08:46:49am
Some members have started publishing, but more are needed! Gather your duplicates and get them online. Read the User Guide to get started, and if you need more assistance (or just want someone to look over your shoulder and provide input) send me an email message or SOR message and I will respond ASAP.
I can provide assistance in the following areas: scanning techniques, editing scans, numbering items with overlays, arranging items, etc. as well as answer many questions relating to the process of getting your books online.
Thanks for the great response!
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
I'm happy to help too, as one of the gang of four under Tim's (Dumbledore) guidance.
I can give guidance on posting items, scanning using stock sheets, and editing pages and books.
Cheers,
Peter
Login to Like
this post
Working at it, but it takes some time!
Login to Like
this post
Jan: It gets easier after each page you produce. And the time it takes to put a book together depends on how much information you want to add to the scanned pictures or on the provided area for page information.
The simpler, the faster it goes.
On the other hand, I am a sucker for additional information, and it may be taking me more time than required....not sure how potential buyers look at it.
The last book I just loaded has over 200 stamps, 13 pages, plenty of added info on the scans, and it took about two hours to put together. The first time I did a book, I hate to estimate how long it took me...but then we were just exploring all possibilities. But the learning curve climbs very rapidly.
I should try to put together a book with no info other than as seen on the scans, and measure the time it took.
Have fun. Approval Books grow on you!
rrr...
Login to Like
this post
04:06:41pm
Doug
We have discussed time limitations, but none have been set. The seller can make his/her book inactive at any time, and then delete it if he/she wishes. You do need to police your own books, and if a book becomes seriously depleted, you should delete it and move the material to a new book, dispose of the remainder in the auction forum or simply return the stamps to your collection.
As far as I am aware, the books will remain active unless it is determined they have been abandoned, at which time they may be deleted. David Teisler has graciously agreed to oversee administration of the Approval forum, and I imagine he will weigh in at some point down the road with some guidelines.
If you have further questions, post them here or contact me directly.
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
Yes, Doug, Bobby is correct. There are no time limits as of now. In a perfect world, the seller will keep books open until depleted, and then be courteous enough to remove the book without management from the Stamporama volunteers. If the system should become cluttered with essentially empty books, or books that are so overpriced as to never sell, and system resources become strained and members annoyed, I guess someone will have to revisit the issue at the time.
One related issue is from which areas to post books. Obviously, if many books with the same stamps are posted, it might slow sales. Accordingly, it may take longer to sell stamps, and time limits may become more of an issue. Over time, supply and demand and competition from sellers may even things out. Currently, because at least two of the folks to post a few example books collect odd countries, there is more Africa and Middle East then U.S., Canada, or Europe, although these areas are probably more popular. Such distortions will eventually even out.
If you compare with the APS approval books, which are physically circulated among members, only one person can see the book at a time. Accordingly, it takes a long time for books to sell out and being returned. Also, regularly APS calls for books in most wanted areas, where the supply is not sufficient for demand. By the time the call for submissions appears in the monthly magazine, a seller puts a book together, mails it in, it gets circulated to a bunch of people and finally ends in your hands, it could be a year -- easy! If you call for books in our wanted to buy section, I guarantee someone is going to help out much faster. But, even better, smart sellers see all of our offers at all times. So, as as seller you know if putting together another book of U.S. plate blocks makes sense, or conversely, if you notice that there are good sales of Caribbean stamps you can hop on the wagon. Currently, as Booby remarked, there are very few or no books in many areas, and anyone could be the first to populate an area. In essence, I am not too worried about folks posting books. Once the full beauty of this system "clicks," the race will be on.
Arno
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
06:15:51pm
"Currently, as Booby remarked, there are very few or no books in many areas, and anyone could be the..."
"Booby"????? Arno, I didn't know you cared.
Login to Like
this post
To answer the question of what information do I as a buyer need in the approval books. I understand that the approval books are a sort of "wholesale". bargain system. However, with some exceptions, I do not need a catalog number, but for unused stamps, a note if it is hinged or never hinged is a determining factor and big help for me. I have seen a few books that have an entire page listed as "never hinged" in the heading, or sets listed as such. I can figure out the rest.
In auction listings, where the prices are higher, I need full descriptions. Of course, more information is always better than less when selling stamps, and is appreciated.
Login to Like
this post
Arno: good points. If one looks at the number of views for a book, and the number of items sold, it should give one a good indication of the membership's interest and should help one's decision re what book to put together to offer for sale.
One request to all those putting books together: BOOKS
So please do not list just one page or just a handful of items, as we have auctions for that! Put together books offering a wide range of items within your selected heading. As an example, I combined Cocos Islands, AAT, and Christmas Island in one book, because 3 small books would just add clutter here, and one of our goal is to streamline and simplify the experience here. So for all playing with new books, please put together books, do not just list a few items ( which are better served under auctions). You can keep your work inactive until you have enough pages and enough items under a specific category. We did not set up a minimum number of items or pages, but we may have to, if the Approval platform gets overwhelmed with just small sales items. My own personal guideline is 100 items and more than 6 pages, MNIMUM, but this is my own minimum guideline and I actually aim at 200 items before going Active. ( but I do realize that not all topics fit this guideline, which is why we have not set up one, yet)
Rrr...
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I tried looking at several approval books, but can't figure out how to look at the stamps inside the approval books. I tried from 3 different posters, and have yet to see a stamp in one of them. What am I doing wrong?
Login to Like
this post
In the Approvals section, click on a category (or click on All Books to see all listings). Within that group, choose a book to open and then click on "Go to First Page"; the items are there. Click the Next button to go to the next page, if there is one.
Peter
Login to Like
this post
11:42:33am
Covers
(1) On Approvals main page there is a list of categories, click on the category that interests you (provided there are books in that category - the last column lists the number of books)
(2) you will see a list of the books in that category - under the column which reads "Description" click on the book you want to examine
(3) You should now be at the cover page of the book - click on the button which says "Go to First Page"
You should now be on the first page of the book and if you scroll down, you should see the stamps and below that the buttons which enable purchases. If you do not see anything, it is a browser issue, ISP issue or computer issue.
Login to Like
this post
01:57:14pm
I have a question regarding the information the seller sees on the invoice. I looked through the sellers guide, but could find no information.
Specifically, how are the ordered stamps identified on the invoice? i.e by Book #, page #. stamp #? It is an important thing to know to make filling an order efficient.
A sample invoice would be a help.
Roy
Login to Like
this post
I generated an invoice as an example.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Wow, I just posted my first approval book! I must say, it cost me more time than I thought it would, but I am happy with the result. Now I must wait and see if it is was worth the effort...
And in the mean time, I keep scanning for the next book 
Login to Like
this post
And wow again: just 20 minutes later the first sales are a fact. I really like this new feature of the site! :P
Login to Like
this post
07:35:45pm
These Approval Books are awesome! They are selling like hotcakes. I know - I've got to learn to remove my "clicker thumb". LOL
I'm looking forward to putting some together myself.
Thanks guys!
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
06:43:48am
I must admit that at first blush I thought that putting together approval books would be an unpleasant chore, but as I got into it, I began to enjoy the process. As part of the development team, I have had over a month to play with putting books together and, over that time period, I have come to enjoy it almost as much as creating album pages and mounting stamps in my collection - it has become part of the hobby for me.
Try putting together some books. You do not have to do it all at once. The terrific software Wizard Tim has put together allows you to add pages over time, while keeping your book inactive while you complete it. As a personal request (from my collecting and purchasing perspective) please wait until you have at least 5 pages in your book (or 100+ items) before activating it - makes it so much nicer for those of us buying to have plenty of stuff to select from!
Bobby 
Login to Like
this post
Well, I have created 3 books now, with 23 pages in total. Some of these contain only 10 stamps, others more than 50. It was a lot of work, especially the numbering of each individiual stamp. I will now wait for a while to see how things progress before I continue.
The next countries I will be doing will probably be European ones.
Even with all the hours of work, compared to the auction, this is quite an improvement.
Login to Like
this post
There's got to be an easier away to put numbers in a scan using Irfanview than the way I'm doing it! 
I scanned the page of 24 stamps, then made a block under each stamp and inserted the number. Trying to get the blocks the same size was challenging. Then I tried outlining a block under the whole row in the scan and inserted 4 numbers across the line. Again, trying to get the numbers lined up so they appeared under the stamps in the center was time consuming.
