Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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Mr. ikeyPikey sounded the alarm on manila back in April on the link below...
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=22283#160575
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I use 107 cards and overlap the stamps. If there are a lot I write the catalog numbers on the blsnk space above (double row, tiny writing). You can fit 16 to 18 stamps on a card.
They will fit in a #5 glassine if you trim about a sixteenth of an inch off the side(s).
These are like standard 102 cards only they nominally measure a scant 3-1/2 by 5-7/8.
Pretty sure that they are cheaper than the manila cards. They are also great for blocks
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I use glassine envelopes that I then attach to an envelope sized card with short strips of scotch tape.
The manila cards, if they are what I am thinking about, are kind of heavy. Too much weight for just a few stamps that can go on a card. Works for up to 20 stamps, but my orders are typically 5 times that.
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I missed the post about the cards - I ordered some this summer with no problem - but now they are GONE !!
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I have been using the exact same method to ship out my stamps, but I have been using Lighthouse brand two-strip clear plastic strips on black cardboard background with clear plastic cover. Size is 148 mm by 85 mm or 5 7/8 inch by 3 3/8 inch (Subway describes them as 6" x 3 1/8" - they are bit off on their measurements). They fit snugly inside a No. 5 glassine.
These are for sale by Subway Stamp for $19.96 per package of 100 or $18.71 if you buy ten packages. I stocked up on these a while back and have enough to last me a while.
The Lighthouse part number for these is 341 463 for the package of 100.
Subway's part number is ZLHAPPC2S.
Potomac Supplies (Maryland Stamp and Coin) also carries these cards. Their price is $19.76 per packet of 100. No discount given for large purchases. Their description is LH 6" x 3 1/3", Cardboard Approval Cards with a part number of LH-EKACD/2S. I purchased my cards from Potomac Supplies.
I have the cost of this card as well as the glassine built into my shipping charge.
The nice thing about using these cards is that I don't have to use any tape within my envelope when mailing them out (I do tape the corners on the outside of the envelope). I always hated having to hack through tape to get at the stamps that I purchased.
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20 cents a card sounds expensive, but if you can put quite a few better stamps on it ! I purchase whatever i can get in remainder sales..going out of business sales etc 102 cards, 104 cards, #4 1/2 glassines. several times i thought i was buying a lot..but looking back i should have bought everything they had. I don't like to charge a customer for them when they are purchasing stamps...but thats just me, i don't come from business people.
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I place up to 50 stamps on each card, with each card shipped in a separate No. 6 3/4 envelope.
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The use of manilla is an exclusively North American thing. I use Prinz stockcards as described by okstamps.
One thing that interests me is that the use of glassines doesn't protect stamps from moisture in transit. I never ship in glassines for this reason. I've been the unlucky recipient of a group of KGV Bechuanaland and some local Hitler head overprints shipped in glassines. Both arrived as a wet, gloopy mess.
I use a stockcard and a plastic sleeve to ensure stamps arrive nice and dry.
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There is a Canadian company selling 100 3 x5 cards on EBay for $9.99, but the shipping charges are crazy; $25!
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I saw that on EBAY earlier. If the cards never come back - that could be considered a good buy for an antique. I have about 20 new cards left - maybe I should put them away - they may be worth more in the future !
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Dave,
I use the glassine envelope as a way to keep the stamps on the card and from migrating around within the envelope. No attempt was made to keep moisture out by using the glassine.
I have been selling stamps within the United States (and all the world, just much lesser quantities) without ever running into a problem of moisture ruining my shipment. I have also received stamps from all over the world, most shipped without any protection from moisture, and have never had a problem. Due to this 20+ year good record, I guess that to provide such protection has not seriously entered my mind. And this does not involve hundreds or even thousands of stamps, but tens of thousands of stamps.
