Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Unfortunately, in many cases the letter in which these stamps are sent are franked with older (and sometimes damaged) stamps; or even worse, with machine franking.
I wonder if there couldn´t be a rule suggesting sellers to use recent and sound stamps on their letters. It should be remembered that the Buyer is who pays for these stamps!
In my case, when sending letters I use recent commemoratives or stamps from Souvenir Sheets.
All the best, Miguel
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Enforcing a rule like that would be tricky at best. But I'm sure encouraging the use of interesting postage on philatelic mailings would be possible.
Please consider that many sellers have a huge quantity of older postage to use. Selling approvals is not a profitable business. Most sellers make pennies per hour of time taken to prepare the book, scan, invoice and ship. Expecting them to also purchase recent postage might make it uneconomical for them to offer the books in the first place. That said, asking that they use the most interesting of their postage and to not use damaged stamps are certainly reasonable requests. Note that I said "ask" not "require."
Metering is another kettle of fish and a personal pet peeve. In that case, the seller could have elected to pay for stamps. They made a cash outlay, so why not spend it on something philatelic? There are, however, situations where registration fees and whatnot make using certain postal meters almost a requirement. Sometimes the cover is not large enough to accommodate the custom's forms, the meters and postage. In those cases, keeping a few higher values such as the USA 'waves' on hand to use on packets would be nice - paying at least part of the postage with something philatelic.
Using recent flag definitives to pay postage is, in my humble opinion, annoying. Why would you BUY a roll of flag coils for philatelic mail? Yes, yes the PNC collectors will be upset by that remark, but why not save those flag remainders to pay the electric bill and use something better for your philatelic friends?
In any case, I hope you'll see all the problems that such a rule would create. However, I will consider adding a suggestion at the end of the approval rules list encouraging the use of interesting postage for shipments if enough members respond enthusiastically to this thread. However, I would NOT support making it a rule.
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Yes, it is a little jarring to see metered postage on philatelic mail, but howzabout we leave this out of the rules?
Covers festooned with stamps have a place as stamp art, but it should be voluntary stamp art, and perhaps be reserved for event covers, etc, prepared by those with the necessary inclination and talent.
Most of the older commemoratives that arrive as postage are mostly discouraging.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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If the buyer is paying the postage, then a seller should use stamps that are collectable. Prefer that they use commemorative stamps of the last few years.
Also buyers should use commemorative stamps of the last few years if they are mailing payment for there purchase.
The buyer can not complain if the seller is paying the postage.
IMO meters are a no no in most cases.
Doug
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Hmmm - why only modern commemoratives ? I always thought it was nice to use commemoratives from the 30's through the 60's for a portion of the postage. I feel like Rip Van Winkle here - when did it become not a good idea??
As for meters - if I am mailing something in a hard pak (photo mailer) I hesitate to use stamps because I never know if I am going to be charged under a dollar (first class letter), around a dollar and a half (non machinable (flat) rate), or around two sand a half dollars (tight fit in the quarter inch slot). It all depends on the time of day, the phase of the moon, ..who knows. We only have six clerks who work the three windows and in fairness a lot of times it is a toss up as to which rate is correct (does it have to fall through the quarter inch slot or is a bit of contact OK?.
The clerks and I and the postmaster have been through the idiotic rules and regs several times, but they honestly leave a lot open ti interpretation.
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01:11:14pm
Hi Miguel,
I agree, I hate discount postage and meters and always try to use recent stamps from sets that are 5 and larger. I figure the few extra cents I pay for the stamps is made up by the happiness of the recipient.
I do see that you live in Brazil. Some countries have a reputation for non-delivery of envelopes with colorful stamps as this is a giveaway that stamps are in the envelope. I am not sure if Brazil has that issue. Sellers are maybe being cautious if they are using definitive stamps or meters. I use the current international rate stamp (Moon) if I know the country has issues or I am not sure about the country's reputation.
Bob
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If I'm shipping within the US, I always use relatively recent commemoratives. I don't use pre-printed labels either. Only handwritten addressing. When I was selling outside the US, I used the USPS global rate stamps whenever possible and did everything I could NOT to draw attention to the mailings.
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"I wonder if there couldn´t be a rule suggesting sellers to use recent and sound stamps on their letters."
No there will be no such rule enacted. Also, understand that rules are not "suggestions". They are requirements.
