Inquiry REPTICON Show Series Exclusive Sponsorship Agreement with FL Chams

[Chris Anderson]

the main issue brought up in this thread is the issue between me and Repticon.

Yet you brought in a third company to throw sh!t at because you were angry, not because you have any BIO relevant business deal between the two of you to dispute.

In my first post I asked for opinions on this issue and other users brought up Mike more than I have.

You did put Mike's company in the title of the thread though, correct?

Also, you two are probably aware of the fact that Chris of CLC used to do shows for 2 years for him for free...many of them by himself. Then after he had his OWN booth at the last show, and then Mike asks for exclusivity. Because of that, I am being victimized.

Chris of CLC may very well be fine with you bringing up his name and company in this thread but typically you should let people enter into these discussions on their own when they aren't the target of the thread.

That wasnoton the terms when I signed up. I believe Billy added that info after our email correspondence, as the 14th was the date of the last email I sent him.

Since you are making absolute statements and implying that Billy schemed you, I look forward to your next post with the copy of the terms that you saved from when you signed up that proves your accusations. You do have a copy of them saved to back that up right? You aren't just making that accusations based on your memory of the terms before you had a problem, right?

Nic, its a pretty big deal when you slam people's businesses and livelihoods. If you are going to make accusations about them being dishonest, you definitely should post the proof.

Chris

 

[Ed Clark]

My money went through, and shortly after, I received a refund from Billy Healy, saying "Thank you for your interest in our Columbia show, however we have entered a sponsorship agreement with FL Chams that prohibits the participation of another "chameleons only" exhibitor at our shows. We can not offer you space at this time.

Billy can call it an exclusive sponsorship or anything he likes, it smells like the ole buddy buddy system is alive and well at the Repticon shows.

Billy trying to prevent competition by excluding another chameleon breeder is going against what all us americans love...low prices. competition between many sellers keep the prices low.

 

[Repticon]

Nic,

I will apologize again to you for any personal distress that this situation might be causing you, as that is truly not our intent. The timing of your post makes it difficult for our team to respond, as we are headed to Columbia and will be occupied with load-in and the operation of the show over the next three days.

Instead of attempting to re-explain the details of our decision, I am instead inserting below the chain of communications between us. Anyone who is interested can form their own judgments based on both sides of the conversation.

I will only add that I have not lied to you, and I'm not even sure what you're claiming that I lied to you about. I have attempted to be completely honest and straightforward in our communications, although I realize that the message that I was delivering is not one that you wanted to hear. Also, lets be clear that there was no "check" that was cashed. You submitted money through paypal, which I refunded in a timely manner, twice.

As for setting up a table in the parking lot or at the show doors, that would be no more legal or acceptable than putting up a table outside of a Petco or a Walmart, or any other retail outlet located on privately owned property.

I will not be able to follow this thread after this posting until after the Columbia show, but I will repeat my offer to talk with you face-to-face in Columbia. Just let me know when you'll be coming so I can make sure that we have appropriate staffing at the ticket table so that I can break away. Otherwise, I won't be able to contribute much more to this discussion until after the show.

Thanks,

Billy Healy
www.Repticon.com




----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Billy healy <[email protected]>
To: Chameleon Kingdom <[email protected]>
Cc: cathy <[email protected]>; Patty Siamson-Healy <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 15, 2009 3:46:26 AM
Subject: Re: PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP

Nic,

I'm truly sorry that this is so upsetting to you. I have no personal bias against you, as to the best of my knowledge I have never met you, and I have no idea who you are. My entire impression of you is based on the e-mails that we have exchanged.

