Concern!! The responsibility as a breeder to answere e-mails recieved

[starz67]

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]


I breed Shih-tzu's. I also am the of mother of two Yorkie's puppies also. I have friends and family members asking "You can sell me a puppy real cheap can't you?"

How do you respond?

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by starz67

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]


I breed Shih-tzu's. I also am the of mother of two Yorkie's puppies also. I have friends and family members asking "You can sell me a puppy real cheap can't you?"

How do you respond?

You have to say "No, I'm sorry because they are not cheap to breed. This is a hobby and I don't make money but i cannot afford to lose money either."

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by txshopper73

Now, I've always responded to the e-mails (even the scammers) and always answered or returned phone calls (local or long distance). But to try to tell someone what their job is is pretty tacky...IMO!

I think that since it is a "serious hobby" that most people look at as though it is your job to provide good customer service since the people seeking you out are "paying money" for the puppy. I think that makes it a "business" and people expect to be treated with respect in the business world as they do in everyday society.

I don't think she is being "tacky" when she says this.

As for not answering ALL emails or returning ALL phone calls...I do not think that is required, but if they are polite and professional, then I do feel they deserve to be treated with the respect of a response since they took the time to contact you. Heck, I get over thirty unsolicited emails a day and I just delete them but I have to go through them to make sure they are spam and it is time consuming but it is the correct thing to do.IMO

[StewiesMom]

I think some people who are on budgets ask price in the first e-mail because they don't want to waste their own time or the breeder's time "getting to know" each other. I would like to know how much someone is charging for - let's say a female yorkie - because I am a student who cannot afford to spend 3k on a dog. I don't want to waste a bunch of time talking about other things when the big price elephant is in the room.
I may be naive, but I don't think that after getting to know each other, a breeder asks "so how much will you be willing to pay for one of my dogs?". They have a price in mind and IMO they should share it ASAP.

[chachi]

Originally Posted by StewiesMom

I think some people who are on budgets ask price in the first e-mail because they don't want to waste their own time or the breeder's time "getting to know" each other. I would like to know how much someone is charging for - let's say a female yorkie - because I am a student who cannot afford to spend 3k on a dog. I don't want to waste a bunch of time talking about other things when the big price elephant is in the room.
I may be naive, but I don't think that after getting to know each other, a breeder asks "so how much will you be willing to pay for one of my dogs?". They have a price in mind and IMO they should share it ASAP.

Yes thats why I think people ask about price so soon also.

[starz67]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

You have to say "No, I'm sorry because they are not cheap to breed. This is a hobby and I don't make money but i cannot afford to lose money either."

I know I have tried that approach. I am very reasonable with what I charge and the vet care my dogs get. I do not charge thousands for my liver and chocolate shih-tzu's like some do. People also don't understand the time, costs in vet care, etc. either. The Shihtzu's and Yorkies are my babies and part of my family. I make sure they all stay healthy.

[wnalegria]

Originally Posted by yorkiegal719

Well I have a story. A friend of mine had just bought a puppy from a high thought of breeder. Not a yorkie. Anyway, before she bought the puppy the breeder wanted breeding rights, right to show, and contract that he wouldn't be neutered before 2 years because he was a show prospect. That was 2 months ago. Now she has been trying to get the contract and Akc papers from this breeder, everytime she writes, the only reply she gets is an excuse and "it will be in the mail tomorrow" she still hasn't gotten anything! Now, I think as a breeder you should show responsibility toward your clients. I understand that you can't reply to every crank mail or phone call, but if someone does sound sincere, have a written reply ready, and all you have to do is copy and paste and send. It takes 10 seconds and let's everyone know where they stand...

I have been there and done that. Never ever will I place my clients in that position. It is so unfair. I do not do many co-ownerships I have several some by my and the other parties choice some by force. When I place a puppy it is yours lock stock and barrell. I am available to answer your questions- but will not try and run your life.

I purchased a dog from a well known breeder. This breeder has tried to tell me what pages I can display this dog on in my own Website. I got stuck with a co-ownership even though my written contract stated sold to me. This one more then likely will end up in court and a judge will make the decision. Not afraid - will take it as it is. Remember the AKC does not become involved in contract issues.

