• Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

Why Don't These Snakes Sell??????

Glenn Bartley

Glenn Bartley

Herper & Shootist
Joined
Feb 17, 2002
Messages
1,280
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Location
Mineola, NY
Hi Everyone,

I have had these snakes up for sale - granted only for a short time - but a bunch of people have looked at the ads I had posted for them over the past couple too few weeks. No takers on the first ad, then I upgraded it in a second ad with a link to pictures and my home page. There were still no takers nor inquiries.

I am curious as to why there has not even been an inquiry about them; so I started this poll. Please note that number 10 is the catchall vote that should cover all others not covered in items 1-9. I would appreciate you voting in the poll and if you feel the need also give some feedback in a post. In case you have not seen the ads, the latest follows below:
                                  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>
 
I have only 0.0.4 C/H Baby Ball Pythons left. They have all eaten at least 4 to 6 times, and are taking live small adult mice. I have 0.0.1 High Yellow and 0.0.3 Normals. The High Yellow has eaten 8 times and is a bit of a glutton. Only the High Yellow has already taken thawed mkice (2 out of the three last feedings). The normals are $35.00 plus shipping and the High Yellow is $50.00 plus shipping. Pictures are at the end of this posting.

I will ship with the shipper of your choice among Airborne Express, Fed Ex, United Parcel Service, or Delta Dash (Delta Air Cargo) I guarantee live delivery if the snake is accepted on the first live delivery attempt. If the snake is delivered dead (on the first delivery attempt) you must email me with pictures of the dead snake within two hours of the delivery for the guarantee to stand. Upon my receipt of the email with photos of the dead snake, I will make arrangements with you for a refund of the cost of the snake minus shipping. Shipping is not refunded unless the carrier fasils to make a delivery attempt on the day after the snake was shipped; in that event I would also refund shipping. I will not ship unless weather is forecast with temps below 88 degrees Fahrenheit at the shipping and receiving end for the transit days.

I accept Pay Pal and U.S. Postal Service money orders. No other form of money order is acceptable. I ship Monday through Thursday, and will make every attempt to do so at your convenience - but please bear in mind I have a real job and selling snakes is not my real job just a way to supplement my hobby. No shipments on Fridays or the day before a holiday - the carrier must be abe to make a next day delivery - I will not jeopardize the snakes. I will keep you apprised of tracking number(s) once the shipment goes out. I keep in good email touch, and expect the same from my customers, during the transaction period.

I hope that cover it all, but if you have any questions or want to see pics (serious buyers only please) fell free to email me at [email protected]. Thanks very much for considering my Ball Pythons.

--------------
GBartHGWT
aka The Herp Helper
http://www.hometown.aol.com/gbarthgwt/index.html

When I look in the mirror, I am happy to see, some of that nine year old boy, who used to be me. (My very own personal quote&#33<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>
 
It's not that your prices are too high. Some people are getting $50 each for babies.
It's just that a few weeks ago everybody and their mother's were selling ball pythons by the hundreds. Most likely the thousands. The market has already been saturated and no one wants any more babies (until next season).

When the time hits, you can buy balls for around $8 each for imported CH. Most breeders don't chance CH and only buy CBB (captive bred & born) so we know the lineage of the snakes we plan on breeding later. They cost more, but are worth it for the quality of snake you are getting.

Try holding on to them for a few months and sell them later as LTC that are established and in good health.



Good Luck
 
My problem is with the shipping rules. To me a live arrival guarentee is just that. If the snake comes to me dead, shipped in an approved way, you should get the money back from shipping. So why should I not get the money back that I payed for shipping. I am not interested in BP right now but that would drive me away.
 
Good point - I wrote that wrong. I stand corrected and am happy for your input.

What I meant to have written was: You definitely would get your money back even for shipping IF THE SNAKE WAS DELIVERED TO YOU DEAD ON THE FIRST DELIVERY ATTEMPT.

