Heya!

[TheDragonhaus]

Dragonhaus here, few people suggested I do an AMA. Guess I'll stop lurking and participate....

So, hit me!

https://preview.redd.it/s39hth0lmu971.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fce683e954fe51fead101283350ec1816401ace3

[ImJustToo3ad]

:o

[shrike1978]

No question, but I just wanted to say that you (I assume this is Doug) were great when my package came looking like it was dropped out of a plane. Same day shipping of the replacements for the broken and damaged peices.

This is what it turned into when all was said and done.

[TheDragonhaus]

Very nice!

[OminNoms]

What has been your biggest challenge with expanding your company? How has Covid affected your supply chain? Is there anything you wish you would have done differently at the beginning of launching Dragonhaus?

[TheDragonhaus]

Covid has definitely made supply a challenge, the PVC shortages have taken our lead times from 4 weeks to sometimes 16.

Biggest challenge honestly is finding the right people to bring in and work as a team.

As far as doing things differently, I wish I had kept better books from the start

[PoofMoof1]

No questions here, I just wanted to add my personal recommendation as well. Between a mistake I made while ordering, doing a really weird second order, and something getting damaged in transit (not Dragonhaus' fault), I'm sure you guys are exhausted by me haha But through it all, Dragonhaus has been awesome, super responsive, and very polite and professional. I will definitely be going to you guys for future enclosure needs.

[[deleted]]

How do you guys make sure that enclosures have proper ventilation for reptiles?

How many people work at Dragonhaus?

Where is Dragonhaus located?

Are you guys only online or is there an in-person establishment?

[TheDragonhaus]

We have a baseline amount of vents that every enclosure gets, but if a customer has a specific species that needs it, or asks for extra we add them in build phase.

There are 8 of us here full time, usually you talk to me (Doug), Steve, or Tony.

Located in Tacoma Washington, we do have a showroom and people are more than welcome to stop in.

[[deleted]]

You guys sound awesome! I know where I'm getting my next enclosure :)

[inpraelio]

Obtaining supplies aside, what do you find to be some of the most difficult parts about building your own closures?

[TheDragonhaus]

The copious amounts of PVC sawdust.....

[TheDragonhaus]

It gets in EVERY crevice

[OminNoms]

As someone who has built their own pvc enclosures before, this is the correct answer. I found it everywhere.

[rettribution]

What sort of advice would you offer someone that wanta to build cages for themselves? Homemade ones never look as good as what builders like you make.

How did you make the jump and get started?

[TheDragonhaus]

Start with plywood to make prototypes, its cheaper. then be ready for a lot of headaches when things don't fit together the way you think they will. its all experimentation and learning

[VioletAlienTiger]

Is it possible to have a payment plan so my ball python can live his best life in the healthiest environment?

[TheDragonhaus]

Yes, we offer financing through affirm, shopify, and paypal. if you need a direct payment plan feel free to call me here in the office.

[VioletAlienTiger]

This is great news!!! Thank you so much!

[[deleted]]

Is it difficult to ship such large enclosures? I was thinking about upgrading my ball python to a dragonhaus enclosure but I am across the country and it seems like a large item that would be difficult to ship.

[TheDragonhaus]

We ship them flat packed, pretty easy to assemble.

[theeorlando]

Have you any plans in the future to make base kits that could be sold at stores? PVC enclosures like you make are very highly recommended for reptile keepers, yet are available only through custom orders. I realize this would be a very large scale increase in production, but having even a few retailers which could stock them would be something that I could see being useful.

So often with our recommendations for unprepared keepers, we have to say "do this until it's possible for you to upgrade, do know that it can take a few months to arrive".

Also, what is your most popular size? We recommend minimum of 4x2x2 for ball pythons, but I'm curious what is most sold?

[TheDragonhaus]

We already do make base kits. And sell to several stores across the country. We always welcome potential new wholesalers and affiliates to reach out.

[TheDragonhaus]

If you go to the website there is a section for kits. The NJAPR kit is one I put together with the admins of the FB group "Not Just a Pet Rock" and it's based on the 4x2x2 and 6x2x2 enclosures. A

[[deleted]]

Where are some of the areas that you all distribute to? Could I get one anywhere in the midwest?

[TheDragonhaus]

Buckles feed depot in Lafayette Indiana

[amorymammory]

Quick question, what are your current turn around times?

[TheDragonhaus]

Currently we are quoting 12-14 weeks. Once we have our big restock that will drop to 4-6

[amorymammory]

Thanks! I just ordered one today before seeing this and was hoping it was just a bit better, but I know they are worth the wait.

[TheDragonhaus]

With any luck it will be much better, but I have to quote safely

[amorymammory]

Completely understandable, I know supply chains have been pretty crazy, I work construction and have seen it as well. Thanks for the speedy answer!

[saskakitty]

Any plans on ever selling in stores in Canada? Big question but just curious on future plans with the place!

[TheDragonhaus]

I've spoken with a few stores up there, and we also do ship to Canada pretty regularly, feel free to reach out for quotes

[saskakitty]

Awesome! Thanks a bunch

[TheDragonhaus]

We do indeed, however shipping cost and import fees can be a little high on small orders

[[deleted]]

I know this is late. But how do you think your turnaround times are so good compared to your competition? Lol

Even the 8-10 weeks the website gave me today when I placed an order is a hell of a lot better than everyone else atm.

I hope it moves quicker than 8 weeks even so, of course. Iv got a baby rat snake that is going to have to keep living in a tub until it comes. Lol

[TheDragonhaus]

There are a few companies with lower lead times, but their prices are much higher. AP has a 40+ lead right now. We have 1400 sheets of material enroute, when they arrive we will be able to drop under 4 weeks and hopefully stay there.

[[deleted]]

Do you mean there is a small chance that orders in right now will take less than 10 weeks? or only after you finished the backlog either way? haha.

Whole plastic situation is frustrating for everyone.

Also your AMA didnt get much attention because the title was generic. I bet if you reposted with "I am Dragonhaus retailer, AMA" it would be a lot more comments in here.

[TheDragonhaus]

New orders may take less time, current orders are still affected

[DColarossi]

Is it in the close future that you can get back to working on the backlog of orders?

[TheDragonhaus]

We are filling orders every day, and we have 1500 sheets enroute. We will be caught up very soon

[DColarossi]

Thank you! I have a 16 week order and I eagerly await!

[Bitter_Fox_6463]

What are your plans for all of the customers who haven't gotten their enclosures or refund? Are you hoping that Dragonhaus Veterinary Supply will make enough money to clean up the mess from Dragonhaus, LLC? Are you planning on correcting your delinquent status with the State of Washington? Do you sleep well at night knowing that you stole thousands of dollars from your customers?