As a former attorney, I'm clear on what our legal rights are, and we are completely within our rights to determine which exhibitors are allowed to exhibit at our shows. This scenario is directly comparable to a situation we often face with venues that we would like to promote shows in. On several occasions we have attempted to rent space at an event venue to promote a reptile show, but have been denied that opportunity by the venue because another promoter hosts a similar show at the venue during the year, and the venue grants that promoter exclusive rights to hosting pet shows at their facility. This is a common, completely legal process that apparently makes good business sense to the event venues. We might think that it is in their best interest to have as many shows as possible at their venue, offering different experiences to their customer base, but it is not our decision to make. In situations like this, we have sought out alternate venues or continued to build or business in other areas. On no occasion have we attempted to pressure a venue into renting to us, as we understand that such actions would only strain any potential relationship that we might have with the venue in the future if their situation changes (ie - the competing promoter moves to another venue.) This situation is not unique, but is rather a common business practice.

If we needed to further justify our decisions based on our posted vendor rules, which we do not, please note that our rules have always allowed us to remove vendors who create a hostile situation with other vendors or event staff. Any increasing hostility in your correspondence only serves to further justify a decision to deny your request for space at our shows.

If your goal is to build your business, there are many other avenues open to a breeder seeking to sell chameleons, and I would strongly encourage you to pursue them. A quick look at Kingsnake shows over a dozen other shows happening from now through the Columbia show weekend. If you have no other means of selling your stock, any of those shows can provide you with an outlet to move forward with your business. I would suggest to you that your energies would be best devoted to building your business through other avenues rather than threatening us or trying to diminish the standing of other vendors, but how you choose to spend your time and money is of course your decision. If you truly do wish to participate in our shows at some point in the future, attempting to coerce us into violating our agreement with FL Chams through threats of legal action is not your most effective choice.

Again, I am sorry for any distress or personal frustration that you might be experiencing. Our only goal here is to build our business, not to tear down anyone else. If you will be attending the Columbia show as a guest, I'd be happy to speak with you there face-to-face.

Thank you,

Billy Healy
www.Repticon.com
(863) 268-4273 (voice)
(863) 268-8191 (fax)


From: Chameleon Kingdom <[email protected]>
To: Billy healy <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 3:48:08 PM
Subject: Re: PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP

Billy,

I do not understand why you cant offer me my ONE table because...

1. I paid for two tables two and a half weeks ago, well before the cutoff, and instead of e-mailing me telling me I need to bring something else, you assumed all I can bring is Chameleons.
2. Nothing was ever posted about chameleon only vendors not being able to participate before I signed up for my two tables.
3. You had my money via paypal on the night of the 12th, and you have posted that tables were sold out as of 3/13 inferring that the last table was sold on the 13th, which means you had my money before the last table was sold. I was in before the cutoff, and its only fair that you allow me a space, because you received my money before the last person on the 13th!

At this point I now feel that I am a victim of a personal bias between you and I. I have tried to be as nice as possible throughout our correspondence, and Cathy and I had a very nice conversation on the phone today about the issue, and she understood completely where I was coming from. She really didn't know much about the agreement between Repticon and Fl chams the first time I spoke to her, which leads me to believe that you and your staff did not come to a joint decision on this matter, and rather a private deal between you and Mike. I can understand agreement between cricket vendors, because theyre buying 3+ tables, and bringing truckloads of feeders, but to root out a small chameleon breeder, that has been working for months growing animals to size to finally sell, I feel like you have royally screwed me over here. The restrictions were not posted on the website when I bought my two tables, and they still have not been posted. I planned on attending every show from this event on with the exception of Miami and Jacksonville, but I dont know how this will be possible now that your giving me such a hard time with this show. I truly respected the Repticon series, and I have always had a great time attending them (besides the lack of chameleon vendors), but this ordeal has forced me to contact the South Carolina better business bureau about the issue, and I would like a copy of the contract between you and Mike of Fl Chams faxed to me at 770-421-1185 for review. I dont want to take legal action on this issue, but the circumstances may leave me no choice.

Nic Herrett
Chameleon Kingdom



----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Billy healy <[email protected]>
To: Chameleon Kingdom <[email protected]>
Cc: cathy <[email protected]>; Patty Siamson-Healy <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 1:53:31 PM
Subject: Re: PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP

Nick,

Thank you for expressing your opinions. I do want to ensure that guests have the opportunity to choose from a wide selection of animals, which is why in our agreement with FL Chams, we ensured that the true "little guy" who has a mix of animals, including chameleons, will not be affected by the sponsorship agreement.

