I think this is my first post. Go easy on me. 💀 I recently spent $366 on an order from a tarantula seller, including $40 shipping. I purchased my dream spider, a Brazilian Jewel, and added another spider specifically to qualify for their $300 promotional tier.
Unfortunately, my order had several issues from start to finish.
First, there was a problem with the order being processed, and I had to follow up. I bought my spiders on Tuesday, and they ship T, W, and Th. I expected shipping Wed or Thurs. I contacted them on Friday and asked when they would ship and was told my order fell through the cracks and we arranged shipping for Tuesday. They contacted me Monday to tell me that the Chilean Flame I'd specifically spent extra money to qualify for was no longer available due to an their website having a stock glitch. I specifically wanted this one for the size and temperament. I understood that things happen, so I selected alternatives.
Speaking of the freebies, theirs had updated. Now the freebies available were considerably cheaper and the more aggressive species. Which felt like shit bc I paid extra to get that tier.. From a $96 tarantula to $48 - $68 tarantulas. Now you have to spend $400 to get the 90+ guys. Kinda annoying I guess because it made me wonder if they actually ran out or not. I also work in financial fraud investigation so to be fair to me, it's my job to be suspicious. 💀
When my order arrived, three spiders were alive, but one of the promotional slings, a 0.25-inch Guatemalan Tiger Rump, was dead. I documented the DOA and contacted the seller.
They offered to replace it with my next purchase. When I explained that this was a significant, one-time purchase for me and I wasn't sure I'd order again, they offered to send the replacement separately if I paid shipping and a box fee.
They initially quoted me $60.
Here's where I became uncomfortable: the exact spider retails for $20 on their website, and regular checkout for that spider plus shipping also totals $60. So the supposedly free replacement would cost exactly as much as purchasing another spider outright.
I reviewed their published terms and found that the box fee was listed as $10, not $20. When I questioned the discrepancy, they immediately lowered the replacement quote to $50, explaining that shipping to my location was cheaper than that. Meaning 40 --> 30. They also did reply probably within a minute or so to that text.
But I'd already paid $40 shipping on my original order to that same address.
I understand that live-animal shipping is expensive, and I understand that promotional animals may have different replacement policies. I also recognize that the customer service representative may simply be following company policy. Also, speaking of shipping, my 2 free spiders were not packed with a paper towel cork. Only my paid ones. Which.. is odd because they're living creatures and deserve idk dude like 3 cents of paper towels. My tiger rump looked injured as well. The booty was bent oddly and shriveled up under them. It was wet all over its body, I assume from their body getting injured. I did kind of assume a rough handling if I'm being honest just from the whole vibe I'm getting.
However, between the order issues, inventory mistake, deceased spider, and inconsistent replacement pricing, I've lost confidence in the seller.
I'm not claiming I can prove intentional overcharging. I'm saying the experience has left me uncomfortable.
For experienced tarantula keepers: Is this a typical approach to replacing DOA promotional slings? Would you consider this an acceptable resolution? I have 7 spiders atm and buy from a local breeder normally so I guess I'm not totally sure what normal is.
