Buying from young people

[SSamm]

i would, as long as they know what they are doing

[essexchondro]

the kind of reptiles I'm interested in tend not to be owned by the younger keepers so it doesn't really affect me

[WeThePeople]

Id buy from a youngster, they gotta buy there winnie mandella and bumble bees somehow

[pankthesnake]

I wouldn't refuse to buy from a teenager just because he/she was a teenager.

If it's something I want, as long as its in good health and has been looked after, then i would buy from anyone.

BTW, I'm 42 and it'd be like buying from one of my kids lol

[becka]

i bought a leo from benjrobinson not long ago, talking to him through pm he was very polite and well spoken, i was expecting a middle aged man when i arrived at his house but he wasnt old the point is all his animals were in fantastic condition, and he knows what hes talking about

[Athravan]

If I knew a person was under 18 before I instigated the sale, I would neither sell to, nor buy from them. Just a personal preference. I would however be happy to arrange with them if one of their parents was going to be present or involved in the buying/selling.

If I didn't know someones age and I had already agreed to a sale I would probably not pull out if I found out they were under 18 but it depends how young.... again if parents are aware / involved then it is not really an issue.

Legally I am not sure where you stand with buying from a minor, it's hard to threaten to take a minor to the small claims court if the goods never arrive, or demand refunds if they spent it all on something.. parents might get angry if they don't know what's going on.. those would be my main issues, I think that teens have just as much capability to look after their animals as healthily as adults do, but I would worry about the legal possibilities (I'm a business.. I always think that way!)

I once gave a teenager some advice on MSN and I was quite "honest" with them (their husbandry was incorrect, and they were damaging the reptiles health, but I spoke to them the same way I would an adult, honest but not necessarily what he wanted to hear) and I had their father in the shop the next day saying I shouldn't speak to children like that and if I had an issue with how they look after their animals I should be speaking to him, not hassling a child as I'd upset him - even though it was the kid that MSNed me and I answered the same as I'd speak to anyone. Now I have to wonder when people ask me a question on MSN - am I allowed to be speaking to you?

[E.Crassus]

im 18 and had 48 snakes about 18 months ago, im now down to 8.
So 40 people have been happy
lol
I know some very knowledgable people younger and the same age as me,one of whom I will probably buy off in the future.
I dont like buying from old people though, they feed their snakes snuff lol :P jokes

[VdubS]

Originally Posted by E.Crassus

im 18 and had 48 snakes about 18 months ago, im now down to 8.
So 40 people have been happy
lol
I know some very knowledgable people younger and the same age as me,one of whom I will probably buy off in the future.
I dont like buying from old people though, they feed their snakes snuff lol :P jokes

yeah them ole fogies!!

I wouldnt mind buying form someone younger than 18 aslong as mentioned above their parents were aware of the sale. I also wouldnt mind selling to someone under 18 aslong as i knew they were capable of looking after the animal and were responsible enough.. id never sell to a minor just to make a few quid if they were capable or not id rather just loose out on the few quid!!

Good thread!

Im 18 by the way so i only just fit into the 'adults category'(sp)!

[grannykins]

I have bought from and sold to under 18's, but with parents present. Wouldnt do either without parents knowledge and consent.

[Moshpitviper]

I would not refuse selling or rehoming to someone under 18 providing they had their parents consent. My only concern with younger herp keepers is that they buy, sell and swap animals as if they were pokemon cards.. no longevity.... darn whippersnappers.