I've enjoyed reading about dealing with antique store owners and
have a recent experience to share.

For years I've passed by a place in Lindale, Texas, on Interstate 20.
After ringing the bell I watched him struggle with keys to four
deadbolts on one very ornate glass door.  My wife and I roamed through
the store for about an hour and, not finding any piano rolls laying out,
I approached the owner and inquired where the player piano rolls were
hidden.

He's an aggressive and condescending sort, based on the way he talks
to people on the telephone and witnessing his dealings with other
customers in the store, and he immediately barked that the rolls he had
were $5.00 apiece and I had to buy all of them.  Leading me down to a
buffet in the shop, he presented about 60 common run-of-the-mill QRS
rolls -- old, dirty and stained -- in their boxes, and after pulling a
spool off the end, I saw they were virtually unused with no wear marks.

After verifying the rolls and the boxes matched, I found him and
attempted a deal where I would buy all he had for $3.00 each.  He
screamed, "$5.00 apiece and not a penny less."  I called my wife over
and told her it was time to leave and we did.

What struck me was that he obviously had, had the rolls for a long
time, and he still does due to his attitude.  He's hiding them from
view and why?  It's a fun game to play!

Sincerely

Bill Hoot