Association of applied paleontological sciences

[Davidjg44]

Hello to anyone reading this. I want to know if anyone has been involved with AAPS and if anyone has purchased anything from their members. If a fossil dealer is a member of AAPS can I have confidence that they're selling genuine fossils? I would like opinions from anyone who knows more about this. Thank you.

[JohnJ]

There are no guarantees in fossil sales from any association, club, or museum gift shop.  Any piece must judged individually.

[Troodon]

Agree. 

 

My experience in Dinosaur related material is that you should not trust any identification provided with a good number of AAPS members and all others online sellers.  You need to become an expert or find a source like this forum to provide you guidance.  

 

 

[DPS Ammonite]

I agree with John. 
 

When a seller belongs to an organization that has ethic guidelines you may have a slight advantage. You can talk to the organization if you have problems. 
 

Most of my organizations that I belonged to had ethic guidelines; they did enforce them.

 

 

Here are the ethics statements from AAPS:

 

Constitution. Each member agrees in writing, to support this Code."

 

1. Strive to stay informed of and comply with International, National, State/Provincial and Local regulations pertaining to collecting activities and general business practices. 2. Obtain permission from landowners or governmental authorities to gain access to collecting sites. 3. Assure that all lands, properties, flora and fauna are left without damage to property or ecology as a result of the collecting activities. 4. Require that fossil materials received from outside collectors are obtained in compliance with the above collecting guidelines set forth by the Association. 5. Report to scientific experts any significant discoveries of scientific or public interest. 6. Strive to place specimens of unique scientific interest into responsible hands for study, research and preservation. 7. Make no misrepresentation as to identity, locality, age, formation, repairs or restoration of paleontological specimens. 8. Members will strive for best business practices in all aspects of business, dealing with customers and other AAPS members in a fair and honest manner and maintaining a good credit standing. AAPS encourages members to follow good ethics but cannot act as a resource to settle disputes between said members or disputes involving customers. 9. Encourage good relations and cooperation with agencies, institutions, and organizations actively involved in paleontological pursuits.