As a last resort I printed off the template of 24 stamps, took my scissors and cut out the line with the numbers showing on the template Tim provided and slid it into the bottom of the pocket on the vario sheet on another sheet of 24 stamps. This method wasn't as time consuming as making all those little blocks and trying to get them centered under the stamps.
I do not want to hinge my stamps, therefore I am using black Vario sheets to hold the stamps for scanning.
Any suggestions on how to apply the numbers underneath or beside each stamp using Irfanview as a scanning program would be greatly appreciated.
I've spent about two hours just fiddling around with the numbering. I have lots of stamps inserted into Vario sheets reading for scanning but I need numbers somewhere near the stamps! 
I find it much faster just to scan the stamps and list in the auction, but I know this is just another learning curve for me trying to come up with a solution on how to use black Vario sheets rather than hinging stamps on pages, which I think would be much simpler and not so time consuming.
Thanks for any suggestions anyone can offer to me.
Liz
Login to Like
this post
Liz, in another post I recommended using Prinz Plus sheets that have a "gutter" above each row for a label. You can pre-cut numbers and move them around easily. I got my stock sheets at Amos Advantage, in 3, 4, 5, and 6 rows (5 is better for regular definitives as it gives a bit of black space between the rows and labels). Here's an example using a hand printed number system; I now printed the numbers so they look nicer but you get the point with this image.
Cheers,
Peter
Login to Like
this post
I use Photoshop to insert the numbers, but Peter's way is probably faster.
Login to Like
this post
Your idea is a good one Peter and I appreciate your suggestion, but I'm not willing to spend the $'s to purchase Prinz stock sheets when I already have more than 200 Vario sheets that I can use for scanning.
I think I would want to keep the stock sheets in a binder by book # until the book is retired from sale, so I would need a lot of sheets if I were to have several books containing several pages open at once. That's the method I use at the moment for my auction lots so I can easily find the stamps when they sell.
Jan-Simon I have never owned or used Photoshop. The only programs I own and have on my computer are Microsoft Office and Irfanview plus my browser & mail programs.
I'm not trying to be difficult but I am not willing to outlay $'s just to list Approval Books and would like to work with what tools I have available at the moment.
I just thought that perhaps someone was more familiar with Irfanview that I am and knew of a simpler step to add the numbers near the stamps on a scan that is done with that program. If not, I'll just cut out pre-printed numbers and slip them in the vario sheets beside the stamps before I scan the sheet.
Liz
Login to Like
this post
Liz ; I tend to agree with you. Was up till 2:30 A.M. getting 1 page of stamps to list.
One Hades of a lot of work. No offense Bobby, but if I waited until I got 5 pages of stuff, it would be a week before they got posted. It's like the motto from the old TV show "Naked City";
only it goes: "There are a million stamps in the naked collection, these a only a few of them." As to more fun than, collecting? I don't think so.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Hi guys,
Gereat seeing, that you want to try the Approvals as well, Liz. -- I personally tried inserting numbers with Irfanview as well. It took me a long time and I did not quite like the results. Also, you must be aware that there is an issue when you have to identify stamps you sold. Because there is no physical numbering on the page, picking out the sold stamps can be an issue and prone to error.
I took a very low-tech approach using paper chads (see below). Now, this also took some time, but nowhere near as long as fiddling with the picture editing software. I am also sure that printing a grid with numbers and cutting them out, will make the page appear a little more organized, but the below does the job.
I am already reaping the benefit, because as ridiculous as it sounds, the numbers can be reused. I have had good sales from some books. At some point I can consolidate all unsold stamps easily from 15 to 5 pages and rescan. The numbers are already there. And the freed stock pages can be used to make new approval pages real fast, again without the need to go through the whole picture processing/overlaying process. One other solution is to sacrifice an old stock book with black pages and simply use a white pen to number the spots on the page. Because these numbered pages can be constantly reused, it will be a one time expense.
I also want to add that Peter is 100% correct that scanning at >100dpi and reducing image will get a crisper image quality, but there is a trade-off in time and effort. Perfect always has been the enemy of done. Also, for SOME sellers it would be a great improvement if they'd actually scan at 100dpi and NOT DO anything else. There are scans in the auction that look as if the glass on the flat bed scanner had been thoroughly greased with margarine before producing a 20dpi thumbnail.
Here is a 100dpi scanned Vario page with low-tech paper chad numbering from my Zambia book:
Login to Like
this post
I'm tending to go with the second method of numbering that I tried, which is as follows;
Just checked and all my 50 or so stockbooks that are currently filled with stamps have white pages, and have ten rows of holder on each page, which is too many rows unless stamps are definitives or horizontal issues, so the white pen on black stockbook pages won't work either. Drats!
Login to Like
this post
Carl I figure it will be NEXT winter before I get enough pages done to list a 'book', but I'll give it a try. LOL In the meantime, I have to get organized to start listing in the auction again. My sabbatical month from the auction is up and not one of my albums had the cover opened, which was my intention!
Liz
Login to Like
this post
That looks good, Liz. I was thinking of doing the same. Acid-free paper for the numbers, right? I don't have alot of black stock pages (and don't want to buy any more either), so I was planning on removing the stamps from the black stock pages and placing them in one of several stock books that I have (all have white pages) after the approval book page is posted. I'll just carry the numbers with the stamps so I won't lose track when they sell.
Now if I can just get some time off from work (14 hour day yesterday) where I'm not just sleeping to recover from marathon work days... oh yeah, and I have to stop looking through the approval books and buying stuff too. 
Login to Like
this post
I found some internet links that contain pages of numbers from 1 to 100. All you have to do is print the page, cut out the numbers and use them to ID stamps in the approval books.
Links:
The page below is nice, but the numbers are a bit large (5/8" square):
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/examples/number-chart-1-100.htm
You may find the page on the link below to be perfectly sized (about 1/4" square). Click on the download link and it will come up on your screen in full size. You can then print it out.:
http://www.worksheetfun.com/2013/03/05/number-chart-1100-2/
Login to Like
this post
12:14:00pm
I feel your pain! However, I have no difficulty using overlays in Irfanview. I can number a scan of 50+ stamps in under 10 minutes; ofc this didn't happen the first time I did it. I had to play with formats and numbers for days until I came up with a strategy that worked for me. I'll describe how I do it, but it still may not work for you.
I use various size Vario pages, but primarily 5, 6, and 7 rows. I find that I prefer 7 columns, but you will have to choose that which works best for you. You have to try and keep your spacing between columns consistent and your columns aligned. Then you need to fiddle around with numbers.
I use my word processing program to create several different numbering formats. The original numbering format for 7 columns is set up using “Times New Roman,†and a font size of “12" with 13 spaces between numbers:
Next, once you have scanned your page. Crop the section you want to display:
Then select an area beneath the 1st row of stamps in which to insert numbers:
Select the “Edit†tab and click on “Insert text into selection†(Before inserting the text, click on “Choose Font.†I use “white†for color, and “Times Roman,†“18," and “Bold Italic†for font, size, and type respectively - you do not need to use this step again unless you want to change something in your font selection area)
copy and paste the 1st seven numbers into the selection area:
Do the same for the second row, third row, etc. until the page is complete. Note that on the last row I have placed the overlay on the stamps themselves and have changed font color.
If you still do not want to mess with overlays, I have prepared a sheet of numbers you can save and print out as needed. Saves a lot of writing, all you’ll need are scissors.
NUMBERS
Login to Like
this post
Scissors and hand scribbled or printed numbers work better than electronic overlays when it is time to pack and ship what you sold!
rrr...
Login to Like
this post
01:58:09pm
Liz,
I personally like your example of continuous strips of numbers cut out and placed behind the stamps in the Vario stocksheets. I was contemplating a similar approach, but was going to cut the numbers out individually, and was a bit daunted by the prospect of keeping all those little numbers organized -- hadn't thought of leaving them as strips! Much better.
Only improvement I would suggest is to use a colour other than white. I have a light blue that should work nicely, and will still show up the perfs. Will give it a try and see how it looks.
I prefer this method to digital numbers on the images. I think it will be much easier to fill orders without error by keeping the numbers right with the stamps until sold.