"It should be remembered that the Buyer is who pays for these stamps"
No, that is not true. The buyer pays for the stamps that are inside the package, not what is or isn't on the outside.
This also is a perennial complaint used by some American Philatelic Society members who buy stamps through the stamp circuit sales. With that said, as also says the APS, sellers are not required to use stamps when they ship stamps. However, since we are all stamp collectors, it is nice to see stamps on the packages that we receive.
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"No, that is not true. The buyer pays for the stamps that are inside the package, not what is or isn't on the outside."
Yes the buyers pays for the stamps inside, but also pays for shipping, so the buyer does pay for the stamps on the envelope, unless shipping is free.
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- Sorry, Michael, but Buyers do effectively pay for postage. You yourself state in your Approval Books: The following flat rate shipping fee is added to all purchases...
- May be due to my poor English, I wrote a rule suggesting. What I meant is just a suggestion.
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I use whatever postage I have on hand. I usually do not charge more than 50 cents for domestic postage unless the envelope weighs more than 2 oz. If it is large and needs a stiffener then I charge what I pay for online postage via PAYPAL. Its a lot cheaper than putting stamps on the envelope. The online rates are different than the PO rates.
Greg
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Just a short note. I am considering resumption of Internet sales of my excess duplicates. I am current confined to a wheelchair and cannot get to the post office to do overcome the counter transactions. I am now buying bulk USA 3 - 35 cent stamps to mail from home. I am sure that in a club this large others may also have this issue. I am using real stamps rather than meters etc. I h ope buyers will be a bit understanding when it comes to this issue.
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If charged, buyers pay some or all of the cost for shipping. That does not include stamps that could be used for shipping. Next time you buy something through mail order, tell the shipper that since they charged you $X for shipping that you require that they use postage stamps on the package.
If a buyer wants to have certain stamps used on the package, they are welcome to buy those stamps and send them to the seller so that the stamps can be used on the package if the seller agrees to it. I have done that as a favor to buyers in the past. No seller is obligated to buy stamps to use for postage.
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"What I meant is just a suggestion."
I have no problem with that.
I believe Theresa stated that she will add the suggestion to the approval information, and I will add it to the Auction seller tutorial that I'm working on.
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I must point out that some post offices do not sell commemmorative stamps.
If a sellers shipping charge is $1.50 and the postage cost is $1.50 what about the cost of packaging, walking to the post office (wear and tear on ones shoes) normally in the pouring rain (waterproof clothing required), standing in line in the post office waiting to be served(only to get to the front of that line to be told we're closed join the adjoining line), arguing with the clerk who wants to charge you $2.00 instead of $1.50, walking back home(again in the pouring rain) all because you sold $2.00 worth of stamps.
I hope you are all crying into your handkerchiefs, (Ha Ha Ha)
Then 1 week later you get the message "My stamps haven't arrived. I want a refund" (despite them living halfway up Mount Everest and there is a yak strike) or "you never put the $1.68 stamp on the envelope I told you I wanted" (excuse me but it only cost $1.50) or "Thank you for the stamps but the stamp on the envelope is damaged you must send me a replacement"
As a machosist........ give me........ more, more and thrice more!!
"You gotta go oowww.....Moriarity"
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"Unfortunately, in many cases the letter in which these stamps are sent are franked with older (and sometimes damaged) stamps; or even worse, with machine franking."
Once the envelope leaves the hands of the seller, there is nothing they can do to avoid the stamps getting damaged (unless they covered them with saran or plastic wrap.)
I am sure you have seen the horror stories of what has happened in many cases to the beautiful covers sent from sellers to buyers. It makes you wonder what's the use.
When I trade stamps, I almost always use commemoratives (that I have purchased through the Fulfillment Center), but often the envelope I send or the SASE I included has no evidence of being postally used.
So please do not be too hard on most sellers here. They are trying, but often their country's postal service is working against them.
I do agree that meters are not acceptable.
In the end, communication is key when working with a seller. BOB
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I do not have a problem with metered mail or any other sort of mechanical franking. I appreciate getting envelopes with stamps on but consider it a bonus rather than an obligation on the sellers part.
One auction house in the UK does nothing but machine franking. Others take the time and care to put on sheets, get them cancelled and then cover with wrap before mailing.
Another seller I deal with puts older postage on but then spoils the cover by sealing the envelope with scotch tape which he wraps around the edges, yep all over the stamps.
