Deals that seem too good to be true

"Um, h-hi my name is OBT, n-nice to meet you"
"ARRRGGHHH GET AWAY FROM ME NO ONE LIKES YOU"

 

My first experience of "these prices are too good to be true" was looking at a listing here, not yet knowing what brown boxing was, and that the seller was on a different continent. The prices were WAY out of line with all of the reputable US dealers. A sling that cost $50 here was like $8 in this listing, that kind of thing.

I never did any brown boxing, because it's just not worth the risk to me, but it can be confusing to see those super cheap listings when you're new to the hobby.

You can get some really good deals at expos, though. You eliminate shipping costs, although there is usually a small entrance fee.

 

I can't wait. We have two expos coming in the fall here and I've never been to one. My daughter and I are putting together our wish list and hoping to coming back with a new baby or two.

 

Yeah I'm getting my first T at one tomorrow!! And then I have a local one coming up in September. I'm sure I will need another one by then!

 

I got my second and third sling about 2 weeks after getting my first T. There is something about this hobby and reptiles thats addicting haha

 

Congratulations! Get that beauty into a proper set up so she can settle in

In the US, it is illegal to bring spiders in from other countries... it is called "brown boxing" because illegally imported spiders are placed in plain, nondescript looking packages with the hopes that they won't catch the attention of Customs inspectors.

 

Today I found a hidden gem of a pet store that I never new about right next to my house. Surprisingly there were tons of great Ts at great prices. They were actually kept in good conditions unlike most pet stores. The enclosures were correct for the specific species. A couple seemed a little stressed out but that was probably due to the light and shop traffic. They had even some ow Ts. They had a Thailand Black for 45 us dollars! It was an adult although it was deep in its burrow (typical) so I couldn’t get a good look at it. The shop owner is definitely a daring guy that’s for sure. At least by my standards. Anyways, I thought all the Ts were a really good deal.

 

I gave 90usd for a female t stirmi at an expo once. That's about the best deal iv had : )

 

There’s a local breeder who sells small CB females at prices similar to those of unsexed slings. I got a 2” female A. avic for $20 and passed up a $60 G. actaeon female. I always check out his booth at expos.

 

We can ship Ts within the country (with the exception of a few Pokie species now) but only via private couriers (though technically it is still against their rules, it isn't illegal like it is to use the federal postal system). And people can import from other countries if they have the proper permits.

What part of California are you in??

That is because Asian species are captured en masse for food in their native countries, and then some are exported for dirt cheap (on our end) to the US. The actual species is hard to nail down, and you are getting an adult/sub-adult of unknown age and sex. I don't know what makes him daring? Because he has OW Ts available?

 

Yea that's alright y'all go enjoy your amazing expo's, I'll be sulking here since we don't have any in Australia

Just kidding, mine is in the process of arriving at the moment, but got an AF P.Strennus for just about $100 AUD. Normally they are upwards of $160 here so a decent deal if you ask me. She'll be here around the 30th

 

I am in the east bay. I only say it is daring because I am new to the hobby and I think I would rip my hair out trying to rehouse it. Like I said it was only daring by my standards because I am still a beginner with only nw Ts.

It’s always a real shame. I hate going to petsmart and seeing the avics there in a small terrestrial enclosure with 1 inch of substrate, a sponge in the dish, and no hide or fake plants at all. (

 

Is it the shop in Berkeley? They have been around for decades and are awesome!!

Ahh, I see Everyone starts somewhere!

 

Right?! How could I not buy a gorgeous little Avic at that price. Is 3$ a lot more there? Here it wouldn’t even buy me a cup of coffee, so I would easily throw it at an A. juruensis, haha. Probably I misunderstand the currency difference.