Nothing wrong with someone asking how much my puppies cost. They want to be sure that they can afford one and it never offends me when that question is brought up........beginning, middle or end. If it's not the right price for them or if I feel they're not the right family for my puppies, we all move on. No hurt feelings.
I find it entertaining that the only people that cry 'waaaaa-waaaaa" about price is the ones you can't get the top price or have a hard time selling their pups. Stop calling people who are good business people "puppy mills" just because they make a profit. Truth is, it goes right back into showing and their dogs. If I did not make a profit, I would not be able to show my dogs or take proper care of them.
I have more of a problem with an email that says "do you have any pups and how much are they?"
A phone call that starts off with price question is not as annoying.
I tend to tell the caller what the price range is in this area for a well bred Labrador where both parents of the litter have all health clearances and ask that caller if that is within their price range.
If they say yes than I go on to talk about my dogs and my clearances and ask them questions and answer their questions.
Then I tell them my price.
To the poster that feels this is a business...... no way ..... its a hobby and if for any reason I am turned off by someone, not matter how much money they have, I will not sell them a pup.
These are my babies that I have whelped, raised and loved and lost sleep over, they don't go to just anyone.
It could be as simple as they have a one year old child and ready to deliver another in the next few months and want an 8 week old pup.
I don't think so..... but I do explain why I will not sell them a pup....
I also always take the time to educate. If someone says they were expecting to pay 500-800 for a Lab pup I explain what they will get for that price and the issues they could be dealing with for the life of the dog.
I have clients tell me all the time that they get a dog from me because I politely answer their questions, don't belittle them, and am friendly. I'll just say, the way I hear most breeders talk on the phone to potential clients…no WONDER they can't sell their pups!!! Or have to sell at a discount.