Roy
Login to Like
this post
02:06:19pm
Guess it is a matter of preference, Ralph. I am a little (OK, a lot) of a perfectionist and I really like the slick look I can get with digital processing. As far as selecting, packing and shipping, I have processed over 400 stamps so far with no difficulty. In fact, this whole process is fun.
Login to Like
this post
Thanks Roy for your suggestion. I will order some coloured paper to be shipped to me by a stationery supplier. It's not quite as simple here to put my hands on stationery supplies as it would be if I could make a fast trip to a store to purchase. I don't think the grocery store, hardware store or bank carries paper, unless brown paper bags would work
Liz
Login to Like
this post
A word on my planned means of storage...
Although convenient, I think I will find storing the stamps in the stocksheets with numbers to be wasteful regarding space and the number of required stocksheets. After scanning in stocksheets, I will transfer the stamps to Elbe manila stocksheets, using a paper label to identify book and page number, and then storing about ten items per row in item # order. The pages then just go in a 3-ring binder (in book # order).
I am keeping the scanned images (filenames as BOX-PAGE.jpg) in a library (special computer folder) to page through using the "preview" feature in Windows so I can quickly reference them when I need to fulfill orders to make sure I pick the right stamps. I think this will make my inventory much more condensed, just about as easy to retrieve and will save on stocksheets and storage space.
-Doug
Login to Like
this post
I have started my first book. Doesn't take as long as I thought it would. Was very easy, actually. The book isn't active yet, as I am going to redo it.
One thing I have done is use one of the SOR templates and attached some clear mounts in each square. I don't use the clear mounts, but I receive them with year sets that I am buying. Now I have a use for them! Here's one page to show the stamps in the mounts on the template:
As everyone is saying, storage of the stamps and keeping them for easy access without losing the order is a challenge. I am using a method similar to Doug's. I'm not overlapping the stamps, however. Looks like 100 different ways to build these "mousetraps". It's definitely fun to do too.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I have been working on several aspects to help me simplify the process. I have mad several scanning templates and inventory control designs.
Here's the scanning template:
After Scanning I will move the stamps to an old Vario sheet and label correctly- I am hoping this system will help with completing orders correctly.
It may be a little time consuming but I like the organization for my inventories.
Login to Like
this post
a question on retiring or deleting a book. So I have sold 141 out 150 stamps listed in the first book I posted. My question is if I retire or Delete a book will the buyer still be able to view his purchase in the future.
Login to Like
this post
Wow! I love the approvals. So easy to use. Thank you! Just scanned and listed five pages in less then 10 minutes. Can't believe how quickly it went. I just used a black stock page and because they are mostly larger stamps, just used sticky tabs to stick the numbers beside the stamps and will just keep listing larger stamps that fit the spaces. hehe! Will make another page to use for smaller stamps with more to a page, another day.
Login to Like
this post
12:58:36am
@Ross Good question. Once a book is deactivated, it can only be viewed by the Seller, until and unless it is deleted entirely. However, I do not know if a Buyer clicking on lot numbers on the "view won lots" page will see the archived image or not.
Login to Like
this post
We can test it out. Bobby, you purchased some from one of my books that is now retired. What do you see when you click on the link?
Peter
Login to Like
this post
Hi Peter, Bobby and Ross,
The item links still work for me for the items listed in my "View Won Lots" page.
I think this is a great feature.
I really like the new Approvals functionality and will have to be very careful I don't buy too many!
All the best,
Nigel
Login to Like
this post
Thanks Nigel, for the post and the purchases!
I have a Dave (or other moderator) question:
Would it be Okay for someone to post a general wish list of stamps for approval books? I don't mean a list of specific stamps, but something on the order of "Great Britain, revenue/fiscal stamps, QV through KGV period" or "Birds on stamps, CTO Okay," etc.
Peter
Login to Like
this post
07:59:18am
Requesting areas or categories for the purpose of getting members to post auction lots or approval books is not only acceptable, but encouraged. What is not OK is to advertise the fact that you (a member) have posted such an auction lot or approval book.
It is my understanding (subject to correction if wrong) that it is also OK for a member to list general areas in which he/she has material which may be (but which has not yet been) submitted, and to request input from other members. I would suggest the proper place to submit such request would be under the Auction Discussion topic (and hopefully we will have a new topic soon for Approval Discussion).
Bobby Barnhart
DB Moderator
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Nigel,
Hello and Thank you. OK my book has been retired. I like the flexibility you guys have put a ton of work and thought in to this. Thanks again.
Ross
Login to Like
this post
@Bobby: Thanks for the info. You noted:
"It is my understanding (subject to correction if wrong) that it is also OK for a member to list general areas in which he/she has material which may be (but which has not yet been) submitted"
So if I posted something like these, would all be acceptable as long as I hadn't yet actually put the auctions or approval books up yet?
"Approval book: Queen Victoria stamps across the British Empire"
"Auction: US multiples in small lots, unsorted, 1920s to 1940s"
"Feedback requested: Would anyone have interest in mint never hinged UN stamps in auction or approval book format?"
I'm curious which, if not all, would be appropriate? (and no, I'm not advertising these through this post; these are examples only.)
Thanks.
Peter
Login to Like
this post
01:02:40pm
Peter
We have had long discussions on these issues. The problem with giving carte blanche to asking for advice, is that sure as the sun rises in the East, some member will make a post like, "Hey, everyone. I am going to list MNH UN in the auction tomorrow, think it is a good idea?" Advertising, pure and simple, couched in a request for information.
However, something like: "I would like some input from members on what they would like to see in the approvals area. I have a lot of material in the following areas: MNH UN, M & U Italy, pre-1940 Latin American (any particular countries?), and used US commemoratives. Any interest here?" or "Before going to the time and effort of creating an approval book of MNH UN, I would like input from members as to whether there is any interest in this area."
The latter post kind of walks a fine line, and another moderator or member might object, but I believe it is vague enough, and non-committal enough, to pass muster. After all, you aren't saying that publication of such a book is a done deal, you are asking whether such a book would be of interest to members; and giving yourself an option to do something else should no one seem interested.
I know, seems like I am equivocating here. But this is such a sensitive area to many, I do not want you to think I can give you a definitive answer, then have someone overrule me.
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
Thanks Bobby. Personally, I think even asking if folks might be interested in something you have to list, should not be allowed. Let's keep the moderators' job easier and not have any of that. I think if folks want to list something for sale or auction, they should do so, irrespective of whether anyone reads their post and replies affirmatively. (I mean, would people really reply in the negative: "No, not interested in mint UN"?)
Cheers,
Peter
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I agree with Bobby's advice,
"Requesting areas or categories for the purpose of getting "
Please feel free to request.
I already have: Germany
David
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
However, Bobby's supposition,
"It is my understanding (subject to correction if wrong) that it is also OK for a member to list general areas in which he/she has material which may be (but which has not yet been) submitted, and to request input from other members.
"
is not correct.
this is not necessary nor wanted.
David, the Auctioneer
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
05:39:07pm
I stand corrected.
Login to Like
this post
05:46:06pm
Ok - I've got a question.
If you are creating a country approval book and you only have one stamp at a certain price can you put that on one page? I just finished sorting my one country that I am going to work on, dividing them up into each price range. I've had to debate whether or not to include duplicates of stamps or at this time, just put one of each stamp available. Then in future books, add then include duplicates. BUT - there are a couple of prices where I only have one stamp or block at that price. So can I have that stamp on its own page?
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
Kelly - I'm not one of the persons who worked on the group for the implementation of approval books,but the logical answer to your question would be 'Why not?'.
The program states that you must price all stamps on one page at one price, so if you have a stamp or stamps at a different price within that book, you have no choice except to put them on another page.
I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong. I'm just offering my opinion (for what it's worth). No pennies for my thoughts, please. They're no longer used in Canada. Now my thoughts are worth a nickel
Liz
Login to Like
this post
06:45:20pm
Kelly
As long as the book contains a substantial number of stamps (various numbers have been bandied about, but I would say at least 60 individual stamps, fewer if blocks, fewer still if covers) having an occasional page with one or two stamps is not a problem. We do not want this to turn into a series of "stamp stores." We want to keep the look and feel of approvals.
Ideally, no one should post a 1 or 2 page book (and eventually there will probably be a policy against such practice), but right now we realize members are trying out the system; getting their feet wet as it were.
