When I started collecting and trading shells 23 years ago, I got burned
several times. Usually it was the quality of the shells they sent me rather
than no shells at all. So my policy became to always start with several small
trades until you become conformable with each other. Then work your way up.
Usually someone that wants to rip you off (so to speak) won't have the
patience to wait that long.

Things are really different with the Internet. Years ago it took months to
work out trades with someone overseas and it could be 3 or 4 months before
you saw the new shells. Now it takes hours to works out a trade and the
shells can be in your hands in a week or less. I don't know if this is good
or bad, but it sure boggles the mind of some of us who have been at this for
a while.

I've actually sold shells I've never seen. All over the Internet, with photos
and direct mail to the buyer from the source. Makes my head spin.

Frank (60 degrees today in Massachusetts. Boy will we pay later)

Gems From The Sea
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