Should I keep a waitlist?
Waitlist procedures can vary greatly between kennels. In this article we will explore the most common types of waitlists so you can decide what is best for your own kennel.
Traditional Waitlist:
A traditional waitlist requires a deposit to join. This is a good option if you consistently breed and plan to have puppies three times a year or more. Buyers are added to the waitlist in the order that the deposit is received. The most common deposit amount is $500, although some breeders do less. Please caution that requiring a smaller deposit can often attract less serious buyers. Once puppies become available, you would proceed down your list in order. Buyers have the option to choose from available puppies, or pass and wait for a future litter. Buyers move up the list as families above them choose puppies and drop-off. Some breeders only allow so many “passes” or set a time frame that a deposit is good for until it is forfeited. However, having no limit or time frame will give buyers more confidence in the process and make them more likely to join your waitlist.
Pros:
Buyers are lined up before puppies arrive, relieving a lot of the stress of marketing.
You have more time to screen applications and build a relationship with buyers.
Knowing what buyers are seeking can help you plan upcoming pairings.
Cons:
Missed pregnancies or small litters can leave buyers frustrated, and potentially seeking a refund.
Organized record keeping is required to maintain a waitlist.
You are responsible for safe-holding money that should not be spent until a puppy has been chosen.
Interest List:
An interest list does not require a deposit to join. This is the best option if you only breed occasionally. With an interest list you simply collect the contact information from buyers that may be interested, and contact them to place a deposit after puppies arrive.
Pros:
It’s easy to build a large contact list of potential buyers.
You are not responsible for safe-holding any money.
There is no loss from a missed pregnancy.
Cons:
Buyers are not serious or committed.
It can be time consuming to contact everyone on your list and wait for their response.
If buyers don’t pan out then you are left marketing puppies last minute.
No Waitlist:
Not holding any sort of list is also a popular option. Puppies are sold on a first come, first serve basis.
Pros:
Buyers are willing to pay a higher price when they don’t have to wait.
Cons:
Avoiding impulse and dishonest buyers is a challenge, not getting to know the buyer can result in returned puppies or broken contracts.
The stress of finding all puppies homes by the time they turn 8 weeks old, you may have to spend funds towards marketing/advertising.
Keeping puppies past 8 weeks old that haven’t found homes and potentially discounting them lower than expected.