Really Surprising!

[ladygigi]

My ooth is still hatching! Seems this is going to go on forever! I have mantids molted up to L4, and I think one has molted to L5, and I'm still getting babies! I'm going to place a new ad with a lower price. One reason I'm asking a little bit is my extremely low income (I literally cannot even buy groceries, I live off the food bank and churches.) and the amount I have had to put out to keep these guys going. I would like to try and recapture a little bit of my expenses. Since this was my first time, I had to buy zillions of cups, a bunch of mesh, gobs of glue for my glue gun, all the stuff to make cultures, and of course feeders. :mellow: The next time around it will be MUCH cheaper for me as I will have everything! ^_^ Thus I will be able to sell them off much, much cheaper. Anyway, the ones that I can't/don't sell I will release. The Iris Oratoria is really a beautiful mantis! They are also a very easy mantis to care for and raise. I don't think I could have started off with anything easier. I'm really hoping a few people in here will help me out by buying some of them.

 

[patrickfraser]

Wouldn't it be better to sell them for 2-3 bucks? At least you'd recoup something. Last time I checked, something was better than nothing. You'd be releasing most of them (minus breeders) if continuing to sell them for $10.

 

[Bug Trader]

............

 

[ladygigi]

Wouldn't it be better to sell them for 2-3 bucks? At least you'd recoup something. Last time I checked, something was better than nothing. You'd be releasing most of them (minus breeders) if continuing to sell them for $10.

For one, like I said, I'm lowering the price. Secondly, I give a discount per nymph if a person buys 10 or more. Thirdly, have you ever gone to some of the sites that sell mantids and looked at the prices? Most sites that sell mantises sell them for up to $25.00 a nymph. Some $14, $12, and etc., so my price is actually in line with the going prices for mantids. That is why I ask people to PM me with how many they want along with their zip code so that I can come up with some kind of deal for them. I have found that I can ship almost anywhere for $10.00 and under, so I don't charge an exorbitant $25.00 shipping fee either. So, you may end up getting them for only a few dollars a piece. I agree, it may be closer to $5, but I have to start somewhere. Again, the reason for the PM request.

 

[Bug Trader]

so I don't charge an exorbitant $25.00 shipping fee either.

..............

 

[thalassarche]

When it comes to shipping... As hot as it's going to be this summer where I live, $25 for express shipping is going to be just about the only way I can reasonably expect to open the box and find safe nymphs. I live in an apartment complex and that USPS truck is out in the weather for quite a while at the different mail box stations before the postal worker drops off the packages at the office. So far it's been okay but I think any more nymphs I purchase for the next few months will probably need to come to me via express.

And keep in mind that nymph prices typically reflect supply and demand. The species that are harder to keep and breed are obviously going to cost more than those that are common and easy. (And some species that might otherwise go for higher prices might be priced down if the breeder has a large supply they need to clear out.) And for many USAmerican West Coast hobbyists, I. oratoria can be found in their backyard, so why pay $10 per nymph? I wouldn't pay $10 for a T. sinensis or S. carolina ooth, let alone a nymph. Those double-digit nymph prices are typically on exotic species.

I appreciate that you're in a tough spot financially and I'm sorry, I've been there. But there are factors involved in the price of nymphs and shipping in this hobby that are worth consideration.

 

[jrh3]

this is not a mantis dealer website this is a forum 10 buck is overpriced. they are worth 4 max here.

 

[glock34girl]

I think you are going to find 10, even 5 bucks per nymph too much. As a few others said, its a species you can find in your backyard so why pay a high price. With the extreme heat comes express shipping and higher prices but I'd rather buy my bugs and pay a higher shipping price knowing they will be alive then opening up a box of cooked death. The prices you see for mantids in other websites don't get posted here. If you are going to sell you have to realize that you take losses. Got to spend to make I think.

 

[ladygigi]

If I ship with a cold pack, they will be fine with say, priority shipping. I.e. I ship on Monday, they will arrive on Wednesday. That's why I'm giving a live arrival guarantee. ^_^ I just sold somebody 10 of them for $45, shipping and handling included. Now if that seems like it's too high, then I don't know what to say. It comes to $4.50 a nymph. Again, like I said, I have asked people to PM me with their zip code and the quantity they want and I will give them a good deal. So you can all moan and groan about what I've said I'm selling them for and offer your much welcomed advice, and/or you can notice what I said about sending me a PM and that I would make you a deal. . .

 

[gripen]

I have a feeling you are not REALLY reading what people are saying. You should reread this thread again and understand that people are not moaning at you they are trying to give you advice.

 

[dgerndt]

As a poor college student, I can tell you that this hobby really isn't that expensive. I'm sorry that you invested so much money into your bugs, but you can't really expect to make that money back. I've seen on many occasions, people giving away mantids on this forum. I've personally given away free ooths. People here aren't going to pay that kind of money.

 

[jrh3]

i have gave away many mantids in the past few months. my honest advise. release them all you say you live off food banks and churches but you afford internet and say you can even afford food?????????????? non of my business. ok back to the advice. turn them loose, you will never get the money back you spent on them. also will save you money in the future. this is a backyard mantis like carolinas, i just sent out 20 free carolinas cause people dont buy them, lol. there a common mantis. plus if you release them then maybe every summer you can go out and enjoy them.

