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Rainer Weishaupl shipping USPS

bluerosy said:
I meant every person and not every post. Anyway it quite a few. This is something that is quite prevelant in the hobby and its common sense they are not posting for fear of exposing themselves.

In any case I will not be shipping usps because of this.

I highly doubt that any high profile large breeders would jeopardize neither their names nor their businesses by shipping via USPS. So again I say HORSE CRAP!
 
Hey Derek

You said........Oh, yeah...it wasn't properly packaged...it was in a deli in an ENVELOPE
I know you will still have major issues over the carrier but the snakes were shipped in delis inside a BOX and the box was in the envelope.
I mentioned earlier I have received most of my snakes through the mail from many carriers BUT the lables have said everything from perishable medicine and food too tropical fish. A few times it did say snakes but not many....and the people who shipped me the snakes with those labels ARE some of the best people in the biz. As I said if the issue is shipping snakes illegaly there should be a ton more posts about similar instances. Rainer is a good person and has quality animals he cares about. If he says he will not risk this method of shipping anymore I believe him. We must take into consideration that not every person behind the counter at any given carrier including usps will know exactly what to say when asked about shipping animals so if I was Rainer and was told it was OK whenever that was I would probably have used them too. I am currently waiting to hear from Fed Ex, hoping I get an account soon. Tom Stevens
 
There is no excuse to break the law by shipping USPS, but Rainer already acknowledged his mistake and lets hope he adheres to legal shipping practices in the future.

As far as the issue at hand in my opinion the snakes should have been shipped in a Styrofoam-lined box. That's the only way to ensure adequate temperature in the box during transit.

Shipping a baby snake in a deli-container without cushioning has been discussed in the shipping section in the past. I’d rather receive her in a small bag inside the deli (to maintain moisture) than loose. One can add all the padding in the world inside the box, but it is of little help when the snake is loose and allowed to be shaken around inside the deli.

Having said this I would like to post a quote attributed to Tom Crutchfield, recorded from a transmission from the BBC on 02/25/01.

“I got out of the business because it's almost impossible to do business without breaking a law some place, whether you knowingly do it or not.”

I sincerely hope he found his way around it as I don't agree with that statement. This brings me to another point discussed in this thread.

Ken said:

1) It is not illegal to ship via Fed Ex, UPS, DHL, etc.

We are in agreement 100%. Regrettably what is illegal is to ship through those carriers without correctly identifying (common and Latin name) of the snake species shipped (Lacey Act).

During the last four years I have received dozens of snakes, some from the top reptile breeders in this country (yes, the probably some of the ones you are probably thinking of). Their honesty and the quality of their animals are beyond reproach. Some of them never post on this site, some are regulars here and well known for their impeccable service. Of probably nearly 50 shipments only twice did the snakes arrive labeled with the common and scientific name. In both instances they were shipped through Delta. Although members of this site, none of those two individuals usually post in here. The main reason for shipping through Delta was to be able to buy insurance for those two high-priced snakes. All the other packages were shipped either stating: perishable, fragile/handle with care, avoid extreme temperatures, or live harmless reptile. Again, brand new boxes, awesome packaging, incredibly looking snakes, and timely shipping, but…not properly identified.

Furthermore, a poll started by the Webslave sometime ago (with 400 plus voting members) has shown that the majority shipped snakes without authorization and knowledge of the usual carriers.

Best regards.
 
I have received two shipments from Rainer. Both were via USPS. I was shocked and frankly upset when I learned that the first package was going to arrive via USPS. The snakes themselves arrived fine. Super snugly packed in a deli, filled to the rim with aspen, inside a small box, placed then in an overnight envelope.

The animals survived the journey fine, but I did have a problem with them that I brought to Rainer's attention. He and I discussed what was to be done, there was never any sense (other than the shipping USPS) that there was anything wrong with his methods, husbandry, or animals. We finally reached an agreement on how he would resolve the slight problem I had with the order and our decision was to wait until the next season and he would send me some of the next year's batch of babies. I waited 8 months for the resolution of our issue, never once feeling any concern over the ultimate happy resolution.

