I think the seller seems concerned and accommodating. Both sides have plusses and minuses. I don't think a critter should ever be sent out with mites, for instance, if that is what happened.
I agree. There were pluses, and minuses, on both sides. Plus, I agree that the seller was attempting to be helpful and did pay for the initial vet visit. My point was that all blame was being placed upon the OP with none given to the seller.
Sick snake/s should have never been sent out in the first place. Otherwise, this predicament would have never happened.
Snakes, that are to be shipped, should not be fed right before, or very shortly before, shipping. To do so sets them up for a possible regurge. If not while in transit, then sometime shortly after arrival since the stress continues, after shipping, from being somewhere new.
There is no excuse for shipping snakes with mites. Too many people (this seller included) think of it as no big deal and "oh well, it happens".
Even if a seller treats the snake/s, the seller should be sure that all mites (and potential mite offspring) have been eradicated before offering them up for sale.
A point was made of "3 weeks later". Big deal. If a snake only has a limited amount of mites, a buyer could miss seeing them. If the snake has mite eggs, or young form of mites, they will miss being seen. In both cases, mites will rapidly reproduce before notice (especially since the buyer may assume no mites existed).
BTW (just as an aside) Other than PAM, that the OP brought up, I do not agree with the other methods, to eradicate mites, brought up by both seller and OP.
The vet visit came about only after the seller said to wait, and see what happens, first (while suggesting to raise temperatures).
Prior to the vet visit, the seller never once insisted, or even asked, for a culture to be done. Only quoted what he thought the vet fees would amount to.
At the initial visit, the vet did not suggest a culture needed to be done at that time (perhaps it would have been upon follow up visit). Contrary to popular belief, in this thread, not all vets will do/suggest a culture on the first visit. Even if they are a competent reptile/exotic vet. Plenty of times they will prescribe an antibiotic and, if that fails to work (or snake becomes worse), will, then, suggest doing a culture.
I can understand someone simply following what a vet tells them &/or suggests.
Also, prior to going to the vet, the OP did search to see if a reptile/exotics vet existed in the area. The vet him/herself was chosen, by the OP, based upon herp enthusiast/s referral.
I do agree, however, that treatment should have been started right away and not when/unless the RI got worse. Although I am aware that the vet, allegedly, stated to give treatment if the RI got worse.
I cannot comment much upon the temps that the Fire YellowBelly was kept in. I can see it having gone two, or three, ways. Although it did seem the OP attempted to have correct temps.
But there are many bad guy sellers who say so sad too bad, you got a lag and live arrival. This seller didn't do that and tried to help, paid the vet bill, offered suggestions.
Agreed.
Although, now, if any refund is to be given (offer was a fraction/partial), the OP must pay back the vet fee as well (according to seller).
I think from what I have read on other threads, the industry standard is that the critter is returned if a full refund is offered. The offer of a full refund with return was made, the buyer declined.
Again, I see where it was not made perfectly clear that a refund would not be given if the OP treated the snake and if the snake should perish.
It is industry standard that an animal is to be returned for a full refund. Not every seller follows along that standard (esp. If the seller erred) but, yes, industry standard.
As for a refund, upon death of an animal, the industry standard is not so closely to absolute. Many only offer LAG but others will refund if the animal perishes soon after having been shipped to the buyer (from days later, on up to a month later, and anything/somewhere in between).
It is difficult to judge whether the critter would be alive if the meds were started sooner, if it had been shipped back immediately, etc. While it is true that shipping is stressful, ultimately the critter died, and from the critter's point of view that is certainly more stressful.
Absolutely.
There is no way to know if the snake would have survived even under the seller's care, or if treatment had started sooner, etc.
As far as the snake's point of view, I don't think matters, to the snake, whether it perished under the care of the buyer or the seller. Only that it did perish ... if it could have a point of view after death.
After all that, IMO the seller should offer/give a minimum of a 50% refund on the cost of the Fire YellowBelly.
Not 100% only because the OP decided to treat the snake rather than sending it back.
Although I understand the reluctance, of putting the snake through more stress (by shipping back while ill), we all must accept the fact that, sometimes, good intentions/deeds can come at a price ... and be comfortable with that and our decisions.
