Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
And many get depleted before one has the time to react! Sellers, put some duplicate stamps to give the late comers a chance!
And some pretty outstanding variety to please all tastes, that is terrific!
rrr...(Temp Moderator-Approvals)
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rraphy,
Is there a "how to" guide for the approvals somewhere you can point me to?
And how are they different from the auctions?
Thanks,
Chris
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Go to the approvals section and then click "Help" where you can find a user guide.
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I just retired a few books that had been online for a year. I find that the buyers here certainly have their preferences. Some things sell well, others do not and it is hard to predict the winners...
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JS absolutely right, not all areas are equally collected by our 3500 members.
And it changes...just like many collecting interests change with time.
For me, this year, it is Latin America. Last few years it was something totally different. So how do you predict?
But one element that makes a BIG difference in the success of an Approval book is price.
Books with lots of stamps at 5c, 10c, even 15c sell really well. More...seems to be finding some reluctance. I for one would never pay 20c on an Approval Book for a stamp catalogued at 25 c (the new minimum in Scott).
More expensive stamps have a smaller audience on Approvals..but they do sell well when priced correctly.
And this is a Club, not a commercial marketplace, so most here expect to be trading, exchanging, buying and selling like you would in a club with friends. It is for most of us the DUPLICATES that sit idle, that we transact.
Why does it work so well for the lower cost stamps? It is because Approval was conceived and developed to help our member sell and buy those pesky lower cost stamps that are hard to purchase anywhere else. And while there is room for more expensive stamps, the system was designed for those in particular. And it works!
rrr...
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I plan to take advantage of these soon once I get a list of what I need. In my initial looks, I do not see catalogue numbers for some so have to spend time checking that too. Of course some varieties like watermarks cannot be determined until you have stamp in hand.
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The reason you probably don't see identification numbers is because of the time involved which is just not worth it for lower priced stamps. (Especially stamps listed at 3 cents to 30 cents.)Most people can tell by just looking if they have that stamp without the identity.
When it come to stamps over 30 cents there could be many printing of the same image. It can make a big difference on the price. Quality is also an issue and needs to be stated in order for a buyer to know more what they might be purchasing.
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When you put a book together, there are many ways to improve its usability.
Yes, for 3-10c stamps it may require too much time to put every category number, and clearly it is unreasonable to demand it.
But there are many other methods. And Year is also a good alternative to catalog number, as not all use the same catalog.
Here are some suggestions:
How about organizing the stamps in chronological (roughly) order.
How about grouping the stamps and labeling the Page by the range of category numbers, or year
How about adding Year and/or Category range in the margin, for groups of stamps.
How about separating groups (postage, air mail, semi postal, postage due etc..) on separate pages? (there are 24 pages!)
How about putting the numbers on all stamps listed above a minimum threshold, say: 15c. Professional dealers do it on ALL stamps even when priced below this threshold on commercial sites! Surely in a Club, with no cost to you for selling, an with an easy platform such as Approvals, and no extra fees, it is not too much to ask.
How about grouping multiple copies rather than dispersing them?
Anyone wants to add more suggestions?
Maybe we should mandate a category number and/or a year for ALL stamps above 15c. I certainly am not for more rules, but don't you all think it is a courtesy.
Finally, some books are thrown together like a grab bag, a random pick pile of stamps from your floor sweeping..with faults not noted as they are required and seemingly in any order or should I say disorder. These book often look like sh... if you pardon the expression!
I am personally angry at sellers who are so lazy as to make NO extra efforts except to throw these books together, and still charge "commercial" prices!
Within the limits of the rules set at SOR, I WILL BE ENFORCING the rules without the leeway I grant many of you here, as I expect more in a friendly club of fellow collectors.
For those who do so little to add value to your fellow Club members, and throw these "minimalist" books, I will allow you less and less room to make mistakes or will not allow you to bend the rules. It really is a courtesy to fellow members!
