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Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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For People Who Love To Talk About Stamps



What we collect!
What we collect!


General Philatelic/Gen. Discussion : Message to a Seller

 

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Snick1946
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APS Life Member

17 Jun 2016
08:16:26pm
Copy/paste of a message I just sent to seller in Europe. I'd bought five souvenir sheets from him:

'Received stamps today, thank you.

It took me nearly an hour to get them out of the envelope you mailed them in. I understand wanting to protect them from theft in mailing but this was one of the worst cases of over-protection I have received. Flaps on all four sides of the envelope were sealed to the backing. I had to work carefully with a knife getting the flaps open. I very nearly damaged the sheets.

Will leave good feedback. Not sure if I want to order again, however. Too dangerous getting into your mailings. Sorry. '

Why on earth do sellers do this stuff? I understand trying to protect against pilferage but I have never seen something so deliberately intended to forestall anyone- including the buyer- from opening a package.


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londonbus1
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18 Jun 2016
11:17:40am
re: Message to a Seller

"Why on earth do sellers do this stuff?"



So that buyers receive their items safely and to help make sure there are no comebacks at a later date.

He did good. Just say 'thanks'.

Londonbus1

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Snick1946
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APS Life Member

18 Jun 2016
11:29:08am
re: Message to a Seller

Flaps on four sides of the enclosure were sealed tightly with glue that held like iron. Contents were a few mm away from where I had to cut to get the flap open. I ought to have taken and posted a picture of the mailing. I don't think you are getting how bad this was.

I got a reply this morning, joking about the 'little fortress' he uses in his mailings. I won't say anything negative in the feedback but won't be buying from him again. either.

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

18 Jun 2016
12:49:28pm
re: Message to a Seller

I've been the recipient of "Tape Mummies" in the past. One time I had purchased a plate number single of Scott 300. It was totally encased in tape, sandwiched between two small pieces of light cardboard, slightly bigger than the stamps. In the struggle to release the stamp, flexing the piece that was held fast and rigid caused the stamp to pop free from the selvage with the plate number. That ruined the piece.

So I contacted the seller and he was not helpful. He told me to glue the two parts back together with a hinge. He declined to refund saying "it was of no use to him split". I told him I'd just report it to Paypal and they'd refund me anyway, so he relented and refunded.

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auldstampguy
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Tim
Collector, Webmaster

18 Jun 2016
06:42:22pm
re: Message to a Seller

Snick,
I understand your frustration, but the other end of the spectrum is an envelope that I received from a seller in India that had been neatly slit on the top edge and the stamps removed. I received a nice cover from India but that was all. I think I'd prefer your situation.

Regards ... Tim.

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bobstew617
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18 Jun 2016
08:21:04pm
re: Message to a Seller

And I agree with Tim on this one. I just know I have to be super careful, and over the years, I've been able to find the weak point in the envelope and extract the treasure.

BOB

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youpiao
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19 Jun 2016
01:12:08am
re: Message to a Seller

I have often felt the same frustration as snick. It is totally unnecessary to "bullet-proof" your packaging in such a way. Never in my life have I opened an envelope to find that a glassine flap had opened up while in transit, or that a paper wrapper had unfolded itself inside the envelope. Why in the world must someone overuse the tape like that? It is not making the contents any safer. On the contrary, it is making it very difficult to extract the items without causing damage to them.

When I worked in Quality Assurance for General Dynamics, the mantra pounded into us was, "Good enough is good enough," particularly when inspecting solder joints. More solder did not make for a better joint, but, in fact, introduced problems of its own. The same thing applies with tape.

It is not a binary, either/or, situation. The alternative to "too much tape" is not "unsecured loose stamps." The alternative to both is, "good enough."

Ted

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Stampaholic
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23 Jun 2016
02:55:48pm

Auctions - Approvals
re: Message to a Seller

Geez! I believe I'd rather err on the side of overprotection myself. Once bought a U.S. #115 or #116 (can't remember which) , it fell out of the 102 card into the envelope and I cut the thing in half opening the envelope. I gave it to one of our fellow members.

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" I have a burning love for stamps. Lord A'mighty ,feel my temperature risin'! "
fredcdobbs
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APS # 224327

23 Jun 2016
10:17:32pm
re: Message to a Seller

As Roseanne Roseannadanna would say, "If it's not one thing it's another" Winking

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DaveBecker

07 Jul 2016
12:24:29pm
re: Message to a Seller

I wish plastic (Scotch) tape was not used so much. Masking tape
would be better. I like getting stamps in glassines---easy to open, visible
enough to see what the contents, and will roll through sorting machines with
little damage. I've spent too many minutes digging out stamps from plastic
backing boards taped all around. But simple stock cards with the stamps
being loose can be secured by placing card in a glassine. (Did I spell glassine
correctly? I need to add it to the dictionary list of my spell checker.)