When giving feedback I make a point of advising that I appreciated the envelope stamps.
As an aside, almost all my purchases from European countries have stamps on the envelopes. Here in Manitoba our local post office only has booklets and coils and small value stamps to make up rates.
We gets what we gets, someone somewhere will be collecting meter frankings or Frama labels, so maybe save them for the postal historian of the future.
Vic
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I think it can be a security issue with the mails. I notice that some of the dealers I buy from on eBay make the envelope as non-descript as possible. Plain white envelope, personal name as return address and a meter stamping. No indication at all that it's a purchase or contains anything valuable. Since they mail out items of value every day I see their point.
I also buy bulk old commemoratives at a fraction of face. Right now I'm filling out my 1930s-1980 collection and the rest can either be shared with collectors or used as postage. The big issue is how many stamps are required to make up even a single letter rate today. I also notice from my incoming mail that a good number of these multiple stamps get damaged by sorting equipment.
My latest purchase this week is $58 face for $35 postpaid. I can't wait to see what's in the lot.
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As a part time dealer, I buy bulk lots and old albums. Most contain mint and mint hinged stamps so these go into my box for postage.
A suggestion to use recent stamps is fine, but if it became a rule I would not be listing anything for sale or in the auction at all. Not that I have done so recently anyhow.
Personally, I would much prefer several lower value stamps on an envelope then just one recent stamp that pays the postage. Eventually if you buy a lot of items from people in the same country, you end up getting the same stamp over and over and over again.
I would especially like it if I were to buy anything from someone in Australia, if they would use multiple stamps of lower values instead of the international rate stamps. They are easy to get here, but the lower values are getting harder and harder to get. Any year would be fine.
As long as my mail doesn't come postage due, I am quite happy with whatever stamps are on the envelope. It's what is inside that matters. I am actually trying to get people to use computer generated stamps, Zazzle, or any other machine stamp that has a picture on it. NO one so far has used any.
Just my thoughts.
Suzanne
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I am planning, or at least dreaming of, selling some stamps and covers in the Stamporama auction. I am not unfamiliar with selling stamps by mail — several years ago I sold Canadian approvals and mostly enjoyed it, although dishonest collectors soon got the best of me and I didn't last long as an approval dealer.
Things are different now, of course. Approvals are like brick-and-mortar stamp shops, mostly gone. I hope that with a wonders of the internet, including PayPal, I can be a successful stamp seller here at Stamporama. If I don't succeed, at least I have a good pension!
I hadn't really considered what I would use as postage on auction mailings. I don't have any stock of older Canadian stamps, and I honestly don't know if I want to go to the trouble of buying any. I'll have enough trouble just getting my printer not to ruin envelopes! I want selling stamps to be fun, not a chore!
I won't be much able to use recent Canadian stamps. Local Canada Post "postal outlets" are commercial operations staffed by people who know even less about stamps than Canada Post employees, and they rarely have stocks of recent commemoratives. I suppose I will try to buy what I can, but I hope my success doesn't depend on pleasing customers with the franking of my mailings. I have to agree with Suzanne, who said, "As long as my mail doesn't come postage due, I am quite happy with whatever stamps are on the envelope. It's what is inside that matters." And I assume that many collectors are like me, with zero interest in modern stamps.
Bob
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"As long as my mail doesn't come postage due"
That has happened to me, and I had paid a $10.00 shipping fee and a 15% buyer's premium to boot! It came from a very well-known, and large, dealer whose name shall remain hidden. They did refund me the postage due cost.
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Hi Guys
I've been selling on line for over 20 years - I always TRY to use stamps for postage (old newer or whatever is handy)
I have only ever had a handful of buyers ask for stamps, a couple have asked for older stamps.
Maybe the buyer should message the seller and make his / her preferences known... ?
Cheers
Steve.
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Hi Everyone;
I have sold on 7 different web sites since 2007. I have sold in 24 nations, and 23 US states.
I have had buyers try to tell me how to package my shipment, and to reduce my S&H accordingly. I explained that I, not them, am responsible for the shipment reaching them in good condition, and then promptly canceled their order, and requested they should shop elsewhere.
I had a buyer from India, who explained how stealing by customs officials is an institution in his native India. So we mutually agreed to ship to a friend in the states (cheaper for me), who was traveling to India. The customs inspector who inspected the suitcase, took the coins. He apologized and reordered and paid for a second shipment, that eventually made it to him.