Not only did he take care of the situation in a professional manner, he actually went above and beyond the call of duty (in my opinion). As a matter of fact, the snakes he sent me 8 months later were probably worth more than twice as much as all of the snakes from my original deal with him. That sort of situation is worth kudos. I've heard (and said) here on the BOI that it's not how a good guy deals with good transactions that makes him a "good guy" ... it's how he deals with the PROBLEMS that will really show what he is made of. With Rainer, I saw that he is a GOOD GUY! The replacement snakes were also sent USPS. Since I knew they would come USPS, I had them sent to my post office box (temperature controlled). Rainer held on to them for several extra weeks until we had a very good forecast that the temperatures would remain at a livable level.

While I have never been comfortable with his shipping USPS, as I know that is illegal, I have never otherwise had any problem with Rainer, and WILL label him as a "Good Guy", especially as he has obviously made a decision to change his ways and NOT ship via USPS.

And yes, I might now be labeled a "bad guy" for knowingly receiving snakes via USPS. If I was paying for the second shipment I would have requested a different carrier and paid the extra shipping that would have required. Since I was not footing the bill on those animals, I could not feel good asking him to spend MORE money to ship an alternative method.
 
Sasheena said:
And yes, I might now be labeled a "bad guy" for knowingly receiving snakes via USPS. If I was paying for the second shipment I would have requested a different carrier and paid the extra shipping that would have required. Since I was not footing the bill on those animals, I could not feel good asking him to spend MORE money to ship an alternative method.

You lost me on this. You mean you couldn't have said DO NOT ship the second shipment U.S.P.S. I will pick up THE DIFFERENCE between U.S.P.S. and alternate shipping charges. Or hey, if your planning on sending them U.S.P.S. dont bother sending them at all. I don't want you shipping me snakes illegally AGAIN.
 
Wow lots of good points...........remember when

none of the major carriers provided the kind of overnight service we've come to enjoy/expect in our hobby. I have a few friends that are old herpers and I remember them telling me "I can remember when there was no FEDEX/DHL and we would send each other snakes in the mail...it might take 5-7 days but they always showed just fine".

Let's face it times have changed and snakes have major pet status. If you want to piss off PETA, herpers, and the community continue shipping your snakes in that manner and... well... you'll have to live with the consequences.

For me personally, I'll pay the extra $$ to ensure the stress factor on the animal remains low....always.

Rainer, I've heard good things about you from people I like and respect but this method of shipping is not good for you, the buyer, or the hobby. In the end, it's your decision and bottom line they are your snakes.

Off the box and back into the snake room.

Russ Bates
 
Hey! Im dead set against ANYONE shipping me snakes via U.S.P.S. Its a federal offense and the knowing recipient is JUST as guilty as the sender. This practice is also a threat to the survival of the hobby!

Wait..... um..... if you owe me or just want to send me some free snakes, I will even have you send them U.S.P.S. right too the Post Office!! Its climate controled!
 
My guess is she just never thought to offer to pay the difference or was to shy to speak up with her preference since he was already making good on a previous deal.

Slow down a tad there Opie, aphid, or whatever the heck your name is. I don't think we have a bad girl or guy here.
 
Come on Dudeman....you know that whatever the excuse is, it aint right. How hard is it to just say sorry Rainer. I don't want em if your going to mail em to me U.S. P. S. Again. Period.
 
It's not that I don't agree with you BUT I know a little about human nature and I am saying that in THIS particular instance, since I do know Sasheena a bit, that she may have felt that it would be rude for her to have said anything.

I shouldn't even be making these guesses. She can speak for herself. I just don't think she deserves such a ......hard time for THIS particular lapse in judgement.

Some folks are just too gentle to speak up and this is sort of the impression I have of her.

Besides, this thread isn't about her.
 
Yea Wes, Its evident you know her a bit or you would be showing no such mercy. I agree this thread is not about her but she brought up the facts here. Im not about to go start a thread about it.
 
For every post here I have gotten 5 private emails from experienced herpers and high profile large breeders. Too bad I can't post them here. LOL!

Post them here, it's easy:

Highlight, copy, paste!
 
Ophis said:
Yea Wes, Its evident you know her a bit or you would be showing no such mercy. I agree this thread is not about her but she brought up the facts here. Im not about to go start a thread about it.

It's cool.
 
