So does anyone else get tired

[Stubbornhillfarm]

Oh, no, they want point-of-lay birds at chick prices, THAT is why I don't sell started pullets. Or they want a breed I don't have. Or they want you to guarantee they'll lay golden eggs. Or something...

If I'm cleanin' up chick poop, SOMEONE is by-golly gonna make it worth my while.

On the goat reservations, someone *always* wants to reserve a goat out of this or that particular doe....the only way to keep it fair is 'first one to put money down gets choice.'

Plus, 5 mos. later when the kid's been born, I don't get changed minds b/c they don't wanna lose their deposits. Before I started taking depos, I'd 'reserve' kids for people, then call them and hear, "Oh, I bought one elsewhere." or whatever.

This thread jinxed me...I had a customer due today for silver fox rabbits....she just called and said I'm further away than she thought and would it be ok if she sent her son down Thursday for them.

I haven't moved...why she thought I was closer is beyond me.

I get ya! I had some week old turkey chicks that I was taking orders for. When it came to be about a month before they were going to be ready for the new owners, I followed up. One of them said, "oh, I didn't realize where you were. You are about 5 hours away from me." Now that is just plain ol' silly...Who commits to something without first seeing how far they would have to drive? Apparently a lot of them! One other person just never responded. The third bought more than he had originally thought and it all worked out.

And of course!...if people want pullets, they have to pay for them. I think that as long as people are un-educated as to how much time, work and money goes into raising animals, there will always be those who expect to get animals cheaper than they should. Hopefully, you and I and everyone esle that raises animals and crops can help educate the rest and we will all win in the end.

I hope things get better for you in the sales department and that you are able to find a balance between those "real" customers and those who are not.

ps maybe with this silver fox lady you try rettailgals standards and tell her, yes, I would be happy to keep them until Thursday. After that I am afraid that they will have to go back on the market or a fee will have to charged for the extra feed and upkeep. Who knows...maybe that will motivate her.

 

[that's*satyrical]

LOL ah well, at least I'm not alone!!! As far as deposits on goaties I want mine within 3 days of the birth. This way we don't run into that same problem. I give 3 days because I hate to deal with paypal & I prefer they send me a check so that leaves a few days for it to get to me and for me to cash it. I take reservations ahead of time & I just keep a list in order. Then the first person on the list lets me know if they're still interested when they see pictures of what was born. If they are, then they send the check. If not, I go to person number 2 on the list & see if they are still interested & sending me a check. And of course cash only at pick up!!! Of course I haven't been doing this too long so we'll see how it works..... So far it works fine As for the rabbits, that's where my problem lies. They are not as expensive as goats & we don't do the deposit thing. But I still get frustrated dealing with people sometimes. They need to know what the heck they want before they bother me. And if they're going to expect me to play email tag with them for 9800 emails they better be buying SOMETHING. LOL