|
|
Netiquette of Buying & Selling Birds Over the InternetWhen I first started in birds, a time much longer ago than I care to admit, there were really only three places one could buy birds – from the local pet store, a private person via a newspaper ad or from someone in the local bird club. Back then, everyone belonged to a local bird club because they were really the only people that would put up with your incessant stories about your birds and, of course, you could get more birds! While people can still buy birds at pet shops, through the newspaper or at a local bird club, most people nowadays purchase birds via the Internet – or at least find breeders from whom they can buy birds via the Internet. This creates a whole new world when it comes to buying and selling birds. At least in the old days, a person had to look you in the eye before they took your money and you accepted the bird. The advantages of buying birds today are more competitive prices, greater selection and higher quality birds. The disadvantages are purchasing birds sight unseen and from people you have never met which can result in a greater possibility of not getting what you paid for. However, even when you are dealing with honorable people acting in good faith, a great deal of frustration and anxiety can occur through the age old concept of lack of communication. Even cell phones, e-mail, voice mail and text messaging cannot change human nature when it comes to the simple act of communication when buying birds. I hope the following tips for all parties will result in more effective communication when comes to buying and selling birds online. Tips for Buyers 1. Before sending an email, check to see if the breeder has a website. If so, look and see if their availability, prices, guarantees or shipping requirements are posted. Be especially careful to make sure what you want to buy is what they are selling. It does no good to contact a parrotlet breeder to see if they are selling African greys. 2.
After the e-mail is sent, be patient. Most people that breed birds
have full-time jobs, families and other commitments of time that also includes
many hours a day of caring for their birds. On rare occasions, some breeders
even take vacations. If you don’t receive a reply in a couple of days, try
again but be courteous and polite. 3.
Be sure and ask all the questions you want but again, check the
breeder’s website first to save both of you time. 4.
Ask for and check breeder’s references BEFORE you send your money.
Any reputable breeder will welcome the opportunity to give references so don’t
feel you are being rude for asking, but sure and CHECK them as well. 5.
Make sure that the breeder is clear about all the costs involved and
benefits received. If health certificates, shipping or delivery costs,
accessories such as cages, books or food are to be paid, make sure both you and
the breeder have itemized listings before the transaction takes place. 6.
If a bird is shipped, make sure you have all the information
including airbill number, airline, flight number and place of pickup at your
airport. Also, be sure and call the breeder to let them know the bird arrived
safely. 7.
Finally, make sure all the costs are paid in full.
Tips For Sellers 1. Be patient and courteous especially with people that have never had a bird before or had it shipped. Many people are justifiably nervous when purchasing something sight unseen and it is your responsibility to make them feel comfortable with the transaction. 2.
Try to respond quickly to requests for information. Simply hitting
the “Receipt Received” button does not inspire confidence in the person that
sent it. They want communication from a real person. Not just a “form
letter” e-mail response. 3.
If you do not have a bird available, tell them that. Be honest and
forthright even if you lose a sale. Remember, the Internet can work for you or
against you. If someone thinks you are dishonest or rude, believe me, they will
be posting it everywhere and your reputation will be ruined. Conversely, if you
are honest, patient and helpful, many people will let others know that as well. 4.
All health guarantees and contract information should be in writing.
Be sure and give a receipt. Other information such as instructions, food or
books should also be included as well as an application to IPS. Make sure the
buyer knows how to contact you if they have questions. 5.
Make sure all arrangements are in place and the buyer knows exactly
what to expect when shipping a bird. Be sure and tell them the airbill number,
flight, airline and place of pickup at their local airport. Contact the buyer
AFTER the bird has been delivered to the airport to confirm all information. 6.
Stand behind your bird. While no one can guarantee that everything
will be perfect 100% of the time, do not send people birds that are not healthy,
or not split to the mutation they are looking for, or are too old to breed or
not good quality pets.The only person you will hurt is yourself and the bird may
suffer. Not only can your reputation be ruined but you may be sued as well. While nothing is foolproof,
hopefully these tips will help prevent common miscommunications and
misunderstandings. I do find that the vast majority of people are honest and
caring. Goodness knows we do not breed birds to become rich but do it for the
love of the bird. Buyers truly want a loving companion or a quality addition to
their breeding program so this makes a very nice marriage indeed. But just like
with most marriages, communication is the key to success. I hope these tips,
based on my almost 25 years of breeding and selling parrotlets will help keep
the experience for both buyers and sellers, very pleasant. |
|