> From: Marcus Coltro <[log in to unmask]>
>
> It is very difficult to create a list of "bad" collectors - sometimes
> it is just a case of misunderstanding - besides you can offend someone
> and get into trouble...

i wholheartedly concur: in the past,  lists of "crooks and deadbeat
collectors" were sometimes circulated in the shell world, and a number
of collectors' reputations were severely and incorrectly damaged:  one
person i heard of was deathly ill for several months, and therefore
unable to respond to letters from a dealer requesting payment.    It is
much better to use a combination of references and common sense: if
someone out of the blue wants you to send them a pile of shells, but
cannot provide solid references, then common sense would suggest that
they are either arrogant, negligent, or just plain crooked.  There is no
harm in asking prospective trading or commercial partners for references
of well-known people of good repute that can vouch for them -  and as
Marcus points out, if someone contacts you then it is proper for them to
send their material first.  A sensible, practical approach to trading
and selling will prevent most of these problems that pop up, without
loss and subsequent regrets.

From the Frozen wastelands of the Great White North (ok, except for
yesterday when it rained!!),
Ross mayhew.