However if you are not there to receive it on the first attempt and it then arrived dead on a later attempt - too bad. You see if you are not there when the delivery person makes the first attempt, then the snake goes back into the back of the truck and rides around on the delivery route until another delivery attempt is made or it goes to the depot and another attempt is made the next day. During that time it may become overheated (at this time of year in the back of the ruck) and die. In that case I would not give a refund on shipping because it was not my fault that you were not home to receive the snake during the appointed time span. If you did not care enough about the snake to be there when delivery was planned - then why would anyone give you a refund of the shippping.

I would also refund delivery money if the company failed to deliver on time as planned - even if the snake arrived alive.

Once again thanks for pointing that out - I don't know how I scrfewed that one up but it happens.....
 
By the way, for those of you not interested in C/H BPs. If that is because you are worried about the quality of the snake, I can assure you that if they are purchased from a reputable dealer, the quality is excellent.  I speak from current and past experience, and based upon communication with many others who have bought C/H. I also base this upon my communications with people who bought from me last year - their snakes are doing great. My two hold overs for a breeding project are spectacular and healthy. I am not trying to sell you on the ones I have for sale, but trying to have people realize that quality of imports in the case of C/H is greatly improved over just a few years ago.

On another point, I debated buying C/H this year because of what was likely to happen to the supply of wild snakes if the exportation of BPs from source countries did not slow down. I understand that many adults are now released after eggs are deposited in captivity; and that 10% of the babies are released back into the wild in countries like Ghana. This number may or may not be high enough - but it is certainly more than was done for many - many years of absolute wanton exportation with nothing given back to nature. Hopefully they started this policy soon enough. I think countries like Ghana and Togo are beginning to realize that this resource is a replenishable one, as long as they give something back; but that if they don't give a bit back - there will be nothing tomorrow. I do understand people that want to buy only captive bred, but I do not agree that is the only way to go. Please don't get pissed at me - I am not arguing - just giving my point of view. Thanks
 
Disclaimer: I know nothing of snakes.

Just from a copy writing/ad standpoint I would put all the terms and shipping conditions on a page on your website. Then direct interested parties to the website via instructions and a link. People get bored with the details too quickly. Get them excited about the snake then give them the details. (Also this will save you time when you start running a lot of ads).

It states: "Pictures are at the end of this posting". Put the pictures first. That is what gets your customers attention right off the bat. Make them around 30 KB tops with a link (if possible) to larger more detailed images. They don't need to see everything right away but get some color up in front of them fast to keep their attention.

This last point is just a personal pet peeve and I may be the only one that cares about it. But the "serious buyers only please" condition bugs me (not just your ad, I see this a lot). I may only be sort of interested in an animal but then if you come back with the right answers all of a sudden I am serious. If you provide photos and detailed terms page then inquiries should really only be specific questions about the animal.
 
Glenn,

I am the lone voter that sees your ad not being "conducive to a sale."  The reason why, as I see it, is because you seem to suffer from the same malady as myself . . .excess verbage in your posts!

For many of us, it seems as if the ability to type clear and concise messages on computers is lost.  I type all of my posts then go back and delete half of it just because they are always WAY TOO LONG!  They're still too long after my deletions, but they're more tolerable.

I think your ad is so concerned with making sure that every possible contingent is spelled out that you lose your customers in the process.  It's great to be clear, but maybe that clarity should come in emails after interest is shown?  Try something like:

4 C/H ball pythons for sale -- 1 "high yellow" ($50) and 3 normals ($35), excellent feeders, great health, details upon request!

Have a picture of your yellow ball above the ad and see if that doesn't make a difference!

You know, I really TRIED to make this a short post . . .
 
