I believe you're all set! You're a member in good standing with a paypal account so have fun! You're welcome to practice buying by checking out my approvals (haha!!). I warn you, you're going to have lots of fun. You'd have a tough time finding better prices than the ones you'll find here. Have fun!
You don't have to have a PAYPAL account, but it doesn't hurt to have one as an option. If you are selling be sure to mention you take checks (if you so desire - in 35 years of selling I have had less than a dozen bad checks), money orders, cash and MNH postage for those small purchases (though I did get a check here on SOR for 10 cents)
Greg
Not a thing! That's the beauty of it. Start browsing the approval books and click the numbers you want. The seller will then invoice you a week or so later depending on how often they do so.
One word of caution though, I find it helpful to sort of browse or click through the seller's book in its entirety to make sure there's enough in there to justify the postage. The other day there were two really cool stamps that would have fit perfectly into my little topical collection I've started but I had zero interest in the rest of the book. I had clicked before browsing and was on the hook for .30 in stamps with 1.50 in postage. The seller was very cool and said I could wait a week or so and that he would be putting up quite a bit more the following week. That worked out well but I wouldn't want to put them in that "spot" and I wouldn't want to essentially overpay in freight charges. It doesn't seem like a lot of money but if you do that a few times it can add up quickly.
The approvals are great. They're the only way that I've found to enjoy the lower priced, common used stamps. You could go to ebay and buy a boatload of kiloware, get out the 10 stamps you want but then what do you do with the rest? more freight charges? The Jacksonville Stamp Club buys kiloware and gets APS circuit books for all of their meetings but the club meets quite a ways away on work nights and I just don't feel like driving out there.
WB, I would say dive in and buy some approvals; it's fun!
-Ernie
Wow, really! That's all there is to it, huh?
Buy what I want, wait for invoice, make payment, (I prefer PayPal) and wait for delivery?
Post for sale what I want, wait for purchase, send invoice, wait for payment,(again, I prefer PayPal) then ship?
Correct me if I'm wrong in any of this, but if not, that's almost scary easy!!
T, I'm not sure how good my standing is after some of the opinions I've posted in certain areas of late. But, nobody's yelled at me for those opinions, so... Your approvals will be the first place I look.
Thanks,
WB
Thanks Ernie!
Shipping was another question, does each seller have different charges or is it a flat rate setup? If it varies, is there a way to find those charges prior to purchasing? Same with selling, do you charge a flat rate, or do you base it on where it's being shipped, weight, etc...?
Thanks for the help,
WB
Shipping varies but not by much. All the sellers seem very reasonable. I haven't seen any that build a "profit center" into shipping costs.
-Ernie
WB, AS A SELLER, if you want to accept Paypal AND want a link placed on your invoice emails when you sent them out, you do need to visit the Members Section and click on Set UP Paypal Option (right column, 3rd item from the bottom). Takes a few seconds to do.
Mike in NC / meostamps
Before you start buying and selling, please read the rules governing the auction and approval sales platforms. You can easily find this information from the Discussion Boards by clicking on HOME, and then selecting AUCTION or APPROVALS.
If you want AUCTION, click on it, and then when you get to the Auction screen, click on GENERAL. You will find all the information you want there. The other links along the top bar will also provide you with more, but read what's under the GENERAL drop down first.
The approvals are set up a little differently, but click on HELP and you will see the USER GUIDE.
That should pretty much give the information you will need to get started. The Discussion Board contains many discussions stemming from questions members have had on the sales platforms.
Also note the CLASSIFIEDS RULES, which is another way for you to buy, sell, trade, giveaway.
You also can access all this area from the Stamporama home page. You'll see all the Auction and Approval links in the box on the left side of the screen.
After you get a chance to read the information, feel free to send me a message if you have any questions.
As for myself, I send invoices off the Monday (sometimes Tuesday) after the weekend. If a buyer wants to wait a week (or sometimes more) I'm OK with that. Paypal will ding you for a fee, but its not all that much. I discourage PAYPAL purchases under $5 for that reason
When someone sends money using PayPal's "Send to family or friends" option, the receiver is not assessed a fee. And we're all friends, here, right?
Ted
Thanks Michael for the "extra help" offer, and to all, for your input here.
I had thought about the classifieds. With what I have, it seems like a bit much for the classifieds, but not enough to sell long term on the approvals or auctions. With stamps, I tend to be more of a buyer then a seller anyway...
