HUGE difference in prices comparing US to Europe

[smuey]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering why there is such a HUGE difference in prices when comparing spiders obtainable in the US and those in Europe. I just read a thread stating a GBB sling costs $30,-, while it's pretty easy to get them here for under €10,- (I bought my 2 slings for €8,-, which is about maybe $12,- or so...). Also, I recently read a little something on the different Sp. in the Theraphosa genus, and I noticed they are a lot cheaper here as well (slings go for around €30,- to €45,-(well, maybe the burgundy/spinipes at least)).

What causes this HUGE difference? Is it availability of spiders or something? Cause I can imagine there are a LOT more people in the US breeding spiders than we have here... Your thoughts?

 

[Najakeeper]

Here is a list of things I have bought from Germany/Switzerland(prices converted to USD):

P.metallica slings, 4th molt or so: 60$
True T.blondi, large sling sold as probable female, confirmed later by molt: 55$
T.apophysis, 1st molt: 35$
B.boehmei adult female: 70$
C.cyaneopubescens, subadult female: 40$
P.antinious, large young adult female: 85$
E. cyanognathus, tiny sling: 7$
Nhandu sp. (probably carapoensis), adult female: 90$ (from petshop, bought by my wife as a present) (Have seen one for sale on kingsnake.com for 250$, mad...)
M.balfouri pair, subadults, female is larger: 300$

Knowing that P.metallica 1st molt slings are sold for 175$ or so, I would agree with the OPs point. It is a supply-demand issue, which makes European exporters happy.

 

[RichardLTU]

L4 p. murinus - 4$
L4 p. ornata - 5$
L8 b. smithi 10$
Mature b. albo - 20$
L10 a. versi 20$
Those are mine

 

[Mez]

The Germans specifically are always good with inverts, its not just Tarantulas, Scorpion prices and species available is immense in europe.
England is a bit more expensive than the rest of europe, simply because there arent as many breeders i think.
http://www.thespidershop.co.uk is a pretty good site, priced very well for the UK market, and of course would be more in shops.
This is what i paid in US$.

T. apophysis - 10cm - online - $96 (a bit much, but i wanted it)
A. sp. New River - 15cm - retail shop - $56
E. cyanognathus - 5cm - online - $40
B. albiceps - 15cm - private - $40
N. chromatus - 7cm - private - $16
P. sp. 'Machalla' - 7-8cm - private - $32
A. versicolor - 5cm - private - $19
P. irminia - 5cm - online - $32 (way too much, would never pay this again)
P. murinus 15cm - private - $16

 

[Fran]

My very first T was a huge female X.Immanis as my 12th birthday, Around 9".

We paid 10000 pesetas (Spain, 60 US dollars ) in 1995. .
In 1996 we had to pay around 180 US dollars for a CB 2" Smithi. (With C.I.T.E.S paperwork)