As a result, I no longer ship to China, India, Russia, and of course all embargoed nations.
Also as a result of this experience, I NEVER us more than one stamp, a definitive for all mailings to any country. Any buyer who attempts to tell me how to conduct my business, will get the gaffi stick right where it hurts, and be told to stay away from my store.
My policies may seem harsh to some....so be it. I have never had a negative feedback after 975+ transactions, had many repeat sales and regular buyers, including 12+ on SOR. But I tell them up front what my policies are and why I have them. Everyone I've dealt with on here understand, and are pleased with the quality of what I sell, and always are glad when their shipment arrives in very good condition.
I'm with Theresa and Michael#### on this one....NO NEW RULES for sellers.
Just thinkin'....
TuskenRaider
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If a buyer wants specific stamps on their package, they should simply mail their payment along with a SASE, with the CORRECT postage attached, like a few of the buyers here on SOR usually do. What, you live in a country other than the USA, not a problem, just buy US stamps from some of the sellers on SOR.
Mike
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I always enjoy getting stamps on packages/letters - it's so rare these days and as collectors, it would seem we are the most likely folks to go out of our way to use them.
I agree it is very hit or miss that my local Canada Post outlets. What I do instead is periodically order some on the CP website which ship free. I can pick whatever denominations and stamps I like. I tend to mix up some old (that I buy reduced) and new from CP website, and mail out letters that way.
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"... Maybe the buyer should message the seller and make his / her preferences known... ?"
And maybe the buyer who requests special handling should offer to pay for this extra service.
"... you live in a country other than the USA, not a problem, just buy US stamps from some of the sellers on SOR ..."
Problem solved in 1906:
WikiGod introduction to International Reply Coupons
UPU list of countries selling International Reply Coupons
USPS rules for accepting International Reply Coupons
CanadaPost rules for International Reply Coupons
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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10:56:11am
Approvals
I am a quite frequent buyer of stamps in Stamporama´s Approvals and Auctions.
Unfortunately, in many cases the letter in which these stamps are sent are franked with older (and sometimes damaged) stamps; or even worse, with machine franking.
I wonder if there couldn´t be a rule suggesting sellers to use recent and sound stamps on their letters. It should be remembered that the Buyer is who pays for these stamps!
In my case, when sending letters I use recent commemoratives or stamps from Souvenir Sheets.
All the best, Miguel
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
Enforcing a rule like that would be tricky at best. But I'm sure encouraging the use of interesting postage on philatelic mailings would be possible.
Please consider that many sellers have a huge quantity of older postage to use. Selling approvals is not a profitable business. Most sellers make pennies per hour of time taken to prepare the book, scan, invoice and ship. Expecting them to also purchase recent postage might make it uneconomical for them to offer the books in the first place. That said, asking that they use the most interesting of their postage and to not use damaged stamps are certainly reasonable requests. Note that I said "ask" not "require."
Metering is another kettle of fish and a personal pet peeve. In that case, the seller could have elected to pay for stamps. They made a cash outlay, so why not spend it on something philatelic? There are, however, situations where registration fees and whatnot make using certain postal meters almost a requirement. Sometimes the cover is not large enough to accommodate the custom's forms, the meters and postage. In those cases, keeping a few higher values such as the USA 'waves' on hand to use on packets would be nice - paying at least part of the postage with something philatelic.
Using recent flag definitives to pay postage is, in my humble opinion, annoying. Why would you BUY a roll of flag coils for philatelic mail? Yes, yes the PNC collectors will be upset by that remark, but why not save those flag remainders to pay the electric bill and use something better for your philatelic friends?
In any case, I hope you'll see all the problems that such a rule would create. However, I will consider adding a suggestion at the end of the approval rules list encouraging the use of interesting postage for shipments if enough members respond enthusiastically to this thread. However, I would NOT support making it a rule.
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
Yes, it is a little jarring to see metered postage on philatelic mail, but howzabout we leave this out of the rules?
Covers festooned with stamps have a place as stamp art, but it should be voluntary stamp art, and perhaps be reserved for event covers, etc, prepared by those with the necessary inclination and talent.
Most of the older commemoratives that arrive as postage are mostly discouraging.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
If the buyer is paying the postage, then a seller should use stamps that are collectable. Prefer that they use commemorative stamps of the last few years.
