How to create a listing
A step-by-step guide to creating a listing on Herpify — from choosing the right category to writing a description that sells.
Getting started
Go to Account → Listings → New Listing, or click the "List an animal" button in the top navigation. You must be logged in and have a verified email address. If you're on the free Starter tier and already have 5 active listings, you'll need to sell or archive an existing listing before you can post another, or upgrade to a Trader or Breeder plan.
Listing type
Choose from three listing types: Sale (you're selling an animal), Wanted (you're looking to buy a specific animal), or Breeder (you're advertising your operation generally rather than a specific animal for sale). Most listings are Sale listings. Wanted ads are useful if you're looking for a specific bloodline or morph and want breeders to come to you.
Choose your species and category
Select the species from the dropdown. If your species isn't in the list, select the closest parent category. Getting the species right is critical — it's the primary filter buyers use when searching. A Ball Python listed as "Other Python" will miss almost everyone looking for it.
Write a title and description that convert
Your title should be specific and factual: species, morph, sex, and year. "2024 CB Male Pastel Ball Python" outperforms "Beautiful snake for sale" every time. For the description, write as if you're describing the animal to a knowledgeable keeper:
- Hatched/born date and weight
- Morph genetics (if applicable) with proof of parentage if available
- Feeding history: what prey, how often, last fed date
- Last shed date and any shed issues
- Temperament notes from handling
- Whether the animal is microchipped or has any documentation
- Your shipping or collection arrangements
Important note
Descriptions that include feeding history and temperament notes receive significantly more inquiries than those that only describe appearance. Buyers want to know the animal is eating well before they commit.
Set your price
Enter your asking price in your local currency. Check the "Negotiable" box if you're open to offers. If you're not sure what to price an animal, browse similar listings on Herpify to calibrate — your price should reflect the animal's genetics, age, feeding status, and any documentation included. Underpricing can signal something is wrong; overpricing with no justification gets ignored.
Photos
Upload at least three photos: a clear head shot, a full-body shot from above, and a photo being held or showing scale. More photos are better — listings with 5+ photos get significantly more inquiries than those with one or two. See Listing photo requirements for technical specs and tips.
Location and shipping
Set your location accurately — this determines which country and region your listing appears in. Check "Domestic shipping available" if you'll ship within your country, and "International shipping" if you'll ship internationally. Add any relevant shipping notes (minimum temperatures, courier you use, live arrival guarantee).
Review and publish
Before submitting, preview your listing to see it as a buyer would. Check that all fields are accurate, photos are in the right order (the first photo is your cover image in search results), and your price is correct. Click Publish. Most listings go live immediately; some may be held briefly for review if you're a new account or listing an unusual species.
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