No matter how wise you think you are and seasoned you can still trip and fall in the mud face first. Really gives you a wake up call and reinforces my thoughts on how my clients deserve to be treated and will be treated.

[YorkieRini]

Originally Posted by starz67

[COLOR=DarkSlateBlue]


I breed Shih-tzu's. I also am the of mother of two Yorkie's puppies also. I have friends and family members asking "You can sell me a puppy real cheap can't you?"

How do you respond?

"Sorry. I don't have what you are looking for."

Is how I respond. Now I do have to ad AOL has a habit of 'eating' emails. There are so many emails I do not get. I have on my website, if I dont' get back with you in 2 days, email me again.

[wnalegria]

Originally Posted by crystalsmom

I wonder how many times a person calls a breeder, the beeder emails back or calls
back many times and answers all the questions and gets the feeling this may be a good fit for
the pup she has.....then the person goes out and purchases a pup somewhere else
and never lets the breeder know. Bet that happens a bunch too.

Not only this- but the person who is bored and just wants to shop. They have no intention of buying a puppy just window shopping. I have seen this stated on YT many times that they were just contacting breeders window shopping.

If you just want to talk- tell me- glad to talk with you. Don't pretend that you are wanting to purchase a puppy to get information from me. If you want help with a puppy that you own- be true and state that. If you want to learn about the breed say so.

For every 10 responses that I return -80% of them will have the following results- I will not get a response from you, or You will ask for a reduction in the clearly stated price.-Oh I don't want to wait 12 weeks for a puppy. Can you send me the puupy and can I pay for it after I get it. The other one is you are going to send a deposit and never comes- you set a appointment
and don't show or call. Then will call me again and wonder why I have nothing for you.

I do not live off of my dogs. I have a family and many other obligations. I am not a 24 hour superstore that does nothing but deal in Yorkies. ( I had calls on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning from folks who wanted to stop buy and look and see if I had a puppy) Money from my dogs is used for the dogs- upkeep, showing, medical, food and so forth. It is not cheap. I do it because I enjoy it. If there is not enough money a dog will not be shown- because I have to have enough on hand to cover any unforseen medical or enexpected costs.

[yorkiegal719]

Wow, after reading all this replies my thought is if many of you don't want to be bothered by e-mails and calls, why do you advertise or have websites? I'm not picking on the replies I just don't understand, if you have someone that is really interested in purchasing what do they have to do, to have
you reply or get your attention? Also I don't think that asking prices is so outrageous, unless it's the first thing asked. This way you know where you stand as a breeder and customer, there's so much difference in prices out there that if your looking to pay $900 but the breeder is selling for $2900 your both wasting your time. In other professions and businesses, I have left messages for srvices, and then went someplace else beacuse they never replied. Then a week or so later they call me back, I just tell them that if they're not considerate enough to return my call in a timely manner than I dont' want someone like that handling my business...

[Brutus'mama]

I think if someone wrote me an email asking "how much" and that was it I'd hit the delete button pretty fast. On the other hand if they seemed genuine asking questions and of course asking how much I would be more inclined to answer the emails.

I can't imagine contacting a breeder like that. I didn't even do it in emails I thought it would be more personal to actually talk to them so we could feel each other out.

[wnalegria]

Originally Posted by yorkiegal719

Wow, after reading all this replies my thought is if many of you don't want to be bothered by e-mails and calls, why do you advertise or have websites? I'm not picking on the replies I just don't understand, if you have someone that is really interested in purchasing what do they have to do, to have
you reply or get your attention? Also I don't think that asking prices is so outrageous, unless it's the first thing asked. This way you know where you stand as a breeder and customer, there's so much difference in prices out there that if your looking to pay $900 but the breeder is selling for $2900 your both wasting your time. In other professions and businesses, I have left messages for srvices, and then went someplace else beacuse they never replied. Then a week or so later they call me back, I just tell them that if they're not considerate enough to return my call in a timely manner than I dont' want someone like that handling my business...

Many of us have web sites. We will list a picture of a puppy and the price and the terms- limited or unlimited registration and what registry. When we get the e-mail/phone call the price is asked for that puppy with the comments- what will you really take for him/her and I want breeding rights. If a customer knows that a puppy is priced at $2,900.00 why do you contact the breeder and try to barter. ? Very few customers make polite contact -such as "hello my name is Kathy. I live in the midwest I am looking for a show puppy. No introduction just how much and give me.

