A little honesty (be for real) about newspaper adverts (Pat, Mary please come in)

[Susan123]

also anyone that would venture a guess is welcome, but this is not a debate thread. I just want to know what this is about, for real (of course we get nothing less from Pat and Mary).

I've read in the Yorkies for Sale section someone stated that they though that most good breeders wouldn't sell dogs in the newspaper or such. I've seen other posts over the last couple of years eluding to the fact that you shouldn't have to advertise at all. One poster had posted outright asking about it a year ago and others that were around at the time (that are not hanging in this forum nowadays) stayed away from it like the plague. But I'm sure you ladies will hit the nail on the head and resolve any questions in our minds.

It probably means that word of mouth brings in clients. But is there a sterotype involved or a looking down upon?

Of course, the first year or so we don't have much of a client base yet to spread the word, how long does it take for that? We develop good relationships with the owners and are own hand if needed. Mine are all scattered in Florida and the US, but I advertise. Advertising on YT is also advertising. Thank you, for clearing this up in my mind ladies.

Susan

[Ladyhawk]

With so many people breeding yorkies right now the market is flooded. For those of us that are newer to this endeavor, I don't think we have a choice but to advertise. There iare 9 ads for yorkie pups in my local paper this morning. I won't sell a full registered pup that way but I do think that it's a great way to get them on the phone. Once they are calling I can interview prospective buyers as well as educate them. I'm not trying to make money, I'm trying to make a name. In the meanwhile I have to find good homes for my pet quality pups.

[Sugar's Mom]

Everything Tami said is true. I have one that I am fixing to advertise in the paper next weekend. The market is flooded and the problem here in kentucky is that there are so many 400-500. dogs advertised. of course, if I put one in at say, 900., they are going to buy the 400. one people here just don't know and really don't care about health warranties and etc as long as the dog is cheap. Even most breeders here are dumb. A lady had some in the paper the other day advertised as "rare color'. She said they are light, silvery blue and gold. i called just to antagonize her. I asked what the bloodline is, she didn't have a clue and had no pedigree to look at. Then, i said, well, I was just wondering if they are Judabob because that is what I have and that color is very common and I have about six that color and they are not rare at all. Thanks". Then this past weekend someone advertised a Very tiny teacup" for 2,700. i didn't call about that one but oh, I wanted to. Sorry, I got off topic a little.

[tammy8833]

Hey Tami

i have a serious question and i mean no disrespect at all when asking. and i understand the passion on breeding for the standard and perfecting the breed. but how can a breeder say they arent in it for the money when they charge 1000 + for puppies, and they limit the registration? there is deffinately a profit made. 5 puppies = 5000.00. ( i dont know what you charge, im just curious) i dont think there is anything wrong with someone saying i love the breed, i love too breed and perfect the breed and make some money while im doing it.

Thanks

[Jan L.]

Originally Posted by Ladyhawk

With so many people breeding yorkies right now the market is flooded. For those of us that are newer to this endeavor, I don't think we have a choice but to advertise. There iare 9 ads for yorkie pups in my local paper this morning. I won't sell a full registered pup that way but I do think that it's a great way to get them on the phone. Once they are calling I can interview prospective buyers as well as educate them. I'm not trying to make money, I'm trying to make a name. In the meanwhile I have to find good homes for my pet quality pups.

I agree. What about those that advertise in the magazines? (Dog World, Dog Fancy etc)I would rather place my pets in a home near by so I can see them at times. I also do free grooming for my local owners.

[Jan L.]

As far as making any money, I wish I did. After all the vet bills there is not much left over. All my pets are sold already spayed/neutered, any retained baby teeth are pulled, all shots are done by my vet. I probably bought my vet a new car in the last year LOL
There is also the shows to pay for.
No money......but I LOVE it.

