i tend to agree with those who think this is no big deal:   so long as
the dealer accurately describes the shell, the customer then has a fair
chance to decide for themselves if they want it, as described!!  Some
customers will purchase a "special" species or unusual specimen for
their collection even with filed lips, while others won't - it is up to
the individual and nobody should be telling others what they "should" be
collecting or accepting!!!!!  //  The problems come when shells are NOT
described accurately - the term Gem, for example, is vastly over-used by
a few dealers - one would think they robbed Tiffany's to fill up their
list....  THAT SAID, i think it is important to return shells that are
truly not as described, to keep dealers on their toes, and to give them
an opportunity to make up for their mistake - i personally would MUCH
rather recieve a few shells back and get another chance to satisfy a
particular customer, rather than have them just "hang up" on me for
making one little mistake which they never mentioned or held me to
account for.  Most dealers, like most shells, are not perfect, and
mistakes are every now and then made - sometimes whoppers!!  If a dealer
makes more "mistakes" than you can tolerate, dump them - but not for
just one or two little boo-boos on a first order.  Goodness, how did
this posting turn into such a rant???  i need more sleep.

Building an ark in New Scotland (immense rains!!),
Ross m.