Wes pretty much hit the nail on the head. I wasn't going to stir things up by making a fuss. and YES, it certainly IS possible to say "thanks but no thanks." I could have done that. I did not.

What I have done is learn a lot. I'm still a newbie to this "snakey universe"... I've only had snakes since late 2001. I continue to learn and grow daily. Sometimes the learning curve is a little more steep than other times.

Some people start a little further up the learning curve than others.

I admit, I've shipped one animal. I did not do it right. I was in violation of the Lacey Act. It was shipped UPS. The box was labeled "Live Harmless Reptiles". I also labeled it "Lampropeltis Getula Goini". I should have labeled it "Apalachicola Kingsnake". I learned only last year that I should have added the common name as well as the less common name.

Anyway, my purpose in posting on this thread was to add my POSITIVE experience with Rainer. I'm glad he's chosen to ship in other ways than via USPS. I will buy from him again and might even sell to him if I happen to produce anything he's interested in.

Anymore on how *I* do things, and you may feel free to start a thread about me. You will find that I am far from perfect. I am, however, teachable. :wavey:
 
I would like to just take a moment and thank you Mr. Bluerosey for the negative rep points. Although you have to have points to give them.

I am sorry that you do not like to here you are in violation of the laws but it is plain and simple. You’re not doing it right. I still think you should contact FedEx headquarters and follow the steps that everyone else has to do. The shipping thread is a few clicks of the mouse away.

The community is always changing and there are people willing to help with issues that arise. The people that stick their noises in the air and say screw everyone else are the real problem. I think every good businessperson out there would try and do it the right way. I would not want to be held responsible or the cause of any tighter regulations put on this community. I think without a doubt everyone is on the same page when it comes to hots because everyone sees it as life or death situation but when it comes to other snakes there seems to be some dissention by a segment of the community. I do not see any difference between the two when you take into consideration of the people delivering them. I do not think the average mailman is going to know the difference between them. Eventually there is going to be a mishap and who knows what the results could be if the package is not labeled.

I am trying to be a little more civil, is it working?
 
Dennis Hultman said:
I would like to just take a moment and thank you Mr. Bluerosey for the negative rep points. Although you have to have points to give them.

He tried to blast mine twice last night.

breeders shipping USPS.....02-11-2005 11:57 PM bluerosy
Rainer Weishaupl shippi.....02-11-2005 10:42 PM bluerosy

I must be asking the right questions or pushing the right buttons to get such attention.
 
Negative rep points

I have a couple of questions. Can anyone just give you negative rep points for any reason? Also, Dennis, you said that you have to have rep points in order to give them. Does that mean that Rainer was not successful in his efforts at giving you negative rep points, or is what you mentioned just a rule that he broke? Lately, I have been seeing that there a lot of people giving negative rep points just because they do not like to be questioned, confronted, accused, or if someone just adds some relevant evidence to a thread. I do not think that should be allowed. Negative rep points should have to be backed up by a transaction or behavior that is deserving of them, and the giver of these points should have to state the reason clearly. If they cannot, the negative rep points should be transfered from the receiver back to the giver.
 
pch101 said:
I have a couple of questions. Can anyone just give you negative rep points for any reason? Also, Dennis, you said that you have to have rep points in order to give them. Does that mean that Rainer was not successful in his efforts at giving you negative rep points, or is what you mentioned just a rule that he broke? Lately, I have been seeing that there a lot of people giving negative rep points just because they do not like to be questioned, confronted, accused, or if someone just adds some relevant evidence to a thread. I do not think that should be allowed. Negative rep points should have to be backed up by a transaction or behavior that is deserving of them, and the giver of these points should have to state the reason clearly. If they cannot, the negative rep points should be transfered from the receiver back to the giver.

Yes, To give points you most have them, which is the number beside your green dot. At this moment you can give 7 rep points positive or negative. The rep points can be given for any reason you wish, usually to state you agree with someone’s statement or disagree. You receive more green dots when someone gives you positive points, your rep number grows by the number of posts you make and positives you receive for them. You must make at least one hundred posts before you have any.

The trader rating though must be a legitimate transaction. Your reputation and rep points are two different animals.

If you become a contributing member you can see who gave you rep points.
 
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