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General Philatelic/Gen. Discussion : Pros and Cons of Boxlots

 

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Poodle_Mum
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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).

22 Mar 2014
06:04:08pm
No doubt we have all purchased boxlots at some point in our hobby. We know there are bound to be damaged stamps, pulled perfs or creases or accidental perf creases due to transport of the boxlot.

Today I was quite pleased to find a Penny Red in my boxlot. What else lurks in there? Happy I look forward to checking the plating on this Penny Red.

What experiences have you guys had (pros and cons) of boxlot purchases?
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"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

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BobbyBarnhart
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin

22 Mar 2014
07:11:06pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I love boxlots! It is the thrill of the hunt and the hours upon hours of fun which I enjoy. Over the years I have found some jewels (not many, but enough to keep me happy) and a LOT of very nice items both for my collection and to be used as trading material. Over the past 25 years, I have purchased a couple hundred such lots and collections, and have only returned 2 and felt an additional 2 or 3 (which were not returnable) were sub par.

Damaged stamps and a lot of common stuff are to be expected. The damaged I either toss or (if damage is minimal) throw in with the common material. The common material go out as donations, part of my nickel box for club meetings, or (more recently) into approval books on SOR.

Thumbs up for this thread Kelly!


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TheBlueDude
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To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer

22 Mar 2014
07:34:32pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I agree with Bobby I Love Box Lots. It is the thrill of the hunt! There have been time when I try and restrain myself from digging to see whats at the bottom-you just never know!!!Thumbs Up
I've only 1-2 also that seamed a little sub par but thats box lots. Dr.Robert Friedman Stamps would offer multiple types in Linn's until recently, $100.00-$200.00- $300.00 and lots by country ect. I've bought many a lot from them over the years( a 10 minute drive from my house). I have been going through one from last fall purchased at auction.
Love them lots. A thumbs for sure. Thumbs Up

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cocollectibles

22 Mar 2014
10:56:12pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I am really going to have to get my eyes checked; I read this post title as:

Pros and Cons of Botox!

Seriously! I Don't Want To See

Okay then, about BOXLOTS, my uncles used to order these all the time, and have them shipped to my address, and I'd send what they really wanted to them and had the rest to dispose of on my own. The good times were those when I found several QV stamps in a couple of lots, including some on cover! The bad times were more common, when I had a lot of things I didn't collect and were not high enough value to warrant the time to post them for sale: a 3 KG box full of lower value Machin heads; two shoe boxes of "dunes" complete with CTOs and everything I don't like in stamps; 300 addressed US FDC; etc. So when they stopped doing this, I continued for a couple more times, but then stopped too. What do you do with all the rest of the stuff you don't want?

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Liz

22 Mar 2014
11:35:37pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Cool Peter

I throw the 'stuff' I don't want from box lots into another box and periodically offer some for free to other collectors. If that doesn't get rid of the material, then our local recycling bins gets the box.

It never fails though as soon as I've disposed of something I think no one would want, someone asks for it.

I've purchased some excellent box lots in my lifetime and have had some that went straight into the recycling bin as 'floor sweepings'.

Liz

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Poodle_Mum
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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).

23 Mar 2014
03:16:09pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Oh Peter, my dear friend - you need your eyes checked (while you're there they may make suggestions as to how Botox can remove those lines too!) Batting Eyelashes

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"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

drkellyfleming.ca
ECollector
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23 Mar 2014
07:39:12pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

definitely a thumbs up on botox.... I love boxlots as well.

Way more fun. It seems kind of a let down when shelling out big money for a single item (albeit quality item)and the deal is done...... big boxes can last for years

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lpayette
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23 Mar 2014
09:04:24pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I love box lots, it so ,much fun to search thru. the good, bad and ugly, I have to admit I buy them quite often at various auctions, my next one should be here sometime next week, Got that one at Vance Auctions.

I always find something I can use and of course some stuff end up in the thrash, but as you know it is the thrill of the hunt Happy

Last summer I ended up with 3 boxes the same day Had stamps all thru the house, Piles of stockcards, covers, album pages, All my bowls full of loose and on paper stamps, Sitting on the floor in the middle of it trying to figure out where to start, but sure was enjoyable sorting thru everything, pizza delivery for supper LOL

Thumbs Up

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Poodle_Mum
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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).

23 Mar 2014
10:44:15pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Lol Lee - I can clearly picture that!

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"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

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jozep
Members Picture


24 Mar 2014
05:31:34am
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I also like boxlots...it's like Christmas morning on the day I receive one in the mail! All of the unwanted material should be somehow gotten into the hands of others rather than ending up in a dustbin somewhere or in a box under the bed or in the attic. There are disabled veteran organizations, scout troops, girls clubs, etc. that would welcome your unwanted stamps. Please give it a little effort to find a group to support with your unwanted stamp donations before giving them the ole heave ho!!

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amsd
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Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads

24 Mar 2014
08:14:58am

Auctions
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Joseph has a great point worth remembering. I know of two such organizations: Stamps for Wounded Vets run by John Hotchner; and our own Holocaust Project. The former is more appropriate for sound material; the latter for things that really belong in the dustbin.