Tip of the day: Recycle glassines!


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"Ham Radio k7prz"
musicman
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APS #213005

07 Jul 2016
09:26:45pm
re: Message to a Seller

Yes! Recycle glassines!

BUT -

please, please PLEASE don't tape them closed!!!!

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Winedrinker
Members Picture


11 Jul 2016
10:22:29am
re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found

I prefer to mail my more expensive stamps in glassine envelopes sealed with black electrical tape, to protect from ESD. And it doesn't hurt to provide a few staples to act as a ground in the event of St. Elmo's Fire. Also, a staple, if properly aligned with the stamp, effectively seals the stamp within the glassine envelope.

Hope this is helpful.

Eric

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smauggie
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11 Jul 2016
11:33:29am
re: Message to a Seller

Windrinker usually a non-thermal plasma such as Saint Elmo's Fire can have highly excited electrons at a much higher temperature. Best to ship in one of those small fire-safe boxes.

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canalzonepostalhistory.wordpress.com
purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

11 Jul 2016
11:49:19am

Approvals
re: Message to a Seller

Did you want your new stamps to be pre-cancelled with a sharpie, too?

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TribalErnie

11 Jul 2016
01:26:39pm
re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found


Here's how I package my stamp shipments. I like to be sure that they're SAFE in transit.

Ernie

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purrfin2
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439

11 Jul 2016
02:20:30pm

Approvals
re: Message to a Seller

And that safe is already opened ... someone didn't seal it with Gorilla Tape! lol Rolling On The Floor Laughing

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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/store/dianealthea
Winedrinker
Members Picture


11 Jul 2016
03:29:06pm
re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found

St. Elmo's fire is all fun and games until your "Western Cattle in Storm" gets zapped in transit and turns an unseemly shade of blue. Note the St. Elmo's Fire shooting from the pointy masts of this sailing vessel.

Ernie: That is a very nice safe, and perfect for mailing valuable stamps. You can never be too safe.

Purrfin: Hmmm? Gorilla tape may be preferable to my tried and true black electrical tape. Or maybe Gorilla glue?

Eric

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TribalErnie

11 Jul 2016
05:21:57pm
re: Message to a Seller

Crazy picture Eric,

I thought St. Elmo's fire was just some random flashes in the sky. Gives me something to read about

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cdj1122
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..

11 Jul 2016
07:50:06pm
re: Message to a Seller

Masts and Yardarms.

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".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Ningpo
Members Picture


11 Jul 2016
09:06:37pm
re: Message to a Seller

"Here's how I package my stamp shipments. I like to be sure that they're SAFE in transit.

Ernie"



I take it your shipping and handling fees are just a shade over standard letter rates?

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TribalErnie

11 Jul 2016
09:28:36pm
re: Message to a Seller

at Ningpo,

Yeah, some might think they're a little on the high side but what price do YOU put on peace of mind.

Here's a typical auction lot


Rare and hard to find U.S. stamps.. EXCELLENT investment vehicle... Beautiful condition. Hurry BUY NOW


Image Not Found


SHIPPING:

Image Not Found

Zone 1 $750
Zone 2 $1000
Zone 3 $1000
Zone 4 $1000
Zone 5 $1500
Zone 6 $2000

Buyers in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam and US Virgin Islands call for special shipping prices




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Ningpo
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11 Jul 2016
09:46:38pm
re: Message to a Seller

Sold to me. I'm not taking any chances with snail mail, I'm flying over to hand collect.

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BenFranklin1902
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Tom in Exton, PA

12 Jul 2016
08:10:45pm
re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found
Gotta love this one. An eBay seller cut this souvenir card to use as a stiffener around a stamp I bought. He cut the complete bottom edge off the stamp, ruining it. At least you'd think a collector would cut around the stamp! If he had cut it nice, I collect Ben Franklin and would've kept the stamp with the postmark!

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"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
TribalErnie

12 Jul 2016
08:29:48pm
re: Message to a Seller

Ouch... Cut Ben's head off and sent it to ya..a Ben Franklin collector of all people!

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Author/Postings
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Snick1946

APS Life Member
17 Jun 2016
08:16:26pm

Copy/paste of a message I just sent to seller in Europe. I'd bought five souvenir sheets from him:

'Received stamps today, thank you.

