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Hi all, a friend of mine has lost a fossil of almost $1,000 in value because the parcel was delivered to a different address (in the same country) even though he had a tracking code. The local postal company claimed that they delivered to the address as stated on the parcel and the tracking code. They refuse to tell my friend which address they sent to as that is confidential information. The seller meanwhile stated he wrote down the address exactly as my friend specified, and that he checked my friend's online and Paypal as well to triple confirm that was the correct address. Right now, the seller claims he wrote the correct address. The postal company claimed they delivered to the address they were given (which isn't my friend's address). Neither side is giving in much to my friend's horror. This headache would be solved if the seller had only taken a picture of the address he claimed to ship to. It only takes 10 secs to snap a picture, but it could save you a $1,000 disaster. Sellers, please take a picture of the box. Buyers, please request for a picture.

Sorry for another shipping question but, I've noticed that a lot of trade or auction deals (and sales) request to only ship within the United States because of shipping costs. I know shipping from the US to another country is expensive but has anyone ever shipped from the US to an APO address (Army/Air Force Post Office)? I'm located in England (and thankfully live off base) so I can actually have packages sent to me at both addresses (APO and house) depending on where they come from. If someone in the US wants to be a pseudo-Guinea pig and see if shipping would cost too much to send to APO then let me know (you don't have to actually mail anything to me). I see so many amazing fossils up for grabs, but only if you're in the US.

I've read a lot about collectors with finds from Scotland, Canada, Morocco, Mexico and other places. I would like to know: 1) which countries are the most "fossil friendly" in terms of allowing people like us to go there and collect - and more important - to legally bring back some finds? 2) what are the procedures and legalities we need to be aware of when bringing back specimens from specific countries? We all know about the ban on fossil exports in China - what other countries do we need to be aware of in terms of restrictions and which countries have clear policies that allow us to go there, collect, and bring stuff back? 3) what hassles can we expect from U.S. customs upon return and what documents should we have? This is especially important for those of us who take annual trips to Canada, Mexico, etc. and may want to visit a fossil site during our vacation. We had never considered including fossiling in our vacation plans until recently when we got involved in this hobby, and we would like to know what we need to be aware of, plan for, and what to worry about.