So is this Pet Store Employee dumb?

[Daedric1]

Oh ok. So in reality it's just they dont' know what the hell they're talking about? Because before I heard the reason they push the sand on you is because they make a lot more money if you were to buy the sand off of them (because you need to replace it) then for them to tell you to just use paper towels. Which is the reason I said they don't give a damn about the animal...just making a buck.

Yep. Of course they make more money on sand than they would on paper towels (if they sold them). Most people probably would not trust the pet store employees either if they kept their reptiles on paper towels, or advocated using it in tanks. After all, paper towels are the "ghetto substrate." They may work just fine, but they're not attractive to the eye and they're more maintenance. Both of these factors would turn away customers. Most customers in pet stores are also not there to buy supplies for racks of reptiles either, but simply want to buy a pet for display in their home, and prefer a more natural looking setup. They also more than likely care more about the looks of the tank than their reptile, anyway.

Unfortunate, but most often true.

 

[Desdemona]

This is from my history of having pets in a few different categories... there always seems to be the "layman's" way of keeping pets and the "right" way. A lot of times books have the layman's way and a lot of pet store owners read the books and assume they are right/good. I always find forums when I get into a new pet for that reason. I want directions from those who have taken the time to know what is REALLY good for the animals.

Same thing in the rodent world. Cedar shavings are very bad for the, especially mice/rats with sensitive lungs, but probably 80% of the care books out there say cedar is a great option because it hides the smell. I am sure the sand substrate issue is the same. At one time everyone thought it was a great idea and the old books aren't updated and the pet stores figure that is plenty good enough. After all they have kept 100s of reptiles that way with no problems! (sarcasm... and of course they don't usually keep pets for the long term).

 

[Tony C]

Because before I heard the reason they push the sand on you is because they make a lot more money if you were to buy the sand off of them (because you need to replace it) then for them to tell you to just use paper towels. Which is the reason I said they don't give a damn about the animal...just making a buck.

I can't speak for the big chains but the independent store I briefly worked at pushed calcium sand for that reason, the profit margins on it were great.

 

[Daedric1]

This is from my history of having pets in a few different categories... there always seems to be the "layman's" way of keeping pets and the "right" way.

This is actually a very good way of stating the large variation in types of care among animal species.

 

[sausage]

I used to work at an independent store that was bent on just selling things no matter wot the cost. like said before not telling the truth just to sell summit.
i used to say wot i was "told" to say to who ever was asking but when the manager wasnt looking i'd also give them my own personal experience as to weather i agreed or not. ofcourse telling them i wasnt gospel every one has their own ways!! these customers of that company then became customers of my company when i left and are now also good friends that i offer bording too aswell. i always say treat them as you would your own! i would never offer advice that would possibly harm other peoples geckos that i wouldnt do to mine