Richard
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If I am sending something of greater value - I do package differently and go with insurance. However especially here with approvals the card and glassine into an envelope was the simplest solution and relatively inexpensive. No one ever complained about a moisture problem to me. I remember receiving stamps this way in the mail for years going to back to when I was a kid collecting with my dad. Hard to teach and old dog a new trick ! Steve
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Here's one I received this week. Big and bulky! Large manila envelope with $3.74 postage and USPS tracking. Inside of it was that very thick folded over cardboard, as a big lump floating around inside the much larger envelope. Once I cut into that, I found the white plastic folded tight and sealed.
What was inside of all of this? 3 plate blocks, each on it's own stock card! Man, talk about overkill. When I see a seller is asking $3.88 for postage, I usually expect a shipment like this. A clueless seller!
Many of the big name sellers I buy from on eBay just put a stock card in a regular envelope and mail it for 55 cents. They always get here fine!
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and as far as manila pages and stock cards, there should be enough in circulation already to handle all the future needs of the hobby. I've seen dealers selling bulk lots of these and used mounts that were separated from collections.
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Well the small stock cards are all about gone now.. All of the largest dealers including Subway are totally out of them. The larger stock pages are still around somewhat if you search for them. Even on Ebay only one seller in Canada had some of the smaller cards but with a shipping cost of $25.00 to the states - that is not worth it... Steve
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To follow Tom's post...there are plenty floating around. Last weekend ay my local stamp club auction, there was a lot of about 100+ manila 9" x 11" used stock pages that sold for $3.
Don
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How about posting under the “Want to Buy” section here? Folks are so helpful, you might get responses.
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8 1/2 x 11 stock cards, cut to size is my suggestion. Will works for smaller envelopes, for business size envelopes and even for small Manila envelopes. I am sure it is the cheapest option as well, as used stock cards can be had almost anywhere.
rrr...
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I try and use recycled supplies,
Old inserts from first day covers and presentation packs cut to size,
Previously used stockcards, glassines and plastic pockets.
Along with new A4 card, folded or cut to size,
New Cello Bags and new Cardboard Backed envelopes or Jiffy Bags.
It all depends on the size and weight of the package and how much total protection is required on an individual basis.
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A special thanks to Carol Brooks (Webpaper) - she had MANY (new and almost new) of the 3x5 manila cards I needed and she did not need them - so I was able to buy them from her. She is also sending me some samples of the materials that she uses - so I can start investigating my options for the future. Also thanks to everyone else who had some good ideas. It will be interesting to see if they ever fix the machine that creates these cards - I would not place a big bet on it. Steve
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'
Placing actual orders with Subway might be the best way to incentivize that repair.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey (who thanks Linus for the hat-tip)
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That's how I started this thread.. Subway alerted me to the problem after I placed an order with them at the end of last week. Unlike other stamp supply dealers who have warnings that the cards are out of stock - the subway site is still taking orders on them but they sent me an email and told me sorry with no indication when they would be available.
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Update - Got this from SubWay Sunday:
We are sorry to inform you that the merchandise you ordered from us is no longer available by the manufacturer. Therefore your order has been cancelled. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Looks like all manila card products are gone for good. I still have the stash that I got from Carol "Webpaper". I will see if I can find anyone else that has some even if they are slightly used. I am still investigating the alternatives. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks ! Perhaps - I should just start selling the cards myself on EBAY !
Steve
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"I try and use recycled supplies"
I try and do the same. However often times I see myself wasting a huge amount of time looking for a suitable size glassine envelope, transferring stamps from one envelope to another and all kinds of unnecessary manipulations to the point where I think I better stockpile on cards and envelopes and have the peace of mind I can prepare a package quickly.
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Cougar:-
Obviously you were never a Boy Scout.
Be Prepared is their motto.
Almost everything is prepared in advance and laid out for easy access.
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That is a strangely worded message as THEY are the manufacturer and own that broken machine. A few weeks ago they told me that the parts were being machined but that it would take time to get that 85 year old machine up and running again but that they DID plan to resume manufacturing the Manila products. I hope your message doesn’t mean that they haven given up on repairs!
