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