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Post by pardosa on Mar 7, 2016 6:34:20 GMT -8
Hello!
I went many times in Cameroon few years ago, and i'm still always keeping touch with my friends there. Some of them keep sending beetles and have a lot of friends insect catcher. My best contact there asked me to help him to organize an insect Fair in Yaoundé, he asked me to analyze the opportunity of this event, and, of course, if european and other countries collectors would be interested by this kind of event...
So that's why I'm posting this thread here: do you think it's a good idea and who would be interested?
Many thanks
Seb
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 7, 2016 10:06:42 GMT -8
Whenever two collectors are in an area at the same time the prices skyrocket. When sellers are hungry and there is one buyer, the prices are reasonable.
Bug shows work in USA / Europe because people can't readily travel, and the insects have already been imported. Anyone is going to Yaonde will have already spent a small fortune by the time they get there, and if it's a bunch of collectors they'll be competing for material.
Chuck
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Post by Paul K on Mar 7, 2016 18:57:21 GMT -8
I would say...forget it.
Did not work in Toronto where there are relatively few collectors and not far distance from few big cities in US.
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Post by timmsyrj on Mar 8, 2016 1:13:15 GMT -8
Could we use cash or is it just western union payments at scam fest?
Rich
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Post by africaone on Mar 8, 2016 4:08:57 GMT -8
 lol .... let imagine all the "insect tourists" stopped at the custom to pay fees (bakshish) to get out with the material or jailed (African method to obtain bigger bakshish) for use of false certificate and corruption (provided by the sellers of course), etc ... matter to make a comedy movie !
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Post by pardosa on Mar 8, 2016 4:26:30 GMT -8
Ok,
I understand that the bad reputation of some cameroonian insect catcher will drive it on a wrong way. We just wanted to give opportunity to insect catcher, "honnest ones", to get reliable business contact with european and other country buyers. That's real going to Cameroun cost at least 600 euros + visa and others stuffs. Some collectors, when they come to cameroun, go directly to places like Ebogo, mainly known. So i'm a little bit disapointed by the negatives reactions, but I knew they will come. So I would like to know what would be your suggestion an propositions to make it work, if it could.
Thanks
Seb
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 8, 2016 6:09:54 GMT -8
Ok, I understand that the bad reputation of some cameroonian insect catcher will drive it on a wrong way. We just wanted to give opportunity to insect catcher, "honnest ones", to get reliable business contact with european and other country buyers. That's real going to Cameroun cost at least 600 euros + visa and others stuffs. Some collectors, when they come to cameroun, go directly to places like Ebogo, mainly known. So i'm a little bit disapointed by the negatives reactions, but I knew they will come. So I would like to know what would be your suggestion an propositions to make it work, if it could. Thanks Seb Never be afraid to share an idea. I just don't think it would work. I would suggest that what might work is to form a distribution company with a good reputation that checks quality and sells at reasonable prices- collectors will pay more for less risk. Chuck |
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Post by timmsyrj on Mar 8, 2016 13:47:48 GMT -8
Ok, I understand that the bad reputation of some cameroonian insect catcher will drive it on a wrong way. We just wanted to give opportunity to insect catcher, "honnest ones", to get reliable business contact with european and other country buyers. That's real going to Cameroun cost at least 600 euros + visa and others stuffs. Some collectors, when they come to cameroun, go directly to places like Ebogo, mainly known. So i'm a little bit disapointed by the negatives reactions, but I knew they will come. So I would like to know what would be your suggestion an propositions to make it work, if it could. Thanks Seb Unfortunately I think the only way for good honest insect catchers to repair the damage done in the past by scammers is to offer their specimens to collectors on a "pay on receipt" basis with no up front payment, including postage, I appreciate this is not really the way things are done but I doubt you will find many buyers who will forward their hard earned money to unknown sellers in other countries untill a trust is formed between the 2 parties. I don't know where you live Seb, but you could act as an outlet for selling your friends specimens any way it happens it will take a lot of trust on the sellers part as far to many buyers, including me, have been stung by scammers, not just African sellers either, so I can't see any way this could realistically occur I'm affraid. Rich ( name! , not a statement of wealth ) |
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Post by cabintom on Mar 8, 2016 22:24:21 GMT -8
If I traveled all the way to Cameroon, I'd much prefer to spend my time out collecting rather than at a fair... honest question: do these collectors have the means/resources to properly display their specimens for such an event? (local collectors here in eastern DRC definitely do not)
Rather, what I could be interested in is having the local insect collector act as a guide for a number of days, at the end of which maybe he could also sell specimens from his stock?
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Post by nomad on Mar 9, 2016 6:02:23 GMT -8
Whenever two collectors are in an area at the same time the prices skyrocket. When sellers are hungry and there is one buyer, the prices are reasonable. Bug shows work in USA / Europe because people can't readily travel, and the insects have already been imported. Chuck Japanese seem to make it to Juvisy, Paris and there are dealers there from all over Europe and Asia. At first I thought this thread was a Cameroon Scammers joke. Sorry but I afraid your idea will not work. Insect sellers in that Country have earned themselves a bad reputation. |
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Post by exoticimports on Mar 9, 2016 7:07:31 GMT -8
If I traveled all the way to Cameroon, I'd much prefer to spend my time out collecting rather than at a fair... honest question: do these collectors have the means/resources to properly display their specimens for such an event? (local collectors here in eastern DRC definitely do not) Rather, what I could be interested in is having the local insect collector act as a guide for a number of days, at the end of which maybe he could also sell specimens from his stock? In my experience, that's essentially what happens. I too would rather collect, even small stuff, over buying big showy specimens. That said, when I've gone to study (collect) insects the local dealers, as well as enterprising individuals, have no trouble finding me- once word gets out, they will track you down with anything they have. On that note, I find it best to negotiate a "buy the whole box" rather than negotiate over individual specimens. |
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Post by pardosa on Mar 9, 2016 11:53:38 GMT -8
Ok,
Many thanks for the ones who take the time to giver their opinion. I will warn my friend about all those things. The idea to get local guides for collector trip is good. The Cameroun is a beautiful country, so bad to have a very bad reputation. Some of them are not that way, but when someone get a good provider, better for him to shut up! I have been sheeted too, but now i have a good friend, and keep it!
Seb
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Post by africaone on Mar 9, 2016 22:09:17 GMT -8
Ok, Many thanks for the ones who take the time to giver their opinion. I will warn my friend about all those things. The idea to get local guides for collector trip is good. The Cameroun is a beautiful country, so bad to have a very bad reputation. Some of them are not that way, but when someone get a good provider, better for him to shut up! I have been sheeted too, but now i have a good friend, and keep it! Seb I understand you may be exited by the idea (not so bad)and disapointed by the bad feedback but it is completely irrealistic regarding the situation in Africa. Not because the few honnest dealer you may know but because of the situation itself. You cannot change a system.  |
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Post by nomad on Mar 10, 2016 6:19:09 GMT -8
When asked a question it is kinder to be honest.
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Post by pardosa on Mar 10, 2016 23:55:11 GMT -8
Sorry Nomad,
I don't understand your note..
Seb
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lol .... let imagine all the "insect tourists" stopped at the custom to pay fees (bakshish) to get out with the material or jailed (African method to obtain bigger bakshish) for use of false certificate and corruption (provided by the sellers of course), etc ... matter to make a comedy movie ! 
