Wow ! This has been an interesting post.
It is rare that i comment on such things that are not of my concern, but after all that has been said i feel compelled to throw my 2 cents worth in.
Jerry, I have not met you, and i understand that over the years you have developed TOS that work for your business, I think that's great, however I must disagree with a few things you have mentioned. First is loyalty I Have more than 3 decades of retail experience and more than 20 years in herps, customer loyalty is EVERYTHING, customers are loyal when they recieve quality, respect and good service, at a fair price, i mention price last as it is the least concern when the customer gets the service and quality they expect. Based on what you said your standards are, i would not hesitate to make a purchase from you.
That being said, i am appalled at your manner of weeding out the "unqualified" perspective buyers, my word how can you pre judge any buyer just by them asking if you "can do any better on the price", just because they ask doesn't mean they can't afford it, i have had many ask the same question at shows, and if i want to hold my price on that particular animal i RESPECTFULLY explain to the customer the particulars of the animal in question and why he is that price, and that i must decline any lower offers, in most, not all cases the customer will take out the wad of cash and say " your right he is awesome i'll take him". and next show that customer is back with friends saying "you have to buy from this guy he's got the best , you'll pay a little more but he's the only one i'll buy from, the quality is so good"
My point is loyalty IS there, diplomacy, politeness and common courtesy go a long long way, even when you are holding your price. You take an awful risk in assuming someone cannot "afford" your price, if I did that there would be many customers of mine that would not have come back to spend thousands with me time after time for both animals and custom built cages.
A note to prospective buyers you too must have some courtesy, think about all the time and money we as breeders invest to ensure the best quality, healthiest animals we can possibly provide for you as a buyer, it is a 16 hr a day process, we get a mere pitance an hour for our labor time invested, so if you are interested in something, woo us a little first before offering less which we may, or, may not accept, consider offering payments first, sometimes that will get you a little price drop voluntarily, or maybe an offer to pick up some or all of the shipping.
One word covers it all "Respect", remember it, use it.
Old dogs and young dogs CAN learn new ways
Jerry, hope to meet you some day, i would love to see some of your quality animals
That's all i have to say
