Buying

What to check before buying

A practical pre-purchase checklist covering the seller, the animal, the paperwork, and the logistics.

Check the seller

Run through these before sending any money:

  • Profile is complete: photo, bio, and location are set
  • Account is not brand new (check the join date on their profile)
  • Has reviews from past buyers — read both the star rating and the written reviews
  • Has Verified Breeder badge if they claim to be a professional breeder
  • Listing includes their own photos, not stock images (use reverse image search if unsure)
  • Seller responds knowledgeably to basic care questions

Check the animal

Before agreeing to purchase, get enough information to assess the animal's health:

  • Request a short video of the animal moving, feeding, and being handled
  • Confirm the last feeding date and what it ate
  • Ask about the last shed — any retained shed or eye caps?
  • Confirm weight if relevant to the species or morph
  • Ask if the animal has been treated for parasites or had any health issues
  • Confirm the animal is CB (captive bred) and ask for documentation if available
  • Check that the size and age match the photos — young animals and adults look very different

Check the paperwork

Depending on the species and your country, certain paperwork may be legally required:

  • In Australia: confirm the seller has a relevant wildlife keeper licence and the animal is on their licence records
  • In the UK: confirm the seller holds a valid Section 5 Animal Activity Licence (AAL) if they sell animals commercially
  • For CITES Appendix I or II species: request a copy of the CITES permit or Article 10 certificate
  • For US interstate movement of certain species: confirm Lacey Act compliance
  • Always get a written receipt or invoice referencing the animal's description, price, and date of sale

Important note

Buying without proper paperwork can result in you, the buyer, being held responsible for possessing an illegally transferred animal. The paperwork protects you.

Check the shipping plan

If the animal will be shipped rather than collected in person:

  • Confirm which courier service will be used — ask for their name
  • Ask what the live-on-arrival guarantee covers and what it doesn't
  • Confirm the shipping date and estimated arrival window
  • Ask how the animal will be packaged (heat packs, insulated box, ventilation)
  • Confirm you'll receive a tracking number before dispatch
  • Make sure someone will be home to receive the package

Payment checklist

Before sending money:

  • All key terms (price, animal description, shipping costs) are agreed in writing on Herpify
  • You're paying via a method with buyer protection (credit card, PayPal G&S)
  • You're NOT paying via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash transfer services
  • You've confirmed the payment account details with the seller directly — scammers intercept payment details
  • You have a receipt or acknowledgement of payment

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