how to handle an unorganized breeder? /rant

[Sawwahbear]

I know its more complicated then just a selling and buying business, but is it really so hard to keep track of everything?

The first time I contacted this breeder (December) she told me that she had a long waiting list (15 people) and she wouldn't have puppies available till summer, and I said that was perfect because I wouldn't be ready till summer. So I told her to put me on the list, I have contacted her by phone and Email several times since then asking how things were going and such. She told me that she has names and dates down all over the place and she had yet to put them down on a master list (right there I was a little confused because I mean she isn't selling lemonade here) I said that's fine I would contact her later for more specific information on where I stand.

well she had her first litter of the year in January and as I knew all the puppies were spoken for, the next time I contacted her she mentioned there were several cancellations so I thought, well that's good, Maybe I will be able to take one home from the next litter, she took my name down AGAIN even though I told her she already had my name, she said that everything still wasn't on a master list....

she has her second litter due this week, that will be able to go home in may, I contacted her asking for confirmation that I will FOR SURE be able to have a puppy from this litter, I am the kind of person that needs to prepare for these things for a long time, that's why I contacted her in December to take a puppy home in may...

I noticed on her website its said there were still 2 puppies from the first litter that haven't sold, I asked if that meant I was first in line to reserve a puppy from her litter being born this week.
You know what she said?

That its really hard to know where you are on the list when people keep on canceling on me, its too bad you cant take one of the male puppies I have they are getting older by the day.....

....

ARE YOU KIDDING ME? your trying to sell me a puppy that I told you I wasn't prepared for because of your bad preparation?? I'm so frustrated and even more then that sad because I have been taking this so seriously and I have set my future work and vacation schedule around the information she has been telling me, its not my fault people cancel, all I'm asking for is confirmation that I can get one of those puppies!! considering you have 2 that haven't sold from a litter of 9 that you apparently had 15 people waiting for, cant you just tell me yes?
I am so worried that this is going to fall apart and all my planning is going to go down the drain because she hasn't been planning at all.......
and whats worse, I don't know what to say to her! I want to be nice but I feel like I'm getting no where.......

What would you do?

thanks for listening...

[lemonadeicedtea]

Did you already put down a deposit? Unless for some reason you're absolutely set on this breeder, I'd just walk away.

[Sawwahbear]

Originally Posted by lemonadeicedtea

Did you already put down a deposit? Unless for some reason you're absolutely set on this breeder, I'd just walk away.

she doesn't accept deposits... I guess now I see why!

the thing is the dogs seem so great, and I'm sure shes a great breeder, just not a great business owner...
shes also an older lady so that might factor in.

I have been trying to get a puppy since last fall and I have walked out on a breeder already... I really don't want to do it again and end up having to wait even longer, especially when I have my work and vacation all planned around taking a puppy home in may....

[Gretchen]

I was going to suggest a deposit also, but I see now not acceptable.

Our breeder was flake, not a good business person at all, but at least he frequently had puppies. I don't know how far you are willing to go, but I'd start doing a search for breeders in a 200 mile radius, and then visit in person.

[lhczth]

I would keep looking mostly because if this breeder is not organized enough to keep a good waiting list than will they be organized enough to pick the right puppy for you.

I also do not accept deposits yet I am quite organized.

[TrickyShepherd]

...I'd look elsewhere.

If someone is unable to keep track of potential buyers and homes, then I bet there's other areas she's "forgetting" too. Not someone I'd do business with.

Find some reputable breeders in your area and around it, do a visit if possible, and see what they can offer you.

Maybe this was a blessing in disguise....

[Sawwahbear]

It seems like its harder then it should be to fine good breeders...
I will keep looking, But at this point if I cannot get a puppy in may or June, then I could be waiting till next year. I really don't want to have to do that, the only way I will back out is if I can find another breeder that meets all my standards and can offer me a puppy during this time....

[Sawwahbear]

Then again that seems shallow, it may end up being worth the wait...
I don't know...

[LoveEcho]

Originally Posted by Sawwahbear

Then again that seems shallow, it may end up being worth the wait...
I don't know...

Trust me, it'd be worth the wait to give yourself some peace of mind, and find another breeder who won't jerk you around and who has their stuff together. As others have said, that level of flakiness is pretty extreme and a red flag. Take the time to find someone who respects you and their trade enough to keep you in the loop.

[Cunningham GSDs]

I would also be a bit concerned with the disorganization. If she can't keep track of the names of her buyers, then what about other important papwerwork; health records, AKC registrations, pedigrees, and contracts?
There is a lot more that goes into being accountable to your puppy owners than just providing the pup. The business part is definetly not fun, but the ducks need to be in a pretty little row so that you can be of service to your new puppy owners.

I keep track of everybody through email until they take their pups home and then I also add a file. I'm sure there are other breeders that you can find in your area if you don't want to deal with shipping that have pups ready in May......

My upcoming litter is the first litter that I have accepted deposits on before they are born. It changes the whole dynamic but it also holds me accountable to the folks who want my pups. It's a two way deal and goes both ways.

Good Luck in your search.