Archie, I have absolutely no problem with any dealer who is trying to make a living buying and selling chips. I have been a self-employed CPA and businessman for over 30 years and think that I am well aware of the expenses a person incurs in any business. He is not my problem. I would approach a dealer of chips the same way I deal with any peddler, be it a used car salesman, rug merchant or swap meet vender.( buyer beware)

And as Don said in an earlier reply, I am also aware of the difference in the value of some chips to some people. E.g. the person who is able to walk from one casino to the other to collect chips in Downtown Las Vegas, and a person living in New York trying to amass the same amount of different casino chips.

As some of you may have remembered, I recently came back from a chip run to 43 casinos in three states. But I did it for the love of it, and I will be doing a similiar run this fall. I am, however, not in the business and to me, any chip which I might have acquired is still worth face value, no matter how much, in fact, it cost me. I find the excitement taken out of the hobby when I have to pay for a chip which I know I will never sell.

In any case, the whole purpose of my original note was to say that I was and even with all the kind responses, still feel intimidated attending these shows.
Once again, I have had nothing but the greatest experience dealing with everyone including dealers with many years of experience. I am amazed that in every single case, everyone came through with their promises. I don't know of any other hobby or group of people more honest and trustworthy than chip dealers. I have open accounts with approximately six people,(I think most of them are dealers) where balances of a few hundred dollars are not unusual. No one hassles anyone, the trust is there, shipments are made on time and the trades are the easiest of all. I truely wish I met you people when I was in business.

It is just that I personally feel better trading on the net.

Thank heavens not eveyone feels that way or the conventions and shows would no longer exist. And that would be a shame.