8 replies to this topic

[The_Gaming-gate]

I am interested in selling some queens this summer, and possibly formicariums, but I am not 100% sure how the process works. I intend on shipping the ants and formicariums to others, not really sure how I ask “give me your address so I can give you some insects I found outside” without sounding like a textbook scammer. So any help will be appreciated greatly.

[Flu1d]

Well, you already know that you can only ship to other folks in Florida. Also, Solenopsis invicta cannot be shipped period, not even in Florida.

Other than that, just make sure you are consistent with shipping in a timely manner. Always ship ants as priority, they will get to their destination faster. Its typically around $10. Ensure you make it so they can't shift around too much in the packaging to the best of your ability.

After people start receiving ants in the mail, ask if they wouldn't mind leaving a positive comment on your sales post in the marketplace.

Edited by Flu1d, March 30 2024 - 11:22 AM.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Well, you already know that you can only ship to other folks in Florida. Also, Solenopsis invicta cannot be shipped period, not even in Florida.

Other than that, just make sure you are consistent with shipping in a timely manner. Always ship ants as priority, they will get to their destination faster. Its typically around $10. Ensure you make it so they can't shift around too much in the packaging to the best of your ability.

After people start receiving ants in the mail, ask if they wouldn't mind leaving a positive comment on your sales post in the marketplace.

Thank you! Do you think paper towels are enough to stop test tubes from rolling? Bubble wrap is very expensive.

[GOCAMPONOTUS]

I would use packing peanuts and tape the tube so it doesn't bounce to much.

[The_Gaming-gate]

How much should I put up certain species?
I think I will be able to find Lasius and Camponotus, and I should find Pheidole if I search well enough.

[Flu1d]

Well, you already know that you can only ship to other folks in Florida. Also, Solenopsis invicta cannot be shipped period, not even in Florida.

Other than that, just make sure you are consistent with shipping in a timely manner. Always ship ants as priority, they will get to their destination faster. Its typically around $10. Ensure you make it so they can't shift around too much in the packaging to the best of your ability.

After people start receiving ants in the mail, ask if they wouldn't mind leaving a positive comment on your sales post in the marketplace.

Thank you! Do you think paper towels are enough to stop test tubes from rolling? Bubble wrap is very expensive.

I use bubble wrap as well as thick, crumpled up paper. I also use packing peanuts. I order a lot from Amazon so I keep my old boxes and any bubble wrap/air concealed in plastic/packing peanuts as well as bubble mailers in a big ol' plastic tub I have for storage. I will sometimes roll a test tube up in a bubble mailer, put it into a box and make sure there's no loose space in the box, if there is I stuff it with other stuff I have available. Loose space in the box means room for the tube to get tossed around inside. Even an inch can make the difference. I worked at USPS for a few years and I've seen how they handle people's mail. It's always better to ensure you wrap well.

[Flu1d]

Your best bet is to find a retailer, like Oiledolives or Anthony from Stateside Ants and work out a deal with them.

The Florida community typically doesn't try to make much, if any money off of each other. From what I have seen, depending on the species (especially if you're newer to anting) they usually gift you the first ant or two in your collection, you just cover shipping. They're a pretty tight knit community and they try to meet up in person once per year and go anting together as a group.

Reach out to the above mentioned folks, they usually work out deals with you.

[The_Gaming-gate]

Your best bet is to find a retailer, like Oiledolives or Anthony from Stateside Ants and work out a deal with them.

The Florida community typically doesn't try to make much, if any money off of each other. From what I have seen, depending on the species (especially if you're newer to anting) they usually gift you the first ant or two in your collection, you just cover shipping. They're a pretty tight knit community and they try to meet up in person once per year and go anting together as a group.

Reach out to the above mentioned folks, they usually work out deals with you.

What about formicariums that I can ship between states? How do I price those?

[bmb1bee]

What about formicariums that I can ship between states? How do I price those?

Formicaria can be shipped to other states without issues. Only problem would be the shipping cost, which could be pricey if the box gets heavy. Those will need a decently sized box and heavy amounts of crumpled paper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts to prevent them from cracking during shipping. As for pricing those, I'd recommend at least covering the cost it took to make one. I typically see decent formicaria available from anywhere between $15 and $150 if you need a price range. I usually put my own between $15 and $45.