Assassin Snails?

KrystaK · Feb 6, 2012

I'm trying to buy assassin snails online, as my local pet store has them, but won't sell them (They use them to keep their own tanks clean but don't sell them to the public)
Anyways. I contacted someone near me who had them for sale, but I didn't want to do a face to fact pickup so I asked if he/she would ship them to me.

I was told sure, 'Winter is the best time to ship them, but you need to pay a 15$ shipping fee'
I found the winter remark rude (As I don;t know but I'm reasonably sure it is very much not the best time to ship live animals) And I think 15$ is rather expensive for shipping..

Is there a website that people have bought fish from that also sells assassin snails? I'd rather buy from a company than a random person.
Preferably a US/Canadian Company, as I am a Canadian

CezzaXV · Feb 6, 2012

That's not at all an unreasonable postage cost - remember, these are live animals. They need to be packaged well for the journey, sent next day delivery so they're not dead on arrival and often sent with a heat pack to stop them freezing on their journey. Sounds like you've got a good deal - the seller I buy from online charges £15 for delivery (around $24).

That said though, it may be worth asking your LFS to order some assassin snails in from their supplier for you.

soybean · Feb 6, 2012

I'm wondering if it's a typo and they meant to put winter ISN'T the best time to ship them. Why not double check?

$15 shipping for live animals that need heat packs, insulation and swift delivery in winter etc sounds about right to me.

This Old Spouse · Feb 6, 2012

Why wouldn't you pick them up in person? I'd think in February that would be an ideal option, and then you wouldn't have to worry at all about the shipping costs.

Inchworm · Feb 6, 2012

I've bought mine from this company almost two years ago. Since then the price went down $.50 each. I was very happy with the transaction and most of them are still alive today.

http

/www.bobstropicalplants.com/shop/en/16-snails

Winter is not a good time to ship fish or other livestock. If you can hold off a few months you will be a lot better off both when it comes to cost and safety of the snails.

I understand your reluctance about going to a stranger's house to pick them up. Perhaps you could arrange to meet them at a lfs or other safe place.