Also, remember countries can be combined into single books. For example, if a member has a page each of Cayman Is., Barbados, Cuba, and Curacao, why not combine it into one book on the Caribbean area?
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
06:57:35pm
Liz - my thoughts are worth a nickel too - although I'm seriously considering charging a loon! LOL
Bobby - thanks for the feedback also.
My questions are answered and I shall commence to create my book tonight. Once I get this one done, I'll work on sorting through some of my other stuff. This is gonna be fun. Gee, will I have enough time to work on my own collection?
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
10:32:20pm
Kelly
I think you will find the creation of these books very much a part of your collecting pleasure, at least that has been the experience of those of us on the development team.
Login to Like
this post
10:14:00am
A question to the buyers of stamps from the Approval Books, from a potential seller.
Since these stamps are all individually taken out of stockbooks, what sort of organization do you expect from the seller when the stamps are sent?
For example, if all the stamps are placed together in one glassine envelope for shipping, would you be happy? (I am not asking about safety of shipping in the mail, just organization upon receipt, or lack thereof.)
How about if they are inserted into a manilla approval card, in the order of the invoice, with no other identification?
Would anyone expect notations identifying the stamps to the invoice individually? (i.e book#-page#-stamp#).
Does the approval book system provide a means for the recipient to visually check his order against the shipment? (I have not seen a completed transaction).
Roy
Login to Like
this post
Hi Roy,
I've bought some items from the new approvals. I think this functionality is a great enhancement to the club.
When these stamps arrive I'll be happy if they are together in a single envelope. I don't want the seller to take any more time in identifying them.
The online invoice lists all the stamps bought with book, page and item number and provides links back to the individual approval pages, e.g. for the first stamp currently displayed in my "View Won Lots" list I see the following information where the lot number, 668292, is a link back to the relevant page which in this case is Book 24, Page 1:
30 Dec 2013
668292
Approvals: Book 24, Page 1, Item 10
1
0.10
Inv.Emailed: 01 Jan 2014
I hope sellers pack the stamps securely as the post offices involved sometimes treat international mail quite roughly.
Login to Like
this post
What I propose to do as a seller is to put the stamps from each book into a glassine envelope labelled with the Book #. I have stated in the comments section of each page that I listed that the stamps will be shipped in a glassine envelope and that the stock sheet is not included in the purchase.
As a purchaser I would like to receive the stamps in a glassine envelope and labelled by Book # with a copy of the invoice enclosed, which will give me the all the information I require.
Please do not just dump the stamps between a piece of paper and shove in an envelope. Envelopes do get damaged in the mail sometimes and loose stamps disappear.
As a purchaser I assume I can pull up the closed book (if it is closed) and check the stamps received against what I actually purchased. The invoice appears to list each individual stamp purchased by book # & stamp #.
I do not think there is a need for a purchaser to go to the expense of buying small manilla stock cards which would then presumably have to placed inside a glassine envelope. How much time and expense would or should one be expected to spend for nickel and dime stamps?
Liz
Login to Like
this post
11:49:58am
Thanks for two excellent responses. Other buyers, please keep comments coming.
Patches: I really like your idea of a separate glassine for purchases from each approval book. Nice "middle of the road" amount of organization and very easy for the seller (me!) to accomplish with no extra work, while allowing easy identification of purchases for the buyer. I will definitely copy that method.
An add-on question. Does the invoice come grouped and ordered by Book #, or does it remain in the order of time of purchase?
If these questions seem trivial to some, let me explain that we frequently send out 50 orders per day, and an extra couple of minutes spent on filling an order quickly adds up to hours of extra labour and backlogs in filling orders. So a little extra planning of "systems" is always rewarded a hundred-fold.
Roy
Login to Like
this post
Good question Roy. I don't know myself as I haven't printed out an invoice as yet.
Perhaps Tim has the answer for us. I'm hoping the invoice is printed in numerical order by Book # and Stamp #
It would make it much easier for removing the stamps from the sheets and placing them in the appropriate glassine envelope
Liz
Login to Like
this post
Hi Roy,
I've received one invoice so far and the lots are sorted alphabetically on the description column (e.g. "Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 1"). This keeps lots from books and individual pages together:
30-Dec-2013 668212 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 1 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668219 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 10 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668220 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 11 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668221 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 12 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668222 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 13 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668216 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 14 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668188 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 15 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668189 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 17 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668191 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 18 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668217 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 4 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668213 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 5 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668214 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 6 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668215 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 7 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668190 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 8 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668218 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 9 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668200 Approvals: Book 23, Page 2, Item 1 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668195 Approvals: Book 23, Page 2, Item 10 0.10
...
Login to Like
this post
I have only looked through a few approval books so far, haven't purchased anything yet. But I am in favor of Liz (Patches) method of keeping stamps separated by books. This seems like it will allow for easy comparison using the info provided on the invoice example posted by Nigelc.
This brings up a question though: how long will the approval book images actually be available? I have purchased items on SOR, paid the day the auction closed, and then waited for 2 months for the stamps to arrive. I have absolutely no problem waiting that long, but if the seller weren't extremely organized (providing a copy of the invoice and a tiny indentifying slip of paper with each stamp), I would have a much more difficult time remembering what it was that I bought so long ago.
Just curious.....
Sally
Login to Like
this post
12:24:42pm
Unless the seller goes into the images section and physically deletes the uploaded image, it will remain indefinitely, even after the book is long gone.
Login to Like
this post
Thanks Bobby1948. Sally
Login to Like
this post
Thanks from the peanut gallery for all the feedback.
Liz,
Great idea about packaging by book # solved another 1 of my challenges.
Lets keep all these questions and suggestions coming.
Ross
Login to Like
this post
Yesterday evening I have been playing with paper and scissors and created a lot of small pieces of paper with numbers from 1 to 60, which I inserted on the pages I prepared. It was a lot of work, but the final result looks pretty good. Now I only need to scan the pages and upload them. I suppose that now I have these numbers, the creation of new pages will go a lot faster because I can reuse the numbers.
There was not much to watch on television, so it was a good way of spending the evening
Login to Like
this post
Books look great, Jan-Simon! I wish I had my Venezuela organized and could dive right in.
Login to Like
this post
I think you are too late Arno... Only 15 left.
I have a few duplicates of stamps that were already in this book. I will add an extra page with these.
Login to Like
this post
Hi, I am very happy with the results from the approvals. There is one problem. I am using the 5 x 7 Template created by Stamporama and the following numbers are missing 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30. As I look at the templates the 5x6 template is Identical to the 5x7 template. Mike
Login to Like
this post
09:32:35pm
We are aware of the problem, Mike. Tim Auld, the Stamporama incarnation of Mr. Fixit, will have the template corrected very soon.
If anyone else notices problems, place notify me, Tim (auldstampguy), Peter (cocollectibles), Arno (Rhinelander), or Ralph (rrraphy - who is out of the country for a while).
Thanks
bobby1948
Login to Like
this post
Thanks Mike, I fixed the templates, but Tim has to upload the new file. This should be done very soon. Sorry for the confusion.
Unrelated: I noticed a good number of completely sold out books, which perhaps sellers should make inactive so that the books that actually have stamps get some more visibility. Just go in "edit/view books" and change the book status to inactive. If you are completely done with the book, you might even consider deleting it. The invoicing for sold items is not affected by these steps.
Arno
Login to Like
this post
10:42:32pm
I quite enjoy the Approval Books. Now that I'm getting used to it, it doesn't take long to scan and number my pages or put them up.
Once I have everything up, I transfer the stamps in order to manila pages in a binder and those that sell, I simply review the invoice and the Approval book and pull out in order those that each person purchases. Quite convenient. I'm not worrying about the Scott #s, as I figure those who purchase may use other catalogues and when we are going through the books, we are looking specifically either for something that is missing in our own collection or just something that catches our eye.
Once you start selling from your own book and you are able to buy from others, it comes out rather even and almost like doing a trade, picking exactly what you want. Keeping a balance in PayPal then simply using that to purchase from other books is wonderful.
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard at putting this together.
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
29 Dec 2013
08:46:49am
The new "Approvals" feature of Stamporama is exceeding the expectations of the development team. We anticipated a high level of response to this new part of SOR, and waited until we had plenty (or so we thought) of material posted to get things rolling. 2 days into the new program and already some of the books are substantially depleted and demand is there for areas we do not have covered!