It took me nearly an hour to get them out of the envelope you mailed them in. I understand wanting to protect them from theft in mailing but this was one of the worst cases of over-protection I have received. Flaps on all four sides of the envelope were sealed to the backing. I had to work carefully with a knife getting the flaps open. I very nearly damaged the sheets.

Will leave good feedback. Not sure if I want to order again, however. Too dangerous getting into your mailings. Sorry. '

Why on earth do sellers do this stuff? I understand trying to protect against pilferage but I have never seen something so deliberately intended to forestall anyone- including the buyer- from opening a package.


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londonbus1

18 Jun 2016
11:17:40am

re: Message to a Seller

"Why on earth do sellers do this stuff?"



So that buyers receive their items safely and to help make sure there are no comebacks at a later date.

He did good. Just say 'thanks'.

Londonbus1

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Snick1946

APS Life Member
18 Jun 2016
11:29:08am

re: Message to a Seller

Flaps on four sides of the enclosure were sealed tightly with glue that held like iron. Contents were a few mm away from where I had to cut to get the flap open. I ought to have taken and posted a picture of the mailing. I don't think you are getting how bad this was.

I got a reply this morning, joking about the 'little fortress' he uses in his mailings. I won't say anything negative in the feedback but won't be buying from him again. either.

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BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
18 Jun 2016
12:49:28pm

re: Message to a Seller

I've been the recipient of "Tape Mummies" in the past. One time I had purchased a plate number single of Scott 300. It was totally encased in tape, sandwiched between two small pieces of light cardboard, slightly bigger than the stamps. In the struggle to release the stamp, flexing the piece that was held fast and rigid caused the stamp to pop free from the selvage with the plate number. That ruined the piece.

So I contacted the seller and he was not helpful. He told me to glue the two parts back together with a hinge. He declined to refund saying "it was of no use to him split". I told him I'd just report it to Paypal and they'd refund me anyway, so he relented and refunded.

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"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
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auldstampguy

Tim
Collector, Webmaster
18 Jun 2016
06:42:22pm

re: Message to a Seller

Snick,
I understand your frustration, but the other end of the spectrum is an envelope that I received from a seller in India that had been neatly slit on the top edge and the stamps removed. I received a nice cover from India but that was all. I think I'd prefer your situation.

Regards ... Tim.

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"Isaac Asimov once said if his doctor told him he was dying, he wouldn’t lament, he would just type a little faster. "

mncancels.org
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bobstew617

18 Jun 2016
08:21:04pm

re: Message to a Seller

And I agree with Tim on this one. I just know I have to be super careful, and over the years, I've been able to find the weak point in the envelope and extract the treasure.

BOB

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youpiao

19 Jun 2016
01:12:08am

re: Message to a Seller

I have often felt the same frustration as snick. It is totally unnecessary to "bullet-proof" your packaging in such a way. Never in my life have I opened an envelope to find that a glassine flap had opened up while in transit, or that a paper wrapper had unfolded itself inside the envelope. Why in the world must someone overuse the tape like that? It is not making the contents any safer. On the contrary, it is making it very difficult to extract the items without causing damage to them.

When I worked in Quality Assurance for General Dynamics, the mantra pounded into us was, "Good enough is good enough," particularly when inspecting solder joints. More solder did not make for a better joint, but, in fact, introduced problems of its own. The same thing applies with tape.

It is not a binary, either/or, situation. The alternative to "too much tape" is not "unsecured loose stamps." The alternative to both is, "good enough."

Ted

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"Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-Ekki-PTANG. Zoom-Boing. Z'nourrwringmm"
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Stampaholic

23 Jun 2016
02:55:48pm

Auctions - Approvals

re: Message to a Seller

Geez! I believe I'd rather err on the side of overprotection myself. Once bought a U.S. #115 or #116 (can't remember which) , it fell out of the 102 card into the envelope and I cut the thing in half opening the envelope. I gave it to one of our fellow members.

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" I have a burning love for stamps. Lord A'mighty ,feel my temperature risin'! "
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fredcdobbs

APS # 224327
23 Jun 2016
10:17:32pm

re: Message to a Seller

As Roseanne Roseannadanna would say, "If it's not one thing it's another" Winking

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DaveBecker

07 Jul 2016
12:24:29pm

re: Message to a Seller

I wish plastic (Scotch) tape was not used so much. Masking tape
would be better. I like getting stamps in glassines---easy to open, visible
enough to see what the contents, and will roll through sorting machines with
little damage. I've spent too many minutes digging out stamps from plastic
backing boards taped all around. But simple stock cards with the stamps
being loose can be secured by placing card in a glassine. (Did I spell glassine
correctly? I need to add it to the dictionary list of my spell checker.)

