I don't know, if they do overnight shipping? As a major hobbyist in the arachnid community as well, I will buy nothing without overnight shipping because it's too much stress for whatever your buying. If over night shipping is how it's done, then I don't see much harm. But honestly if that's not the case, I entirely agree with you on it seems unethical. As for a cash grab, most people are just trying to make a little money back on the hobby to cover their losses. As well not everyone has the access or ability to catch queens.
Overnight shipping is offered for all products, and is standard for sensitive species such as leaf cutters and honey pots. It is the only shipping method offered during the summer months.
I am not sure how it is unethical to sell queens when nearly the entire hobby engages in the practice of selling queens. As a rule of thumb queens start off cheap, and increase in price until they are colonies. Usually on AntsEmporium you are saving between 30-50% off purchasing a queen. As stated above this topic is for reviews, not to cause drama because AntsEmporium is selling queen ants. AntsEmporium is an ant store so I would think it is to be expected to sell queen ants .
The owner knows this and counts on it, since they will have to purchase another queen if they want a colony. Seems unethical and a simple cash grab
To address your statement, No where on AntsEmporium does it say you are required to purchase a queen and then have to purchase a colony after. AntsEmporium currently has a 27.63% returning customer rate so in no way do I believe customers are mistreated or schemed into buying more ants.At the end of the day it is an understood "risk"when it comes to purchasing queens, and while extremely rare sometimes a queen does not succeed and AntsEmporium will happily refund the customer if this is the case.
Before you attack AntsEmporium and other stores/hobbyists alike, please take the time to review common practices in the hobby. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, randomly attacking a business for selling queen ants is not the way to get your point across.