Exclusive agreements are not new to our shows. We've had them in the past for feeder insects, feeder rodents, and certain dry goods, and still offer them occasionally on a show-by-show basis to vendors who add something unique to the show, but can not justify traveling to show if they have several competitors. We always weigh our decision very carefully, and we won't enter into several exclusive agreements at a time, for just the reasons that you mentioned.

Looking at our show series overall, we will be able to present a better show to more guests across several states by guaranteeing that high-quality chameleons will be available at every show we produce, from Miami to Pensacola, to the Carolinas and beyond, than we could without this agreement. The Columbia show has consistently sold out for vendors weeks in advance - guests there will not suffer from a lack of choice in animals, while guests in some of our other cities will now have access to higher quality animals than they otherwise might have. I understand that this does not help your particular business situation, but we have to make decisions that are the best interest of our shows and guests overall.

As you mentioned, we are now sold-out for Columbia, and we are not able to offer space to any additional vendors. You will not be able to participate in this show, and any further monies that you forward will again be refunded.

Thank you,

Billy Healy
www.Repticon.com
(863) 268-4273 (voice)
(863) 268-8191 (fax)


From: Chameleon Kingdom <[email protected]>
To: Billy healy <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 11:04:53 PM
Subject: Re: PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP

Billy,

It still leaves me wondering why you have an office voice machine, if you, or your wife don't bother calling anyone back. I paid for a single table last night (3/12/09) and you posted the show is sold out as of today (3/13/09), so I really hope you allow me to enter the show, being you had my money prior to the posted cutoff, AND that you had my money for two tables 2 weeks ago, and refunded me without even working something out. I have made deals with a couple people I know locally, and I will be bringing chameleon cages, feeder supplies, leopard geckos, and as of today, crested geckos. The reason I am so upset about this issue is because for me, chameleons aren't just a "product", but a deep passion I have for the animals. When I am told that I have to bring other animals in order to participate that, quite frankly, I have no interest in whatsoever, it deeply bothers me. At that point it is clear to me that all in charge of these shows are not supportive of the growth of the reptile hobby as a whole, but you are more worried about providing certain "products" to your "consumers", and thats wrong. I would have thought you would love to see the overall growth in the series, and that you allowing Fl chams to monopolize the series as the only "chameleon only" vendor, is a poor business decision on both yours and mikes part, because its very discouraging to the small guys out there like myself, that have no interest in other types of reptiles. This story has been voiced to the chameleon community, and I will be posting the issue on fauna just to hear some other opinions on the issue. Its really giving Mike a bad name, the man who claims to support the hobby so much. Give me a break, how is he supporting the chameleon hobby if no one is allowed to participate? Thats just selfishness and greed to me, and others are seeing this the same way. Not to mention he did this because of a personal dispute between him and Chris Carter of Clean Line Chameleons, and now, I am being victimized. What if a ball python breeder, bearded dragon breeder, leopard gecko breeder, etc decided to come to similar agreement? You would be out of a show, and your "consumers" would see the same animals and bloodlines every time, just like they are going to see the same chameleons as they do at Mikes booth every show. Have you ever thought that maybe people attending the shows would enjoy seeing other, bloodlines, locales, and species that Mike Monge doesn't carry? So where do you draw the line?

Nic Herrett
The Chameleon Kingdom "Plus"


----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Billy healy <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Cc: cathy <[email protected]>; Patty Siamson-Healy <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 6:52:52 AM
Subject: Re: PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP

Nick,

I appreciate your concerns, however the availability of my time to communicate is dictated neither by your vacation schedule nor by your preference for forms of communication.

I am not able to call you during the day today, however if you forward your concerns via e-mail to this address I will respond this evening.

