A1... Not A1!

[jonesy610]

Let me just preface this topic with saying that it is not my intent to speak ill of any suppliers or anything of that nature. That being said, I have an issue. Is it fairly common place to receive A1 specimens with chips in the wings, broken antennae, and flight wear so bad you can see through the wings. I am not saying this is all specimens, but I would say that about forty-fifty percent or specimens I have received from all suppliers are not nearly what I would consider A1 quality. Also, let me just say I am not expecting perfection, yes, wild caught specimens often have some flightier, but some of what I have received is ridiculous. Just wanted to see if everyone has this experience and just lives with it or if I need to find some new suppliers. 

[Paul K]

I'd like all my specimen A1 as my nature .
Everything around me should be A1 perfect. Although nothing is perfect including myself. I found I only make sometimes my life miserable because of that and many times I ask my self why and what for.

Anyway let's get to the point. I don't buy too many specimen, I prefer collect my own caught but many times I have that dilemma- keep it as I don't have the species as it is A2 or let it go and wait for better one ( which may not come anymore ).

In case of buying if supplier is saying A1 and charges premium for specimen then I would expect perfect A1.
If A1 but get discount price and good deal than I guess one should close eye and understand why is it as it is.
But I definitely agree that imperfect specimen shouldn't be called A1.

Paul

[trehopr1]

If it is at all possible for you to purchase specimens at insect fairs or even from old collections (which dealers sometimes have) than that is the absolute best route to go. You will see the material with your own eyes already set and you can make wise choices concerning quality. However, if such options are not available to you and you must acquire things papered than always keep in mind "buyer beware". There are no guarantees.
Antennae do get broken occasionally in the mail. Wing "mars" may go un-noticed as the specimens wings are closed and it is dried. Dealers may not scrutinize each specimen for quality. They may purchase a bunch at one time which they are told are A1 and unless they notice something amiss themselves they may well pass it along to you with only at best a cursory look. Bottom line is that there is always risk involved in items which have not been set already. Things can sometimes even go bad in the relaxer.
A 40 or 50% rate of crummy specimens seems a bit high. But, if it is so than choose your sellers wisely through a track record they may already have with you and drop all the others. Also, try to stay away from expensive items as they too share the same risks as common things. Many members who have fantastic rarities or expensive items get them at fairs or through old collections, or via exchanges with other collectors they know. That way they see firsthand what they are buying and they personally carry it home with them -- no mail involved. Hope this is helpful.