Private Sale!

[Allen Repashy]

Hello Everyone,

Earlier today, I met a forum member at a Restaurant near my house to sell a really nice pair of R. chahoua.... I brought some extra geckos and sold a few of them also..... This forum member was willing to drive all the way to San Diego from North of Los Angeles, so I decided that it was worth my time to arrange the meetup.

As most of you know, I rarely advertise my animals for sale. I sell at a handfull of shows and to a small list of long established customers.Other than that, it is wholesale in volume only. I just don't have a lot of time on my hands, and not allowing visitors to my facility, I usually find it not worth my time to meet someone to sell them a hundred dollar gecko... I wish I could, but it takes probably three hours out of my valuable day to meet someone.

I suck at taking pictures, and selling geckos on the website is a lot of work for me because of all the email inquiries that come in, of which most of them are not qualified buyers.... and there is always the possibility of dissapointment from photo to real life....and the added expense of shipping for the customer and the DOA risk from selling, just make it unattractive for both.

So I was just wondering how many people out there within driving distance would be willing to visit me in San Diego if I had a private sale at my girlfriends house down the street from my place. I will try to fill requests and tell you if at least I have something like what you are looking for.

If anything, it would be a fun way to meet other gecko freaks over some BBQ and quiet time.

I also called Philippe deVosjoli and Bob Mailloux (Sandfire) who said they could also add Geckos, Bearded Dragons, and Frogs to the mix... Don from mfezi.com is in Africa right now, but I am sure he can bring some cool stuff, as he is arranging a few large import shipments this month.

So what do you guys think..... I would like to see how many people would drive down to a private "Open House" of sorts..... Look at some critters, meet some people, and have some BBQ.

With no show expenses, and "cash and carry" sales, I am sure we can pass on some great prices and offer a selection second to none....

Right now,I am thinking Saturday February 2nd around mid day.

It will probably be necessary to make it "invitation only" to get an idea of how many people will come.....

Let me know what you think!

Allen

[Salzy]

All I can say is that I wish I lived closer to San Diego. :D I would surely ask for an invite if I weren't a couple thousand miles away. ;)

[JBraga78]

It's almost worth the flight from florida.....

[Crouchy]

It a huge shame i live in England otherwise id be there asap. It sounds like a great opertunity for people living near by

[geickoJR.]

hmmm....So Allen, how about you pay for my plane ticket, and ill buy a gecko or two from you ;) then we come out about even

[Andrew Gilpin]

sounds like a good time! Everyone out that way should take advantage of this and pick up some sweet geckos. Not only that, but Allen, Karen ( Allen's girlfriend), Bob, and Philippe are all great people and if they're all there, chances other Sandfire employees and T-rex folks will be there which will be even more of a bonus!

[DevinT]

pretty sure i would be able to attend along with my dad, would be nice to meet everybody and hopefully pick up something nice :)

[Benben]

Hey Allen, this is a fantastic idea. When are you planning to have this get together? If it's a weekend I might be able to fly in. Is your place close to an airport?

[umop_apisdn]

man, if i was closer i would be willing to buy all you guys lunch (though i doubt san diego bbq could beat carolina bbq) just for the chance to have some good gecko talk!

it's all snake people i ever get to meet face to face! not that i have anything against snakes, or snake people. i just want the opportunity to chat it up with some people who have actually done some gecko research for once.

when i think about it though, allen, you might have to take some measure to protect yourself from people just dragging you out to get a chance to view a handful of your animals. i dont think you'd be happy to show up, have someone look at the animals, then be like "i think im gonna have to think about this a little more."

not that i think many of the people from the forum are shady, but you know what kinda people are on the internet. PEOPLE LIKE ME! :eek:

[Allen Repashy]

Right now,I am looking at Sat. Feb 2nd, but have to confirm with Bob and Philippe. I am about 40 minutes north of San Diego Airport... I never thought people would want to come from that far, but there are some nice things to do down here like the Zoo and Wild Animal Park... could be some good field herping for Salamanders in the local mountains this time of year too ;)

[carphunter]

i would and i'm in fresno. the only thing is that is super bowl week-end.

[tmfleo]

Sounds like a great Idea Allen. I'd like to go but with major cut backs at work right now. Have to watch expensives at this time. Would it be possible to plan another get together later in the year?

[mike]

i would and i'm in fresno. the only thing is that is super bowl week-end.

i'm in fresno too, cool to see someone else on here from fresno!

Allen it sounds like a great idea, I think I'd be willing to make the trip as well, but like carphunter said, that is Super Bowl Weekend :D

[Gecko Ranch]

I'm hosting a Superbowl party. :( I am going to be in LA for an appt. Jan 22 and could be flexible about coming a few days after that as I had planned to hang out in LA and visit anyway.