Billy Healy
www.Repticon.com
(863) 268-4273 (voice)
(863) 268-8191 (fax)



----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Chameleon Kingdom <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 12:09:51 AM
Subject: PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP

Billy,

I have spoken to Cathy on the phone with my concerns, left multiple messages on the Repticon main phone line machine, and have yet to receive a phone call from you with my concern of you allowing FL Chams to monopolize the series as the only chameleon only vendor. Cathy told me three days ago you should be calling. I just returned to town from vacation and now have access to a computer. I expected a little more professionalism, and prompt communication from all in charge of this show series, but I was naive to have such expectations. Please contact me immediately at 678-232-2001, I would like to speak with you personally than correspond via e-mail.


--
Nic Herrett
The Chameleon Kingdom
678-232-2001

 

[Ed Clark]

where does it stop ! Does this mean that if another vendor shows there chameleons at there table, they will be asked to take them off.. How stupid could these promoters be to be so hard up to expose themselves to the anger of vendors who draw the people in the first place.......More importantly, where does it stop. Once you open the flood gates for one exclusivity then someone else is going to come along and feel entitled to the same thing.

This type of behavior is indicative of an attempt to protect those that are willing to purchase more tables to satisfy the necessary required amount to run a show.. The consequences are worth the wrath of the smaller dealer who may have to bow out.. At least thats what the promoters are hoping for. Very poor business ethics and certainly what goes around , comes around. The answer is simple. Boycott the shows.

I completely agree with you Jerry, it seems like all it takes to be the only seller of your species at a Repticon show is to wave a check at Billy.

 

[KathyLove]

I can certainly see why you would be upset. I probably would also be upset if I were in your position.

But I think you should try to look at it from the show promoter's position. You mentioned about it being about money as if that was a bad thing. Of course promoting a show is about money - it would surely fail if the bottom line was not the main consideration in their decisions. From what you said, they will still allow others to sell chameleons at the show, just not chameleon specialty breeders. So it is not a complete exclusive. With shows becoming so commonplace, and such low priced fleamarkets, it is more and more difficult for most vendors to show a profit. So it is probably difficult to get a well known, specialty breeder into some of the lesser known, less profitable shows. By getting Mike to agree to provide some excitement at THOSE shows, he has to offer something in return. Looks like the exclusive on the good shows was the carrot. If Repticon had specialty chameleon breeders lining up for ALL of his shows, I doubt they would have offered the special deal.

I don't know the details of your contract with Repticon, and can't speak to that. But as to the general idea of exclusive contracts, I can see both pros and cons for both parties. Don't forget, the vendor will be required to incur expenses to vend at possibly unprofitable shows in order reap the rewards of the good shows. So it is not all roses for either side.

Seems to me that if the arrangement works for both parties, it is a good business decision. But of course, other vendors and attendees who don't like the arrangement are free to voice their opinions, or to boycott the show. It will be up to Repticon to decide if that affects business enough to change their policy. OTOH, it might be so successful, if they carefully choose sponsors, that they do more of the same. I am not a promoter, so can't say. But as long as they allow other dealers and non-specialty breeders to also sell chameleons, or whatever other exclusives they give, then the buyers will still have plenty of choices.

I can understand you being angry (at Repticon, since that is who you are dealing with, not Fl. Chams). But I see it as a business decision that others may be able to influence, but only Repticon can have the final say as to whether it is good or bad for their business.

 

[Russ Bates]

So if

ok this was touched on but never truly addressed by REPTICON.

If this guy had more than just chameleons would you allow him to vend? Is there any specification on what "more" means to REPTICON? If I had chameleons and at least one other type of reptile or amphibian for slae would you sell me tables so that I could sell any/all of my reptiles/amphibs at your show?

Thanks,
Russ

 

[ssshane]

If this guy had more than just chameleons would you allow him to vend?

You beat me to it. Depending on the answer to this, it may be OK. It is their show, and should have the right to do whatever they choose. But, depending on the answer, it could work out. I think you should meet him "face to face" and see what he has to say. He may say if you were to bring a "friend" who, say works with corn snakes, preregister saying so, it may be OK. Or he may say F off, who knows. I have not read the terms for myself, but will very soon as I plan on trying to attend as a vendor to at least 2 shows next year.

