Thanks to all who responded both on the group and via e-mail. The results
were interesting. I think the thing I took from this is Caveat Emptor.
Don't trust any dealer, no matter where the store is located or how big it
is. Sure a majority of dealers may be honest, but is it worth your
money to find out?
Ask for the return policy and ask for them to write down that a return
will be accepted on the receipt. Now I know. Even though I would have
thought, before this incident, that honor and integrity were an integral
part of business on this level. Who knows, you may want the dealer to
prick his finger with a sterile needle so D.N.A. tests can be conducted on
the receipt, it it is contested (just joking... maybe).
Know what you're buying... if you are a novice, look out. The wolves are
apparently lurking with drool on their chins. Don't ask me how to become
an expert.. I don't know. I guess the best thing to do is buy from
someone you know.
From now on, I'm going to hit yard sales and battle the blood-thirsty
local dealers on this turf. I say that with a smirk, because I know many
of them, and know the gusto with which they pillage the local sales.
I guess the reason I felt so taken is that the people I know in the
business would simply not do this. Point: not all antique dealers are
created equal.
As for this sale... the semi-good news is that the dealer is considering
the return, or some other option. Still, this does not seem enough...
consider???
Thanks, again for your support and, yes, for your criticism. Through the
detailed explanations of some respondents, I realize the other side of the
argument a little more. There are unscrupulous buyers, as well. As for
the smug responses, it drives home the argument that buyers must beware,
because dealers are out there with the notion that they are protected by
the argument that buyers must be omnipotent and it is the buyer's fault if
they (the buyers) are cheated.