Purchase Questionnaire

My purchase questionnaire was originally created in 2014 on my website as a way for me to be sure my animals were going to a good home.  I was the first to request such information, but I encourage other breeders to follow suit and create their own.  

​Prior to making a purchase official (aka, sending me payment), I require that this questionnaire be filled out.  It makes sure we're both on the same page, and helps me out in not needing to remind myself to bring these questions up in every email and every purchase and verifies that you agree to my TOS.  It would be best to not fill this out until you are sure which gecko(s) you are purchasing, which shipping days you'd prefer and if you need any food, etc.    If I do need to make any changes to your order, we can still do this, but having all the information here makes my job keeping track easier.  Thanks in advance! 

I know my comments to the right of the questionnaire don't line up perfectly with the boxes... But it is my attempt to clarify.  Each questions/section is addressed, so please look to the right (or below form if viewing on mobile version) if you need more information.  If you think this questionnaire is total crap (or if you have suggestions), feel free to mention it in the comment section.  I'm always trying to improve.  :)

Good information to look through on my website is my caresheet and frequently asked questions (FAQ).  

Any personal information you provide will be kept private and will NOT be shared.  Period. 

1 & 2)  Order name and email to pair up to our email conversation.  Please submit your real name; this will be on the package.  If we schedule a pickup from your local FedEx Shipping Hub (I will give you the address), you will need a government issued ID (such as a driver's license) to pick up your package, which needs to match up to this.  If we are going to be shipping with a different person picking up, please add their name (as appears on their ID) in the next spot.  Otherwise, leave this spot blank.

3) I need your home address for my QuickBooks records.  Please make sure it is correct.  This information is private and will never be shared.

4) What location will we be shipping to?  If we ship to a a FedEx Ship Center, I will verify via email which location(s) accepts live packages as most FedEx facilities do not.  This is usually the safest shipping option.  If we are shipping to a place of business or work address, you must verify that the location is open during delivery hours.  I will put the business/department name with a 'C/O' in your name.  

5) I need your contact phone number to send along with the package.  FedEx will contact you if there is an issue.  I don't generally do business over the phone (credit card transactions only), email is preferred as everything is documented for reference sake.  No worries about randomly being contacted by me via phone.

6) Animal you are purchasing to help me match up when I'm entering your information to create a shipping label, I don't have to track down our form of communication to find the animal you wanted/purchased.  IMPORTANT:  Be sure that the name of the gecko you want is the same shown in the images.  I put each animal's name and reference ID on all images so that you can match the description up to the animal easier.  If viewing the mobile version of my website, it is common to align the images with the wrong description (description comes before the images in this case).  

6b) There is sometimes some confusion on which images go with which description when viewing on the mobile version.  I label all my gecko images with the gecko's name and reference ID to help you match things up, but some people still miss that.  Be sure to double check your gecko(s) prior to purchase!

7) I am a certified Pangea dealer.  I can easily include a 2 oz or 8 oz bag of Pangea diet into your shipping box for no extra shipping cost if you have one or two geckos (being shipped).  If you want a larger bag (16oz or 32oz) and I can't fit it into the box, the flat rate shipping cost is $5.  I obviously can't include rodents for snakes...

8)  I don't always have all the flavors in stock, so substitutes may be made, but I will notify you via email prior to doing so.  If you have no preference, I will choose a flavor to include in your package on shipping day based on my notes if your gecko has a personal flavor preference.  If you want multiple sizes and flavors you can list them here as well.  I can typically fit up to three 2 oz bags, or one 8oz bag depending on the size of the box.

9) I can ship most any Tuesday or Wednesday for a Wednesday or Thursday delivery (respectively; i.e. Ship Tuesday for Wednesday delivery, etc).  Someone needs to be available from 8am-11am to receive the shipment (some locations may be later if they are considered a more rural (delivery by 12:00pm) or remote route (delivery by 4:30pm)).  If necessary, I can ship Monday for Tuesday... though these are a little more risky (for delays) since we won't have an update on the status of the shipping load.  Please specify if there is a specific day of the week that works best for you to receive your package and I will do my best to accommodate.  As a note, I will NEVER ship without confirmation and agreement on dates first.  

10) I understand that schedules change, so maybe Tuesday one week works, but not for the next.  Please let me know if the day/s you selected are only good for you on a specific day.  WE WILL CONFIRM A SHIPPING DATE VIA EMAIL PRIOR TO ME SENDING OUT YOUR ANIMAL(S)...  These options are not set in stone, but do help me with my initial planning to get you your best date.  I'm happy to work with your schedule as temperatures allow.  