 

[MantidLord]

With a species that many people can easily find in their backyard (if they live out west) and they can easily find other people to buy from, selling overpriced or $4.50 per nymph is ridiculous. This isn't some rare exotic mantis nor will most hobbyist find it so visually appealing (except for the adult's inner wings). We're not trying to make a deal with you, we're doing it for your benefit and those of the mantids. It seems every time someone offers advice about whether you should release or sell the mantids, you get defensive. If you put all your problems out like this and then offer something that people feel is a little "off", they're going to say something. Don't catch an attitude with them.

You will not regain your money that you spent. No one ever does. with all of the cups, flies, containers you bought, you will not regain that money especially selling such a "common" mantis. You won't get many buyers (like I said above) simply because people can either find their own, or find other breeders who sell them cheaper.

Idk about the whole living off churches and what not, I didn't catch that. But if that's the case, maybe you should release all but one or two of the mantids. Chalk up the money spent as gone for good. Keep those that you can handle. Like I said in one of your many other threads, you don't have to buy fruitflies for these guys. If your area isn't sprayed with pesticides, go out and catch some aphids and feed them. You can even go out and catch flies, crickets, etc. I used to raise these guys on all food caught outside until they started spraying in my area. Also, I didn't have to buy all of the containers, I simply used jars and plastic containers from food I ate (tomato paste jars, those big red vine containers, etc.) Be creative. There's a way to keep a few mantids without spending a lot of money (especially with these guys). But if you're trying to start some business or have a goal again of earning some sort of small income, forget about it. You'll put more money into it, and with these guys, it won't be worth it.

Sorry to sound harsh, I hope you do what's necessary.

 

[angelofdeathzz]

unfortunately, things are tough all over...someday the economy may improve, but I'm not going to hold my breath on that.

On that note, only the rarer species are going to earn you much profit, even then it's not going to pay the rent/mortgage by any means.

 

[patrickfraser]

If I ship with a cold pack, they will be fine with say, priority shipping. I.e. I ship on Monday, they will arrive on Wednesday. That's why I'm giving a live arrival guarantee. ^_^ I just sold somebody 10 of them for $45, shipping and handling included. Now if that seems like it's too high, then I don't know what to say. It comes to $4.50 a nymph. Again, like I said, I have asked people to PM me with their zip code and the quantity they want and I will give them a good deal. So you can all moan and groan about what I've said I'm selling them for and offer your much welcomed advice, and/or you can notice what I said about sending me a PM and that I would make you a deal. . .

Well now you made your money back. Go buy some groceries. :lol:

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Edit: posted before knowing all the facts.

 

[glock34girl]

If I ship with a cold pack, they will be fine with say, priority shipping. I.e. I ship on Monday, they will arrive on Wednesday. That's why I'm giving a live arrival guarantee. ^_^ I just sold somebody 10 of them for $45, shipping and handling included. Now if that seems like it's too high, then I don't know what to say. It comes to $4.50 a nymph. Again, like I said, I have asked people to PM me with their zip code and the quantity they want and I will give them a good deal. So you can all moan and groan about what I've said I'm selling them for and offer your much welcomed advice, and/or you can notice what I said about sending me a PM and that I would make you a deal. . .

Not sure who in the world paid that price but maybe it was just a kind hearted person that felt guilty and wanted to help? Not sure.

What I am sure about is that you come across as very rude and its getting old very fast. Nobody here is moaning and groaning. We are trying to assist you and give you options. I agree with what the members here have said. I personally have been avoiding sections of the board because your rudeness is so maddening. I don't know if its intentional or not. Hopefully not, but it comes off that way and its not going to help you in the long run if you are going to stay in the hobby. You say over and over you didn't get into the hobby on purpose and you can't afford it, I get that but there has been so much advice given to on how to cut costs and all you do is reply to members with snide remarks. It's gotten old, fast. Please stop. Either cut them loose or research the hobby a bit more before taking on another species. Also, where you are from, cold packs will last about four hours at most so depending in where they are going, hot to hot, hot to cool etc, makes a big difference. Also knowing what time your PO actually places your stuff in the mail stream versus behind the counter for six hours. Are you the box with a quality insulator? These are all things people do to ensure the mantis has the best chance of living. they didnt ask to be your pet and if you cant ensure either through knowledge or finances that they have a good shot then they should be released backwhere they cane from so they have a fighting chance. it seems to me, and i could be wrong, that you are more interested in making money than keeping the bugs safe. if you read through threads you will see most people here are the opposite. If your story is true, I wish you luck, seems you've been dealt a hand but you cannot expect people to pay 10 times what something is worth because you have a certain circumstance. If that were the case I could inflate my sales and then say, well you know, Iam a vet, I have PTSD, my knee is reconstructed and I miss a lot of work. But that's not fair to others. I can't expect them to shoulder my burdens. Doesn't work that way. And they great thing is that when you don't expect things... That's when people help the most because they don't feel guilt tripped into it. I agree, people are trying to help, loose the attitude.

 

[patrickfraser]

And Amen!

 

[Tony C]

I have avoided commenting on your threads because I can be a bit blunt when I am irritated, but this is ridiculous. All the whining and crying about your situation and the thinly veiled begging that comes with it is really getting old. Price your mantids in line with the market and they will sell, I cleared out my surplus in two days this weekend by pricing nymphs (exotic species) at $3 each. For a common species like I. oratoria, 50 cents is probably a good target. If they don't sell and you can't afford them, then turn the damn things loose. Their parents did well enough to survive to adulthood and breed and so will they. If you are so poor then try making more responsible life decisions. Get rid of pets, get rid of the internet, get rid of other luxuries and find a damn job. As you can see, bragging about mooching off of charities while sitting on the internet all day trying to guilt people into overpaying for your bugs is not an effective business strategy.