Two things--

[viper69]

I was required to take a look at some T dealers today. I haven't looked in a few weeks.

Well one had a species that is uncommon, normally 65-80$, but selling at a great price- that was unusual. Nice to see that.

Then I went to a site, sort of like an ebay for exotics. I don't use it for Ts, but thought, let's see.

Well I read this for a regular species being sold for 850$. SURE they do, LIAR.

they can easily live for 20+ years and obtain a staggering 8+ inches in legspan!

 

[spideyspinneret78]

I don't doubt it in the slightest. I know what site you're talking about, and I've seen some of the most ridiculous prices and claims about tarantulas on there. People really need to shop around at several different reputable dealers because there are a lot of scams out there.

 

[viper69]

I don't doubt it in the slightest. I know what site you're talking about, and I've seen some of the most ridiculous prices and claims about tarantulas on there. People really need to shop around at several different reputable dealers because there are a lot of scams out there.

It's the people selling Ts on that site. I frequent the site for herps, and for the snakes/lizards/frogs I look at, prices are fairly in line w/the market.

But Ts, has always been a freak show of owners, and prices compared to the other exotics IME. And the expensive T, it's worth maybe 175-200$ for its size.The rest of the owner's Ts are all through the roof.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

Some people have the crazy idea that you can make loads of money off T’s.

 

[Liquifin]

Selling T.'s in my opinion is only a good secondary or passive income. But to put prices that high is either a sign of desperation, pretentiousness, or inflated hype.

 

[Tentacle Toast]

I don't know how this will come off, but I don't see the point of bitching about asking prices. So what if they "usually" go for $20; this guy wants $500. Can you get it for $20? From multiple places, even? FANTASTIC, do so, if you're in the market. The audacity of his asking price will either result in an unsold spider, or a considerable profit. What's it to you?
Are you in the market yourself? Can you NOT find one for what you feel is a "fair" price? Well what's it worth to you? NOT $500? Well, it will be to someone. Maybe he resides in a market where the sticker price doesn't matter. Sometimes, you just hand over the card when you see what you want.
The only grounds I see for complaint, is if the product itself is faulty.

 

[DustyD]

Fence sitter here. Both Viper69 and Tentacle Toast have valid points. It can be outrageous what people charge for things, particularly collectibles. But ultimately the price is what someone is willing to pay for something. Unfortunately in places like auction websites, high asking prices can artificially jack up prices. For awhile.

 

[TheraMygale]

I will add a different perspective.

Some places that specialize in something else, lets say reptiles, might be trying to make a profit. Some people are attracted by high prices. People going in to buy a 1000$ snake (im making up prices here), might get seduced by having a tarantula. They might not care about the price. They could be impulsive.

I would not be the one to buy a tarantula without having researched a dozen reputable places, to establish a ball park price that feels fair to me. If it is not offered at the price i want, i won’t buy it.

Ive read threads where people are seduced by “cheap” prices, in petshops. Some get a healthy tarantula. And some get a bad one.

I personaly think we are going to see both sides of the spectrum in terms of prices. There are people trying to make profit everywhere. With animals like tarantulas, that are also sometimes from
the black market, its all about the buyers research, trust and cash flow.

Is it right or wrong?

For opinions sake, i prefer prices to be the average. Considering locality.

My opinion will change nothing.

Unless and until, if ever, tarantula market is regulated, its going to happen. Even with dogs, regulation means nothing. Five breeders will have five different prices. Brand alone being a factor. And dogs are more regulated then spiders. Much harder to smuggle.

 

[viper69]

@DustyD see below

I don't know how this will come off, but I don't see the point of bitching about asking prices. So what if they "usually" go for $20; this guy wants $500. Can you get it for $20? From multiple places, even? FANTASTIC, do so, if you're in the market. The audacity of his asking price will either result in an unsold spider, or a considerable profit. What's it to you?
Are you in the market yourself? Can you NOT find one for what you feel is a "fair" price? Well what's it worth to you? NOT $500? Well, it will be to someone. Maybe he resides in a market where the sticker price doesn't matter. Sometimes, you just hand over the card when you see what you want.
The only grounds I see for complaint, is if the product itself is faulty.

It wasn't the price that really bothered me for the reasons you reasoned. If someone is dumb enough to buy something for 800, when they can get it for 150 they deserve to be ripped off.

It was the bold font I made that I have an issue with. DO NOT LIE TO THE CONSUMER!! Or maybe you think that's OK?

