grown, your retired breeder "Goliath" would be it. He is gorgeous.
I see that you had some babies from Luna and Rocket that hatched on 7/18/17. You'll have to pardon my ignorance on the genetics of breeding bearded dragons, but with Luna appearing to a "normal" or scaled dragon, is there a possibility that some of the babies will be normal or scaled?
Also, can you tell me how many you have, their pricing, and when they would be available to be shipped?
If you would prefer to call me on my cell to discuss you can reach me at 813-362-8555. I am very interested and would like to get it purchased as soon as possible. Thanks again for your time.
Reid Forrest