I would say 2 things are probably causing you problems.  
First, I have to agree with Daniel, a lot of us shop and the serious buyers thing is kind of a turn off.  I look through a lot of ads every day and I'm not always looking for something specific.  If I come across a good deal, or an exceptional animal then I become a little more serious.  I'll e-mail the seller to get more info and a feel for them.  That's the point where I become serious.  Considering the fact I'll buy any kind of animal means I look through every ad and I like to ask questions.  I may not buy the animal but I get a feel for the person and maybe the next time I'll come back and get something from them.
Secondly is the price.  I have seen prices in that range and it's not out of line but consider this, I bought a C.B.B. ball python this year for 19 bucks.  Not from a wholesaler, from a retail/internet dealer.  The snake was in great condition, no problems, so I feel I got my moneys worth. With something like ball pythons, which there are an abundance of, something has to make me want to buy from you.
It isn't always what you sell, it's how you sell it.
Just My $.03 (it was a little longer than $.02)
 
I have to agree on the length and placing of terms of sales.
i like many "window shop"alot not looking for that one animal always but when something catches my eye i go HUMMM  but when it has the "serious buyers only" it pisses me off to think that someone doesnt have the time to answer potential sale  of a item posted if you dont wanna be bothered with picture seekers /question askers  place what we wanna know in the add . ex: health /sex/proven if adult/picture & PRICES/Proof of purchase if applicable to me seems if i say no pics email for pics then dont want people to ask questions .. i may be to busy to bother with a follow up question or advice if they call / email me ?
as a example ... iHATE to leave a message at a buisness if i call and want something  i will just usally call th next in line UNLESS i know there reputation exceeds leaving the message
to wait for a reply .

same thing when i see serious buyers only...
as mentioned market  your self so you capture attention quickly the big pictures of nice shots add to keep us looking at the adds ..
i mean a add that would read :
female albino boa proven , $1800.00 firm email for pics serious buyers only please

OR  read like this

!!!! BIG COLOR PICTURE OF SNAKE HERE !!!!
***LINK TO SITE / Picture hosting here***
99' Albino Boa Proven Breeder, ( lineage)? All paperwork included (if you have it)
$1,800.00  firm please email for more details
Please read Terms of purchase on our website ..

now to me ex B i would look into buying from before i would ex A simply because it captures attention with a vivid picture, tells you in the add the basics and is indepth while being short  and invites questions to be asked

.. now talk about run on sentences.. sorry ..
 
First you can pick up c/h balls at the shows for around 20 bucks and not have to pay shipping. The high yellow looks nice and would make a nice breder or pet but I can't see paying for the snake and than the 35 bucks or more for shipping when you can go to your local pet shop and get one for 30 or 40 bucks at most times of the year. The bp do look nice thou. Last put the pic of the snake in the ad before anything else.
 
Now a few people said the post was too long, but one said it was too long - and then said if I don't want too many callers with questions I have to included all the details in the ad. I thought that was what I had done, but yet this same person saying to do so, says my ad is too long! So how does one win on that one.

I like the idea of pics first, and more info on the slaes/refund/shipping policy on the web page. That should keep the post shorter but still give all the info to someone serious enough to look at the web pages.

Here is one of my pet peeves and the reason I put serious buyers only - too many jerks who never intend to buy at all call and ask some of the silliest questions I have ever heard. That is not for me. However I will change the wording to "serious inquiries only" and not "serious buyers only" because after reading some of your posts I think there would be a difference - correct me if I am still wrong. I would hope that someone who inquires is serious and I will continue to state that in my ads. Of course I never intended to mean only email me if you intend to buy, I simply meant that you are truly considering a purchase. So that is why I will change the wording as above. Let me know if you guys who did not like "serious buyers only" think that would be better. Thanks
 
Oh I forgot this other point: Someone or two made a point or two about price. I have seen the animals at shows for $20 - $25 and not less in the past two years. I have also seen them on the net at those prices. I will be damned if the animals available on the net at this time of year, are any better than those at the shows, and the animals I have seen at the shows do not compare to mine even when similarly priced to mine. What I mean is that my ball Pythons have been well fed, and are on average 1.25 to 1.5 times larger than others I have seen at shows. This is no brag, just fact. I guess I should include a ruler in the pics for scale and maybe trheir weights under the individual pics. As my add said they are feeding and I do not mean on a maintenance diet of one mouse per month, as I know some dealers feed there BP babies. Mine have also been deparasitized as a precaution (I think I forgot to mention that but will in the future.)

