• Hello!

    Either you have not registered on this site yet, or you are registered but have not logged in. In either case, you will not be able to use the full functionality of this site until you have registered, and then logged in after your registration has been approved.

    Registration is FREE, so please register so you can participate instead of remaining a lurker....

    Please be certain that the location field is correctly filled out when you register. All registrations that appear to be bogus will be rejected. Which means that if your location field does NOT match the actual location of your registration IP address, then your registration will be rejected.

    Sorry about the strictness of this requirement, but it is necessary to block spammers and scammers at the door as much as possible.

First reptile expo?

CodeRed

CodeRed

Critter Creeper
So, I might be going to my first reptile show this weekend, in Grand Rapids Michigan. I'm a little nervous, as I usually am when I do something new. Is there anything I should know before I go. Do's and don'ts? Are camera aloud? I'm looking to get another corn if I can, but maybe a milk snake or king would be nice. I like the Mexican Black Kings, and the Black Milks (of course). Also, has anyone been to the Grand Rapids show? Is it any good? Any breeders you suggest if you have been there?

I'm rambling. ;D So, any help at all would be nice.
And yes, I do have accommodations for my new friend, if I do indeed get one. I have food, heat, greenage, hides, and so on. All I need is a water bowl, which shouldn't be too hard.

Thanks for reading my incredibly boring post, even if you don't post :p
 
Cameras are allowed, but remember to ask the vendors if they mind you taking pictures of their stuff. Most of them won't care. Do haggle, but don't low-ball. If you go on the second day of the show closer to closing (or just the closing if it's a one day show), you can get some great deals!

I haven't been to that show in particular, but I've definitely hit up quite a few. I think there was a thread like this a few months back. I'll run a search for it to see what I can find!
 
Thanks! I should've done that first, but completely spaced... sorry.
I would think you'd go early to get the good snakes, but I guess you have a point, too. Besides, it's not like I'm going for expensive morphs :)
It's good to know about Cameras. That's what I was most worried about.
 
I've been thinking about this too. Too vendors get annoyed if you "browse" for a long time? Because I usually take a reaaaaaally long time to decide if I want something and will go from area to area just looking stuff over.
Also, is it better to go on day one or day two if it's multiple days? I was thinking day one there'd be more animals, but are there usually vendors having "get these guys off my table" prices on second days?
 
Pepper said:
I've been thinking about this too. Too vendors get annoyed if you "browse" for a long time? Because I usually take a reaaaaaally long time to decide if I want something and will go from area to area just looking stuff over.
Also, is it better to go on day one or day two if it's multiple days? I was thinking day one there'd be more animals, but are there usually vendors having "get these guys off my table" prices on second days?
Click to expand...

Sometimes the vendors don't mind if you sit and browse. If you're intently browsing something on their table, other people walking by might want to know what you're so interested in, and it can help boost their sales a little. There's definitely more on the first day, but the second day has the "Okay, I REALLY don't want to take any of these home" prices.
 
I always have "accommodations" for new additions just in case ;) but shows are an excellent place to pick up things for vivs and even mice. I got frozen pinks, a huge bag of aspen for 5 bucks, water bowls for $3 and a few coconut hides for $2! I should have gotten more lol

I emailed some of the vendors before the show to see what they were bringing so I could go right to the tables I was interested in. There might be a list of vendors and their contact info. on the show's website, if they have one. If you can't find out what's going to be there ahead of time, I recommend a "run through" of all the tables to scope out things your interested in and compare prices, then go back to what your interested in most first, cause things sell fast.

All the vendors were really kind and loved to talk about what you own or what your interested in. Don't be afraid to ask questions! Knowledgeable breeders should be able to answer your questions.

Pretty sure camera's are allowed. I was warned before I went to one here in Oregon that the venue was pretty small and got packed inside, so I didn't bring mine, it was bumper to bumper packed.

Bring MONEY as much as you are willing to spend lol Most vendors prefer cash but some accept cards. I like cash it's a faster transaction.

Lastly have FUN!!! Shows are amazing, I get so jazzed up for them, some day I hope to be a vendor at them, when I start breeding corns. I have a ton of ideas :D but anyway get excited, the nervousness will go away when you see all the wonderful critters. Let us know what you bring home :D and be sure to post pics! ENJOY
 
Thanks for the advice and the thread! I'll check it over :) I'm pretty sure I'll have fun, the tough part will be convincing my mom to have fun, too! She liked my first snake, but she doesn't like my current one. Not sure why... Anyways, thanks again!
 
Yeah dont worry about reptile shows. There is nothing to be scared about, they are extreamly fun. I usualy go to mine right when it opens the first day, to get a look at everything before things start selling, thats just my opinion, some people like going to last day or near closing for better deals. They are just very fun, have a good time. Tell us if you get anything :)
 
I do shows many times a month. And any vendor that makes you feel less than welcome should be passed up. I see it as my "job" to make visitors to the show feel comfortable and welcome. As long as you are polite there should be no problems. Take your time, browse, ask questions, and most of all have fun. The only harden fast rule I have is don't ask to hold every snake. It's tough on the little guys as it is. But if you are trying to decide between two, holding is a must!

Terri
 
I don't know if it has been mention already, but watch out for pushy salesmen. There is one at every show. He will try to sell you every snake at his table and then his '82 Pontiac in the parking lot.
 
Let me warn you the Grand Rapids show isn't that great. I've been many times and can get through it in about half hour. If your traveling anyway, I've heard the Taylor MI. show is a pretty good one.
Sorry to be such a downer.
 
Ah, well, like I said before, I'm not going to get an amazing, wonderful morph type. Just something that will live with me for the rest of it's life :) Even a classic is fine for me, since that's my favorite morph. I'm sure I'll find something I like, and even if I don't, it'll be nice to travel a bit. Thanks for the warning, though!
 
Also, forgot to mention that the Grand Rapids show has supposedly "switched hands", and is being advertised as a "huge show". It's run by Snake Bite Promotions this year, and is being called the Great Lakes Reptile Expo... so it sounds like it might be a bigger deal this time :) I sure hope so.
 
CodeRed said:
Also, forgot to mention that the Grand Rapids show has supposedly "switched hands", and is being advertised as a "huge show". It's run by Snake Bite Promotions this year, and is being called the Great Lakes Reptile Expo... so it sounds like it might be a bigger deal this time :) I sure hope so.
Click to expand...

Wow, when did that take place? My daughter was there 2 months ago and she said it appeared to be the same as always. I only go to get my feeders. It's much cheaper then buying from the petstore.

Do you have a website to the new show? The old site is down apparently.
 
airenlow said:
I don't know if it has been mention already, but watch out for pushy salesmen. There is one at every show. He will try to sell you every snake at his table and then his '82 Pontiac in the parking lot.
Click to expand...


'84!!! :mad: It's an 84!!!!! :grin01:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top