Vending at a Reptile Show

Whether you're a reptile/amphibian breeder or wholesaler, reptile shows can be a great place to get your name out in the public and build your reputation.

For smaller hobby breeders, like myself, I have a few recommendations to help boost sales and to bring home the most profit.

• Price your animals according to the show. For smaller shows, you'll find people want cheaper prices, and at bigger shows, there will be more odds for people willing to pay a little more for that better quality.
• Have a variety of animals, or a variety of things to attract people to your table. (Take that as you wish).
• Consider bringing a pet to have available for people to handle. (This isn't my favorite form of attraction, but it seems to work for others who have larger pets or who are willing to take out their animals for anyone to hold. Just be careful of people handling animals at other tables and then coming to handle yours.)
• Have business cards available. If you don't have 'fancy' cards, you can always purchase business card stock paper at Office Max, Office Depot, Staples, etc. and print a homemade card with your name, number, and email address on it. Something is better than nothing.
• Have care sheets available for the animals that you are selling.
• Consider your attire. If you look sloppy, slutty, or gross, you'll find people will avoid your table. Wear clothes without stains, make sure to bath the night before or the morning of, and just be presentable.
• Wear a smile on your face.
• Keep standing when people are at your table or coming to you.
• Don't stay on your cell phone constantly.
• Don't eat while people are at your table. If you are with someone vending together, take turns with breaks (you eat while the other person speaks to customers, and vice versa.)