Shells are certainly worth no more than a fraction of their "Rice Price list
value" if they need to be sold quickly (for example to a dealer).
 
Scott Jordan
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Frank S. Walker <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Saturday, April 03, 1999 8:16 PM
Subject: Re: Lying is NOT nessessary!
 
 
>I believe that most of the problem with declaring value is that if we want
to
>be honest, the value of shells is only to a few, select individuals, and
even
>they often disagree.
>
>Unlike most items of value, that have a large acceptance among the general
>population, out great hobby is only enjoyed by a very small percentage of
the
>total population. Most valuables, are just that. They have world wide
>accepted value or afford a higher standard of living. Name one shell that
>meets that description? To the vast majority, shells have NO value and the
>idea that anyone would spend more than a few dollars on a shell, must mean
>that they are certifiable.
>
>Unlike most valuables that are put away, locked up, or create a better life
>style, shells are usually on display. Taken out and shown and/or played
with.
>Many of my customers like to tell me that they enjoy playing with their
>shells. I have found that this means different things to different people.
>
>I do not believe that I am lying when I put "No commercial value" on the
>customs declaration, because in fact, except for a few of us crazies, they
>have "No commercial value." I am not splitting hairs. Do we really think
>we're pulling the wool over the heads of every government in the world and
>have been doing it for years? I think not. If they did not agree and if we
>were to lie, then we would be calling them something other than shells.
>
>Frank Walker
>Gems From The Sea
>72 Peltier Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 USA
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