It should be noted that buying shells via E-bay is a crap-
shoot.  Some of the dealers selling there can't seem to
get their taxonomy straight -- or don't even try.  When
so obvious, that should tell you something about the
dealer and what you might expect from them when
ordering directly - and not via E-bay.  Use a reputable
dealer and you will (almost always) know what you are
getting for your money.  I have yet to see a bargain on
E-bay that you couldn't duplicate from your normal
shell dealer - a transaction in which you could be
confident of getting what you wanted and paid for.

Bill Frank
1865 Debutante Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-8645
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~~~~~~~~~
Visit the Jacksonville Shell Club Home Page at:
http://home.sprynet.com/~wfrank/jacksonv.htm

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Sangiouloglou" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2000 1:26 PM
Subject: Re: Late comments on eBay


> Dear Linda, Robert and friends,
> By curiosity I take a look to some shells in eBay, please take a look at:
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=398250765
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=398272259
> and let me know your opinion about the ID, given location and quality of
them, and then check the comments for the seller.
> Best regards.
> George
>
>
> Linda Bush wrote:
>
> > Hi!
> >      This is directed to beginning collectors who are "shelling" on
eBay.   Although there are some very advanced and knowledgeable
collector/dealers on eBay, you should be careful.  Right now, you may get
nice shells at a cheaper price, but they usually have little or no data.  If
you are seriously interested in shells as specimens, not just craft
material, you will eventually want shells with the correct Latin name and at
least a modicum of accurate data.  At this point, the cheaper shells you
collected will be relegated to knick-knacks, craft material, or gifts to
children interested in shells.  If you want to go this route, fine, but it
is far better in the long run to buy the higher price shells from dealers
who are members of or well-known to COA and Conch-L.
> >      Another caution abouit eBay.  Check out the seller's other items on
auction.  If there is a preponderance of flea market/antique items, this
person usually doesn't know shells.
> > I  got a terrible specimen of a Lion's`Paw from one, but two
> > fairly nice ones from another.   BE CAREFUL!
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > Linda
>
> --
>
>
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>
> George Sangiouloglou     http://www.geocities.com/~sangioul/
> Xenofondos 40            http://members.xoom.com/sangioul/
> Voula 16673              Phone +30 1 8955241  9659956
> Athens Greece            Modem-Fax +30 1 8954507
>                          mailto:[log in to unmask]
>
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