Author James Tintle at Daytona Reptile Show
How to Sell Offspring
You just hatched out your first clutch of offspring and the excitement is unbearable. You’ve been checking those eggs every waking moment for weeks until that first sign of life sprouted from those pearly white eggs. This is what every reptile breeder lives for, the day the offspring hatches. Now what? How do I sell offspring? What do I do?
Every year I am asked by a first time seller
“Can you give me some insights on how to sell offspring?”
There are many factors determining whether those cute little creatures will find new homes. Here are the 5 essentials on how to promote and sell offspring.
- Know your animals
- Promotion
- Pictures
- Customer Service
- Reputation, Reputation, Reputation
Knowledge of Your Animals
I cannot stress this enough and it’s the most important part of you selling offspring. There are many people who can breed snakes, lizards and other reptiles very easily. How do you differ? You need to be well-educated and versed in the species you are working with. Potential customers will ask at least a few questions about your animals before a purchase. Make sure you can answer them properly. You can even reference a book to a potential customer if you feel they need to do some homework before a purchase. Some important information would be, common and scientific names, proper husbandry, parental stock or lineage, and any information necessary or helpful for your customer to have a great experience.
Offspring Promotion
After knowledge, promotion is paramount. How is anyone going to be interested in your offspring if they don’t know you have a particular reptile? Slapping pictures on your Facebook page is not enough! The internet and social media has made it really easy for first-time producers to get in front of millions of people. Check out Reptile Livingroom’s video on social media and herpetoculture for some insight on the different social media formats.
You have to stand out! That means promote your collection throughout the year. Yes, the whole year! Seems crazy but people have to see your animals 5 or 6 times before inquiring. Talk about your collection on forums, groups, and at reptile shows. You will find there are always people interested in what you have. Write a 500-1000 word article with pictures and share. You can also submit to Reptile Apartment as a guest post. DO NOT SPAM! Everyone hates a spammer but make regular posts or ads in the classifieds.
Pictures of Offspring
Everyone has a cell phone. Most cell phones have cameras ever since the first camera phone was sold in 2000. This means almost everyone reading this has the ability to take pictures. Fuzzy out of focus photos will get you nowhere, except backwards. Spend the time practicing taking pictures for every one picture I post of offspring I take 50-100. Seems like a lot but it is well worth it. Good pictures will sell offspring by themselves!
Customer Service
If there is one thing a great sales person has is the ability to see through the eyes of the customer. If you can do this, you’re one step ahead of your competition. How do I this? Simple, write down some questions you may ask before a purchase. Everyone has bought something in their life.
• Why should I buy from XYZ?
• What is their reputation?
• Do I know anyone that has had a good transaction?
• Can I afford it?
• What is the asking price?
These are just a few questions that almost every buyer asks themselves prior to making a twenty year purchase. Remember to answer any and all questions with respect; even the most simplistic ones need to be answered. Reply in a timely manner and treat your customer the way you want to be treated. We sell offspring; ask your customer questions too. This will help in making not just a sale but potentially a friend or acquaintance in this hobby.
Reputation
Lastly, this is what you build over the years of producing and selling offspring. One bad experience can ruin your reputation in a New York minute. Herpetoculture is a small close knit group of people. Word travels fast in this hobby, and if given a choice you will not make the cut. Take your time building your reputation, form friendships, network, and gain knowledge. Produce and sell quality offspring, no matter what you do above this will reign supreme in the long run. You will gain respect from many when you continue to be honest and sell quality offspring.
Selling offspring every year is a yearlong process. Don’t ever think just because you produced the hottest new morph; everyone will flock to your door. Every sale is to your competition. You have to build your reputation and stand out from the crowd. You don’t need a fancy high dollar website or the nicest table at a show to sell offspring to other herpetoculturists. You do need knowledge, great customer service, and the ability to showcase and promote your offspring! Lastly build that reputation over the years and you will continue to have success!