Today, we’ll talk about the 10 types of potential buyers :
1. Serious Buyer
2. Price-Driven Buyer
3. Time Waster
4. Rude Buyer
5. Bargainer
6. Interrogator
7. Flake
8. Researcher
9. Hesitant Buyer
10. Pseudo-Expert
Before we analyze these types, here’s a friendly piece of advice: if you find yourself fitting into one of these categories and know you shouldn’t, consider changing your approach as soon as possible.
I understand that people often have the best intentions, yet the way they approach a breeder can sometimes send the wrong signals.
We breeders are a special type of people—we love what we do, and we’re very proud of it. Breeding dogs is much more than what meets the eye; it’s our passion and what gives deeper meaning to our lives. Being disrespectful to us in any way automatically means you’ll be on the list of people who will never get a puppy. Every breeder I know keeps their own list, and every communication is saved to remember who to avoid in the future. You know what they say: first impressions matter. To us breeders, first impressions matter even more. If you make a bad first impression, you likely won’t get a dog from that breeder. If you don’t change your manners and communication style, you may never get a dog from a reputable breeder.
**Let’s analyse the types of potential buyers:**
1. **The Serious Buyer**
The serious buyer is a breed enthusiast who knows the price range of reputable breeders and has researched the breeder they are approaching. They are respectful and ask questions about the puppy they want to buy and its parents. They trust the breeder to guide them in choosing the right puppy. They respect your time and appreciate the work that has gone into raising the puppy.
2. **Price-Driven Buyer**
The price-driven buyer is easy to recognize. They will comment on posts about the puppies, asking “price?” or “how much?” They do the same in private messages without introducing themselves or stating what they’re looking for. They like what they see, but their primary concern is getting a puppy at the lowest possible price. This is not the kind of person most breeders want to deal with.
3. **The Time Waster**
This buyer presents themselves as genuinely interested, asking many questions about the puppy and its parents, without ever asking about the price. After answering all their questions, when you finally mention the price, they respond, “Well, I’m not interested in buying a puppy right now, just gathering information for the future.”
Is it wrong to ask about a puppy you want to buy in the future? Of course not. But it is wrong to present yourself as if you’re ready to buy now without clarifying that you’re just researching. By informing the breeder upfront, they can decide whether to speak with you now or later. Otherwise, you’re wasting time they could spend with people who are ready to buy.
4. **The Rude Buyer**
This buyer asks for information about the puppies and their parents, and if they don’t like the price, they won’t even thank you for your time. They might say they’ll think about it and get back to you in a couple of days, but they never do. Forgetting basic manners like this can be seen as disrespectful.
5. **The Bargainer**
For the bargainer, price is irrelevant; what matters is getting a discount. No matter the price, they will ask for a reduction because that’s how they’re wired. This approach is another form of disrespect and is a surefire way to never get a puppy from a reputable breeder.
6. **The Interrogator**
This buyer never introduces themselves or states what they’re interested in. Instead, they launch into a barrage of questions as if the breeder owes them answers. They might ask to see your dogs’ pedigrees, health tests, guarantees, contracts, etc. While these are important topics, assuming the breeder is obligated to share this information without a proper introduction or showing genuine interest is presumptuous.
7. **The Flake**
The flake is the worst type of buyer—their name is often shared among breeders as someone to avoid. This person expresses strong interest and may even agree to buy, but they back out at the last minute or stop responding altogether. They might have second thoughts or simply lack the commitment to follow through.
8. **The Researcher**
The researcher is the buyer who is gathering information by talking to every available breeder to understand the price range and how each breeder operates. This is perfectly fine as long as you inform the breeder early in the conversation that you’re researching and not ready to buy. Doing so earns the breeder’s respect, and they can decide whether to talk to you now or at a different time when they aren’t busy with potential buyers.
9. **The Hesitant Buyer**
The hesitant buyer is cautious and wants to know every detail about the process. They’ve likely had problems with another breeder in the past and want to avoid future issues. While it’s completely understandable to be cautious, it’s your responsibility to research the breeder, not to expect the breeder to convince you. Avoid comparing breeders and saying things like, “My previous breeder did this or that, and that’s why I’m asking.” This can come across as disrespectful.
10. **The Pseudo-Expert**
The pseudo-expert introduces themselves as someone who knows the breed well, perhaps having owned one in the past. They’re always looking for a mistake or something they believe you’re doing wrong. Common questions include, “Why does the puppy have scratches?” “Why the floppy ears?” or “What is this spot there? “Why do the puppies have blue eyes? “
Well, all puppies are born with blue eyes because melanin production in the eyes doesn’t begin until they are a few weeks old, making their eyes appear blue initially.
Scratches are from rough playing between litter mates, indicating healthy, active puppies.
And floppy ears are common during teething and will stand up once the process progresses.
These are simple things educated breed enthusiasts already know.
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