Some members have started publishing, but more are needed! Gather your duplicates and get them online. Read the User Guide to get started, and if you need more assistance (or just want someone to look over your shoulder and provide input) send me an email message or SOR message and I will respond ASAP.
I can provide assistance in the following areas: scanning techniques, editing scans, numbering items with overlays, arranging items, etc. as well as answer many questions relating to the process of getting your books online.
Thanks for the great response!
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
09:32:09am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I'm happy to help too, as one of the gang of four under Tim's (Dumbledore) guidance.
I can give guidance on posting items, scanning using stock sheets, and editing pages and books.
Cheers,
Peter
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Working at it, but it takes some time!
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Jan: It gets easier after each page you produce. And the time it takes to put a book together depends on how much information you want to add to the scanned pictures or on the provided area for page information.
The simpler, the faster it goes.
On the other hand, I am a sucker for additional information, and it may be taking me more time than required....not sure how potential buyers look at it.
The last book I just loaded has over 200 stamps, 13 pages, plenty of added info on the scans, and it took about two hours to put together. The first time I did a book, I hate to estimate how long it took me...but then we were just exploring all possibilities. But the learning curve climbs very rapidly.
I should try to put together a book with no info other than as seen on the scans, and measure the time it took.
Have fun. Approval Books grow on you!
rrr...
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
29 Dec 2013
04:06:41pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Doug
We have discussed time limitations, but none have been set. The seller can make his/her book inactive at any time, and then delete it if he/she wishes. You do need to police your own books, and if a book becomes seriously depleted, you should delete it and move the material to a new book, dispose of the remainder in the auction forum or simply return the stamps to your collection.
As far as I am aware, the books will remain active unless it is determined they have been abandoned, at which time they may be deleted. David Teisler has graciously agreed to oversee administration of the Approval forum, and I imagine he will weigh in at some point down the road with some guidelines.
If you have further questions, post them here or contact me directly.
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Yes, Doug, Bobby is correct. There are no time limits as of now. In a perfect world, the seller will keep books open until depleted, and then be courteous enough to remove the book without management from the Stamporama volunteers. If the system should become cluttered with essentially empty books, or books that are so overpriced as to never sell, and system resources become strained and members annoyed, I guess someone will have to revisit the issue at the time.
One related issue is from which areas to post books. Obviously, if many books with the same stamps are posted, it might slow sales. Accordingly, it may take longer to sell stamps, and time limits may become more of an issue. Over time, supply and demand and competition from sellers may even things out. Currently, because at least two of the folks to post a few example books collect odd countries, there is more Africa and Middle East then U.S., Canada, or Europe, although these areas are probably more popular. Such distortions will eventually even out.
If you compare with the APS approval books, which are physically circulated among members, only one person can see the book at a time. Accordingly, it takes a long time for books to sell out and being returned. Also, regularly APS calls for books in most wanted areas, where the supply is not sufficient for demand. By the time the call for submissions appears in the monthly magazine, a seller puts a book together, mails it in, it gets circulated to a bunch of people and finally ends in your hands, it could be a year -- easy! If you call for books in our wanted to buy section, I guarantee someone is going to help out much faster. But, even better, smart sellers see all of our offers at all times. So, as as seller you know if putting together another book of U.S. plate blocks makes sense, or conversely, if you notice that there are good sales of Caribbean stamps you can hop on the wagon. Currently, as Booby remarked, there are very few or no books in many areas, and anyone could be the first to populate an area. In essence, I am not too worried about folks posting books. Once the full beauty of this system "clicks," the race will be on.
Arno
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
29 Dec 2013
06:15:51pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
"Currently, as Booby remarked, there are very few or no books in many areas, and anyone could be the..."
"Booby"????? Arno, I didn't know you cared.
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
To answer the question of what information do I as a buyer need in the approval books. I understand that the approval books are a sort of "wholesale". bargain system. However, with some exceptions, I do not need a catalog number, but for unused stamps, a note if it is hinged or never hinged is a determining factor and big help for me. I have seen a few books that have an entire page listed as "never hinged" in the heading, or sets listed as such. I can figure out the rest.
In auction listings, where the prices are higher, I need full descriptions. Of course, more information is always better than less when selling stamps, and is appreciated.
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Arno: good points. If one looks at the number of views for a book, and the number of items sold, it should give one a good indication of the membership's interest and should help one's decision re what book to put together to offer for sale.
One request to all those putting books together: BOOKS
So please do not list just one page or just a handful of items, as we have auctions for that! Put together books offering a wide range of items within your selected heading. As an example, I combined Cocos Islands, AAT, and Christmas Island in one book, because 3 small books would just add clutter here, and one of our goal is to streamline and simplify the experience here. So for all playing with new books, please put together books, do not just list a few items ( which are better served under auctions). You can keep your work inactive until you have enough pages and enough items under a specific category. We did not set up a minimum number of items or pages, but we may have to, if the Approval platform gets overwhelmed with just small sales items. My own personal guideline is 100 items and more than 6 pages, MNIMUM, but this is my own minimum guideline and I actually aim at 200 items before going Active. ( but I do realize that not all topics fit this guideline, which is why we have not set up one, yet)
Rrr...
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
11:31:09am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I tried looking at several approval books, but can't figure out how to look at the stamps inside the approval books. I tried from 3 different posters, and have yet to see a stamp in one of them. What am I doing wrong?
Login to Like
this post
11:38:25am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
In the Approvals section, click on a category (or click on All Books to see all listings). Within that group, choose a book to open and then click on "Go to First Page"; the items are there. Click the Next button to go to the next page, if there is one.
Peter
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
30 Dec 2013
11:42:33am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Covers
(1) On Approvals main page there is a list of categories, click on the category that interests you (provided there are books in that category - the last column lists the number of books)
(2) you will see a list of the books in that category - under the column which reads "Description" click on the book you want to examine
(3) You should now be at the cover page of the book - click on the button which says "Go to First Page"
You should now be on the first page of the book and if you scroll down, you should see the stamps and below that the buttons which enable purchases. If you do not see anything, it is a browser issue, ISP issue or computer issue.
Login to Like
this post
BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 500 categories
30 Dec 2013
01:57:14pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I have a question regarding the information the seller sees on the invoice. I looked through the sellers guide, but could find no information.
Specifically, how are the ordered stamps identified on the invoice? i.e by Book #, page #. stamp #? It is an important thing to know to make filling an order efficient.
A sample invoice would be a help.
Roy
Login to Like
this post
02:16:31pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I generated an invoice as an example.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Wow, I just posted my first approval book! I must say, it cost me more time than I thought it would, but I am happy with the result. Now I must wait and see if it is was worth the effort...
And in the mean time, I keep scanning for the next book
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
And wow again: just 20 minutes later the first sales are a fact. I really like this new feature of the site! :P
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
30 Dec 2013
07:35:45pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
These Approval Books are awesome! They are selling like hotcakes. I know - I've got to learn to remove my "clicker thumb". LOL
I'm looking forward to putting some together myself.
Thanks guys!
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
31 Dec 2013
06:43:48am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I must admit that at first blush I thought that putting together approval books would be an unpleasant chore, but as I got into it, I began to enjoy the process. As part of the development team, I have had over a month to play with putting books together and, over that time period, I have come to enjoy it almost as much as creating album pages and mounting stamps in my collection - it has become part of the hobby for me.
Try putting together some books. You do not have to do it all at once. The terrific software Wizard Tim has put together allows you to add pages over time, while keeping your book inactive while you complete it. As a personal request (from my collecting and purchasing perspective) please wait until you have at least 5 pages in your book (or 100+ items) before activating it - makes it so much nicer for those of us buying to have plenty of stuff to select from!
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Well, I have created 3 books now, with 23 pages in total. Some of these contain only 10 stamps, others more than 50. It was a lot of work, especially the numbering of each individiual stamp. I will now wait for a while to see how things progress before I continue.
The next countries I will be doing will probably be European ones.
Even with all the hours of work, compared to the auction, this is quite an improvement.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
There's got to be an easier away to put numbers in a scan using Irfanview than the way I'm doing it!
I scanned the page of 24 stamps, then made a block under each stamp and inserted the number. Trying to get the blocks the same size was challenging. Then I tried outlining a block under the whole row in the scan and inserted 4 numbers across the line. Again, trying to get the numbers lined up so they appeared under the stamps in the center was time consuming.
