Hi John,
You and I often agree and sometimes disagree.<g> I believe "knowledge" is the key factor. The example you lay out does not speak to the "knowledge" that each dealer has pertaining to the chip.

As Dick stated no one can know everything about every chip. We have to depend upon one another to keep informed so we don't get burnt. I am a capitalist. I love the profit motive. I have not changed in believing all buyers should do their homework. HOWEVER, the Dunes roulette auction on Ebay was designed, in my opinion, to leave facts out. Why?? To sell the chip of course.

Is it right to leave facts out. Only when and if the buyer has an opportunity to ask questions. An auction does not provide that type of opportunity. Since an auction is really one sided I believe it is necessary to disclose all important information thereby allowing the bidder an opportunity to make an intelligent choice. If a transaction allows communication sharing between buyer and seller than the buyer has an equal responsibility to ask the proper questions. If the buyer does not - too bad for the buyer.

I hope I made myself clear. If not, it will not be the first time.<vbg> Best, Jim