James,

Actually they export with the permit, I don't believe they need a permit to
shell, just to send them out of the country.

In your price catalog, "Good" condition is usually dead found and can be
quite worn. In the 98 catalog, a fine shell of 125mm is listed at $125.00,
and gem 110/116mm are priced at $350 to $425.

Rice's is a nice guide and is handy for trading as it puts both parties on
fairly equal ground, but other than that it has some limitations that Tom can
not control. Many shells never make it to a price list. I have some Voluta
bednalli that are due in and are already sold, so will never make the list,
regardless of the price.

I can't speak for other dealers, but most of us offer discounts based on the
amount of the purchase, yet the sales prices is still the listed price, when
it actually sold for 10% to 20% less. So using it as other than a guide can
get you paying either to much, or passing on a good deal, because the catalog
told you the shell was over priced.

It is a great tool if used correctly and I highly recommend it as such to all
my customers. If nothing else, it can help give you an idea of how much
insurance to carry on your collection.

Frank