I've bought and sold in another genre/hobby on Ebay, using PayPal for years. So I pretty much know the ropes where they're concerned. I've actually never sold a stamp, anywhere, but have bought a few lots through Ebay over the years. However, the word "fun" never really entered into it. I've also used approval services through some of the big name outfits. Great selection, service and quality, but prices can be a bit steep. Not way out of line, but usually over catalog.
I'll get it all figured out over the next few days and look forward to discovering a new (to me) avenue in collecting.
Much appreciated,
WB
Considering that there are no fees to sell on SOR, and the rules are relatively simple, this site can give you good practice on learning how to properly sell stamps.
I'll continue speaking in general terms here. In order to properly sell stamps, one must also learn how to properly identify stamps, determine condition, value and other factors. This not only helps achieve successful sales, but will also help collectors when working on their own collections.
While that is completely true Ted, in the over 500 invoices I have sent out less than a dozen were sent for family and friends. Actually I would think that PAYPAL would catch on to that if any person received a lot of family/friend additions to their account
Greg
WB, don't forget to communicate with the seller. After you have made a purchase, if you are all done, message them and ask for an invoice. Otherwise you will wait until they invoice you. And if you'd like to wait for maybe more books from them, ask for that added time. Communication is the key.
Snoop around several books and see how they are set up, look at what they have to say about shipping, etc on the opening page. Get a feel for it, and then try one.
All sound advice.
Michael, that's part of what's kept me from jumping in with both feet as far as selling. I do wonder about my abilities in those areas. Most of what I would be selling, at first anyway, are MNH stamps that have always been properly stored and kept in glassine envelopes. Beyond those...you're very much correct.
Continued thanks,
WB
"... I'm not sure how good my standing is after some of the opinions I've posted in certain areas of late ..."
That first step can seem to be intimidating.
How about trying this? Rather than create an auction lot or approval book right away, we have a Test message topic in the Discussion Board.
Create a dummy auction listing based on one that you find that someone has listed. Ask people to take a look at it and offer suggestions. You'll be amazed at the help you'll get.
Just remember that those replying will be trying to help you, so they may be stating their personal preferences to you. If they are buyers, take notes. They just might become your buyers.
ikey, sometimes I need a couple of drinks just to try to figure out what you said!
Lemme know when you get there.
Now, how's that for a double entendre?
1) "Lemme know when you get there", eg, get drunk & understand what I posted, above.
2) "Lemme know when you get there", eg, when you get what I am not saying now about your not having gotten there earlier.
Q/ You think its easy to write like this?
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
"ikey, sometimes I need a couple of drinks just to try to figure out what you said!"
I've known those that had a particular talent for using lots of big words and phrases to say absolutely nothing. Like the drug addicted, alcoholic lawyer I knew some years back. The man could throw words around like manure out of a barn, but damned if I could ever figure out what his point was.
Thanks Michael, I'll consider going that route.
WB
That is exactly why they make tequila!
Tequila! Now that brings back memories. Oh wait...no it doesn't! I'm sure there are some though, I just can't remember where I put them.
WB
Welcome and have a blast trying to buy and sell. You will find it easy and it gets easier and easier.
If you need any help or have any questions about Approvals, please do not hesitate to message me or post it here in the discussion.
One reminder about shipping charges. You are not allowed to build a profit center in your shipping charges. They should reflect actual postage plus a small supplement, if wanted, for supplies. Not like Ebay, Delcampe etc... This is a Club and we want members to trade, buy and sell, not a commercial site where it is all about profits! Here it is about sharing the hobby with fellow collectors.
Rrr...
Thanks and I'd want it no other way.
WB
Yea, I did it!
I made my first purchases through the approvals. Filling spaces was never easier and the prices and sellers were great! One might say, I thoroughly approve of the approvals.
WB
So far I haven't bought or sold anything here, but I am interested. I tried looking through the DB and didn't find the answers. I'm not sure if I missed it or just didn't understand.
Is there a preregistration process for buying and selling on approvals and auctions? I have a PayPal account, is there a process to go through before making a purchase?
I guess to generalize, what has to be done BEFORE one can buy and sell on SOR? I'm mostly interested in buying approvals for now, but would like to be setup to sell approvals also. It sounds like a lot of fun!
