[meteorite-list] Moroccan Infighting

[Greg Hupe]

Dear List members,

We all know that most of the Moroccan meteorite traders were ambitious in 
obtaining new material from the nomads of the Sahara and building close 
partnerships with meteorite dealers from the rest of the world. In the past 
few years they have been destroying the typically respected wholesale/retail 
relationship with their partners and have been striving the go direct to the 
collectors to squeeze every last nickel they could get, despite the 
repercussions. Moroccans can not (and will not) provide the guarantee, 
meteorite preparation and proper classification as most "long-term" 
meteorite dealers do.

The funny part in all of this is that while going for broke and looking past 
their long-term partnerships, they have managed to scare away collectors 
because there is no trust and confidence in what the Moroccans say or do. In 
part, the skepticism is accurate and some is not. One thing is true, they 
have lost many long-term customers, the true bounty they will one day 
realize and regret!

Now to the funny, but sad part... In their attempts to be a one-stop shop, 
we have witnessed today the Moroccans fighting with each other in public, on 
this List! This tells me, which I predicted a year ago amongst friends, that 
in the bad economy (and even in a good one) the Moroccans would start to 
back stab each other even worse than ever to get that last nickel. I would 
say it has backfired! It is looking like they are losing their best 
long-term customers and scaring away collectors.

As times continue to be economically rough, I predict we will see more of 
these Moroccan street fights erupt on this List and at shows. Maybe I will 
bring a lawn chair and a big bag of popcorn to Tucson and watch the show!

Best regards,
Greg

====================
Greg Hupe
The Hupe Collection
NaturesVault (eBay)
gmhupe at htn.net
www.LunarRock.com
IMCA 3163
====================
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