[Rhac Attack]

Sounds awesome! I'm in Orange County, and would definitely go. I'd love to meet some more gecko freaks.

[fenrisswolf]

Darn!

I'm planning a trip to visit friends and family in March, and I'm in the middle of saving and shopping for a new car right now, so it's looking like a fairly lean couple of upcoming months for me right now.

Otherwise, I'd already be planning for the ~8 hour trip from Bakersfield to San Diego right now.

But it sounds like a lot of folks are interested. So let's see if those who do show take some photos of the fun and of everyone there (people, geckos, and everything else,) to share with the rest of us who can't make it this time.

Who knows, maybe you'll see me there next time around!

[mike]

8 hours!?

I am in Fresno and can make it to San Diego in 5 and a half maybe 6 at the most. You could make it in easily 4 hours.

[fenrisswolf]

Heh.

Maybe it just felt like 8 hours on my old junker last time I made the trip... :rolleyes:
Which is why I need a "new" junker at the moment. Something dependable, with plenty of room for reptile tanks and cages in the trunk and back seat ;)
(And maybe even room for other passengers too, if I feel like it.)

[Allen Repashy]

I didn't know it was Superbowl weekend... but that is Sunday, not Saturday.... I can look at the previous or following weekend if it will add people without eliminating others.. let me know.

Allen

[Gecko Ranch]

8 hours!?

I am in Fresno and can make it to San Diego in 5 and a half maybe 6 at the most. You could make it in easily 4 hours.

Indeed! Bakersfield is another world but not that far away really! ;)

[droogievesch]

I think it's a great idea. You have the best of the names all in one location, so people know that they are looking at top quality animals.

I don't know if it would be worth it to you though because I don't know how much time would be dedicated to this. There would obviously be a lot of planning involved as well as set-up. Without having a cover fee you risk people just coming to look and talk (the invitation only idea does cut back on this).

You're incredibly smart and I have no doubt that you will be able to make this work. If it goes well in Feb. then maybe you could have another one later in the summer or at a different time of year. I would love to come out to California and meet you, but February puts me during school and money is tight :(

[Allen Repashy]

I have made the run for nearly 30 years up the 99 to our cabin near Yosemite. it takes me three hours flat to get to the Bakersfield side of the grapevine and another 20 minutes to mid town. one more hour to Fresno, and one more to Merced

[RAP66]

I would love the opportunity to visit & purchased from a private cololection. Are you taking names??

[andre2000lb]

I am the person that Allen meet down in San Diego, and it was one of the coolest things ever. I told him that I was interested in a few chahouas, so he said he would bring a few. Well, I arrive at this pizza place only to see him carrying a box with 35-40 deli cups in it. Two hours later, after going through all the geckos he brought (chahouas, cresteds, gargoyles, sarasinorums, and a few leachies), eating a great meatball sub, and picking Allen's brain for any information he would give up, I narrowed my choices down to 25 of the most gorgeous geckos I have ever seen. After realizing that I didn't have 15 grand in my back pocket, I ended up purchasing 2 pairs of chahouas, I gorgeous hi red female gargolye, and a few **** gargolyes that have nice orange stripes on a almost black background. Allen was great to deal with, and I will definately be driving down to check out this sale.

[Allen Repashy]

OK People....

I have set the date for this to be Saturday February 9th at 12 noon, so those that are driving down for the day will have time to get there without leaving in the dark unless you are coming from a LONG ways away!

If you are interested, you will need to send me a PM on here and I will give you instructions. I am going to limit this to two dozen people so we don't have an over run houseparty. So please only contact me if you can for sure make it, and are interested in buying something, not just taking up someone elses space :)...... Sorry, but this is my girlfriends house and not a convention center LOL.

Allen

[rhacadank]

Hey Allen,
I am coming for sure and bringing my wheelbarrow of cash. Won't miss this Gecko Getogether. I am also bringing a few friends that are looking for Leachies. It is a great idea and we can't wait.

[mrcsk8ter44445]

Man it seems like California has everything a reptile enthusast could ask for, oh well maybe when I can drive lol

[nycherper]

Dang allen sounds like an amazing idea! I would go if i didn't live so far away. It's great what you are doing for the community!

[chevyrumble55]

I'm in. Let me know specifics.
-Kevin

[lbarak]

I live in San Diego (Poway). I'd love to come and see the critters, and also I'm considering getting another gecko (not sure what kind yet). I have a crestie. I might get her a friend, or maybe get something new!

[wolf_cry02]

Stupid living in OR I would love to come so sad. Somone should buy somthing for me and send it to me... anyone interested in helping? :) I would love to buy a pair of chahouas... or a female atleast... or some agricolaes so sad. When i am older i think i will move down there just to beable to go to one of these... if there will be more?