Answers or help finding the written info in the DB greatly appreciated.
WB
re: To get started
I believe you're all set! You're a member in good standing with a paypal account so have fun! You're welcome to practice buying by checking out my approvals (haha!!). I warn you, you're going to have lots of fun. You'd have a tough time finding better prices than the ones you'll find here. Have fun!
re: To get started
You don't have to have a PAYPAL account, but it doesn't hurt to have one as an option. If you are selling be sure to mention you take checks (if you so desire - in 35 years of selling I have had less than a dozen bad checks), money orders, cash and MNH postage for those small purchases (though I did get a check here on SOR for 10 cents)
Greg
re: To get started
Not a thing! That's the beauty of it. Start browsing the approval books and click the numbers you want. The seller will then invoice you a week or so later depending on how often they do so.
One word of caution though, I find it helpful to sort of browse or click through the seller's book in its entirety to make sure there's enough in there to justify the postage. The other day there were two really cool stamps that would have fit perfectly into my little topical collection I've started but I had zero interest in the rest of the book. I had clicked before browsing and was on the hook for .30 in stamps with 1.50 in postage. The seller was very cool and said I could wait a week or so and that he would be putting up quite a bit more the following week. That worked out well but I wouldn't want to put them in that "spot" and I wouldn't want to essentially overpay in freight charges. It doesn't seem like a lot of money but if you do that a few times it can add up quickly.
The approvals are great. They're the only way that I've found to enjoy the lower priced, common used stamps. You could go to ebay and buy a boatload of kiloware, get out the 10 stamps you want but then what do you do with the rest? more freight charges? The Jacksonville Stamp Club buys kiloware and gets APS circuit books for all of their meetings but the club meets quite a ways away on work nights and I just don't feel like driving out there.
WB, I would say dive in and buy some approvals; it's fun!
-Ernie
re: To get started
Wow, really! That's all there is to it, huh?
Buy what I want, wait for invoice, make payment, (I prefer PayPal) and wait for delivery?
Post for sale what I want, wait for purchase, send invoice, wait for payment,(again, I prefer PayPal) then ship?
Correct me if I'm wrong in any of this, but if not, that's almost scary easy!!
T, I'm not sure how good my standing is after some of the opinions I've posted in certain areas of late. But, nobody's yelled at me for those opinions, so... Your approvals will be the first place I look.
Thanks,
WB
re: To get started
Thanks Ernie!
Shipping was another question, does each seller have different charges or is it a flat rate setup? If it varies, is there a way to find those charges prior to purchasing? Same with selling, do you charge a flat rate, or do you base it on where it's being shipped, weight, etc...?
Thanks for the help,
WB
re: To get started
Shipping varies but not by much. All the sellers seem very reasonable. I haven't seen any that build a "profit center" into shipping costs.
-Ernie
re: To get started
WB, AS A SELLER, if you want to accept Paypal AND want a link placed on your invoice emails when you sent them out, you do need to visit the Members Section and click on Set UP Paypal Option (right column, 3rd item from the bottom). Takes a few seconds to do.
Mike in NC / meostamps
re: To get started
Before you start buying and selling, please read the rules governing the auction and approval sales platforms. You can easily find this information from the Discussion Boards by clicking on HOME, and then selecting AUCTION or APPROVALS.
If you want AUCTION, click on it, and then when you get to the Auction screen, click on GENERAL. You will find all the information you want there. The other links along the top bar will also provide you with more, but read what's under the GENERAL drop down first.
The approvals are set up a little differently, but click on HELP and you will see the USER GUIDE.
That should pretty much give the information you will need to get started. The Discussion Board contains many discussions stemming from questions members have had on the sales platforms.
Also note the CLASSIFIEDS RULES, which is another way for you to buy, sell, trade, giveaway.
You also can access all this area from the Stamporama home page. You'll see all the Auction and Approval links in the box on the left side of the screen.
After you get a chance to read the information, feel free to send me a message if you have any questions.
re: To get started
As for myself, I send invoices off the Monday (sometimes Tuesday) after the weekend. If a buyer wants to wait a week (or sometimes more) I'm OK with that. Paypal will ding you for a fee, but its not all that much. I discourage PAYPAL purchases under $5 for that reason
re: To get started
When someone sends money using PayPal's "Send to family or friends" option, the receiver is not assessed a fee. And we're all friends, here, right?
