Understanding Freebies From Reputable Tarantula Dealers A Guide For Enthusiasts

The practice of offering free tarantulas with purchases has become a common incentive among reputable breeders and dealers in the arachnid hobby. These freebies, often referred to as "free Ts," serve as both a marketing tool and a way for enthusiasts to expand their collections without additional cost. This article examines the freebie practices of established tarantula dealers, focusing on the policies, expectations, and experiences shared by community members.

Reputable Dealers Known for Freebies

Several tarantula dealers have established reputations for including free specimens with purchases. Among these, Jamie's Tarantulas (jamiestarantulas.com) is frequently mentioned as a reliable source that customers have personally purchased from. While specific details about their freebie policy are not explicitly detailed in the sources, the general consensus among community members is that established dealers often include additional specimens with orders.

Other dealers known for their freebie programs include:

• Net Bug (net-bug.net): Offers freebies at $100 and $150+ purchase thresholds
• Swift Inverts: Provides one freebie on orders over $20 and more deluxe freebies on purchases of $100+
• JR Inverts: Offers freebies at $30 and $100+ purchase thresholds, with a generous live arrival guarantee

Types of Freebies Typically Offered

Based on community discussions, freebies most commonly include:

• Spiderlings (slings) of various species
• Juvenile specimens
• Unsexed specimens
• Species that are common or easy to breed

One community member noted that "LP" (likely Lasiodora parahybana) has become a common freebie, with some enthusiasts expressing that they already have enough of these specimens and would prefer different species. Another mentioned receiving a Pamphobeteus sling as a freebie with one order and two freebies with another.

Purchase Requirements for Freebies

The threshold for receiving freebies varies among dealers:

• Some offer freebies with relatively small purchases ($20-$30)
• Others require higher minimum purchases ($100+) for freebies
• A few dealers offer tiered freebies, with more valuable specimens at higher purchase amounts

One dealer mentioned in the sources offers free shipping on orders over $200 worth of specimens, which can significantly reduce the overall cost when considering the value of free specimens included.

Shipping Considerations for Freebies

When ordering tarantulas that include freebies, customers should consider:

• Shipping costs typically range from $15-$45 depending on the service level
• Live arrival guarantees (LAG) are often available only with overnight shipping
• Some dealers include heat packs with shipments to ensure specimens arrive safely
• Free specimens are usually shipped with the main order, not separately

Legal and Ethical Considerations

When purchasing tarantulas with or without freebies, buyers should be aware of:

• Laws regarding shipping live invertebrates
• State-specific regulations on tarantula ownership
• Documentation requirements for international sellers
• The importance of buying from reputable dealers

One community member warned about sellers outside the US selling to Americans without proper documentation, which is illegal. They emphasized the importance of "be[ing] aware of all of this" when making purchases.

Community Experiences with Freebies

Customer experiences with freebies from tarantula dealers vary:

• Many report positive experiences with free specimens arriving healthy and as described
• Some dealers include unexpected freebies as compensation for shipping delays or issues
• Community members often share their freebie hauls on forums and social media
• There are occasional complaints about free specimens not matching descriptions or arriving in poor condition

One customer shared a positive experience where they received a 2" B. albopilosum as a freebie to compensate for a shipping delay from Sunflower State Exotics.

Evaluating Freebie Offers

When evaluating freebie offers from dealers, enthusiasts should consider:

• The reputation of the dealer in the tarantula community
• The value and desirability of the offered free specimens
• Whether the purchase meets the dealer's minimum requirements for freebies
• The shipping costs and whether they offset the value of the free specimens

The Future of Freebies in the Tarantula Hobby

Based on community discussions, the practice of offering freebies appears to be:

• A continuing incentive among reputable dealers
• Sometimes species-specific, with certain common specimens becoming "standard" freebies
• Potentially evolving based on market demand and availability of certain species

Some community members noted that certain species, like Brachypelma vagans, have become common freebies, replacing earlier popular freebie species.

Conclusion

Free specimens have become a standard offering among many reputable tarantula dealers, serving as both a customer incentive and a way to distribute common or surplus specimens. While practices vary among dealers, the most reliable ones typically include healthy, appropriately sized specimens with qualifying purchases. Enthusiasts should research dealer reputations, understand shipping requirements, and be aware of legal considerations when taking advantage of these offers. As the hobby continues to evolve, the practice of offering freebies remains an important aspect of the tarantula dealer community.

Sources

1. Arachnoboards Discussion on Reputable Tarantula Dealers
2. Tumblr Post on Buying Tarantulas Online
3. Arachnoboards Thread on Reputable Dealers
4. Arachnoboards Discussion on Tarantula Pricing
5. Arachnoboards Thread on Borneo Black Tarantula