A vent about buyers

[vkalvacev]

So I posted my first litter and had a few sketchy/no response buyers, but in the end, I got them sold. Now, I'm selling my new litter of mini rex rabbits (I dont have information on either, but the father may have dwarf because he is smaller but I DONT KNOW) so that they have homes ahead of time once theyre ready. I got a call, which I returned. It was a child in the first place, and then their mother (who I could tell was deaf) and then the little boy said she was (???). I thought, great, someone might want a nice bunny! But no, then the kid is talking back and forth, keeping me on the line with his father (I'm assuming) and they asked if theyre purebreed. I said they are mini rex, but the father may have dwarf. I never once mentioned in my ad that they are purebreed and that I am a breeder. I did say that if they want more information, to please contact me. Then the man proceeded to tell his son that I should remove my ad from craigslist because they are not purebreed (basically telling me to take them down because I'm a liar). He also was offended that I asked for $25 (even if they might have dwarf, they are still quality rabbits) and said I need to make them $10 or even lower. I told him that if he's not interested, that's fine, but I need to be compensated for the money I spend to feed them and so they do not become snake food. I sold my last litter for $20 and only sold 3 of them (the rest given away, including the two that passed away). I just felt very offended and I dont think its right to first of all have your kid copy what you say to me (say it to my face) and if you want info - you got it. You dont like it? Go away. I could tell that I was NOT going to sell to them from the beginning. Sorry, get an $8 rabbit from someone who breeds to make money, not quality. I wasn't at fault was I? I was pretty genuine through the call, even tempted to say - If you want a cheap rabbit, keep looking, or you can also go and pay $40 or $50 for one at the store who you get NO information about!!

 

[Ms. Research]

So I posted my first litter and had a few sketchy/no response buyers, but in the end, I got them sold. Now, I'm selling my new litter of mini rex rabbits (I dont have information on either, but the father may have dwarf because he is smaller but I DONT KNOW) so that they have homes ahead of time once theyre ready. I got a call, which I returned. It was a child in the first place, and then their mother (who I could tell was deaf) and then the little boy said she was (???). I thought, great, someone might want a nice bunny! But no, then the kid is talking back and forth, keeping me on the line with his father (I'm assuming) and they asked if theyre purebreed. I said they are mini rex, but the father may have dwarf. I never once mentioned in my ad that they are purebreed and that I am a breeder. I did say that if they want more information, to please contact me. Then the man proceeded to tell his son that I should remove my ad from craigslist because they are not purebreed (basically telling me to take them down because I'm a liar). He also was offended that I asked for $25 (even if they might have dwarf, they are still quality rabbits) and said I need to make them $10 or even lower. I told him that if he's not interested, that's fine, but I need to be compensated for the money I spend to feed them and so they do not become snake food. I sold my last litter for $20 and only sold 3 of them (the rest given away, including the two that passed away). I just felt very offended and I dont think its right to first of all have your kid copy what you say to me (say it to my face) and if you want info - you got it. You dont like it? Go away. I could tell that I was NOT going to sell to them from the beginning. Sorry, get an $8 rabbit from someone who breeds to make money, not quality. I wasn't at fault was I? I was pretty genuine through the call, even tempted to say - If you want a cheap rabbit, keep looking, or you can also go and pay $40 or $50 for one at the store who you get NO information about!!

This is all my experience as a buyer so I hope this helps. I've never been on the other end YET! I e-mailed the breeder that I was most interested in and requested if any were for sale. She stated as you did the type of rabbits she had. Purebred was never discussed over e-mail. She e-mailed me back with a description of one rabbit (My Big Guy) and told me she was still waiting about the second. I asked if I could visit her set up which so most graciously agreed to. The first thing she stated was she will decided who she sells with. First of all, IMHO, don't talk to a child. Or a parent who needs a child to talk through regarding anything. We had a very long interview about what we wanted and what we expected from this purchase. A sum of what each bun would cost was discussed and agreed upon. And a date of when we could pick them up. I was shown the Little Guy at the time of the visit. Very simple. If they don't like it, they will look somewhere else. And people like this group that you rant about, you are better off and your buns is DEFINITELY better off without them.

Unfortunately this happens in business. ANY business.

 

[vkalvacev]

Yes, I have done all of that. I have been lucky that my other 3 were sold to good homes - if they asked many questions, or I just got a good vibe from them, I was fine with it. There were a few no replies - and one woman who I had given my address to and suddenly she decided to buy from a pet store which scared me - until I found all my guys a home. I ask everyone to describe the living situations, and the more emails back (and faster) the better the home I can already tell. As for a child, I had one call at one point in the last litter (not sure if I sold to them or not) but at least she was sweet and wise enough to give me her mother once I only said they were available. But this experience in particular - ugh, I just got so offended even though I know I shouldnt! I dont - and will not - sell my rabbits to someone who has a problem with any part of the ad. No one forced you to buy it, so look elsewhere for what you want. You're the kind of person I would GLADLY sell to! Hopefully my friend who will be breeding can use me as a reference to sell hers because I clearly state in my ads: I am looking for a permanent home for my rabbits. When I email, I tell them that I want to know the living situations, etc, and if I say its ok, then ok. Not everyone is perfect but some people SURELY dont need to buy my rabbits.

