Reptile expos can be one of the most exciting times for hobbyists. Whether you’re looking to add to your collection or simply look at the amazing variety of animals and décor, expos provide an opportunity to meet others with similar interests, stock up on supplies, and more.
To get the most out of an expo, it’s helpful to know how to prepare ahead of time. Whether this is your first experience or you’re heading to a new expo instead of your usual stomping ground, be sure to brush up on some tips and tricks to make your experience the best it can be.
Get There Early
Most people assume that because a reptile expo posts its open hours, they can show up right on time, head inside, and commence their day. In reality, it usually doesn’t work that way. If you want to get in quickly—especially if you’re competing for rare or in-demand items—be sure to arrive at the expo well ahead of time. Depending on the size and popularity of the expo, anywhere from half an hour to two hours early could be smart. There will likely be a line of people waiting for the doors to open. In the case of especially large expos, check to see if VIP tickets are available for those looking to get in as early as possible.
If you’re less picky or just looking around, feel free to arrive at any time. The later in the day you go, the more discounts you might find (but some items or animals will already be sold out, too).
Bring Cash (and Set a Budget)
Cash is king at reptile expos; not every vendor is going to have the capacity to accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring cash, ideally in a range of bill types so you can make exact change when possible.
At the same time, be aware that if you have the cash, you’ll probably spend it. Set a budget, withdraw that much cash, and then leave your cards at home if you want to hold yourself accountable. It’s easy to walk out with much more than you planned for otherwise!
Make a Plan, Then Loop Twice
Some expos will post their floor plan online ahead of the event. Take a look at this map to get an idea of where things are located before you arrive. Once you have (or if you can’t because there is no map), enter the expo and begin your loop.
The first loop is meant to familiarize yourself with the contents of the expo. Then, take a second loop where you can actually make your purchases, having compared the offerings of all the vendors. This prevents you from buying something that you find a better or more affordable version of later.
Ask Questions (But Don’t Hog the Table)
Most vendors at reptile expos are happy to answer questions from interested visitors, so don’t be afraid to get their attention to learn more about their animals or products. However, be situationally aware. If there is a line of people waiting to purchase from them, save your questions for when the space dies down—unless, of course, you yourself are in the process of making a purchase.
If you don’t plan on buying an animal or product, it’s fine to make small talk or ask curiosity questions, but keep it short. It is considered poor etiquette to occupy a vendor’s time with questions about an animal you have no intention to purchase.
Follow the Flow
Even small reptile expos can be busy places, and when it comes to larger ones like NARBC Tinley, the crowd can become intense quickly. Avoid causing trouble for yourself and others by following the flow of foot traffic. If you want to go backwards to a table, try to make a loop alongside the movement of the crowd rather than walking backward opposite the flow. You wouldn’t drive the wrong way down a road, so don’t walk the wrong way when there are hundreds of people flowing through.
Curb Impulse Buys
Reptile expos are awesome—which makes it very hard to stop yourself from impulse buying anything that catches your eye. While stocking up on interesting cork rounds, hides, and décor can be a fun (if costly) slip-up, avoid impulse purchasing animals. Making decisions like this without forethought can place undue stress on the animal as it waits for you to buy, set up, and regulate an enclosure you didn’t have ready.
If you’re interested in a particular animal and don’t want to leave the expo without it, try smarter options like asking the vendor if you can place a deposit. This allows you to claim the animal without the pressure of bringing it home that day. Alternatively, take the vendor’s business card and reach out to them later, when you are more prepared.
Don’t Trust Blindly
You can find just about anything at a reptile expo, but remember—just because a vendor has a table doesn’t mean they are reputable. Most expos will remove problematic sellers, but this takes time (and people willing to call out the vendor’s behavior or husbandry). Always do your research on anyone you are considering working with; it is not poor etiquette to take their business card and then look them up online (e.g., MorphMarket, FaunaClassifieds, Facebook’s Feedback & Inquiries group).
Ask targeted questions if you’re a serious buyer; a reputable seller will have no problem answering. Are the animals wild-caught or captive-bred? Are they eating frozen-thawed, prekilled, or live? Have they had health problems in the past? How long has the vendor had that animal?
Bring the Right Storage Supplies
The expo experience doesn’t end once you exit the building, bags in hand. You’ll need to transport your hard-won goods back home, and coming prepared for this step can make a big difference!
If you plan to purchase frozen feeders, prepare a cooler with ice packs ahead of time so you have a place to store your feeders during the drive. Clear space in your trunk for supplies, or bring carboard boxes to hold more sensitive items such as insects or live prey.
Customers looking to purchase an animal from the expo should have a transport carrier prepared. If the animal is sold in a secure bin such as a deli cup, bring a baggie or other means of securing it so it is not sitting freely on the passenger seat, where it might slide around or fly to the floor if you hit your brakes.
Being Prepared Makes Expos More Fun
Going to an expo can be a lot of fun, but if you don’t prepare, you might find the experience more stressful than you hoped. Keep these tips in mind before you head out to your next expo, and enjoy the event, whether you’re coming home with a new cold-blooded companion or not!