Of the 22 newest dealers listed only 7 of them carry HL yet 16 of them carry LL. With several reports of dealers dropping the line or going out of business I do welcome these new dealers and wish them the best. I only wish more of them had chosen to carry HL. Is this a trend that will continue? I hope not. Please weigh in with your thoughts.

[This message has been edited by Lonnie Davidson (edited 02-08-2002).]

I hope it does continue, I think fewer “great” dealers of Limited Editions is much better than too many who don't know how to care for or properly display the Limited Editions. Smaller edition sizes and fewer dealers (but dealers who do a great job with their Harbour Lights) will mean that each dealer will have more of an allocation.

I do agree with you Paul as long as the few "great dealers" do not in the long run become not enough dealers at all.

I like Paul's way of thinking. As a concerned collector, it should be important to all of us to have the HL line handled with care in stores.

I've been horrified when observing some displays. Most of you have probably seen the same thing somewhere along the line. The display is open and within reach of children. "Little Johnny" reaches in and pulls one out while banging it against the other pieces. "Mommy, can I have this?" "No, put it back!"

The only problem with less limited edition dealers is the fact the casual observer may have to travel many miles to see the product. Half the fun of building your HL collection is traveling from dealer to dealer in search of the treasure. If the product isn't readily available and on display for purchase, how will we ever draw more new HL collectors? The established collectors know what to do but what about potential new collectors?

Bob

I always wondered why there isn't any attempt to evaluate the dealers by the collectors. For example, I have a terrific relationship with a local dealer, but have watched another local mark-up LE's routinely, even if not retired. If I were shopping in another region, it would be interesting to go to those dealers who have supported HL collectors with enthusiasm over the years. Maybe a dealer rating system conducted by us????