 

[Ed Clark]

I have not read the terms for myself, but will very soon as I plan on trying to attend as a vendor to at least 2 shows next year.

Good idea Shane, hopefully the terms will not block you from doing this show because someone else has the exclusive rights to sell what it is your trying to sell.

 

[sipos624]

It's pretty funny you guys are acting as if you are trying to beat the "system" by creating different animal scenarios at the shows but the truth of the matter is that Repticon is a (great) smaller easily controlled show with limited amount of tables. They can tell if your a chameleon breeder or vendor, trust me. How do many of you know how this show is with a lot of people posting here that are from NY, OH, CA, DE, NV and NJ? It is truly an asset to have great chameleon breeder at EVERY repticon show because he is "exclusive" whether it may be unfavorable to some. The pros in my opinion surely outweigh the cons. I wish some other breeders would sign a contract to attend every show. I used to be very into keeping/breeding dart frogs and mantellas and it was difficult to obtain them from a reputable breeder at any show since there are not many and breeders (of darts) do not attend every show because they can be less prosperous than others, which was not very good for me and my obtaining of these wonderful creatures. This scenario is also played out with chameleon breeders. I have worked and attended many repticon and other shows and there are truly not very many exclusive chameleon breeders and mostly reptile Walmarts with a million WC species of reptiles/amphibians from lets say... Tanzania with odd and end (not going to make it) chameleons beat up and mixed in. To Nic i believe that you just took this matter to personally, the exclusiveness does not effect your ability to sell online does it? which in my opinion is a much greater frontier and prospect for you than 1 repticon show. Many people would love to have this kind of deal available to them and if not you ether: 1. don't vend animals in quantity 2. have never sold an animal 3. Have never attended a reptile show or this particular show coordinator or 4. Are to much of a hobbyist to realize that this is a business matter and not a matter of how one "feels."

 

[KNOBTAIL]

I guess

the promoters seem to be more then happy with arrangements between themselves and vendor(s) having exclusivity in there shows: Its very poor judgement to guarantee that no one will be able to offer similar animals at these herp fairs . I am curious if that includes price sheets that are left on vendor tables.!!!! Do we take away these lists because they contain chameleons ?

In the end however, its bad publicity, and there is a price to pay that may come back and rear its ugly head because the animal business needs to have competition in order to provide the impetus for bringing people into these shows.. Its really that simple. Apparently these promoters seem to think its to there advantage to keep all of there eggs in one basket, but herp lovers enjoy the opportunity of seeing as much as they can for that admission price.

These shows are a byproduct of people who enjoy this industry for a variety of reasons. It was never meant to be addressed as a club for the few select vendors that offer the same thing that is generally available from other sources...

After reading the explanation that the owner provided, it became clear that he feels its to HIS best interest to limit who can sell what at his shows, and yes they are HIS shows. But its my money. I would rather not participate by showing my displeasure in the way he conducts his business. The only thing you can do is to let others know how they deal at Repticon.

 

[kmurphy]

The disagreement is with the Chameleon Kingdom and Repticon. Florida Chams should not have been mentioned IMO and I believe the OP owes them an apology. If the roles were reversed and Repticon had offer C.Kingdom an exclusive would they have said. "No way, we think all chameleon breeders should be represented". I doubt it.

 

[KNOBTAIL]

Hold on there Tonto

Your right about this being between Repticon and Chameleon Kingdom. Fla Chameleons should never have been brought into this. But with regard to putting the shoe on the other foot, why be afraid of competition.. If you limit your exposure to only 1 vendor, it will become obvious that theres more to this than meets the eye... to the paying public. Who expects to see what is called VARIETY !!

It would seem to be more advantageous to allow for comparisons, and to provide the end user or buyer with options that may benefit Fla Chameleons in the end.

So if the option was offered to Chameleon Kingdom, I would suspect and hope that he would NOT want ,nor need the protection for the continuous purchase of tables as guiding force to attract customers being the only chameleon vendor..

