I must agree with Mr. Coltro - Most dealers are pretty honest, and when
they make mistakes are quick to admit it and make ammends - those that
do business any other way are either marginalized, or don't stick around
too long : the Shell World is a very small place!!//    As far as
recommendations to people wishing to purchase shells, online or
otherwise, i do have a short list:

1) Shop around - compare prices (there is a rather large range of prices
for similar shells, and often a dealer will get a good bargain on a
certain species, and will pass this on to his or her customers), etc.

2) don't be afraid to try new or different dealers - place a couple of
"test orders" to see what they are like regarding helpfulness, ease of
doing business with, data (a pretty shell without decent data is just an
attractive object!), and  such things as how closely their shells
resemble their descriptions!

3) hate to trumpet the competition, but if one is adventurous and
patient, some *excellent* deals can be had by purchasing from
regional/local dealers in places such as the Philippines (but be careful
there....), West Africa, India, Brazil, Central America, Indonesia....

4)   Don't be afraid of the auctions - the rating system on eBay gives
sellers strong incentive to be careful (although identification can be a
bit spotty, & innexpensive shells  overpriced), and to right wrongs
quickly!  There are other auctions that dealers and others put on, and
i've seen some pretty good deals from time to time on these.  The range
of selection is of course limited, but they can sometimes yield
delightful surprises!

5)   when in doubt about an item listed online, don't be shy to ask for
photos and further information: most dealers are quite eager to help you
as much as they can :-=).

Don't try to cycle on "ice pellets" unless you are VERY well padded!,
-Ross M.
--
Ross Mayhew: Schooner Specimen Shells:
Http://www.schnr-specimen-shells.com
"We Specialize in the Unusual"
Phone: (902) 876-2241; Fax: (902) - 479 - 1863
But try to find "something for Everyone"!!
Snail Mail: 349 Herring Cove Rd, P.O Box 20005, Halifax, N.S., Canada,
B3R 2K9.