As a last resort I printed off the template of 24 stamps, took my scissors and cut out the line with the numbers showing on the template Tim provided and slid it into the bottom of the pocket on the vario sheet on another sheet of 24 stamps. This method wasn't as time consuming as making all those little blocks and trying to get them centered under the stamps.
I do not want to hinge my stamps, therefore I am using black Vario sheets to hold the stamps for scanning.
Any suggestions on how to apply the numbers underneath or beside each stamp using Irfanview as a scanning program would be greatly appreciated.
I've spent about two hours just fiddling around with the numbering. I have lots of stamps inserted into Vario sheets reading for scanning but I need numbers somewhere near the stamps!
I find it much faster just to scan the stamps and list in the auction, but I know this is just another learning curve for me trying to come up with a solution on how to use black Vario sheets rather than hinging stamps on pages, which I think would be much simpler and not so time consuming.
Thanks for any suggestions anyone can offer to me.
Liz
Login to Like
this post
09:01:29am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Liz, in another post I recommended using Prinz Plus sheets that have a "gutter" above each row for a label. You can pre-cut numbers and move them around easily. I got my stock sheets at Amos Advantage, in 3, 4, 5, and 6 rows (5 is better for regular definitives as it gives a bit of black space between the rows and labels). Here's an example using a hand printed number system; I now printed the numbers so they look nicer but you get the point with this image.
Cheers,
Peter
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I use Photoshop to insert the numbers, but Peter's way is probably faster.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Your idea is a good one Peter and I appreciate your suggestion, but I'm not willing to spend the $'s to purchase Prinz stock sheets when I already have more than 200 Vario sheets that I can use for scanning.
I think I would want to keep the stock sheets in a binder by book # until the book is retired from sale, so I would need a lot of sheets if I were to have several books containing several pages open at once. That's the method I use at the moment for my auction lots so I can easily find the stamps when they sell.
Jan-Simon I have never owned or used Photoshop. The only programs I own and have on my computer are Microsoft Office and Irfanview plus my browser & mail programs.
I'm not trying to be difficult but I am not willing to outlay $'s just to list Approval Books and would like to work with what tools I have available at the moment.
I just thought that perhaps someone was more familiar with Irfanview that I am and knew of a simpler step to add the numbers near the stamps on a scan that is done with that program. If not, I'll just cut out pre-printed numbers and slip them in the vario sheets beside the stamps before I scan the sheet.
Liz
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Liz ; I tend to agree with you. Was up till 2:30 A.M. getting 1 page of stamps to list.
One Hades of a lot of work. No offense Bobby, but if I waited until I got 5 pages of stuff, it would be a week before they got posted. It's like the motto from the old TV show "Naked City";
only it goes: "There are a million stamps in the naked collection, these a only a few of them." As to more fun than, collecting? I don't think so.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Hi guys,
Gereat seeing, that you want to try the Approvals as well, Liz. -- I personally tried inserting numbers with Irfanview as well. It took me a long time and I did not quite like the results. Also, you must be aware that there is an issue when you have to identify stamps you sold. Because there is no physical numbering on the page, picking out the sold stamps can be an issue and prone to error.
I took a very low-tech approach using paper chads (see below). Now, this also took some time, but nowhere near as long as fiddling with the picture editing software. I am also sure that printing a grid with numbers and cutting them out, will make the page appear a little more organized, but the below does the job.
I am already reaping the benefit, because as ridiculous as it sounds, the numbers can be reused. I have had good sales from some books. At some point I can consolidate all unsold stamps easily from 15 to 5 pages and rescan. The numbers are already there. And the freed stock pages can be used to make new approval pages real fast, again without the need to go through the whole picture processing/overlaying process. One other solution is to sacrifice an old stock book with black pages and simply use a white pen to number the spots on the page. Because these numbered pages can be constantly reused, it will be a one time expense.
I also want to add that Peter is 100% correct that scanning at >100dpi and reducing image will get a crisper image quality, but there is a trade-off in time and effort. Perfect always has been the enemy of done. Also, for SOME sellers it would be a great improvement if they'd actually scan at 100dpi and NOT DO anything else. There are scans in the auction that look as if the glass on the flat bed scanner had been thoroughly greased with margarine before producing a 20dpi thumbnail.
Here is a 100dpi scanned Vario page with low-tech paper chad numbering from my Zambia book:
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I'm tending to go with the second method of numbering that I tried, which is as follows;
Just checked and all my 50 or so stockbooks that are currently filled with stamps have white pages, and have ten rows of holder on each page, which is too many rows unless stamps are definitives or horizontal issues, so the white pen on black stockbook pages won't work either. Drats!
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Carl I figure it will be NEXT winter before I get enough pages done to list a 'book', but I'll give it a try. LOL In the meantime, I have to get organized to start listing in the auction again. My sabbatical month from the auction is up and not one of my albums had the cover opened, which was my intention!
Liz
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
That looks good, Liz. I was thinking of doing the same. Acid-free paper for the numbers, right? I don't have alot of black stock pages (and don't want to buy any more either), so I was planning on removing the stamps from the black stock pages and placing them in one of several stock books that I have (all have white pages) after the approval book page is posted. I'll just carry the numbers with the stamps so I won't lose track when they sell.
Now if I can just get some time off from work (14 hour day yesterday) where I'm not just sleeping to recover from marathon work days... oh yeah, and I have to stop looking through the approval books and buying stuff too.
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I found some internet links that contain pages of numbers from 1 to 100. All you have to do is print the page, cut out the numbers and use them to ID stamps in the approval books.
Links:
The page below is nice, but the numbers are a bit large (5/8" square):
http://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/examples/number-chart-1-100.htm
You may find the page on the link below to be perfectly sized (about 1/4" square). Click on the download link and it will come up on your screen in full size. You can then print it out.:
http://www.worksheetfun.com/2013/03/05/number-chart-1100-2/
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
31 Dec 2013
12:14:00pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I feel your pain! However, I have no difficulty using overlays in Irfanview. I can number a scan of 50+ stamps in under 10 minutes; ofc this didn't happen the first time I did it. I had to play with formats and numbers for days until I came up with a strategy that worked for me. I'll describe how I do it, but it still may not work for you.
I use various size Vario pages, but primarily 5, 6, and 7 rows. I find that I prefer 7 columns, but you will have to choose that which works best for you. You have to try and keep your spacing between columns consistent and your columns aligned. Then you need to fiddle around with numbers.
I use my word processing program to create several different numbering formats. The original numbering format for 7 columns is set up using “Times New Roman,†and a font size of “12" with 13 spaces between numbers:
Next, once you have scanned your page. Crop the section you want to display:
Then select an area beneath the 1st row of stamps in which to insert numbers:
Select the “Edit†tab and click on “Insert text into selection†(Before inserting the text, click on “Choose Font.†I use “white†for color, and “Times Roman,†“18," and “Bold Italic†for font, size, and type respectively - you do not need to use this step again unless you want to change something in your font selection area)
copy and paste the 1st seven numbers into the selection area:
Do the same for the second row, third row, etc. until the page is complete. Note that on the last row I have placed the overlay on the stamps themselves and have changed font color.
If you still do not want to mess with overlays, I have prepared a sheet of numbers you can save and print out as needed. Saves a lot of writing, all you’ll need are scissors.
NUMBERS
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Scissors and hand scribbled or printed numbers work better than electronic overlays when it is time to pack and ship what you sold!
rrr...
Login to Like
this post
BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 500 categories
31 Dec 2013
01:58:09pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Liz,
I personally like your example of continuous strips of numbers cut out and placed behind the stamps in the Vario stocksheets. I was contemplating a similar approach, but was going to cut the numbers out individually, and was a bit daunted by the prospect of keeping all those little numbers organized -- hadn't thought of leaving them as strips! Much better.
Only improvement I would suggest is to use a colour other than white. I have a light blue that should work nicely, and will still show up the perfs. Will give it a try and see how it looks.
I prefer this method to digital numbers on the images. I think it will be much easier to fill orders without error by keeping the numbers right with the stamps until sold.