[Morph]

Allen,

I will be there along with my daughter and my girlfriend. This is really exciting news...you are the reason I got into cresties. I purchased 2 of your males about a year- year and half ago from the Reptile City in Mission Valley. I will be there! Thanks!

[wolf_cry02]

I MIGHT COME! I might beable to fly down... must confirm though... Are there still spots open???

[EndZz]

Hey Allen I live in West covina. I'm not too far only 2 hours away. If you are having the open house I WILL be there, and it's the day before my birthday too! I've made some trips to San Diego for cresteds thats no problem!

[rhacman17]

Hey Allen, I can most likely make it. I hope college doesn't interfere with me going because this sounds like a great opportunity to meet new people and what not. I don't think school will be a problem though. It doesn't take very long to get to San Diego from my house.

[Allen Repashy]

Yes there are spots available.... you must PM me to get on the list. I will start a new thread next week with instructions in the first post. I spoke to Bob at Sandfire, and he says he doesn't have much in the way of Beardeds right now, so it is problably going to be Geckos only....

Allen

[Benben]

Hey guys, I just bought my ticket. :) :) Despite that Allen calling me crazy, I would not miss a great gecko chat, with some of you fellow forum members and Allen and the gang. The gecko sale and BBQ is an extra butter on the bread.... See you guys there!

Endre

[mrcsk8ter44445]

Man somebody please take some pictures, I gotta see what I missed:)

[Benben]

I am sure taking my camera.

[wolf_cry02]

Urg cant go... BUT I am buying some chahoua from Allen anyway so I am pleased. If you ever do this again allen I WILL not miss it. And save up like 10 grand to buy some of your geckos :D

[greatcolddistance]

I'm in North Hollywood and soooooo there. How can you miss it!?

[wolf_cry02]

I'm in North Hollywood and soooooo there. How can you miss it!?

You can miss it when you live in OR :( Lucky you. Make sure you bring a barrel full of cash :D Allen PLEASE have another one of these in a few months maybe and I will promise to come :) And spend every dime that i have on geckos WOOHOO!

[rhacadank]

Hey Allen,
I can bring Chips & Dip and sodas to make things easier for you. Everyone should bring something that is Mexican related. Example( tortillas, salad, beer, bottled water, dessert, etc). I think this is going to be a fun time and DON"T FORGET YOUR RHACODACTYLUS BOOK to get signed by Allen and Philippe (BONUS!!!) See you all there.

[Allen Repashy]

Thanks Ramy!

Sounds like my gecko sale is turning into a Fiesta! I will prep some Carne Asada and pick a few hundred Avocados... Someone remind me to pick them the weekend before so they are nice and ripe for the gig......

My friend Don Julio will be there too. He was born in 1942, but some of you might have met him before ;)

[EndZz]

Hey Ramy thats a good idea I'll bring some Arroz Con Pollo, a Costa Rican dish but it's DELISCIOUS!!! You eat them with either Lays chips or the new Chile Limon Lays!

[mrcsk8ter44445]

Man at this rate people are just going to go there for the food lol

[EndZz]

That's why it's invite only!!!!

[Art_Gecko]

I'm actually considering flying out from the UK! If only i could get the geckos back on the plane i actually would do it!! So gutted! I have relatives in SF bay area so i'll have to plan a vacation to visit them to coincide with your next one!!
Sounds like an incredible opportunity and one i'll sorely miss

You're not considering sending some geckos to Hamm are you Allen?

[bleeding_sarcasm]

hahah, Too bad you arent having it closer to anahiem, even tho I am just in Nor Cal, not driving a car limits the area that I can travel to, or else I would be right over :p sounds like fun!

[greatcolddistance]

My friend Don Julio will be there too. He was born in 1942, but some of you might have met him before ;)

Don Julio? Yea, That guy knows how to party!:D

[chevyrumble55]

Do we have an exact date yet???

[rhacadank]

Saturday February 9th at 12 noon.....PM Allen to RSVP.
See you there Chevyrumble.

[chevyrumble55]

Ramy, is that you? I'm a friend of Bobby Ryce's. I guess I'll be seeing you there. Allen, bringing any female sarasinorum?

[xeon452]

since this is going to be a big sale, what kind of payments can we make? is it just cash, or can we write personal checks too??

[Allen Repashy]

I will start a new thread this weekend with all the details, and send the address to those on the invite list. It will be cash only. I don't take credit cards :(.

[droogievesch]

Let us all know how it goes! It sounds amazing, and I just looked up plane tickets. Unfortunately they were more than I anticipated, but it may have been because it's so close :(

And here I was looking for an excuse to get out of the Wisconsin winter...and California seemed like a great one.

[Allen Repashy]

Please see the new announcement. The invites have been sent!

[mrcsk8ter44445]

Don't forget to take pictures!!