Do you get better deals at Herp Shows?

[coker101]

My daughter and I plan on getting a new leo (maybe) at the local herp show.

As seen here:

http://repticon.com/houston.html

I'm curious if you get better deals at shows like this or if finding a local place would be a better option. I have been to a good number of shows but never to buy...just to look around.

Thanks.

 

[Dimidiata]

If by local you mean just a petstore then probably not, it does depend on the morph and whos breeding. If your just looking for a PET then the Local store would probably have a lower price with lowend morphs, which really all thats needed for a pet . I have a beautiful tang from a lps. At the shows you can get a larger variety, get better insurance of the animals health generaly and can talk to the breeder, but a line bred animal will likley cost you more. Be sure to have a proper setup before purchace as always.

I would scope out local petstores and such and see what they have, if it looks healthy and if the store keepers are at all knowledgable. If the animals dont look up to par i would deffinetly suggest the show, aswell as if all you have in your area is a Pet/smart/co/supermart and other big chains, they generaly dont do good with their animals.

 

[coker101]

No, no....not like a petco type store.

There are a few somewhat local reptile stores that I could make a trip to. I'm not real sure what I want to get either. Something to maybe breed this girl you see here below at some point in the future...opinions are welcomed.

http://www.imgplace.com/viewimg600/803/77eye.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/viewimg845/302/19top.jpg

 

[Dimidiata]

Show, deffinetly show. You want something with known genetics so your not popping out random lil leos.

 

[Fencer04]

For the most part purchasing from a show offers several advantages:

1. You can see a group of animals that represent the breeder/seller and know if they are well taken care of.

2. You will get known genetics.

3. The majority of what you will find at the show will be more inexpensive morphs because those sell most often at the shows.

With regard to less expensive versus purchasing from a pet store I highly doubt it. But I can say that you will encounter a more consistent level of quality from the shows than at pet stores. That has been my experience at least. I'd much rather pay $50 at a show for a gecko than $19.99 at the pet store. Sure both could make great pets, I just feel that the one coming from the show has a better chance of being healthy right from the start and therefore be an easier to take care of and more enjoyable pet.

 

[coker101]

Well I would not be buying from a petco type store. I was mostly talking about the few stores that are exotics only. There are a couple in my area that are pretty good. In fact one of them will have a booth at the show.

But I'm taking my daughter to the show so I figured I might wait until then. I was just curious if I would get a better deal.

What would you say I should look for as far as morph for this girls mate?

 

[garner63080]

Unless they personally breed the Leo's themselves then they are going.to be the same geckos you find at Petco or Petsmart. Most.petstores chain or private order.from catalogs and.just.put in for Leopard geckos and take what is.sent.

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[coker101]

Most people at this show are breeders or supply wholesalers.

 

[garner63080]

I was saying as far as buying from a LPS.

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[katie_]

You'll get a better deal if you buy more than one most of the time.

 

[OnlineGeckos]

I would say you get better selection at tradeshows, but as for better deals I don't know. You generally want to know what you are looking for ahead of the time, and you can easily look them up online to see what they go for. It's possible your local reptile store may have something exactly what you are looking for at the right price.

While many vendors at tradeshows are reputable breeders, there are also some that buy geckos wholesale with mixed genetics and sell them at tradeshows. If you are looking to breed, you need to know the genetics of the geckos. For known genetics make sure the breeder you buy from knows what they are talking about, no matter if you buy the gecko at tradeshows, reptile stores, or online.

 

[lora01fl]

I would personally rather buy at the show than even a specialty pet store.

Your daughter will really enjoy the experience and you will know the genetics behind what you are buying.

My son loves the shows and we have found that spending more upfront saves money later.

Have fun!