A dedicated group of volunteers spent almost a year to bring this original system to you for your free use. Surely you can do better! Please improve your books if you can. Rules can be modified! We kept them at a minimum, but this is year 3 of Approval Books, so surely we can demand a little more from you the sellers!
Rrr... (Temporary Approval Book Moderator)
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I am not selling stamps on the Approvals but have made purchases from several different sellers.
In general, the system is great. I like being able to pick just the stamps I need for a reasonable cost.
However, rrraphy makes many good points.
As a buyer, the following would be very helpful:
1. Pictures big enough to see - if I can't read the denomination, it's too small.
2. Some kind of order - while catalog numbers are helpful, you still have to have whatever catalog is being referenced. I would vote for chronological order, having the years at the top of the page would be nice.
3. Grouping identical stamps together - it is annoying to have to page back and forth to see if a stamp is the same one you already bought (has happened to me in books with 20 or more pages)
4. Make the books neat and tidy - some have crinkles or tape on the vario pages - it is hard to tell if the stamp is damaged or if it is the sheet holding the stamp
5. Don't make me guess which stamp is which item number - some are so crammed with stamps per page, it is hard to tell for sure which number goes where sometimes
6. Stamps that have many catalog numbers per design would benefit from having the catalog numbers included, especially if the images are tiny
7. Shipping charges that are complicated just make me avoid the seller. I don't know how many stamps I might buy and don't want to get socked with a huge shipping fee at the end. If I know up front what the fee is, that helps me decide if it is worth it to purchase anything
Overall, I enjoy the Approvals and have found a few sellers that are just "the best". Thanks to all who put the Approvals system together and continue to maintain it.
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"How about organizing the stamps in chronological (roughly) order.
How about grouping the stamps and labeling the Page by the range of category numbers, or year
How about adding Year and/or Category range in the margin, for groups of stamps.
How about separating groups (postage, air mail, semi postal, postage due etc..) on separate pages? (there are 24 pages!)
How about putting the numbers on all stamps listed above a minimum threshold, say: 15c. Professional dealers do it on ALL stamps even when priced below this threshold on commercial sites! Surely in a Club, with no cost to you for selling, an with an easy platform such as Approvals, and no extra fees, it is not too much to ask.
How about grouping multiple copies rather than dispersing them?
"
If this was done I may be more interested looking and buying from approvals.
I do not want to spend a lot of time looking in a catalog or paging in my albums to find if I need the stamp. If you want to your stamps then a little help from the seller would be appreciated.
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"1. Pictures big enough to see - if I can't read the denomination, it's too small.
2. Some kind of order - while catalog numbers are helpful, you still have to have whatever catalog is being referenced. I would vote for chronological order, having the years at the top of the page would be nice.
3. Grouping identical stamps together - it is annoying to have to page back and forth to see if a stamp is the same one you already bought (has happened to me in books with 20 or more pages)
4. Make the books neat and tidy - some have crinkles or tape on the vario pages - it is hard to tell if the stamp is damaged or if it is the sheet holding the stamp
5. Don't make me guess which stamp is which item number - some are so crammed with stamps per page, it is hard to tell for sure which number goes where sometimes
6. Stamps that have many catalog numbers per design would benefit from having the catalog numbers included, especially if the images are tiny
7. Shipping charges that are complicated just make me avoid the seller. I don't know how many stamps I might buy and don't want to get socked with a huge shipping fee at the end. If I know up front what the fee is, that helps me decide if it is worth it to purchase anything"
AMEN
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I have started a new thread on the labeling of Approval Book stamps above a certain threshold (to be determined) but all these ideas are precious..keep them coming
rrr...
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=16677#125994
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Doug (d1stamper)
AMEN too
Please, when you find books that are not functional, please alert privately the moderator! Most sellers are very cooperative, but they don't know the problems buyers experience.
rrr...
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My vote would be for exactly everything Sally said.....
(Excellent ideas, Sally!)
Randy
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75 New books activated during the last 7 days. That is >10 a day!
And many get depleted before one has the time to react! Sellers, put some duplicate stamps to give the late comers a chance!