FYI, Subway said that the larger dealer display cards sized for souvenir sheets, covers, and booklets etc. are also manufactured on the same machine that makes the stock cards.
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I think Subway just wanted to clear out the backorder from their system. I got a few messages over time suggesting I may want to cancel it. Hopefully they will find a way to fix the machine - because it is not just the 3x5 cards that are out - but the other sized products are also starting to be not available. I am still afraid that these are going the way of Crystal (permaguard) Mounts and Dennison Hinges. The demand may not be strong enough for them to continue to manufacturer these products. Time will tell!!
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Crystal Mounts are no loss to the hobby. Dennison Hinges, however, left a huge void that has never truly been filled.
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https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manila-Selection-Cards-Package-of-100-3-pocket-3-x5/171495602641?hash=item27edef39d1:g:ta4AAOSwr81UOBvP
Here are some available for purchase on Ebay - 100ct for $30 from Canada.
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Thanks for finding these. I checked EBAY this past weekend after I got the cancellation note from Subway and there were none on EBAY - Looks like these were recently added. Since they are coming from Canada - the shipping cost makes them more expensive - but still not too bad !
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Approvals
In over 40 years I never had this issue before. I have been ordering 3x5 Manilla stock cards for that long to store stamps as well as using them in the last 10 years to ship stamps. These cards fit nicely into a size 5 Glassine and then into a small white envelope for shipping. For the past month or so - I have not been able to get a hold of anymore of these cards. My normal suppliers have been out - so I placed an order last Friday with Subway - surely they would have them. Well just got a notice from them too - they are backordered. No idea of how long they will not be available. I just did a search for them and every supplier shows them as out of stock. Does anyone have a good suggestion on a substitute way of sending out stamps that are purchased. This may be "my final nail in the coffin" for selling stamps. I like to keep the shipments in small envelopes and I am not sure of another way to do it that is not too costly. I may post this same note on my other selling site where there are a lot of professional dealers. Thanks, Steve
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
Mr. ikeyPikey sounded the alarm on manila back in April on the link below...
https://stamporama.com/discboard/disc_main.php?action=20&id=22283#160575
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02:36:30pm
Auctions - Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
I use 107 cards and overlap the stamps. If there are a lot I write the catalog numbers on the blsnk space above (double row, tiny writing). You can fit 16 to 18 stamps on a card.
They will fit in a #5 glassine if you trim about a sixteenth of an inch off the side(s).
These are like standard 102 cards only they nominally measure a scant 3-1/2 by 5-7/8.
Pretty sure that they are cheaper than the manila cards. They are also great for blocks
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
I use glassine envelopes that I then attach to an envelope sized card with short strips of scotch tape.
The manila cards, if they are what I am thinking about, are kind of heavy. Too much weight for just a few stamps that can go on a card. Works for up to 20 stamps, but my orders are typically 5 times that.
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
I missed the post about the cards - I ordered some this summer with no problem - but now they are GONE !!
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
I have been using the exact same method to ship out my stamps, but I have been using Lighthouse brand two-strip clear plastic strips on black cardboard background with clear plastic cover. Size is 148 mm by 85 mm or 5 7/8 inch by 3 3/8 inch (Subway describes them as 6" x 3 1/8" - they are bit off on their measurements). They fit snugly inside a No. 5 glassine.
These are for sale by Subway Stamp for $19.96 per package of 100 or $18.71 if you buy ten packages. I stocked up on these a while back and have enough to last me a while.
The Lighthouse part number for these is 341 463 for the package of 100.
Subway's part number is ZLHAPPC2S.
Potomac Supplies (Maryland Stamp and Coin) also carries these cards. Their price is $19.76 per packet of 100. No discount given for large purchases. Their description is LH 6" x 3 1/3", Cardboard Approval Cards with a part number of LH-EKACD/2S. I purchased my cards from Potomac Supplies.