Also buyers should use commemorative stamps of the last few years if they are mailing payment for there purchase.
The buyer can not complain if the seller is paying the postage.
IMO meters are a no no in most cases.
Doug
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01:09:55pm
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
Hmmm - why only modern commemoratives ? I always thought it was nice to use commemoratives from the 30's through the 60's for a portion of the postage. I feel like Rip Van Winkle here - when did it become not a good idea??
As for meters - if I am mailing something in a hard pak (photo mailer) I hesitate to use stamps because I never know if I am going to be charged under a dollar (first class letter), around a dollar and a half (non machinable (flat) rate), or around two sand a half dollars (tight fit in the quarter inch slot). It all depends on the time of day, the phase of the moon, ..who knows. We only have six clerks who work the three windows and in fairness a lot of times it is a toss up as to which rate is correct (does it have to fall through the quarter inch slot or is a bit of contact OK?.
The clerks and I and the postmaster have been through the idiotic rules and regs several times, but they honestly leave a lot open ti interpretation.
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Immediate Past President - West Essex Philatelic Society www.wepsonline.org
23 May 2016
01:11:14pm
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
Hi Miguel,
I agree, I hate discount postage and meters and always try to use recent stamps from sets that are 5 and larger. I figure the few extra cents I pay for the stamps is made up by the happiness of the recipient.
I do see that you live in Brazil. Some countries have a reputation for non-delivery of envelopes with colorful stamps as this is a giveaway that stamps are in the envelope. I am not sure if Brazil has that issue. Sellers are maybe being cautious if they are using definitive stamps or meters. I use the current international rate stamp (Moon) if I know the country has issues or I am not sure about the country's reputation.
Bob
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
If I'm shipping within the US, I always use relatively recent commemoratives. I don't use pre-printed labels either. Only handwritten addressing. When I was selling outside the US, I used the USPS global rate stamps whenever possible and did everything I could NOT to draw attention to the mailings.
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02:32:38pm
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
"I wonder if there couldn´t be a rule suggesting sellers to use recent and sound stamps on their letters."
No there will be no such rule enacted. Also, understand that rules are not "suggestions". They are requirements.
"It should be remembered that the Buyer is who pays for these stamps"
No, that is not true. The buyer pays for the stamps that are inside the package, not what is or isn't on the outside.
This also is a perennial complaint used by some American Philatelic Society members who buy stamps through the stamp circuit sales. With that said, as also says the APS, sellers are not required to use stamps when they ship stamps. However, since we are all stamp collectors, it is nice to see stamps on the packages that we receive.
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
"No, that is not true. The buyer pays for the stamps that are inside the package, not what is or isn't on the outside."
Yes the buyers pays for the stamps inside, but also pays for shipping, so the buyer does pay for the stamps on the envelope, unless shipping is free.
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02:55:00pm
Approvals
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
- Sorry, Michael, but Buyers do effectively pay for postage. You yourself state in your Approval Books: The following flat rate shipping fee is added to all purchases...
- May be due to my poor English, I wrote a rule suggesting. What I meant is just a suggestion.
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Approvals
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
I use whatever postage I have on hand. I usually do not charge more than 50 cents for domestic postage unless the envelope weighs more than 2 oz. If it is large and needs a stiffener then I charge what I pay for online postage via PAYPAL. Its a lot cheaper than putting stamps on the envelope. The online rates are different than the PO rates.
Greg
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
Just a short note. I am considering resumption of Internet sales of my excess duplicates. I am current confined to a wheelchair and cannot get to the post office to do overcome the counter transactions. I am now buying bulk USA 3 - 35 cent stamps to mail from home. I am sure that in a club this large others may also have this issue. I am using real stamps rather than meters etc. I h ope buyers will be a bit understanding when it comes to this issue.
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03:47:14pm
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
If charged, buyers pay some or all of the cost for shipping. That does not include stamps that could be used for shipping. Next time you buy something through mail order, tell the shipper that since they charged you $X for shipping that you require that they use postage stamps on the package.
If a buyer wants to have certain stamps used on the package, they are welcome to buy those stamps and send them to the seller so that the stamps can be used on the package if the seller agrees to it. I have done that as a favor to buyers in the past. No seller is obligated to buy stamps to use for postage.
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03:53:04pm
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
"What I meant is just a suggestion."
I have no problem with that.
