Haven't read what everyone's written so there might be some overlaps of concensus.

WRT one example, Bearded Dragons, the simple fact of the matter is they have been overbred. The same can be said for many other sp. of invertebrates, animals etc. If people did proper market research and didn't climb on the latest bandwagon to make a quick buck, there wouldn't be the over population of a certain sp. therefore the prices would remain at a constant level. One only has to look at cats & dogs to see how tragic the situation can become. Living things which have no monetary value and in the eyes of many people are worthless.

The other side of the coin is, when it comes to the rarer sp. and here I'm referring to the Tarantulas which I keep / breed, people expect to get them for nothing - despite the fact that they are RARE, very scarce, etc etc. They compare them with common sp like Curly Hairs and cannot understand why they aren't the same price. I think it's a mentality that one has to deal with.

Regarding pet shops: I totally disagree that pet shops in any way keep the prices stable (up). Pet shops offer NOTHING when they want to buy from one, but charge the earth. Their mark up is so ridiculous that many people won't even consider purchasing from a pet shop. Personally, I would only buy from a pvt person and never a pet shop. I know the excuse that they have overheads etc. but it shows lack of understanding of economics and that is why the majority of them are here today and gone tomorrow. They don't realise that it's better to have a quicker turnover of stock at a reasonable price than to keep stock forever (risking death / obsoletion etc) at an unrealistic price. The former ensures quick turnaround and higher profits whilst the latter ensures stagnation and closure.

Lastly, to answer the q: there is such a small invertebrate 'fraternity' in this country that even the smallest oversupply of a particular sp. will ensure its demise due to lack of interest. The point is, don't overbreed sp just because you can, and buy locally bred. The imported / smuggled ones die easily / usually and this in itself is enough to turn most people off a hobby before they've even got started.

Rayman wrote:

I ask because only the people passionate about the hobby won’t care if they can’t sell their slings for 20 bucks more.

I havent attempted to breed T's yet, but definitely want to in the future. My main aim for breeding wont be to just make money, but make enough money to expand my collection. Every cent I make out of T's will be put back into T's.

But this will still be a while as I dont have breeding stock yet.

Regarding pet shops: I totally disagree that pet shops in any way keep the prices stable (up). Pet shops offer NOTHING when they want to buy from one, but charge the earth. Their mark up is so ridiculous that many people won't even consider purchasing from a pet shop. Personally, I would only buy from a pvt person and never a pet shop. I know the excuse that they have overheads etc. but it shows lack of understanding of economics and that is why the majority of them are here today and gone tomorrow. They don't realise that it's better to have a quicker turnover of stock at a reasonable price than to keep stock forever (risking death / obsoletion etc) at an unrealistic price. The former ensures quick turnaround and higher profits whilst the latter ensures stagnation and closure.

PLUS ONE to Tango
Cheaper prices means more bussiness aswell
with a good services ..

+1to tango! cheaper prices also means better future business as people will return to buy enclosures and other spider products.