Communication between breeder and buyer

[suz]

Kathy:
I know from experience, that it gets out of control. People calling you and telling you they have to talk to so-and-so before buying a puppy. I've had people call me and leave messages on my machine saying things like "Hi, I was at your house the other day and was looking at your puppies. I want you to hold the black and tan one for me, ok??" Then not leave a name, number or any remote clue as to who they are!! Then a week later, call back and can't understand why I sold "THEIR" puppy!! Buyers think they are the only ones you talk to. Not like you have anything else to do all day but sit and wait for them to call you back. Just tell them up front, that if they want you to hold the puppy, they have to leave a deposit (for a certain length of time). I sell a lot of puppies by accepting payments on the pups. I just hold the papers until he/she is paid for. Course, I always take the chance that they don't care about the papers, but most people I found are relatively honest. You did the right thing. Keep it up!!
Suz

[whispersmom2]

I agree with Stacy. I do not take deposits. I do not want a person to get my baby if they are not 1000% committed to being the best parent to my baby. I keep a list of inquiries and try to let them know I am expecting/have a litter. They will not be shown or even considered puppies til they are over 6 weeks of age. I tell inquirers that just because they are on my list does not mean that one of these babies is right for them. I also offer to help them find a puppy in the meantime if they want. I will not refer to anyone from whom I would not buy. When I have a baby that is old enough to place-most often over 12 weeks to 24 weeks- I do my standard 2 interviews, meet all household members, and dogs and we decide if the baby and the inquirer are a match. I say "You can come take a look. That does not obligate you to buy and certainly does NOT obligate me to sell!" I think everything has to be laid out up front but we are not born knowing everything about placing these babies. Some things we learn as we go.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

[QUOTE=yorkiedoodle]

Originally Posted by tartisst

Kathy you did the right thing -- that potential buyer was flaky (at the least) and very trifling! What did she think you were -- a mind reader???

hola everyone, new to the boards, i have been reading lots and lots tonight and came to this thread as i am looking for a yorkie also.

first let me say i dont think this is a fair comment. especially after seeing both sides. . i have been on both sides of this type of issue myself as a breeder and a buyer. its very difficult when dealing long distance. many questions to be asked and answered. i wouldnt, nor expect anyone. to commit to buying a puppy before a final price is made. or make a deposit before final price including all extras is agree'd upon. especially when all you have to go off of is someones word and pictures. (not questioning anyones integrity) i myself might have handled the situation differently but that is me and we all have our own way of doing things. i commend both parties for being adult about this matter. but before making personal assumptions about someone maybe one should take into account both sides of the issue

You make a very good point and one we can all learn from. Never be too quick to judge. We can offer our members support without being negative towards someone else.

[tartisst]

I wrote this before the other side "posted". I hold my opinion as stated, but am very impressed that they were able to talk it through. I'm sure that they have moved on and so should we!

[lily]

Originally Posted by SoCalyorkiLvr

I have learned a lot here and I think others have as well. There are always two sides to every story and I can see how both were under different impressions of the agreement. Again, I feel this is a good reason for having something in writing as soon as possible.

You also do not have to have a completely non-refundable deposit. It can be stipulated in the deposit agreement under what circumstances the deposit or a portion of it will be refunded.

For example, I really wanted a little girl out of a particular set of parents and so I gave the breeder a $300 deposit for pick of the litter before the litter was even born with the stipulation of the basic description of the puppy I wanted, i.e., female, smallish, healthy, etc. Well, the litter dlievered only boys so I got my deposit back.

O yes I agree to that! But I never take deposits on unborn puppies! You could run to big problems there! lily

[yorkiedoodle]

Originally Posted by lily

O yes I agree to that! But I never take deposits on unborn puppies! You could run to big problems there! lily

i agree wholeheartedly as well, when i was breeding my dogs i never took a deposit until at least 3 weeks of age. (after vet checked them out) by 3 weeks you can figure you are pretty safe. i sent the potential buyer if out of state or country a contract to wich they returned with their deposit. deposits were 150. (my dogs were between 350-800) nonrefundable unless something happened and puppy became unsellable. before deposit was made shipping rates and price had already been agreed upon and discussed. although i will say i hated shipping to canada. very hard to get direct flights to some places. but it all worked out. i was kinda excited one of my babies was going to another country.

[Wrenee4]

I have put deposits down on all of my Yorkies. It really is the best way. That way I know that I am getting my puppy AND the breeder know that at least I have given a good faith deposit. If I were to back out it would cover the expense of ads in the paper if need be, extra vet bills if they need to keep them longer searching for a new home, and any extra things that might also come up. I find no problem in giving deposits and we always ask for them on our puppies. Of course they could always wait until they were old enough for pick up, BUT then the puppy you would have wanted would be gone! It is really hard to decide though if a person is going to follow through! I had a lady back out of the little male I had BUT I was more than happy as he went to a very wonderful home!
I chose Gizmo, Zaylee and our future puppy (no name at this time! She will be my b-day present from my husband!) all at one week old! I always want to make sure I get the one I want!! (of course I want them all! LOL)

[txshopper73]

Kathy, you did the right thing. I cannot stand dealing with flaky people. Set up times for them to show up and then they don't. They tell you what you want, you may or may not have what their looking for. Then they never call you back.

I took deposits on 2 of my pups this last litter. One to someone in Houston and one to the people in California. I was nervous about the out of state one but it all worked out. They were nervous about me too until they found out where I work...they have a sister/daughter-in-law that lives in the same town as me and we both work for the school district. It was smooth sailing after that.