I believe Theresa stated that she will add the suggestion to the approval information, and I will add it to the Auction seller tutorial that I'm working on.
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06:35:56pm
Approvals
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
I must point out that some post offices do not sell commemmorative stamps.
If a sellers shipping charge is $1.50 and the postage cost is $1.50 what about the cost of packaging, walking to the post office (wear and tear on ones shoes) normally in the pouring rain (waterproof clothing required), standing in line in the post office waiting to be served(only to get to the front of that line to be told we're closed join the adjoining line), arguing with the clerk who wants to charge you $2.00 instead of $1.50, walking back home(again in the pouring rain) all because you sold $2.00 worth of stamps.
I hope you are all crying into your handkerchiefs, (Ha Ha Ha)
Then 1 week later you get the message "My stamps haven't arrived. I want a refund" (despite them living halfway up Mount Everest and there is a yak strike) or "you never put the $1.68 stamp on the envelope I told you I wanted" (excuse me but it only cost $1.50) or "Thank you for the stamps but the stamp on the envelope is damaged you must send me a replacement"
As a machosist........ give me........ more, more and thrice more!!
"You gotta go oowww.....Moriarity"
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
"Unfortunately, in many cases the letter in which these stamps are sent are franked with older (and sometimes damaged) stamps; or even worse, with machine franking."
Once the envelope leaves the hands of the seller, there is nothing they can do to avoid the stamps getting damaged (unless they covered them with saran or plastic wrap.)
I am sure you have seen the horror stories of what has happened in many cases to the beautiful covers sent from sellers to buyers. It makes you wonder what's the use.
When I trade stamps, I almost always use commemoratives (that I have purchased through the Fulfillment Center), but often the envelope I send or the SASE I included has no evidence of being postally used.
So please do not be too hard on most sellers here. They are trying, but often their country's postal service is working against them.
I do agree that meters are not acceptable.
In the end, communication is key when working with a seller. BOB
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
I do not have a problem with metered mail or any other sort of mechanical franking. I appreciate getting envelopes with stamps on but consider it a bonus rather than an obligation on the sellers part.
One auction house in the UK does nothing but machine franking. Others take the time and care to put on sheets, get them cancelled and then cover with wrap before mailing.
Another seller I deal with puts older postage on but then spoils the cover by sealing the envelope with scotch tape which he wraps around the edges, yep all over the stamps.
When giving feedback I make a point of advising that I appreciated the envelope stamps.
As an aside, almost all my purchases from European countries have stamps on the envelopes. Here in Manitoba our local post office only has booklets and coils and small value stamps to make up rates.
We gets what we gets, someone somewhere will be collecting meter frankings or Frama labels, so maybe save them for the postal historian of the future.
Vic
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
I think it can be a security issue with the mails. I notice that some of the dealers I buy from on eBay make the envelope as non-descript as possible. Plain white envelope, personal name as return address and a meter stamping. No indication at all that it's a purchase or contains anything valuable. Since they mail out items of value every day I see their point.
I also buy bulk old commemoratives at a fraction of face. Right now I'm filling out my 1930s-1980 collection and the rest can either be shared with collectors or used as postage. The big issue is how many stamps are required to make up even a single letter rate today. I also notice from my incoming mail that a good number of these multiple stamps get damaged by sorting equipment.
My latest purchase this week is $58 face for $35 postpaid. I can't wait to see what's in the lot.
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
As a part time dealer, I buy bulk lots and old albums. Most contain mint and mint hinged stamps so these go into my box for postage.
A suggestion to use recent stamps is fine, but if it became a rule I would not be listing anything for sale or in the auction at all. Not that I have done so recently anyhow.
Personally, I would much prefer several lower value stamps on an envelope then just one recent stamp that pays the postage. Eventually if you buy a lot of items from people in the same country, you end up getting the same stamp over and over and over again.
I would especially like it if I were to buy anything from someone in Australia, if they would use multiple stamps of lower values instead of the international rate stamps. They are easy to get here, but the lower values are getting harder and harder to get. Any year would be fine.
As long as my mail doesn't come postage due, I am quite happy with whatever stamps are on the envelope. It's what is inside that matters. I am actually trying to get people to use computer generated stamps, Zazzle, or any other machine stamp that has a picture on it. NO one so far has used any.
Just my thoughts.
