Reptile expo vendor

Hobbyists and families who attend reptile shows looking for animals, morphs and supplies they can't easily get locally.

Sales of animals and supplies at each show, after paying table fees and travel, with repeat customers following you to future events.

• Good reptile husbandry and handling
• Selling face to face
• Packing and transporting animals safely

• Check state and local permits for selling live reptiles, and event rules about species and health
• Sales tax registration or temporary seller permits for the states where you sell
• General liability insurance, and check what event organizers require
• Animal welfare in transit: heat and cold control in your vehicle
• Unsold animals still need feeding and housing between events

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your animals and stock, booth fees, display gear and transport equipment. Check event fees and what organizers require before you book your first show.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many expos you attend, your stock and your pricing. Unsold animals still need feeding and housing between events, which affects what you keep.

Check state and local permits for selling live reptiles, and event rules about species and health. Also check sales tax registration or temporary seller permits in each state, insurance requirements from organizers, and heat and cold control during transport.