How Do I Get Started?

The best way to learn about the joy of owning alpacas is to visit the farms of people who are already in the business. Alpaca breeders are friendly folks and they enjoy sharing their alpacas with the public. You will find that each breeder has his own individual style and method of operation. You can learn a little from each breeder and decide how you personally would like to participate in the alpaca industry and at what level. I'm often asked for my main tips when researching alpacas, so here they are: 1. Visit as many farms as you can.  There are benefits from purchasing from a local breeder as well as from a specific farm. 2. Find a breeder you can trust and relate to.  If you feel you are being pressured to buy a certain alpaca, walk away and think about it first.  When you buy your first alpaca you are buying that breeders reputation as much as you are the animal. 3. Most breeders will offer you references.  We recommend that you ask other breeders about the farm you are considering buying your alpacas from.  Ask questions like, "Have you ever done business with XXX farm?",  "Would you ever do business with them?". 4. You get what you pay for.  If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.  5. It is always easier to sell high quality alpacas vs. cheap ones! 6. Buy the best you can afford.  That doesn't mean it has to be the most expensive alpaca on the farm, but again, you get what you pay for. 7. Go to as many seminars as you can before and after you purchase your alpacas.  You will always learn something. 8. Treat this like a business from the beginning. 9. Before you purchase and worry about pedigree, ribbons, and color- evaluate the animal standing in front of you!  You might miss a gem if you are too restrictive in your search. 10. Don't wait to start marketing your alpacas until the day you want to make your first sale.  This is a business and as with any business you need to market.  The depth of your heard will dictate your level of advertisement. We recommend that you join our Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association, or AOBA as it is generally known. Farm memberships which include voting privileges and affiliate memberships (without voting privileges) are available. Each member receives a subscription to Alpacas magazine, a bi-monthly newsletter, a membership directory, access to the AOBA library, and many other breeder support services. AOBA's membership has grown dramatically. Each year, AOBA holds a national convention, which includes halter and performance class shows. There are many educational opportunities provided at these events, and best of all, you'll make new friends who share your enthusiasm for alpacas. You should read Alpacas magazine; you will gain insights into the alpaca industry and many breeders advertise alpacas for sale in its pages. AOBA also has a library containing perhaps the most information about alpacas in North America. Alpaca halter and performance class shows are being held across the country. Breeder enthusiasm for the shows creates additional show venues each year. There will be a show near you sometime this year -- plan to attend. Click here to see a list of current/future AOBA certified alpaca shows.