If the quality is there, vendors should appreciate each others ability to produce the very best for the purchasing public and not worry about eliminating other vendors which does no one any good and only reflects badly on the vendor and the show promoter... In the end, it will not last. Its just a question of time....as it is not a good deal for the vendor as there is ZERO guarantee that vendor would sell more being the only chameleon provider. If anything , it could have an adverse effect if the buying public found out that other vendors were prohibited from selling there chameleons...

 

[Ed Clark]

It's pretty funny you guys are acting as if you are trying to beat the "system" by creating different animal scenarios at the shows but the truth of the matter is that Repticon is a (great) smaller easily controlled show with limited amount of tables. They can tell if your a chameleon breeder or vendor, trust me. How do many of you know how this show is with a lot of people posting here that are from NY, OH, CA, DE, NV and NJ? It is truly an asset to have great chameleon breeder at EVERY repticon show because he is "exclusive" whether it may be unfavorable to some.

That argument about people posting from all over just don't fly.

You will see us at shows in Hamm, Germany and all over the U S. we as herp fanatics travel great distances to attend shows.

Don't you think that the customer suffers higher prices with only one chameleon breeders table to step up to at a show?

 

[kmurphy]

I don't disagree totally Jerry but we exist is a highly competitive atmosphere at shows. Many breeders are selling virtually the same thing. Also I think that most people that put time, money and effort into breeding their own genuinely think they have as good, if not better, quality than the next guy. I don't think it makes someone less honorable, or anything close to it, if he worked out a deal that he would be the only representative of a certain product at the show. There's all kinds of examples, many business groups have only one representative from a profession, Petco purchases reptiles from only one supplier, malls often times only allow one of a type of specialty shop.

I agree it is not a good practice for Repticon and for those that attend their shows. On the flip side though it may be a way to get more diversity. If most of the tables aren't filled with ball pythons then vendors have to bring something else.

 

[KNOBTAIL]

Thank you KMurphy

for the reply. Many times as a buyer I may need to address the vendor more then the product.. It has happened on more then one occasion that I have paid a higher price because of an intuitive feeling that has to be taken into consideration when making a purchase.. I am sure you can uderstand that.. With no options available, and my ability to make an intellegent dispensability I would be very reluctant to deal with a 1 vendor arrangement.. I just would not enjoy that... I think we both can agree ,

dry goods may have some exclusivity, as well as some feeder vendors. Needless to say, I am sensitive to that as a feeder vendor... From good experience with 11 years at the Fla Expo. But,

when it comes to herps, I dont mind paying extra if I feel more comfortable with the answers I get in determining whether I buy or not.. This is why it does not matter if there are 10 chameleon vendors. The underlying features are based on the quality of the production... To some extent the overall business atmosphere, photos and a whole range of information to provide the buyer with enough information to make a decision...

If you take that away and are left with one vendor, the emphasis does not bode well for the vendor and certainly leaves a bad taste in buyers mouths on the promoters.. Its there show, but people dont forget. Especially vendors who are willing to sit for 8 hours , sometimes make little or no monies, and are willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to show the public how husbandry does make a difference... Take that away and the show looses credibility... Thats just the way I see it.. JERRY

 

[Chris Anderson]

Ed & Jerry,

You seem to be missing the big picture. A number of Repticon's shows did not have a chameleon vendor, just as it has been brought up that many do not have a dart frog vendor. While this particular show that they host appears to have the ability to have more then one, this is not typical and most others that do have a chameleon vendor only have one (FL Chams). By entering into this agreement, Repticon has actually increased the diversity of animals offered to the public overall by ensuring that there will be a chameleon vendor at every show they do, even if that means at one show that would have otherwise had two or three only one. The big picture is that their show series as a whole now has a stronger vendor list and product diversity list overall then they would have otherwise. This is a smart move for them. As Billy stated, they aren't banning chameleons from being on other tables either. Other people can bring chameleons to sell, they just can't be an exclusively chameleon vendor. Billy also indicated that this isn't something they do frequently and based on the goal of the deal for them, it would never happen with a leopard gecko or ball python breeder. They are always going to have those breeders at every show (its just a factor of how many of those breeders there are) so there is no reason for them to enter into an exclusive deal with any of them. As a visitor to this particular show, you may be disappointed that you won't have the diversity in chameleons but visitors to more shows are going to be pleased that they have a higher diversity then they otherwise would have. Its a trade off they had to make to increase the show series quality overall.

