I'm currently in contact with a dealer who has a lot of the old stamps I am trying to acquire. He has reviewed my want list and the items he can provide come to about $3k. I had requested a discount for the bulk order which he has agreed to provided I pay by check or money order - he can cut out the middle men and give me much better terms. The dealer is based in another state and has very good feedback on ebay.

Ive asked him if he has any relatives / associates / friends in the dallas area to whom I could pay cash and take delivery instead.

What is the best course forward? Do I go ahead? Is there any alternative arrangement anyone can suggest?

Has anyone been in a similar situation ?

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re: Advice on a stamp deal.

I've never personally laid out that many $'s at once on stamps. In my opinion, I would want to see the stamps in person before I paid a large sum of cash to anyone.

Liz

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ConnieB

02 Jul 2012
09:38:41pm

re: Advice on a stamp deal.

That's a lot of money. I'd want to get several offers by trusted and recommended dealers and compare them or get recommendations about this dealer from someone you respect and trust.

Also the cash (check, money order) angle sounds risky. Some of the "middle men" may be worth the extra fee if they can add trust, integrity or problem resolution capabilities to help you out if things don't work out. Even use of a credit card gives you some recourse for problems.

There are a variety of scams going on in this economy. Protect yourself.

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Poodle_Mum

re: Advice on a stamp deal.

I agree with everyone who has posted so far on this issue.

First, if you're going to pay for something of a large sum like that - insist on credit card. If he's a legitimate dealer, he has the ability to accept credit card. Or, Paypal - which provides the same protection that credit cards do on such large sums (although I'd go with the credit card myself). I'd never do the cash bit - you need a paper trail when it comes to large sums like that.

In terms of buying something like that unseen, with a dealer who you've never had previous experience with? I'd never do it. If I'm going to make large purchases, I've tested my waters with smaller purchases from the dealer and built up a good rapport before going into the big stuff and I've done the comparison shopping and references on the dealers.

Also, you mentioned they are older issues that you are purchasing. Beware because the number of forgeries out there on older issues is startling. Not only forgeries in relation to the stamps themselves, but forged cancellations (such as when the used cv is higher than unused).

If you *really* decide to go ahead with this - get him to scan it all. Are they on album pages? If they are, there's a good chance there are thins or repairs that can't be seen because of the album page.

All I can say is - I *personally* wouldn't do it.

Kelly

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auldstampguy

Tim
Collector, Webmaster
08 Jul 2012
07:39:24am

re: Advice on a stamp deal.

Another option would be to buy a few smaller lots from the dealer in question. See if you are happy with the way he does business, with the quality of the stamps etc.

Tim

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