 

[woodleighcreek]

I know how you feel! A few weeks ago, a woman who was babysitting my neighbour's kids came over asking to buy a rabbit. They picked out the rabbit they wanted, signed the forms, paid and left. An hour later, the babysitter came back (intoxicated) with the rabbit and said she talked to the mom of the kids and they said that they couldn't keep it! I took the rabbit back but she did not give me the registration papers. A week later, the 5 year old daughter came over and brought the papers to me. That just shows how irresponsible people can be.

Now, I'm just sticking to selling bunnies at show as most of the people there are know how to take care of rabbits, will pay a good price, and are prepared.

 

[vkalvacev]

Yikes! Just the thought of the rabbit going through that would have killed me. I was lucky enough to sell three of mine to almost perfect homes! Its too bad I dont show, but one thing that I'm good at is screening homes. If I can tell you're incompetent and unable to satisfy what I want for my rabbits/forced sale/lack of communication, then no. I also hate when people call and say "its for my kids" who are under 10 years old and incapable of taking care of them.. I know one of mine went to that kind of home, but it was an experienced buyer who knew what he was doing and that was fine.. first rabbit.. 3 year old.. not so much.

 

[woodleighcreek]

Yikes! Just the thought of the rabbit going through that would have killed me. I was lucky enough to sell three of mine to almost perfect homes! Its too bad I dont show, but one thing that I'm good at is screening homes. If I can tell you're incompetent and unable to satisfy what I want for my rabbits/forced sale/lack of communication, then no. I also hate when people call and say "its for my kids" who are under 10 years old and incapable of taking care of them.. I know one of mine went to that kind of home, but it was an experienced buyer who knew what he was doing and that was fine.. first rabbit.. 3 year old.. not so much.

I agree! People should not be buying rabbits for their kids under 10. In most cases, their kids that age are not going to take care of their rabbits all by their self.

Another thing I hate is when people think they are doing me a favor by buying one of my rabbits. They think that just because I'm in 4H Im not going to be able to sell all my rabbits. Those are the kinds of people who I refuse to sell to. That's why rabbit shows are so much better.

And another thing, you don't have to show in order to sell rabbits at shows!

 

[Ms. Research]

Yikes! Just the thought of the rabbit going through that would have killed me. I was lucky enough to sell three of mine to almost perfect homes! Its too bad I dont show, but one thing that I'm good at is screening homes. If I can tell you're incompetent and unable to satisfy what I want for my rabbits/forced sale/lack of communication, then no. I also hate when people call and say "its for my kids" who are under 10 years old and incapable of taking care of them.. I know one of mine went to that kind of home, but it was an experienced buyer who knew what he was doing and that was fine.. first rabbit.. 3 year old.. not so much.

I agree! People should not be buying rabbits for their kids under 10. In most cases, their kids that age are not going to take care of their rabbits all by their self.

Another thing I hate is when people think they are doing me a favor by buying one of my rabbits. They think that just because I'm in 4H Im not going to be able to sell all my rabbits. Those are the kinds of people who I refuse to sell to. That's why rabbit shows are so much better.

And another thing, you don't have to show in order to sell rabbits at shows!

Thanks for the rant both of you. It gives me ideas of who I would sell my buns to in the future. I agree with both about younger children. Though the mother might be capable in raising a bunny, younger children will stress out a bunny. Mother might take good care of it, but she doesn't see EVERYTHING. She might not see what the kiddies are doing intentionally or non-intentionally to this bun.

Also thanks about the clarification on selling rabbits at shows.

 

[vkalvacev]

woodleighcreek - If their purpose is "oh my kids will love it" or "my daughter really wants one for her birthday" I know where it wont end up and that is in a GOOD home. If someone wants it, THEY want it and if they have kids, then their kids can enjoy THEIR pet. I sold one that way and I was happy because I knew his kids would ACTUALLY love it and the rabbit would be in great hands too. And the rabbits shows - thats true but what are the chances I can sell mine if theyre not top quality and have little to no information about themselves?

ms. research - in some cases thats true, sometimes not. Some parents get it because their kids will love it when in reality, when the kids get tired of it, or outgrow it (im sorry but what the heck kind of excuse is that!!?) the rabbit gets thrown out. Quite simple. Although not necessarily always the case, I have a 3 year old sister and she's fine with them (recently getting a little TOO hyped about them though) but she's gentle and helps catch them and whatnot. Other kids really do stress them out though, espcially when they only have dogs/cats/etc. When it comes to selling, I think its all about vibe and especially how people write to you/what they write to you. One woman (quite sketchy) wanted one and almost basically forced me to sell it to her for her kids (both under 10) but in the end, didnt get it which I was quite glad for. He got a MUCH better home which as actually prepared with a cage and everything (unlike her).

 

[woodleighcreek]

You have a pretty good chance! Just make sure it has a good temperament. You'll be amazed what you can get if your rabbit has a good temperament. I sold a rabbit to another 4-Her that had a DQ (blue eyes) and without a his pedigree for $30. He was the sweetest bunny ever and great for showmanship.

 

[terri9630]

I had an electrician out last week and he looked at my rabbits and ask if I sell them. I told him I do but I don't have any right now and when I do they are $20 and 4-Hers get first pick. A few minutes later he said " I'll give you $5 for the 2 big ones on the end." He wanted my best doe and buck! Don't think so. Idiot!

Oh, around here you sometimes have to talk to the kids because the parents don't speak english.