Suzanne
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
I am planning, or at least dreaming of, selling some stamps and covers in the Stamporama auction. I am not unfamiliar with selling stamps by mail — several years ago I sold Canadian approvals and mostly enjoyed it, although dishonest collectors soon got the best of me and I didn't last long as an approval dealer.
Things are different now, of course. Approvals are like brick-and-mortar stamp shops, mostly gone. I hope that with a wonders of the internet, including PayPal, I can be a successful stamp seller here at Stamporama. If I don't succeed, at least I have a good pension!
I hadn't really considered what I would use as postage on auction mailings. I don't have any stock of older Canadian stamps, and I honestly don't know if I want to go to the trouble of buying any. I'll have enough trouble just getting my printer not to ruin envelopes! I want selling stamps to be fun, not a chore!
I won't be much able to use recent Canadian stamps. Local Canada Post "postal outlets" are commercial operations staffed by people who know even less about stamps than Canada Post employees, and they rarely have stocks of recent commemoratives. I suppose I will try to buy what I can, but I hope my success doesn't depend on pleasing customers with the franking of my mailings. I have to agree with Suzanne, who said, "As long as my mail doesn't come postage due, I am quite happy with whatever stamps are on the envelope. It's what is inside that matters." And I assume that many collectors are like me, with zero interest in modern stamps.
Bob
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11:51:06pm
re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
"As long as my mail doesn't come postage due"
That has happened to me, and I had paid a $10.00 shipping fee and a 15% buyer's premium to boot! It came from a very well-known, and large, dealer whose name shall remain hidden. They did refund me the postage due cost.
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
Hi Guys
I've been selling on line for over 20 years - I always TRY to use stamps for postage (old newer or whatever is handy)
I have only ever had a handful of buyers ask for stamps, a couple have asked for older stamps.
Maybe the buyer should message the seller and make his / her preferences known... ?
Cheers
Steve.
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
Hi Everyone;
I have sold on 7 different web sites since 2007. I have sold in 24 nations, and 23 US states.
I have had buyers try to tell me how to package my shipment, and to reduce my S&H accordingly. I explained that I, not them, am responsible for the shipment reaching them in good condition, and then promptly canceled their order, and requested they should shop elsewhere.
I had a buyer from India, who explained how stealing by customs officials is an institution in his native India. So we mutually agreed to ship to a friend in the states (cheaper for me), who was traveling to India. The customs inspector who inspected the suitcase, took the coins. He apologized and reordered and paid for a second shipment, that eventually made it to him.
As a result, I no longer ship to China, India, Russia, and of course all embargoed nations.
Also as a result of this experience, I NEVER us more than one stamp, a definitive for all mailings to any country. Any buyer who attempts to tell me how to conduct my business, will get the gaffi stick right where it hurts, and be told to stay away from my store.
My policies may seem harsh to some....so be it. I have never had a negative feedback after 975+ transactions, had many repeat sales and regular buyers, including 12+ on SOR. But I tell them up front what my policies are and why I have them. Everyone I've dealt with on here understand, and are pleased with the quality of what I sell, and always are glad when their shipment arrives in very good condition.
I'm with Theresa and Michael#### on this one....NO NEW RULES for sellers.
Just thinkin'....
TuskenRaider
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
If a buyer wants specific stamps on their package, they should simply mail their payment along with a SASE, with the CORRECT postage attached, like a few of the buyers here on SOR usually do. What, you live in a country other than the USA, not a problem, just buy US stamps from some of the sellers on SOR.
Mike
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
I always enjoy getting stamps on packages/letters - it's so rare these days and as collectors, it would seem we are the most likely folks to go out of our way to use them.
I agree it is very hit or miss that my local Canada Post outlets. What I do instead is periodically order some on the CP website which ship free. I can pick whatever denominations and stamps I like. I tend to mix up some old (that I buy reduced) and new from CP website, and mail out letters that way.
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re: USING STAMPS ON LETTERS WITH WON AUCTIONS AND APPROVALS
"... Maybe the buyer should message the seller and make his / her preferences known... ?"
And maybe the buyer who requests special handling should offer to pay for this extra service.
"... you live in a country other than the USA, not a problem, just buy US stamps from some of the sellers on SOR ..."
Problem solved in 1906:
WikiGod introduction to International Reply Coupons
UPU list of countries selling International Reply Coupons
USPS rules for accepting International Reply Coupons
CanadaPost rules for International Reply Coupons
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey
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