I completely understand that Jan, and my point remains the same. Infact I actually think deposits shouldn't be paid before there actually is a kitten that the deposit is being put on that is born, alive and healthy. I guess that means I don't think waiting lists should be made, especially with unrefundable deposits. If a potential owner no longer wants a kitten from you then they should get their money back, rather then feel tied into something they don't want and may eventually rehome.
I also think that someone who wants a show neuter should not be 'bumped back' and the show quality kitten listed as available because the breeder wants it to be a breeding cat. Otherwise how will the show exhibitor ever get anywhere in the show world? If their cats are always second to the breeding cats.
Breeding cats have the priority. However, the top breeding choice is often not the top show choice. The breeding choice is made based on the potential mate, what needs working on, etc. That may put a better show prospect down the list of breeding kittens. (Most show cats are whole breeding cats shown by the breeder, not show alters.)
We prefer to accept deposits when we believe queens are actually pregnant. We do not have any other waiting list. However, with holdovers from prior litters, folks who have one of our kittens and want to be in line for another or folks who just insist they want to get in line for a kitten, we end up with deposits before that and most kittens are under deposit before they are born, even though we ask not to be given a deposit if the family is also looking elsewhere for a kitten. Selection is from among available pet kittens. I do not think there is anything unfair about it.
(03-26-2010 07:10 AM)blueragdoll Wrote: [ -> ]I completely understand that Jan, and my point remains the same. Infact I actually think deposits shouldn't be paid before there actually is a kitten that the deposit is being put on that is born, alive and healthy. I guess that means I don't think waiting lists should be made, especially with unrefundable deposits. If a potential owner no longer wants a kitten from you then they should get their money back, rather then feel tied into something they don't want and may eventually rehome.
I also think that someone who wants a show neuter should not be 'bumped back' and the show quality kitten listed as available because the breeder wants it to be a breeding cat. Otherwise how will the show exhibitor ever get anywhere in the show world? If their cats are always second to the breeding cats.
I dont force interested owners to place deposits until I know what I have. IF they want to put a deposit down before the breeding takes place, then that's their perogitive. I will refund it only if there are no kittens that match what they are looking for.
I usually accept deposits from kitten owners at 2-3 weeks of age. That way I know genders, colors and patterns. I have a non-refundable deposit policy because I have tried taking an owners word before and it didnt work out, and by that time I had turned down about 6 other people, and the kitten was "older". After that, I refused to hold a kitten for someone unless they placed a deposit. I will refund the deposit if they change their minds within a week or so, but not once the kitten reaches 7-9 weeks of age.
I get 1st pick, breeders get 2nd, and pet owners get last, that's the way it should be. Pet owners are always 1st on the list, 1st pick... same with breeders.. but overall I get 1st pick. My goal is not to place pet kittens, but to keep kittens for myself so that I can carry on the line.
I somewhat think deposits are a good idea. The owner should be absolutely sure he or she wants a pet, so all a deposit does is ensures the buyer that he or she will end up with a new pet. Without a deposit beforehand, a breeder may end up with a littler of kittens all with owners who may decide to back out of the deal. Then again, it might be a good thing. If an owner is wishy-washy then the kitten may end up being returned or in a shelter :\
Deposits are a hard call!
Commitment is a two way street. We will refuse to deliver a kitten on the day of pickup if we feel it is appropriate (although that has not happened that late in the process). We will also return a deposit until then as well. We do not want somebody to take a kitten to avoid losing a deposit. We will find another family if needed. That is much easier than worrying that a kitten has gone to a home who decided they really would rather not have him.
I do have a waiting list. For the most part, it is first come, first served. I talk with everyone first, to make sure that a) they can provide an appropriate home for the kitten and b) that they understand how my waiting list works. The first person to put a deposit down, has first dibs at the pet quality kittens. Some people have no preference of color or sex; some people do. Those who
do have a preference understand that they will have first dibs when a pet quality kitten of that sex/pattern/color/etc. is born. Those who don't have a preference are likely to get a kitten faster (not that that is their motivation, but just tends to work out that way.) I'm very upfront with all buyers as to how all this works. I do ask for deposits so that I know that the buyer is serious.
If I have a nice show/breeder quality kitten born, and have no show/breeder home for it to go to (including mine
), I have NO problems placing such kittens in pet homes at pet prices.
If at any time during the process, I feel that a home is not appropriate, the timing is not right, etc., I have the right to return a deposit. The most important thing to me is that my cats go to good homes.
I personally feel that open and honest communication with your pet buyers is key - however you decide to do your waiting list.
I only take deposits when the kitten has been viewed and the prospective buyer turns into a definite new owner.
When I advertise the kittens I place kittens on hold if I think they show breeding or show potential and only advertise the ones I am happy to sell as pets. Once the kittens are older and potential becomes more obvious then I will advertise the the kittens on hold. Sometimes this means that they are not advertised until 10 weeks old but they soon sell.
If someone asked me to let them know when I have a particular colour or pattern then they would go on a waiting list and be told as soon as I have one that fits their preference. Whatever the quality, unless I wanted the kitten for breeding myself then they would get first refusal.
The only time this has happened to me so far was over Evie's litter. I had a number of breeders who said they wanted to know when I had a mini Evie but now I have one I'm still going down the list to see who wants her.
To me, if the kitten isn't staying here then I just want the very best possible home whether it be a pet, show or breeding home.
Thanks everyone for your honest replies. I can see we have a lot of upfront and honest breeders on this forum