making money?

[dwyn127]

I'm lucky enough to have RodentPro at a monthly show, so I'm able to shop conservatively knowing I could go back next month depending on how many hatchlings I had left, plus there's no shipping costs.

I had 1 clutch of 22 eggs; normals, amels, anerys and snows. My intent was to get rid of them asap.

Here's what worked for me. When the female layed eggs, I either called or visited local pet shops to let them know. When they hatched I took pictures and visited them again. Owners said they were interested and would call me. I wasn't getting any call backs so I went back with one of each morph with the feed/shed records sticky labeled to the top of the deli cup and NEVER left a store without selling at least two at $15.00 a piece. On one pet shop visit a customer over heard my price and got one from me instead. The next day she brought me another customer. As of today I have 2 left (plus 3 non feeders). I realize this may not work for some of the more expensive morphs, but I highly recommend this for the 'pet shop' corns.

So I figure at 3 feedings each at 0.20 per pinky that's about 14.00. I've sold 17 at $15.00 each; that's $255.00. That's a difference of $241.00.
I bought the breeders as adults for $100.00 and $75.00, fed them for a year at a cost of about $40.00. That leaves me $26.00; looks like dinner and a movie for me and the little lady.:grin01:

Actually, I'll probably spend all the money to buy another future breeder.

 

[ghosthousecorns]

LOL if we all knew when to stop maybe we'd make money.
I just sent payment for a female Durango Mtn. King, I had been looking for one for my male and I found an adult for sale, couldn't pass her up. I figured another opportunity like that would be rare. Same reasoning when I bought surplus adults from Rich.
Maybe I just need to sit on my hands when I look at reptile for sale sites so I can't click on those little 'buy it now' icons. I could move the mouse with my teeth or something

 

[kocorns]

I definetely think you have to know when to say "No", it's hard when you are addicted and love corns. I purchased many morphs over the last few years, most of them as hatchlings, that I have raised for breeders. This is only my fourth year hatching out corns, the first year=1 clutch, second year=two, last year I had around 100 hatchlings and this year around 200 hatchlings and over a dozen morphs. I am lucky in the fact that I am a teacher and get the summers off, which is perfect for a hobby like this. I am not out to make money, but I do have goals and high expectations. If I don't break even this year, I will for sure next, and then if I am smart about buying and selling I think I will come out ahead every year after. It's not cheap to get started, but once you invested in racks, breeders, etc., the costs then are limited. I also live in SD, and we only have one pet store in town that sells corns. She is a great client of mine and I get between 25-35 for my hatchlings. I have a couple other pet stores that buy from me for at least $20ea., and they all know they are getting good, healthy eaters. I try to advertise locally as much as possible. It gets frustrating at times when you still have over 100 hatchlings left and just had to spend almost $800 on frozen food!! But if you are hard working and patient I think you can have a hobby that you really enjoy and make enough extra to treat yourself for all of your hard work.