Roy
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
31 Dec 2013
02:06:19pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Guess it is a matter of preference, Ralph. I am a little (OK, a lot) of a perfectionist and I really like the slick look I can get with digital processing. As far as selecting, packing and shipping, I have processed over 400 stamps so far with no difficulty. In fact, this whole process is fun.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Thanks Roy for your suggestion. I will order some coloured paper to be shipped to me by a stationery supplier. It's not quite as simple here to put my hands on stationery supplies as it would be if I could make a fast trip to a store to purchase. I don't think the grocery store, hardware store or bank carries paper, unless brown paper bags would work
Liz
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
A word on my planned means of storage...
Although convenient, I think I will find storing the stamps in the stocksheets with numbers to be wasteful regarding space and the number of required stocksheets. After scanning in stocksheets, I will transfer the stamps to Elbe manila stocksheets, using a paper label to identify book and page number, and then storing about ten items per row in item # order. The pages then just go in a 3-ring binder (in book # order).
I am keeping the scanned images (filenames as BOX-PAGE.jpg) in a library (special computer folder) to page through using the "preview" feature in Windows so I can quickly reference them when I need to fulfill orders to make sure I pick the right stamps. I think this will make my inventory much more condensed, just about as easy to retrieve and will save on stocksheets and storage space.
-Doug
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I have started my first book. Doesn't take as long as I thought it would. Was very easy, actually. The book isn't active yet, as I am going to redo it.
One thing I have done is use one of the SOR templates and attached some clear mounts in each square. I don't use the clear mounts, but I receive them with year sets that I am buying. Now I have a use for them! Here's one page to show the stamps in the mounts on the template:
As everyone is saying, storage of the stamps and keeping them for easy access without losing the order is a challenge. I am using a method similar to Doug's. I'm not overlapping the stamps, however. Looks like 100 different ways to build these "mousetraps". It's definitely fun to do too.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer
01 Jan 2014
12:21:00pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I have been working on several aspects to help me simplify the process. I have mad several scanning templates and inventory control designs.
Here's the scanning template:
After Scanning I will move the stamps to an old Vario sheet and label correctly- I am hoping this system will help with completing orders correctly.
It may be a little time consuming but I like the organization for my inventories.
Login to Like
this post
To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer
01 Jan 2014
08:44:42pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
a question on retiring or deleting a book. So I have sold 141 out 150 stamps listed in the first book I posted. My question is if I retire or Delete a book will the buyer still be able to view his purchase in the future.
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Wow! I love the approvals. So easy to use. Thank you! Just scanned and listed five pages in less then 10 minutes. Can't believe how quickly it went. I just used a black stock page and because they are mostly larger stamps, just used sticky tabs to stick the numbers beside the stamps and will just keep listing larger stamps that fit the spaces. hehe! Will make another page to use for smaller stamps with more to a page, another day.
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
02 Jan 2014
12:58:36am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
@Ross Good question. Once a book is deactivated, it can only be viewed by the Seller, until and unless it is deleted entirely. However, I do not know if a Buyer clicking on lot numbers on the "view won lots" page will see the archived image or not.
Login to Like
this post
06:22:49am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
We can test it out. Bobby, you purchased some from one of my books that is now retired. What do you see when you click on the link?
Peter
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Hi Peter, Bobby and Ross,
The item links still work for me for the items listed in my "View Won Lots" page.
I think this is a great feature.
I really like the new Approvals functionality and will have to be very careful I don't buy too many!
All the best,
Nigel
Login to Like
this post
07:02:43am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Thanks Nigel, for the post and the purchases!
I have a Dave (or other moderator) question:
Would it be Okay for someone to post a general wish list of stamps for approval books? I don't mean a list of specific stamps, but something on the order of "Great Britain, revenue/fiscal stamps, QV through KGV period" or "Birds on stamps, CTO Okay," etc.
Peter
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
02 Jan 2014
07:59:18am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Requesting areas or categories for the purpose of getting members to post auction lots or approval books is not only acceptable, but encouraged. What is not OK is to advertise the fact that you (a member) have posted such an auction lot or approval book.
It is my understanding (subject to correction if wrong) that it is also OK for a member to list general areas in which he/she has material which may be (but which has not yet been) submitted, and to request input from other members. I would suggest the proper place to submit such request would be under the Auction Discussion topic (and hopefully we will have a new topic soon for Approval Discussion).
Bobby Barnhart
DB Moderator
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer
02 Jan 2014
08:00:18am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Nigel,
Hello and Thank you. OK my book has been retired. I like the flexibility you guys have put a ton of work and thought in to this. Thanks again.
Ross
Login to Like
this post
10:23:49am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
@Bobby: Thanks for the info. You noted:
"It is my understanding (subject to correction if wrong) that it is also OK for a member to list general areas in which he/she has material which may be (but which has not yet been) submitted"
So if I posted something like these, would all be acceptable as long as I hadn't yet actually put the auctions or approval books up yet?
"Approval book: Queen Victoria stamps across the British Empire"
"Auction: US multiples in small lots, unsorted, 1920s to 1940s"
"Feedback requested: Would anyone have interest in mint never hinged UN stamps in auction or approval book format?"
I'm curious which, if not all, would be appropriate? (and no, I'm not advertising these through this post; these are examples only.)
Thanks.
Peter
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
02 Jan 2014
01:02:40pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Peter
We have had long discussions on these issues. The problem with giving carte blanche to asking for advice, is that sure as the sun rises in the East, some member will make a post like, "Hey, everyone. I am going to list MNH UN in the auction tomorrow, think it is a good idea?" Advertising, pure and simple, couched in a request for information.
However, something like: "I would like some input from members on what they would like to see in the approvals area. I have a lot of material in the following areas: MNH UN, M & U Italy, pre-1940 Latin American (any particular countries?), and used US commemoratives. Any interest here?" or "Before going to the time and effort of creating an approval book of MNH UN, I would like input from members as to whether there is any interest in this area."
The latter post kind of walks a fine line, and another moderator or member might object, but I believe it is vague enough, and non-committal enough, to pass muster. After all, you aren't saying that publication of such a book is a done deal, you are asking whether such a book would be of interest to members; and giving yourself an option to do something else should no one seem interested.
I know, seems like I am equivocating here. But this is such a sensitive area to many, I do not want you to think I can give you a definitive answer, then have someone overrule me.
Bobby
Login to Like
this post
01:28:15pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Thanks Bobby. Personally, I think even asking if folks might be interested in something you have to list, should not be allowed. Let's keep the moderators' job easier and not have any of that. I think if folks want to list something for sale or auction, they should do so, irrespective of whether anyone reads their post and replies affirmatively. (I mean, would people really reply in the negative: "No, not interested in mint UN"?)
Cheers,
Peter
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I agree with Bobby's advice,
"Requesting areas or categories for the purpose of getting "
Please feel free to request.
I already have: Germany
David
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
However, Bobby's supposition,
"It is my understanding (subject to correction if wrong) that it is also OK for a member to list general areas in which he/she has material which may be (but which has not yet been) submitted, and to request input from other members.
"
is not correct.
this is not necessary nor wanted.
David, the Auctioneer
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
02 Jan 2014
05:39:07pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I stand corrected.
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
02 Jan 2014
05:46:06pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Ok - I've got a question.
If you are creating a country approval book and you only have one stamp at a certain price can you put that on one page? I just finished sorting my one country that I am going to work on, dividing them up into each price range. I've had to debate whether or not to include duplicates of stamps or at this time, just put one of each stamp available. Then in future books, add then include duplicates. BUT - there are a couple of prices where I only have one stamp or block at that price. So can I have that stamp on its own page?
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Kelly - I'm not one of the persons who worked on the group for the implementation of approval books,but the logical answer to your question would be 'Why not?'.
The program states that you must price all stamps on one page at one price, so if you have a stamp or stamps at a different price within that book, you have no choice except to put them on another page.
I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong. I'm just offering my opinion (for what it's worth). No pennies for my thoughts, please. They're no longer used in Canada. Now my thoughts are worth a nickel
Liz
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
02 Jan 2014
06:45:20pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Kelly
As long as the book contains a substantial number of stamps (various numbers have been bandied about, but I would say at least 60 individual stamps, fewer if blocks, fewer still if covers) having an occasional page with one or two stamps is not a problem. We do not want this to turn into a series of "stamp stores." We want to keep the look and feel of approvals.
Ideally, no one should post a 1 or 2 page book (and eventually there will probably be a policy against such practice), but right now we realize members are trying out the system; getting their feet wet as it were.