Ted
re: To get started
Thanks Michael for the "extra help" offer, and to all, for your input here.
I had thought about the classifieds. With what I have, it seems like a bit much for the classifieds, but not enough to sell long term on the approvals or auctions. With stamps, I tend to be more of a buyer then a seller anyway...
I've bought and sold in another genre/hobby on Ebay, using PayPal for years. So I pretty much know the ropes where they're concerned. I've actually never sold a stamp, anywhere, but have bought a few lots through Ebay over the years. However, the word "fun" never really entered into it. I've also used approval services through some of the big name outfits. Great selection, service and quality, but prices can be a bit steep. Not way out of line, but usually over catalog.
I'll get it all figured out over the next few days and look forward to discovering a new (to me) avenue in collecting.
Much appreciated,
WB
re: To get started
Considering that there are no fees to sell on SOR, and the rules are relatively simple, this site can give you good practice on learning how to properly sell stamps.
I'll continue speaking in general terms here. In order to properly sell stamps, one must also learn how to properly identify stamps, determine condition, value and other factors. This not only helps achieve successful sales, but will also help collectors when working on their own collections.
re: To get started
While that is completely true Ted, in the over 500 invoices I have sent out less than a dozen were sent for family and friends. Actually I would think that PAYPAL would catch on to that if any person received a lot of family/friend additions to their account
Greg
re: To get started
WB, don't forget to communicate with the seller. After you have made a purchase, if you are all done, message them and ask for an invoice. Otherwise you will wait until they invoice you. And if you'd like to wait for maybe more books from them, ask for that added time. Communication is the key.
Snoop around several books and see how they are set up, look at what they have to say about shipping, etc on the opening page. Get a feel for it, and then try one.
re: To get started
All sound advice.
Michael, that's part of what's kept me from jumping in with both feet as far as selling. I do wonder about my abilities in those areas. Most of what I would be selling, at first anyway, are MNH stamps that have always been properly stored and kept in glassine envelopes. Beyond those...you're very much correct.
Continued thanks,
WB
re: To get started
"... I'm not sure how good my standing is after some of the opinions I've posted in certain areas of late ..."
re: To get started
That first step can seem to be intimidating.
How about trying this? Rather than create an auction lot or approval book right away, we have a Test message topic in the Discussion Board.
Create a dummy auction listing based on one that you find that someone has listed. Ask people to take a look at it and offer suggestions. You'll be amazed at the help you'll get.
Just remember that those replying will be trying to help you, so they may be stating their personal preferences to you. If they are buyers, take notes. They just might become your buyers.
re: To get started
ikey, sometimes I need a couple of drinks just to try to figure out what you said!
re: To get started
Lemme know when you get there.
Now, how's that for a double entendre?
1) "Lemme know when you get there", eg, get drunk & understand what I posted, above.
2) "Lemme know when you get there", eg, when you get what I am not saying now about your not having gotten there earlier.
Q/ You think its easy to write like this?
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
re: To get started
"ikey, sometimes I need a couple of drinks just to try to figure out what you said!"
re: To get started
I've known those that had a particular talent for using lots of big words and phrases to say absolutely nothing. Like the drug addicted, alcoholic lawyer I knew some years back. The man could throw words around like manure out of a barn, but damned if I could ever figure out what his point was.
Thanks Michael, I'll consider going that route.
WB
re: To get started
That is exactly why they make tequila!
re: To get started
Tequila! Now that brings back memories. Oh wait...no it doesn't! I'm sure there are some though, I just can't remember where I put them.
WB
re: To get started
Welcome and have a blast trying to buy and sell. You will find it easy and it gets easier and easier.
If you need any help or have any questions about Approvals, please do not hesitate to message me or post it here in the discussion.
One reminder about shipping charges. You are not allowed to build a profit center in your shipping charges. They should reflect actual postage plus a small supplement, if wanted, for supplies. Not like Ebay, Delcampe etc... This is a Club and we want members to trade, buy and sell, not a commercial site where it is all about profits! Here it is about sharing the hobby with fellow collectors.
Rrr...
re: To get started
Thanks and I'd want it no other way.
WB
re: To get started
Yea, I did it!
I made my first purchases through the approvals. Filling spaces was never easier and the prices and sellers were great! One might say, I thoroughly approve of the approvals.
WB