First-Time Buyer Checklist
A complete guide for first-time buyers. Organized into three stages: before purchase, during purchase, and after purchase, covering every essential checkpoint.
📋Before Purchase (Preparation)8 items
Research the species
Check the encyclopedia and care guides for basic info. Understand care difficulty, lifespan, adult size, and temperature needs.
Estimate care costs
Calculate initial costs (cage, tank, lighting, heater) and monthly costs (food, electricity, supplies). Use our cost calculator tools.
Secure adequate space
Ensure enough room for the adult-sized enclosure. Plan for future upgrades as the animal grows.
Prepare equipment
Set up cage/tank, heater/thermostat, lighting, thermometer/hygrometer, substrate, and water conditioner (for fish) in advance.
Stock up on food
Have appropriate food ready for arrival. If live feeders are needed, confirm a reliable source.
Test run the environment
Set up equipment and test for 1-2 days to ensure stable temperature and humidity. Aquariums need 2-4 weeks for bacterial cycling.
Check regulations
Verify the species isn't restricted. If in an apartment, check building rules for pet keeping.
Find a veterinarian
Exotic animal vets are limited. Research nearby clinics that handle reptiles, birds, or your specific species.
🔍During Purchase (What to Check)8 items
Verify the breeder's profile
Check verification badge, transaction history, and reviews. Confirm animal handling business registration if applicable.
Ask about health status
Message the breeder directly about appetite, droppings, activity level, and health history.
Request additional photos/videos
Ask for extra photos or videos beyond the listing. Verify actual colors, patterns, and size.
Confirm species and morph
Verify species name (scientific name), morph, and lineage info. Ask the breeder if anything is unclear.
Ask about current care setup
Learn the breeder's temperature, humidity, and feeding routine so you can replicate it at home.
Confirm shipping method
Verify seasonal packaging (heating/cooling), carrier, and estimated delivery date. Consider local pickup as an option.
Check guarantee policy
Confirm the DOA (dead-on-arrival) guarantee and issue resolution process with the breeder.
Review payment options
Arrange payment directly with the breeder (bank transfer, cash on pickup, etc.). Pay-after-inspection is recommended.
🏠After Purchase (First Week)8 items
Inspect upon arrival
Check the animal/plant immediately upon opening. If there are issues, photograph them and contact support before confirming delivery.
Acclimate to temperature
Don't place directly into the enclosure. Fish need water acclimation (30-60 min). Plants should rest in partial shade.
Provide a quiet environment
Minimize handling for the first 2-3 days. Let your new pet settle in a calm, quiet space.
First feeding
Start feeding the day after arrival with small amounts. Using the same food the breeder provided improves acceptance.
Monitor temperature and humidity
Check conditions frequently during the first week. Watch for excessive temperature swings between day and night.
Daily health checks
Observe droppings, appetite, and activity daily. Contact the breeder or vet promptly if anything seems off.
Confirm delivery
Once everything looks good, press 'Confirm Delivery' to complete the transaction and release payment to the breeder.
Start a growth diary
Begin recording with our growth diary feature. Photo logs are a wonderful way to track progress over time.
⚠️If There Are Issues Upon Arrival
- Contact the breeder first. Pay-after-inspection means you only pay after confirming condition.
- Document the condition with photos and videos.
- Message the breeder to report the situation.
- If unresolved, contact our support team. We will respond promptly.