You also seem to misunderstand that shows are a business. The promoters put on shows to make money and will stock their show with a vendor list they think is best for them overall to make money with. The comments in this thread about exclusive deals being un-American sound like ridiculous cold war era anti-communist rhetoric but the truth is, these are very common in business. When you go to a McDonalds, you aren't going to be able to buy Pepsi products, only Coke products. Some people may prefer pepsi products and I'm sure a lot of people would like to have the choice but McDonalds has an agreement with Coke to exclusively sell their products. These shows are effectively Repticon's store and the vendors are the products that Repticon has agreed to market. While the customer might not have as much of a choice in this case, overall, the show series has improved in this case.

I agree that Nic owe's FL Chams an apology for bringing up the company name at all in this thread. It should have never happened and should have been limited to Nic's issue with Repticon. Considering the belligerence shown by Nic in the email exchange that he conveniently did not post himself for us to see, I somehow doubt this will happen, although I'd love to be proven wrong. I'm also still expecting to see proof about the accusations Nic has made about Billy changing his terms on him.

Chris

 

[Ed Clark]

Ed & Jerry,

You seem to be missing the big picture.

No Chris I have missed nothing here.

What I see is someone having a monopoly at this show, it does not matter who the players are. it does not matter if they are trying to control all the chameleon, leopard gecko or bearded dragon sales at this show.
its a monopoly plain and simple.

Why do you think our government breaks up big business monopolies?

 

[KNOBTAIL]

Chris,

am I reading this correctly "As Billy stated, they aren't banning chameleons from being on other tables either. Other people can bring chameleons to sell, they just can't be an exclusively chameleon vendor" So if I am a chameleon breeder as well as geckos and fruitflies, I can sell chameleons on my table? If that is the case, then I would be interested in knowing the guide lines as to whether there would be a potential problem. If I changed my name instead of Chameleon Fancys to Pets a Plenty, would that allow me to sell chameleons ?

More importantly, I realize fully well that these promoters are in business to make money. Everyone is ! but not bad publicity for the sake of insuring some exclusive dealings on herps.. The bottom line which I am sure you will agree and I understand the business aspect, many vendors are one hit wonders. They are in it for the short haul. Maybe one or two shows then they are gone. I understand fully well the value of a constant attending vendor who wants to solidify there presence.. There may be some value in working out an arrangement between vendors and management which in the long run will benefit the show, but there is a grey area and it can get uncomfortable.. If the current vendor is a loyal customer, then it should not matter whether other vendors companies decide to enter the arena.

Its just that I get the feeling that Repticon is not doing well and is trying to use an alternative method for guaranteeing the small amount of loyal vendors it currently has. Otherwise, the shows will not do well.... when you have to rely on the whimsies of vendors who at the last minute bow out or decide herping is not for them any more ! The issue is well understood... Lets see what happens...

 

[ToshaMc]

On their rules page it specifically states

Are there any restrictions on the products or animals that can be sold at Repticon?

All animals must be healthy and legal to sell within the state. Lucky Lure Crickets is the exclusive feeder insect vendor at the show.

If there was a rule in place from the deal with FL Chams - why is there no similar statement or mention for chameleons? Why not mention it on the application that they are not accepting applications for feeder insects and chameleons?

 

[ssshane]

By entering into this agreement, Repticon has actually increased the diversity of animals offered to the public overall by ensuring that there will be a chameleon vendor at every show they do, even if that means at one show that would have otherwise had two or three only one. The big picture is that their show series as a whole now has a stronger vendor list and product diversity list overall then they would have otherwise.

Chris, this does make business sense. It is unfortunate to be in the OPs shoes. I can see this from both sides of the coin as I have had several business related courses. Its an unfortunate place to be. I still say he should go speak with him and see what he has to say.