[tammy8833]

Hey jan
its sounds like you put a lot of money in your babies, all the vaccines and the spay/neuture, so it also sounds like you have them for a longer time.so yes i agree there wouldnt be much of a profit there and of course your showing. i havent learned much about the showing aspect yet and the cost...

thanks

[Jan L.]

I've only been showing a year this month. I love it.
I do keep my babies longer than most. If I let them go before spay/neuter I have contract stating no papers till done. I also do a lot of follow up. I have been blessed with the fact that all my babies have gone to wonderful, happy,loving homes. I have made many friends with the owners.

[tammy8833]

thats good, i think that its neccessary to keep in touch. when i sold little girls pups i got to keep in touch with 2 out of 3. its nice to see pics. one of them i wished i hadnt sold she was soooo cute!! they werent pure they were yorkie poms, but this one puppies looked like a tiny doll faced yorkie but her colors were sable where the black normally is and the usual brown on the face and paws. she will not be bigger than 3lbs. im not crazy about the tiny ones but she was just too cute.

i love puppies

[topknot]

I do not advertise in the papers either. I have in the past when we had moved, but had calls all day and into the night. I got some really weird people calling too. Some people were were nice, but I just do not have time to weed out the calls. But then again - I do not have litters that often. I do show and have that expense besides vet care. I do have strict spay/neuter contracts for pets or will have them spay/neuter before sold if for pet and older. My vet will not spay and neuter young pups - has to do with bone development.
I do get emails for pups. I really hate though the ones that email me and just ask - "Do you have any pups and how much?" I try to not answer these. Sometimes if in the mood I will let them know this is not the way to ask. You need to tell me about yourself first. I do have a waiting list at times, but I only go through the list and weed them out when I have a litter. Yes, I do interview and check references. You have these days.
T.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by Susan123

also anyone that would venture a guess is welcome, but this is not a debate thread. I just want to know what this is about, for real (of course we get nothing less from Pat and Mary).

I've read in the Yorkies for Sale section someone stated that they though that most good breeders wouldn't sell dogs in the newspaper or such. I've seen other posts over the last couple of years eluding to the fact that you shouldn't have to advertise at all. One poster had posted outright asking about it a year ago and others that were around at the time (that are not hanging in this forum nowadays) stayed away from it like the plague. But I'm sure you ladies will hit the nail on the head and resolve any questions in our minds.

It probably means that word of mouth brings in clients. But is there a sterotype involved or a looking down upon?

Of course, the first year or so we don't have much of a client base yet to spread the word, how long does it take for that? We develop good relationships with the owners and are own hand if needed. Mine are all scattered in Florida and the US, but I advertise. Advertising on YT is also advertising. Thank you, for clearing this up in my mind ladies.

Susan

Susan,

Everyone has their own way of doing things. I can only speak for myself and other show breeders that I know on a personal basis. I don't advertise, I don't have a website and my puppies that I don't keep have a home before I plan the breeding and I have a waiting list. New families are either by referral or repeat buyers.

I have my opinion on how this has transpired and it's only my opinion. I don't breed to sell puppies, I breed for myself. I didn't begin breeding until I obtained a wonderful mentor, learned everything I could about showing, breeding, whelping and Championed a few dogs from a great line; became a member of a regional specialty club, all breed club and YTCA. Getting your face and dogs out there, letting judges know that you will consistantly bring them a good dog. Letting people get to know you and know that you are serious about the breed always helps. For me there was no short cut.

I know that showing isn't for everyone, but since this is the way I did it and it worked for me, I don't know of any alternative way of doing it.

[Ladyhawk]

Originally Posted by tammy8833

Hey Tami

i have a serious question and i mean no disrespect at all when asking. and i understand the passion on breeding for the standard and perfecting the breed. but how can a breeder say they arent in it for the money when they charge 1000 + for puppies, and they limit the registration? there is deffinately a profit made. 5 puppies = 5000.00. ( i dont know what you charge, im just curious) i dont think there is anything wrong with someone saying i love the breed, i love too breed and perfect the breed and make some money while im doing it.