I have the cost of this card as well as the glassine built into my shipping charge.
The nice thing about using these cards is that I don't have to use any tape within my envelope when mailing them out (I do tape the corners on the outside of the envelope). I always hated having to hack through tape to get at the stamps that I purchased.
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Auctions
re: Shortage Of Supplies
20 cents a card sounds expensive, but if you can put quite a few better stamps on it ! I purchase whatever i can get in remainder sales..going out of business sales etc 102 cards, 104 cards, #4 1/2 glassines. several times i thought i was buying a lot..but looking back i should have bought everything they had. I don't like to charge a customer for them when they are purchasing stamps...but thats just me, i don't come from business people.
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
I place up to 50 stamps on each card, with each card shipped in a separate No. 6 3/4 envelope.
Login to Like
this post
re: Shortage Of Supplies
The use of manilla is an exclusively North American thing. I use Prinz stockcards as described by okstamps.
One thing that interests me is that the use of glassines doesn't protect stamps from moisture in transit. I never ship in glassines for this reason. I've been the unlucky recipient of a group of KGV Bechuanaland and some local Hitler head overprints shipped in glassines. Both arrived as a wet, gloopy mess.
I use a stockcard and a plastic sleeve to ensure stamps arrive nice and dry.
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
There is a Canadian company selling 100 3 x5 cards on EBay for $9.99, but the shipping charges are crazy; $25!
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Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
I saw that on EBAY earlier. If the cards never come back - that could be considered a good buy for an antique. I have about 20 new cards left - maybe I should put them away - they may be worth more in the future !
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
Dave,
I use the glassine envelope as a way to keep the stamps on the card and from migrating around within the envelope. No attempt was made to keep moisture out by using the glassine.
I have been selling stamps within the United States (and all the world, just much lesser quantities) without ever running into a problem of moisture ruining my shipment. I have also received stamps from all over the world, most shipped without any protection from moisture, and have never had a problem. Due to this 20+ year good record, I guess that to provide such protection has not seriously entered my mind. And this does not involve hundreds or even thousands of stamps, but tens of thousands of stamps.
Richard
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Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
If I am sending something of greater value - I do package differently and go with insurance. However especially here with approvals the card and glassine into an envelope was the simplest solution and relatively inexpensive. No one ever complained about a moisture problem to me. I remember receiving stamps this way in the mail for years going to back to when I was a kid collecting with my dad. Hard to teach and old dog a new trick ! Steve
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this post
re: Shortage Of Supplies
Here's one I received this week. Big and bulky! Large manila envelope with $3.74 postage and USPS tracking. Inside of it was that very thick folded over cardboard, as a big lump floating around inside the much larger envelope. Once I cut into that, I found the white plastic folded tight and sealed.
What was inside of all of this? 3 plate blocks, each on it's own stock card! Man, talk about overkill. When I see a seller is asking $3.88 for postage, I usually expect a shipment like this. A clueless seller!
Many of the big name sellers I buy from on eBay just put a stock card in a regular envelope and mail it for 55 cents. They always get here fine!
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
and as far as manila pages and stock cards, there should be enough in circulation already to handle all the future needs of the hobby. I've seen dealers selling bulk lots of these and used mounts that were separated from collections.
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Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
Well the small stock cards are all about gone now.. All of the largest dealers including Subway are totally out of them. The larger stock pages are still around somewhat if you search for them. Even on Ebay only one seller in Canada had some of the smaller cards but with a shipping cost of $25.00 to the states - that is not worth it... Steve
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
To follow Tom's post...there are plenty floating around. Last weekend ay my local stamp club auction, there was a lot of about 100+ manila 9" x 11" used stock pages that sold for $3.
Don
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
How about posting under the “Want to Buy” section here? Folks are so helpful, you might get responses.