Tip of the day: Recycle glassines!


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"Ham Radio k7prz"
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musicman

APS #213005
07 Jul 2016
09:26:45pm

re: Message to a Seller

Yes! Recycle glassines!

BUT -

please, please PLEASE don't tape them closed!!!!

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Winedrinker

11 Jul 2016
10:22:29am

re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found

I prefer to mail my more expensive stamps in glassine envelopes sealed with black electrical tape, to protect from ESD. And it doesn't hurt to provide a few staples to act as a ground in the event of St. Elmo's Fire. Also, a staple, if properly aligned with the stamp, effectively seals the stamp within the glassine envelope.

Hope this is helpful.

Eric

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smauggie

11 Jul 2016
11:33:29am

re: Message to a Seller

Windrinker usually a non-thermal plasma such as Saint Elmo's Fire can have highly excited electrons at a much higher temperature. Best to ship in one of those small fire-safe boxes.

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canalzonepostalhisto ...

APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
11 Jul 2016
11:49:19am
Approvals

re: Message to a Seller

Did you want your new stamps to be pre-cancelled with a sharpie, too?

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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
TribalErnie

11 Jul 2016
01:26:39pm

re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found


Here's how I package my stamp shipments. I like to be sure that they're SAFE in transit.

Ernie

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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
11 Jul 2016
02:20:30pm
Approvals

re: Message to a Seller

And that safe is already opened ... someone didn't seal it with Gorilla Tape! lol Rolling On The Floor Laughing

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"Appreciate the beauty of nature. You never know when life will deal you an unplanned twist of fate. Enjoy things while you can, because you just never know."

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
Members Picture
Winedrinker

11 Jul 2016
03:29:06pm

re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found

St. Elmo's fire is all fun and games until your "Western Cattle in Storm" gets zapped in transit and turns an unseemly shade of blue. Note the St. Elmo's Fire shooting from the pointy masts of this sailing vessel.

Ernie: That is a very nice safe, and perfect for mailing valuable stamps. You can never be too safe.

Purrfin: Hmmm? Gorilla tape may be preferable to my tried and true black electrical tape. Or maybe Gorilla glue?

Eric

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TribalErnie

11 Jul 2016
05:21:57pm

re: Message to a Seller

Crazy picture Eric,

I thought St. Elmo's fire was just some random flashes in the sky. Gives me something to read about

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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
11 Jul 2016
07:50:06pm

re: Message to a Seller

Masts and Yardarms.

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".... You may think you understood what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you think you heard is not what I thought I meant. .... "
Members Picture
Ningpo

11 Jul 2016
09:06:37pm

re: Message to a Seller

"Here's how I package my stamp shipments. I like to be sure that they're SAFE in transit.

Ernie"



I take it your shipping and handling fees are just a shade over standard letter rates?

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TribalErnie

11 Jul 2016
09:28:36pm

re: Message to a Seller

at Ningpo,

Yeah, some might think they're a little on the high side but what price do YOU put on peace of mind.

Here's a typical auction lot


Rare and hard to find U.S. stamps.. EXCELLENT investment vehicle... Beautiful condition. Hurry BUY NOW


Image Not Found


SHIPPING:

Image Not Found

Zone 1 $750
Zone 2 $1000
Zone 3 $1000
Zone 4 $1000
Zone 5 $1500
Zone 6 $2000

Buyers in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam and US Virgin Islands call for special shipping prices




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Members Picture
Ningpo

11 Jul 2016
09:46:38pm

re: Message to a Seller

Sold to me. I'm not taking any chances with snail mail, I'm flying over to hand collect.

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BenFranklin1902

Tom in Exton, PA
12 Jul 2016
08:10:45pm

re: Message to a Seller

Image Not Found
Gotta love this one. An eBay seller cut this souvenir card to use as a stiffener around a stamp I bought. He cut the complete bottom edge off the stamp, ruining it. At least you'd think a collector would cut around the stamp! If he had cut it nice, I collect Ben Franklin and would've kept the stamp with the postmark!

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Check out my eBay Stuff! Username Turtles-Trading-Post"
TribalErnie

12 Jul 2016
08:29:48pm

re: Message to a Seller

Ouch... Cut Ben's head off and sent it to ya..a Ben Franklin collector of all people!

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