I guess I need to get this into the ad or the web page in some form.

Thanks again.
 
Glenn, I think the change to serious inquiries only would be good.  It does mean something a little different.  Say if I see your ad or your site and I have a few questions I can feel free to ask regardless of whether or not I have decided to purchase the animal.  You do have to ask the questions before you decide and the wording makes it seem a little more welcome.  It also means don't e-mail me or call me with stupid questions such as Hey are those ball pythons? or Yeah, I'm lookin fer me a snake to eat these darn rodents I got in my house and I seen your ad, can I get one of them there python thingies?
When you do have contact though is a good time to use your selling points as you stated above(feeding, size, etc.).  I can, as a buyer, be convinced to spend a little more for the right reasons, and that's when to do it.
 
Ok so I am beginning to get the picture about some advertising stuff. I truly appreciate everyone's help that was very nice of you all. Thanks a bunch - keep it coming if you have more pointers. Thanks again <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
 
There are so many balls in the market a person can easily  find one at their local reptile show. They can hold the snake and look it over instead of seeing a picture on the computer. Also at the shows there isn't the extra cost or hassel of shipping. I would keep the high yellow on the net and try and sell the normals at a show or to a local pet store. Just my opinion, hope you can sell them.
den
 
1. Like Daniel said, pictures first then link to website.

2. Sex sells. Sex the snakes otherwise you limit yourself to first time buyers or people with no interest in breeding. If I'm looking for a male or a female I won't give a 0.0.1 a second look.

3. Terms of service on your website.

4. All that stuff about feeding and fat animals can go into the about myself section of the website. You can go into your philosophies in that section. I actually do read that stuff when I'm buying, but it tends to be overwhelming in the ad.

5. Don't ever apologize for trying to make a buck. It comes off as wishy washy and probably leaves you open to people trying to talk you down in price.

6. Too wordy. A brief description of the animals. Color, morph, lineage, locality etc. Be brief. Let the buyer ask the questions. Learn how to answer the questions as briefly and directly as possible. I inquired with a breeder last year about some snakes and about leaving a deposit. I think I got a two sentence reply like, I don't take deposits, and check back in a couple of months. This went on until the animals hatched. I talked to this individual on the phone and found him extremely personable and very talkative.

Though I don't know you very well I find your writing to be somewhat edgy at times. Talking to you in person the edginess doesn't come through, just the wordiness :)

Be seeing you
Steve
 
Hi Steve,

Edgy - MOI? Yes I know I can be edgy so I guess if I want to sell I should kiss more butt on the general forums. Actually I am working on the edginess bit, but I do get into my answers to forums and as a lot of us I sometimes get to gruff.

As for my wordiness, yes I like to write and like to talk. Oh well, bad habits die hard.


As for the ad, I like all the criticism you gave and most all of what others gave also. That will help me if I actually get up and running in the next season or two. It will even help on a small scale, and I will start to implement changes to my ads and to my homepage if my modem is working correctly now. It crashed over the weekend and took until today - since Saturday - for a techie to figure out the problem. Seems to be working so maybe I can work on my homepage this weekend.

By the way, how has the east end been? I was out of Freeport about 2 weeks ago at night with my son. We caught 20 blues, all about 4 to 6 pounds. Lots of fun but very expensive from a party boat. We would have likely caught many more except for the tangles - what else is a party boat good for??? I am hoping to go for Stripers sometime soon from the shore - but have no clue as where to get access anywhere from Freeport east. I want to take Brendan, and hopefully get at least a few small ones to give him a thrill. If you can give me any pointers on where to go, please email me. Thanks a lot.

Best regards,

Glenn

ps: I think the LIHS show is Sept. 28 at SUNY Farmingdale. I should have a table there - more a donation to the society than a profit for me, but a fun day nonetheless. Hope to see you there.  <img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
 
theyre lots of ball python morhps out there, and most people are interested in getting those (if they have the money) so the normal ball python is not that big of a thing ne more.
I got a pair for $15 at a reptile show, they were cbb and they are doing great
 
Back
Top