 

[TheraMygale]

@DustyD see below



It wasn't the price that really bothered me for the reasons you reasoned. If someone is dumb enough to buy something for 800, when they can get it for 150 they deserve to be ripped off.

It was the bold font I made that I have an issue with. DO NOT LIE TO THE CONSUMER!! Or maybe you think that's OK?

8+ inches legspan eh. Guessing the species in question does not. Or if it does, its not a regular thing.

Lieing is never ok.

I dont know what site you are talking about because i only cross check very well known dealers. And none i do know are on ebay.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

8+ inches legspan eh. Guessing the species in question does not. Or if it does, its not a regular thing.

Lieing is never ok.

I dont know what site you are talking about because i only cross check very well known dealers. And none i do know are on ebay.

I recal when buying my Lasiodora parahybana the site said they get up to 10” none of mine are past 7.5” at this point . So even reputable sellers tell talll tales occasionally.

 

[TheraMygale]

I recal when buying my Lasiodora parahybana the site said they get up to 10” none of mine are past 7.5” at this point . So even reputable sellers tell talll tales occasionally.

its because there was one or record of one that big. That makes its a “possibility”. Good luck with that hahaha

Captive whales vs wild whales. There you have it. When it comes to size and longevity yes im comparing oranges with apples but hey, even an oragnic apple vs a non organic apple has major differences.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

its because there was one or record of one that big. That makes its a “possibility”. Good luck with that hahaha

Captive whales vs wild whales. There you have it. When it comes to size and longevity yes im comparing oranges with apples but hey, even an oragnic apple vs a non organic apple has major differences.

I mean I don’t mind the smaller size because they actually are 6-8” on average. About same as a genic . A 10” spider is much more to deal with , that’s closer to Goliath size .
Rumor is wild ones get larger but no proof really of this theory.

 

[TheraMygale]

I mean I don’t mind the smaller size because they actually are 6-8” on average. About same as a genic . A 10” spider is much more to deal with , that’s closer to Goliath size .
Rumor is wild ones get larger but no proof really of this theory.

i have no issues with feeding the fantasy that they can get that big in the wild (or even in captivity, as long as one keeps their expectations realistic). I love legends and nature. I wish there is that big a tarantula left in the wild. That means they werent poached or died from loss of habitat yet.

thats how i see it.

 

[Matt Man]

my personal ethos has always been under hype and over deliver. I will take a customer who is 'pleasantly surprised' over 'feeling let down' any day of the week.
Lots of valid points here and yes, "buyer beware" but I never want to be that seller inspite of the additional duckets

 

[TheraMygale]

my personal ethos has always been under hype and over deliver. I will take a customer who is 'pleasantly surprised' over 'feeling let down' any day of the week.
Lots of valid points here and yes, "buyer beware" but I never want to be that seller inspite of the additional duckets

All the tarantulas i bought, were said to be a size. It was only upon inspection that they were are all much bigger. No issues at that point.

if i want them to be actualy as small as stated, i will go to the store and bring my quarter. I know that now.

but nothing better then paying for 2” inch unsexed, and getting a 3-4 inch female.

 

[Matt Man]

All the tarantulas i bought, were said to be a size. It was only upon inspection that they were are all much bigger. No issues at that point.

if i want them to be actualy as small as stated, i will go to the store and bring my quarter. I know that now.

but nothing better then paying for 2” inch unsexed, and getting a 3-4 inch female.

example of underselling and having a stoked customer. You will go there again. Good on them

 

[TheraMygale]

example of underselling and having a stoked customer. You will go there again. Good on them

I love Her.

And she grew in my care.

If im lucky, one day she will get to accomplish her duty. And i will care for every single sling.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

I love Her.

And she grew in my care.

If im lucky, one day she will get to accomplish her duty. And i will care for every single sling.

View attachment 485729

I had one of those lost her in 2020 kept her for 15 years about from 1/4”. One of my favorites. Rip .. I need another someday but it probably wont happen. I was hyper sensitive to the hairs .

 

[TheraMygale]

I had one of those lost her in 2020 kept her for 15 years about from 1/4”. One of my favorites. Rip .. I need another someday but it probably wont happen. I was hyper sensitive to the hairs .

Adapt enclosure with less holes then.

I still dont know if my allergies is because of my tarantulas. Im on a strict regiment of popping allergy meds and its working.

Im not going to give her. Ever. Shes beat the mold. And shes not spicy anymore. Basicaly, always out. I see her more then every other tarantula i have. We are one her and me.

Together until her end.