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
8 1/2 x 11 stock cards, cut to size is my suggestion. Will works for smaller envelopes, for business size envelopes and even for small Manila envelopes. I am sure it is the cheapest option as well, as used stock cards can be had almost anywhere.
rrr...
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05:55:23pm
Auctions - Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
I try and use recycled supplies,
Old inserts from first day covers and presentation packs cut to size,
Previously used stockcards, glassines and plastic pockets.
Along with new A4 card, folded or cut to size,
New Cello Bags and new Cardboard Backed envelopes or Jiffy Bags.
It all depends on the size and weight of the package and how much total protection is required on an individual basis.
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Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
A special thanks to Carol Brooks (Webpaper) - she had MANY (new and almost new) of the 3x5 manila cards I needed and she did not need them - so I was able to buy them from her. She is also sending me some samples of the materials that she uses - so I can start investigating my options for the future. Also thanks to everyone else who had some good ideas. It will be interesting to see if they ever fix the machine that creates these cards - I would not place a big bet on it. Steve
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
'
Placing actual orders with Subway might be the best way to incentivize that repair.
Cheers,
/s/ ikeyPikey (who thanks Linus for the hat-tip)
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
That's how I started this thread.. Subway alerted me to the problem after I placed an order with them at the end of last week. Unlike other stamp supply dealers who have warnings that the cards are out of stock - the subway site is still taking orders on them but they sent me an email and told me sorry with no indication when they would be available.
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Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
Update - Got this from SubWay Sunday:
We are sorry to inform you that the merchandise you ordered from us is no longer available by the manufacturer. Therefore your order has been cancelled. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Looks like all manila card products are gone for good. I still have the stash that I got from Carol "Webpaper". I will see if I can find anyone else that has some even if they are slightly used. I am still investigating the alternatives. Hard to teach an old dog new tricks ! Perhaps - I should just start selling the cards myself on EBAY !
Steve
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
"I try and use recycled supplies"
I try and do the same. However often times I see myself wasting a huge amount of time looking for a suitable size glassine envelope, transferring stamps from one envelope to another and all kinds of unnecessary manipulations to the point where I think I better stockpile on cards and envelopes and have the peace of mind I can prepare a package quickly.
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07:52:02pm
Auctions - Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
Cougar:-
Obviously you were never a Boy Scout.
Be Prepared is their motto.
Almost everything is prepared in advance and laid out for easy access.
Login to Like
this post
re: Shortage Of Supplies
That is a strangely worded message as THEY are the manufacturer and own that broken machine. A few weeks ago they told me that the parts were being machined but that it would take time to get that 85 year old machine up and running again but that they DID plan to resume manufacturing the Manila products. I hope your message doesn’t mean that they haven given up on repairs!
FYI, Subway said that the larger dealer display cards sized for souvenir sheets, covers, and booklets etc. are also manufactured on the same machine that makes the stock cards.
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this post
Approvals
re: Shortage Of Supplies
I think Subway just wanted to clear out the backorder from their system. I got a few messages over time suggesting I may want to cancel it. Hopefully they will find a way to fix the machine - because it is not just the 3x5 cards that are out - but the other sized products are also starting to be not available. I am still afraid that these are going the way of Crystal (permaguard) Mounts and Dennison Hinges. The demand may not be strong enough for them to continue to manufacturer these products. Time will tell!!
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11:03:19am
re: Shortage Of Supplies
Crystal Mounts are no loss to the hobby. Dennison Hinges, however, left a huge void that has never truly been filled.
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Manila-Selection-Cards-Package-of-100-3-pocket-3-x5/171495602641?hash=item27edef39d1:g:ta4AAOSwr81UOBvP
Here are some available for purchase on Ebay - 100ct for $30 from Canada.
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re: Shortage Of Supplies
Thanks for finding these. I checked EBAY this past weekend after I got the cancellation note from Subway and there were none on EBAY - Looks like these were recently added. Since they are coming from Canada - the shipping cost makes them more expensive - but still not too bad !
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