John; I hope that you were not referring to me when you cited "criticizing volunteers" in this thread. I was simply addressing the public question you had posed and my response was not meant to criticize anyone but to express an opinion and share my past experiences. I personally think that the Hard Rock policy makes for good business sense in view of the type of collectibles business that Hard Rock is known for. If there are those who don't like the strings attached, they can pass on the deal. If they decide to pass on the deal and there are "hundreds of chips left over", then perhaps the proper message will have been sent. If on the other hand, all the Hard Rock chips are sold out .... then I guess Hard Rock management was correct. I do know that not only chip collectors will be seeking out these Hard Rock CCGTCC convention chips .... as chippers will be getting plenty of competition from Hard Rock collectors who are used to routinely paying $12 to $20 for a single Hard Rock pin.

In response to your follow-up question ... a couple of hundred left over chips sitting in a cage cost the casino probably less than $150. How about all the other hundreds of .70¢ chips that were sold at $5 and $25 each in which the casinos made a handsome profit? Look at all the casino buffet food (as a comparison) that is left over each day and is thrown away.... why are left over chips any different?

You are absolutely correct about not being able to satisfy everyone ... It's been that way in virtually every organization I've been involved with for a long time .... and probably will be that way for some time to come in the future ... but that does not mean that those club officials or volunteers should throw up their hands and not put forth an effort and say "why bother"? I'm certain that the overwhelming silent majority of club members appreciate what the volunteers such as yourself are doing on their behalf. Maybe some of these "special lists" arrangements could be suspended around town for the club's LE convention chips for the benefit of the entire membership .... and let the chips fall where they may?

IF the bulk of these 750 issued chips (or less) wind up in the hands of relatively few dealers, then maybe that issue SHOULD BE scrapped and their authorization denied by club officials. What assurances does the club have from some of these properties who do not have a very good track record with collectors?

Another issue that deserves mentioning is that on-line members are receiving a heads-up advance notice, via this bb; but those club members who are not on-line probably will not find out about these 9 or 10 properties issuing convention chips until they arrive in Las Vegas..., which may be too late for them. One could say, "dems da breaks" to those dues-paying members as well.