12) If you are under 18 and wish to purchase one or more animals, I need parental consent.  If you do not get it, then it is really easy for a parent to deny the animal and we don't want that.  You need to convince them that you understand how to care for the animal/s and that you are prepared to do so.  Please don't rely on your parents to take over the responsibility (feeding, cleaning, misting, etc), I'm sure they'd appreciate your commitment.

13 & 14) Click for my terms of service which includes information on payment, shipping and guarantees.  Don't just check the box.  Please please PLEASE read through this.  No matter the case, 25% of the animal cost is non-refundable for many reasons that are outlined in my terms page.  Please read.

15) Helps me to know what payment method to expect, so I can easily direct you in my response.  Please note that Venmo or Zelle is now my preferred method, it is the easiest for me.  I do have other options if you can't pay via Venmo, Zelle or PayPal.  If you'd prefer to send a check or money order, I do have a PO box.  If you can't do any payment other than credit card over the phone I can set up an appointment to call the contact number for payment.  There are higher fees for this service on my end and I prefer things to be in writing (rather than over phone conversation), so please select another payment method if you can.  If doing a phone transaction for any amount higher than $500, it is best to contact your bank/cc company to authorize the transaction; bank blocks have been common for these types of transactions. 

​Just select your payment method, and I'll email you the payment information or set up an appointment for phone payment.

16) Opt in for purchasing DOA insurance.  The total cost of insurance is $2.50 for every $100 insured, but I will cover half.  So cost for you will be $1.25 for every $100 insured.  In the extremely rare event of a DOA, you will be covered up to the insured amount and offered a credit to be applied towards another animal, or a refund.  You'll be able to choose.  DOAs for me are incredibly rare, but are just dreadful situations for both seller and buyer so it's best to be prepared.  Does not include shipping cost; that is a used up service so is not refundable unfortunately. 

17) I just want to be sure that you are ready to commit to the care of the animal(s) you purchase.  You want to have the correct food at the time the animal arrives.  

18) All my geckos currently feed on Pangea Fruit Mix Complete diets (all flavors are rotated through), and offered dubia roaches or crickets once a week or every two weeks as available (note: most of my gargoyle babies haven't taken to bugs yet).  It is hard to switch over to a different diet brand (especially from PFMC as my geckos seem to like it the best).  All hognose that will be available are feeding on unscented frozen/thawed mice.  Specific size will be listed on the description.

19) Please enter all enclosure sizes if you plan on doing growth staged housing.  I have found that getting the correct sized enclosure is very important in successfully adjusting the animal to it's new home.  Too large of an enclosure, especially for a young/small reptile is stressful and may result in feeding issues and even death.  If you are unsure, I am happy to help.  If you enter a size that is too large (or small) for the animal you are purchasing, I will let you know via email and what my recommendations are.  I want to be sure that you are able to facilitate a thriving environment, which I'm sure you appreciate.  If you plan on housing in size stages, please list those out.

This helps me find any potential issues so I can help you fix them before it becomes a problem.  We both want the best chance for the gecko to adjust and thrive in their new home.

20) Please remember that I recommend all reptiles to be housed alone.  It is stressful to be housed together and often results in eaten tails/toes and sometimes inflicting wounds and scars.  Gargoyle babies are very voracious, and will attempt to eat each other.  I always recommend strongly that gargs be housed individually.  If you must house cresteds together, please, only females that are of similar size/weight and of the same species.  No males can ever be housed together.  If you are purchasing full size adults to be paired up for breeding, there is now an option for that.  If not intending to breed, I recommend adult gargoyles be housed alone as well.

21) This section just gives me an idea of your current experience with the reptiles I sell.  Because care is so similar between the gecko species we offer, I am not differentiating between them here.

22) As for the intentions of the purchase, it is just out of curiosity.  If I know your intentions, I may be better prepared to answer your questions and guide you along your purchasing decision. 

23) This will help me keep track of all communications.  Sometimes when things are discussed on a social media platform and we move to email or straight to the questionnaire, it is hard for me to remember what was already talked about and where.  This will help me piece the information together if I need to find all that later.

24 & 25) Suggestions help me evolve this form to make it better.  I always strive to improve, so if you have suggestions please feel free!  Or if you just like it and want to tell me you appreciate it... Do!  I love input!  If you have questions, need  clarifications or just want to make a comment... Feel free!