It may take a breeder a week to get back with you. If Peggy ( handler) is out showing my dogs and I have gone with her- my email will stack up and will have to wait until I get home. When I get home my priority is the family that I have left behind two and four legged- getting everything settled and back to order.

If I have a mom who has had a difficult labor and delivery- you may have to wait a couple days to hear from me. They are my priority not my e-mails/calls. When I do contact you I will state what I was doing.

If I am down due to the medical treatments I take - you may have to wait.

During the highschool football season- don't expect to hear from me on a Friday. My day is busy getting dogs ready for Peggy to take out to show and making sure that I have fullfilled any obligations for the football team that need to be done before game time.

What is the set time that qualifies as a timely manner in which to return a reply?

Some folks have unrealistic expectations of the breeders. Both sides need to treat each other with respect- Buyer and breeder. If you want a breeder who is available 24/7 -who has dogs avaialble all the time you are more then likely talking top a puppymill. They depend on that sale to pay the rent.

Don't forget that for many of us this is a HOBBY. We work outside the home
in a effort to support our family and breed and show our Yorkies on the side.

[DevineMissM]

Originally Posted by yorkiegal719

Wow, after reading all this replies my thought is if many of you don't want to be bothered by e-mails and calls, why do you advertise or have websites? I'm not picking on the replies I just don't understand, if you have someone that is really interested in purchasing what do they have to do, to have you reply or get your attention?

Well in defense of myself. I do NOT have a website. And I am listed as a breeder on the internet in exactly two places BECAUSE I was asked to put my name there for educational purposes. I do get lots and lots of opportunities to educate a buyer resulting from just those two listings. My favorite phrase is "I don't care if you purchase a dog from me or not. What is important is you learn how to reconize a good caring breeder". Then we begin to discuss the woes and problems of not knowing HOW to shop for that next puppy. I get to educate them on owning Yorkies, on health issues, potty issues etc etc etc. These calls, some of which follow the initial emails are rewarding to me because I may have saved someone from heartache. Many many times I do get a call back from one of these type inquirys asking if they can WAIT for a puppy from me! Now that gives a breeder a GOOD feeling. It means all the talking was worth it. Not that I care one wit whether I sell a puppy or not. But I do care that one more person gets a puppy that I can guarantee is healthy!! Because if he/she is not healthy I am damn well going to do everything within my power to make it right.
Again....I personnally do not answer the one liners or the two words...."how much?" I think the door swings both ways. Emails and phone calls which a breeder receives should also be polite and courteous as that is the very beginning or NOT the beginning of a potentially long relationship!

So in answer to the question asked above. What do you have to do to get my attention? Be polite, be courteous, be honest, be forth comming on who you are and tell me a little about yourself that is all. In other words it's up to the buyer to get my attention! I'm like others here have said. I am not a pet store. And breeding dogs is not my liveihood. When you do feel sales pressure from a breeder be very concerned as you "may" be dealing with a puppy factory. And no not all puppies whelped here are for sale not by a long shot! I have learned to not even mention I have puppies until I have made MY PICK! That usually means I only have older pups to place. They are usually 4 to 6 months of age. And sometimes maybe 9 months or so.

Oh and as a side note: IMHO...The Yorkshire Terrier breed is being wrecked by to many people attempting to cash in on the "current popular breed". Yorkies have now moved into the top 10 most registered breeds at AKC. It saddens me to think our beloved breed is in real trouble but I have learned all I can do is reach out to those within my small world OR to those who may enter my small world.

[YorkieRini]

<Oh and as a side note: IMHO...The Yorkshire Terrier breed is being wrecked by to many people attempting to cash in on the "current popular breed". Yorkies have now moved into the top 10 most registered breeds at AKC. It saddens me to think our beloved breed is in real trouble but I have learned all I can do is reach out to those within my small world OR to those who may enter my small world.>

I couldn't agree more!!!

[centralnewyorki]

Originally Posted by wnalegria

( I had calls on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning from folks who wanted to stop buy and look and see if I had a puppy)

Wow- that is a lot of nerve!