And some pretty outstanding variety to please all tastes, that is terrific!
rrr...(Temp Moderator-Approvals)
1 Member
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Login to Like.
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
rraphy,
Is there a "how to" guide for the approvals somewhere you can point me to?
And how are they different from the auctions?
Thanks,
Chris
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
Go to the approvals section and then click "Help" where you can find a user guide.
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
I just retired a few books that had been online for a year. I find that the buyers here certainly have their preferences. Some things sell well, others do not and it is hard to predict the winners...
Login to Like
this post
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
JS absolutely right, not all areas are equally collected by our 3500 members.
And it changes...just like many collecting interests change with time.
For me, this year, it is Latin America. Last few years it was something totally different. So how do you predict?
But one element that makes a BIG difference in the success of an Approval book is price.
Books with lots of stamps at 5c, 10c, even 15c sell really well. More...seems to be finding some reluctance. I for one would never pay 20c on an Approval Book for a stamp catalogued at 25 c (the new minimum in Scott).
More expensive stamps have a smaller audience on Approvals..but they do sell well when priced correctly.
And this is a Club, not a commercial marketplace, so most here expect to be trading, exchanging, buying and selling like you would in a club with friends. It is for most of us the DUPLICATES that sit idle, that we transact.
Why does it work so well for the lower cost stamps? It is because Approval was conceived and developed to help our member sell and buy those pesky lower cost stamps that are hard to purchase anywhere else. And while there is room for more expensive stamps, the system was designed for those in particular. And it works!
rrr...
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
I plan to take advantage of these soon once I get a list of what I need. In my initial looks, I do not see catalogue numbers for some so have to spend time checking that too. Of course some varieties like watermarks cannot be determined until you have stamp in hand.
Login to Like
this post
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
The reason you probably don't see identification numbers is because of the time involved which is just not worth it for lower priced stamps. (Especially stamps listed at 3 cents to 30 cents.)Most people can tell by just looking if they have that stamp without the identity.
When it come to stamps over 30 cents there could be many printing of the same image. It can make a big difference on the price. Quality is also an issue and needs to be stated in order for a buyer to know more what they might be purchasing.
Login to Like
this post
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
When you put a book together, there are many ways to improve its usability.
Yes, for 3-10c stamps it may require too much time to put every category number, and clearly it is unreasonable to demand it.
But there are many other methods. And Year is also a good alternative to catalog number, as not all use the same catalog.
Here are some suggestions:
How about organizing the stamps in chronological (roughly) order.
How about grouping the stamps and labeling the Page by the range of category numbers, or year
How about adding Year and/or Category range in the margin, for groups of stamps.
How about separating groups (postage, air mail, semi postal, postage due etc..) on separate pages? (there are 24 pages!)
How about putting the numbers on all stamps listed above a minimum threshold, say: 15c. Professional dealers do it on ALL stamps even when priced below this threshold on commercial sites! Surely in a Club, with no cost to you for selling, an with an easy platform such as Approvals, and no extra fees, it is not too much to ask.
How about grouping multiple copies rather than dispersing them?
Anyone wants to add more suggestions?
Maybe we should mandate a category number and/or a year for ALL stamps above 15c. I certainly am not for more rules, but don't you all think it is a courtesy.
Finally, some books are thrown together like a grab bag, a random pick pile of stamps from your floor sweeping..with faults not noted as they are required and seemingly in any order or should I say disorder. These book often look like sh... if you pardon the expression!
I am personally angry at sellers who are so lazy as to make NO extra efforts except to throw these books together, and still charge "commercial" prices!
Within the limits of the rules set at SOR, I WILL BE ENFORCING the rules without the leeway I grant many of you here, as I expect more in a friendly club of fellow collectors.
For those who do so little to add value to your fellow Club members, and throw these "minimalist" books, I will allow you less and less room to make mistakes or will not allow you to bend the rules. It really is a courtesy to fellow members!
