Page 31 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 9
P. 31
Being able to pay for the Koi then and there will get you
a better price as the breeders respect this much more.
You will also be able to see exactly how much you are
paying for your Koi.
BEING ABLE But whoever you go with they should have a good
knowledge of the area and a good working relationship
TO PAY FOR with the breeders they are dealing with. The Japanese
like long-term business relationships and they get to
THE KOI THEN know the person they are dealing with too. Some of my
AND THERE customers have been buying Koi from the same
breeders for over ten years and have built-up their
WILL GET YOU own friendships, allowing them to get better Koi at
A BETTER lower prices.
The person you go with should be familiar with all the
PRICE breeders’ Koi and what they have to offer, and they
should have a good idea of the prices the breeder is
asking. Prices for Koi in Japan have not changed much
over the years; it’s the exchange rate and dealer’s
commission that increases the prices.
The more information you can give the person about
what Koi you are looking for and your budget, the more
Martin enjoys a friendly get they can show you without wasting any of the time you
together over a meal with his people can import Koi on a one off basis, but this have. But remember, when talking about your budget
Koi breeder friends. needs to be arranged with a designated air agent at make sure you are taking into account the final cost
the airport. which includes shipping, importation fees and taxes as
these soon add up.
You need to decide if your trip is really going to save
you money when buying Koi. Remember, if you are Someone to guide you
going with a group via a Koi dealer or wholesaler who
are then being shown around by an agent in Japan, it It’s very important that the person you travel with is
will become obvious that the agent is negotiating with able to offer you help and guidance when you are
the Koi breeder and so is making a commission. They buying a Koi. This can only come from someone who
then sell it to the dealer or wholesaler who then sells it has experience dealing with Koi over a long period
to you, so your price for the Koi is far more expensive of time.
than dealing directly with someone who is based in
They should also be able to take you to all the breeders
Japan with no middle men.
that are able to ship Koi so that you have a better
My advice is deal with someone who is either based in choice.
Japan or a dealer who can offer the complete package Don’t just go to a handful of breeders as this will be
and do it all themselves. This includes taking you limiting for you. The person showing you around should
around to the breeders, negotiating for Koi on your be flexible and happy to go back to a breeder several
behalf, arranging all the necessary paperwork and times if that’s what you want! Remember you are the
health checks as well as the shipping of your Koi back customer!
to your home country.
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