James, anyone who is capable enough to make money by buying and selling
shells would probably make more money in other businesses. Shell dealers
are in the business because they love shells. Selling shells allows (some)
shell dealers to spend all their time with shells, which is just what all
of us shell collectors want.
 
For an autobiographical account of shell dealing, see "She Sells Sea
Shells", a most entertaining book by a woman who had her own shell shop.
Can anyone help me out by supplying the author and date? It was a long time
(and several libraries) ago for me.
 
Andrew K. Rindsberg
Geological Survey of Alabama