Also, remember countries can be combined into single books. For example, if a member has a page each of Cayman Is., Barbados, Cuba, and Curacao, why not combine it into one book on the Caribbean area?
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
02 Jan 2014
06:57:35pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Liz - my thoughts are worth a nickel too - although I'm seriously considering charging a loon! LOL
Bobby - thanks for the feedback also.
My questions are answered and I shall commence to create my book tonight. Once I get this one done, I'll work on sorting through some of my other stuff. This is gonna be fun. Gee, will I have enough time to work on my own collection?
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
02 Jan 2014
10:32:20pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Kelly
I think you will find the creation of these books very much a part of your collecting pleasure, at least that has been the experience of those of us on the development team.
Login to Like
this post
BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 500 categories
03 Jan 2014
10:14:00am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
A question to the buyers of stamps from the Approval Books, from a potential seller.
Since these stamps are all individually taken out of stockbooks, what sort of organization do you expect from the seller when the stamps are sent?
For example, if all the stamps are placed together in one glassine envelope for shipping, would you be happy? (I am not asking about safety of shipping in the mail, just organization upon receipt, or lack thereof.)
How about if they are inserted into a manilla approval card, in the order of the invoice, with no other identification?
Would anyone expect notations identifying the stamps to the invoice individually? (i.e book#-page#-stamp#).
Does the approval book system provide a means for the recipient to visually check his order against the shipment? (I have not seen a completed transaction).
Roy
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Hi Roy,
I've bought some items from the new approvals. I think this functionality is a great enhancement to the club.
When these stamps arrive I'll be happy if they are together in a single envelope. I don't want the seller to take any more time in identifying them.
The online invoice lists all the stamps bought with book, page and item number and provides links back to the individual approval pages, e.g. for the first stamp currently displayed in my "View Won Lots" list I see the following information where the lot number, 668292, is a link back to the relevant page which in this case is Book 24, Page 1:
30 Dec 2013
668292
Approvals: Book 24, Page 1, Item 10
1
0.10
Inv.Emailed: 01 Jan 2014
I hope sellers pack the stamps securely as the post offices involved sometimes treat international mail quite roughly.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
What I propose to do as a seller is to put the stamps from each book into a glassine envelope labelled with the Book #. I have stated in the comments section of each page that I listed that the stamps will be shipped in a glassine envelope and that the stock sheet is not included in the purchase.
As a purchaser I would like to receive the stamps in a glassine envelope and labelled by Book # with a copy of the invoice enclosed, which will give me the all the information I require.
Please do not just dump the stamps between a piece of paper and shove in an envelope. Envelopes do get damaged in the mail sometimes and loose stamps disappear.
As a purchaser I assume I can pull up the closed book (if it is closed) and check the stamps received against what I actually purchased. The invoice appears to list each individual stamp purchased by book # & stamp #.
I do not think there is a need for a purchaser to go to the expense of buying small manilla stock cards which would then presumably have to placed inside a glassine envelope. How much time and expense would or should one be expected to spend for nickel and dime stamps?
Liz
Login to Like
this post
BuckaCover.com - 80,000 covers priced 60c to $1.50 - Easy browsing 500 categories
03 Jan 2014
11:49:58am
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Thanks for two excellent responses. Other buyers, please keep comments coming.
Patches: I really like your idea of a separate glassine for purchases from each approval book. Nice "middle of the road" amount of organization and very easy for the seller (me!) to accomplish with no extra work, while allowing easy identification of purchases for the buyer. I will definitely copy that method.
An add-on question. Does the invoice come grouped and ordered by Book #, or does it remain in the order of time of purchase?
If these questions seem trivial to some, let me explain that we frequently send out 50 orders per day, and an extra couple of minutes spent on filling an order quickly adds up to hours of extra labour and backlogs in filling orders. So a little extra planning of "systems" is always rewarded a hundred-fold.
Roy
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Good question Roy. I don't know myself as I haven't printed out an invoice as yet.
Perhaps Tim has the answer for us. I'm hoping the invoice is printed in numerical order by Book # and Stamp #
It would make it much easier for removing the stamps from the sheets and placing them in the appropriate glassine envelope
Liz
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Hi Roy,
I've received one invoice so far and the lots are sorted alphabetically on the description column (e.g. "Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 1"). This keeps lots from books and individual pages together:
30-Dec-2013 668212 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 1 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668219 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 10 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668220 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 11 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668221 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 12 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668222 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 13 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668216 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 14 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668188 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 15 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668189 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 17 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668191 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 18 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668217 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 4 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668213 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 5 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668214 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 6 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668215 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 7 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668190 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 8 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668218 Approvals: Book 23, Page 1, Item 9 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668200 Approvals: Book 23, Page 2, Item 1 0.10
30-Dec-2013 668195 Approvals: Book 23, Page 2, Item 10 0.10
...
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I have only looked through a few approval books so far, haven't purchased anything yet. But I am in favor of Liz (Patches) method of keeping stamps separated by books. This seems like it will allow for easy comparison using the info provided on the invoice example posted by Nigelc.
This brings up a question though: how long will the approval book images actually be available? I have purchased items on SOR, paid the day the auction closed, and then waited for 2 months for the stamps to arrive. I have absolutely no problem waiting that long, but if the seller weren't extremely organized (providing a copy of the invoice and a tiny indentifying slip of paper with each stamp), I would have a much more difficult time remembering what it was that I bought so long ago.
Just curious.....
Sally
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
03 Jan 2014
12:24:42pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Unless the seller goes into the images section and physically deletes the uploaded image, it will remain indefinitely, even after the book is long gone.
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Thanks Bobby1948. Sally
Login to Like
this post
To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer
03 Jan 2014
03:30:06pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Thanks from the peanut gallery for all the feedback.
Liz,
Great idea about packaging by book # solved another 1 of my challenges.
Lets keep all these questions and suggestions coming.
Ross
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Yesterday evening I have been playing with paper and scissors and created a lot of small pieces of paper with numbers from 1 to 60, which I inserted on the pages I prepared. It was a lot of work, but the final result looks pretty good. Now I only need to scan the pages and upload them. I suppose that now I have these numbers, the creation of new pages will go a lot faster because I can reuse the numbers.
There was not much to watch on television, so it was a good way of spending the evening
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Books look great, Jan-Simon! I wish I had my Venezuela organized and could dive right in.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I think you are too late Arno... Only 15 left.
I have a few duplicates of stamps that were already in this book. I will add an extra page with these.
Login to Like
this post
09:16:57pm
Approvals
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Hi, I am very happy with the results from the approvals. There is one problem. I am using the 5 x 7 Template created by Stamporama and the following numbers are missing 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30. As I look at the templates the 5x6 template is Identical to the 5x7 template. Mike
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
08 Jan 2014
09:32:35pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
We are aware of the problem, Mike. Tim Auld, the Stamporama incarnation of Mr. Fixit, will have the template corrected very soon.
If anyone else notices problems, place notify me, Tim (auldstampguy), Peter (cocollectibles), Arno (Rhinelander), or Ralph (rrraphy - who is out of the country for a while).
Thanks
bobby1948
Login to Like
this post
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
Thanks Mike, I fixed the templates, but Tim has to upload the new file. This should be done very soon. Sorry for the confusion.
Unrelated: I noticed a good number of completely sold out books, which perhaps sellers should make inactive so that the books that actually have stamps get some more visibility. Just go in "edit/view books" and change the book status to inactive. If you are completely done with the book, you might even consider deleting it. The invoicing for sold items is not affected by these steps.
Arno
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
09 Jan 2014
10:42:32pm
re: SOR Approval Books: Members needed to publish new books
I quite enjoy the Approval Books. Now that I'm getting used to it, it doesn't take long to scan and number my pages or put them up.
Once I have everything up, I transfer the stamps in order to manila pages in a binder and those that sell, I simply review the invoice and the Approval book and pull out in order those that each person purchases. Quite convenient. I'm not worrying about the Scott #s, as I figure those who purchase may use other catalogues and when we are going through the books, we are looking specifically either for something that is missing in our own collection or just something that catches our eye.
Once you start selling from your own book and you are able to buy from others, it comes out rather even and almost like doing a trade, picking exactly what you want. Keeping a balance in PayPal then simply using that to purchase from other books is wonderful.
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard at putting this together.
Kelly
Login to Like
this post