Thanks

No offense taken Tammy. If it was just for the money I'd probably get to keep some of the money but it kinda runs through my hands. Vet bills add up, this litter we're over $1000. so far, the show in Roanoke will set me back at least $550., advertising has set me back $120., quality food is $50. every time I purchase. Then there's the time, I get up around 5:00 to clean puppy pens, feed and spend time socializing before work. You come home and you clean, feed and take them all out for a run. Everyone who comes to look at a pup stays an hour or two. You don't go out to dinner cause you don't want to leave them alone for too long. If I keep going I could talk myself out of this little hobby of mine!! I said that I breed for a name because that is what I'm trying to establish, a line and a reputable name. I'm in this for the long hall and hope to have an established line with some great champions in it by the time I retire in 20 years or so. It's not a fast buck for me but a passion and something I hope to pass on someday.

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by tammy8833

Hey Tami

i have a serious question and i mean no disrespect at all when asking. and i understand the passion on breeding for the standard and perfecting the breed. but how can a breeder say they arent in it for the money when they charge 1000 + for puppies, and they limit the registration? there is deffinately a profit made. 5 puppies = 5000.00. ( i dont know what you charge, im just curious) i dont think there is anything wrong with someone saying i love the breed, i love too breed and perfect the breed and make some money while im doing it.

Thanks

There is no profit in breeding, especially if you only breed 1 or 2 litters a year.

There are prescreening tests for the sire and dam. Special nutrition for the dam prior to whelping and especially after whelping. Possible emergency vet visit if the there is a problem with the whelping. Supplies for whelping. Vet check for the dam after whelping Not to mention possible time off from work prior to the whelping and after the puppies are born. Vet checks/shots (minimum of 2) for puppies. Special examinations for puppies to ensure they are of sound structure, eye specialists, ear specialists, temperament tests. Not to mention the countless hours of no sleep, watching the dam, making sure the pups are nursing and getting enough food. Weaning, training, socializing the new pups. Litter registration fees, getting a puppy package ready for the new families, + being on call for these families. You are lucky if you break even....

[Mardelin]

Originally Posted by topknot

I do not advertise in the papers either. I have in the past when we had moved, but had calls all day and into the night. I got some really weird people calling too. Some people were were nice, but I just do not have time to weed out the calls. But then again - I do not have litters that often. I do show and have that expense besides vet care. I do have strict spay/neuter contracts for pets or will have them spay/neuter before sold if for pet and older. My vet will not spay and neuter young pups - has to do with bone development.
I do get emails for pups. I really hate though the ones that email me and just ask - "Do you have any pups and how much?" I try to not answer these. Sometimes if in the mood I will let them know this is not the way to ask. You need to tell me about yourself first. I do have a waiting list at times, but I only go through the list and weed them out when I have a litter. Yes, I do interview and check references. You have these days.
T.

Don't you just hate those e-mails. I answer them very politely and ask them to contact me by phone. I just feel e-mails don't show an effort or a real desire.

[CO_yorkie_momma]

I do advertise my puppies, not especially in the paper because it is about 120.00 for around 10 words for a week and there are cheaper places to advertise. I had to advertise because I am new and I made a website and the only way to get my name out there and for people to look at my website is to advertise. I spent a fortune last year doing it. It is a very expensive hobby and there isnt alot of money to be made doing it like some would think but if it werent for advertising I would still be sitting here with my puppies that no one knew I had. One day when I have a waiting list I wont have to put such a large amount into advertising but until them I will. I have learned from last year the places that are worth your while to advertise and the ones not to waste my money on so that will help.

I get those emails also that say "Any puppies, how much?" I dont like those either and that is why I put a questionaire on my website to weed out those. I email them back and tell them yes or no and if they are interested go to the website and fill out the questionaire. I dont give out my number or address until I have someone I would sell a dog to. No annoying calls that way.