A dedicated group of volunteers spent almost a year to bring this original system to you for your free use. Surely you can do better! Please improve your books if you can. Rules can be modified! We kept them at a minimum, but this is year 3 of Approval Books, so surely we can demand a little more from you the sellers!
Rrr... (Temporary Approval Book Moderator)
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
I am not selling stamps on the Approvals but have made purchases from several different sellers.
In general, the system is great. I like being able to pick just the stamps I need for a reasonable cost.
However, rrraphy makes many good points.
As a buyer, the following would be very helpful:
1. Pictures big enough to see - if I can't read the denomination, it's too small.
2. Some kind of order - while catalog numbers are helpful, you still have to have whatever catalog is being referenced. I would vote for chronological order, having the years at the top of the page would be nice.
3. Grouping identical stamps together - it is annoying to have to page back and forth to see if a stamp is the same one you already bought (has happened to me in books with 20 or more pages)
4. Make the books neat and tidy - some have crinkles or tape on the vario pages - it is hard to tell if the stamp is damaged or if it is the sheet holding the stamp
5. Don't make me guess which stamp is which item number - some are so crammed with stamps per page, it is hard to tell for sure which number goes where sometimes
6. Stamps that have many catalog numbers per design would benefit from having the catalog numbers included, especially if the images are tiny
7. Shipping charges that are complicated just make me avoid the seller. I don't know how many stamps I might buy and don't want to get socked with a huge shipping fee at the end. If I know up front what the fee is, that helps me decide if it is worth it to purchase anything
Overall, I enjoy the Approvals and have found a few sellers that are just "the best". Thanks to all who put the Approvals system together and continue to maintain it.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
"How about organizing the stamps in chronological (roughly) order.
How about grouping the stamps and labeling the Page by the range of category numbers, or year
How about adding Year and/or Category range in the margin, for groups of stamps.
How about separating groups (postage, air mail, semi postal, postage due etc..) on separate pages? (there are 24 pages!)
How about putting the numbers on all stamps listed above a minimum threshold, say: 15c. Professional dealers do it on ALL stamps even when priced below this threshold on commercial sites! Surely in a Club, with no cost to you for selling, an with an easy platform such as Approvals, and no extra fees, it is not too much to ask.
How about grouping multiple copies rather than dispersing them?
"
If this was done I may be more interested looking and buying from approvals.
I do not want to spend a lot of time looking in a catalog or paging in my albums to find if I need the stamp. If you want to your stamps then a little help from the seller would be appreciated.
Login to Like
this post
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
"1. Pictures big enough to see - if I can't read the denomination, it's too small.
2. Some kind of order - while catalog numbers are helpful, you still have to have whatever catalog is being referenced. I would vote for chronological order, having the years at the top of the page would be nice.
3. Grouping identical stamps together - it is annoying to have to page back and forth to see if a stamp is the same one you already bought (has happened to me in books with 20 or more pages)
4. Make the books neat and tidy - some have crinkles or tape on the vario pages - it is hard to tell if the stamp is damaged or if it is the sheet holding the stamp
5. Don't make me guess which stamp is which item number - some are so crammed with stamps per page, it is hard to tell for sure which number goes where sometimes
6. Stamps that have many catalog numbers per design would benefit from having the catalog numbers included, especially if the images are tiny
7. Shipping charges that are complicated just make me avoid the seller. I don't know how many stamps I might buy and don't want to get socked with a huge shipping fee at the end. If I know up front what the fee is, that helps me decide if it is worth it to purchase anything"
AMEN
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
I have started a new thread on the labeling of Approval Book stamps above a certain threshold (to be determined) but all these ideas are precious..keep them coming
rrr...
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=16677#125994
Login to Like
this post
re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
Doug (d1stamper)
AMEN too
Please, when you find books that are not functional, please alert privately the moderator! Most sellers are very cooperative, but they don't know the problems buyers experience.
rrr...
Login to Like
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re: Approval Books activity seem to be picking up as well
My vote would be for exactly everything Sally said.....
(Excellent ideas, Sally!)
Randy
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