David

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landoquakes
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29 Mar 2014
11:06:38am
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I love box lots too. I have found many great items over the years in those kinds of lots. I can build my collection faster by buying country album full of stamps, but it is much more fun to dive into a box of stamps/covers. The only con is that it takes some $$ to ante up to get a box lot. Usually you need about $50 to get a good sized box. When I sell stamps I prefer to sell box lots too, to earn more money to buy more box lots! Happy

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stampmanjack

APS Life Member

29 Mar 2014
07:44:34pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I too am a lover of box lots. Last summer, I bought a large box for $10 in Peoria and then put it aside for later. I have shoeboxes every where like that. When I got around to sorting it, I found among a host of other neat things, a pastel painting in the bottom of the box which turned out to have been painted by an artist from the 1930s for department stores in Atlanta. There was a label on the back that said if you like this one contact me and I will paint another. It turned out that he- I don't remember the name- is enjoying some popularity and a friend of mine put it on EBay and we got $37.50 for the item and I still had the rest of the box. I recently bought a stock book of stamps from a dealer friend which we dickered over for some time finally settling on $50. He knows me well and in parting said, "If I had dumped that in a box lot, you would have given me $75," and he is probably right.. I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with but since I collect everything, there are always many things I can use.
Jack

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michael78651

29 Mar 2014
08:48:33pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

" I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with"



I have to agree with that statement. even when I thought that I had overpaid for a boxlot in a auction or just on a purchase from a dealer, I have hours and hours of fun sifting through the box and usually find a few nuggets that make up for all the junk that is usually found in these boxes as well.

Through all the years that I have been buying box lots, it's amazing how much of the same material just keeps showing up time after time. No doubt in my mind why so many stamps are valued at minimum catalog value.
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cocollectibles

30 Mar 2014
11:20:54am
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Well, here's a large lot that should make many on this thread happy and busy for a long time. From a very reputable dealer on eBay (formerly of Stanley Gibbons). 50,000 ship and flight canceled covers. Of course, it will cost you at least $10,000 US!

Scocia Philately UK

Image Not Found

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"TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO FORGIVE, CANINE."
Philatarium
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APS #187980

30 Mar 2014
12:30:02pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Peter -- What are you going to do with all those covers? Winking

And totally off-topic, those blue bags are Ikea reusable bags, and they're fantastic! Two thumbs up! Thumbs Up

-- Dave

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cocollectibles

30 Mar 2014
02:30:55pm
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Dave, what will *I* do with this purchase? Other than go to the poor house for retirement? Happy

Those bags look like Ikea bags to me, which ARE great; very strong, and reusable.

But speaking of box lots ... I forgot I had placed an opening bid on an item in an auction and I ended up winning it! Something like 3 cartons for $400. Expect some approval books and auctions here folks!

Peter

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Author/Postings

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).
22 Mar 2014
06:04:08pm

No doubt we have all purchased boxlots at some point in our hobby. We know there are bound to be damaged stamps, pulled perfs or creases or accidental perf creases due to transport of the boxlot.

Today I was quite pleased to find a Penny Red in my boxlot. What else lurks in there? Happy I look forward to checking the plating on this Penny Red.

What experiences have you guys had (pros and cons) of boxlot purchases?

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

drkellyfleming.ca

They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
22 Mar 2014
07:11:06pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I love boxlots! It is the thrill of the hunt and the hours upon hours of fun which I enjoy. Over the years I have found some jewels (not many, but enough to keep me happy) and a LOT of very nice items both for my collection and to be used as trading material. Over the past 25 years, I have purchased a couple hundred such lots and collections, and have only returned 2 and felt an additional 2 or 3 (which were not returnable) were sub par.

Damaged stamps and a lot of common stuff are to be expected. The damaged I either toss or (if damage is minimal) throw in with the common material. The common material go out as donations, part of my nickel box for club meetings, or (more recently) into approval books on SOR.

Thumbs up for this thread Kelly!


Like
Login to Like
this post

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. -Edmund Burke"

www.bobbybarnhart.ne ...

To error is human -to really fowl things up takes a computer
22 Mar 2014
07:34:32pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I agree with Bobby I Love Box Lots. It is the thrill of the hunt! There have been time when I try and restrain myself from digging to see whats at the bottom-you just never know!!!Thumbs Up
I've only 1-2 also that seamed a little sub par but thats box lots. Dr.Robert Friedman Stamps would offer multiple types in Linn's until recently, $100.00-$200.00- $300.00 and lots by country ect. I've bought many a lot from them over the years( a 10 minute drive from my house). I have been going through one from last fall purchased at auction.
Love them lots. A thumbs for sure. Thumbs Up

Like
Login to Like
this post
cocollectibles

22 Mar 2014
10:56:12pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I am really going to have to get my eyes checked; I read this post title as:

Pros and Cons of Botox!

Seriously! I Don't Want To See

Okay then, about BOXLOTS, my uncles used to order these all the time, and have them shipped to my address, and I'd send what they really wanted to them and had the rest to dispose of on my own. The good times were those when I found several QV stamps in a couple of lots, including some on cover! The bad times were more common, when I had a lot of things I didn't collect and were not high enough value to warrant the time to post them for sale: a 3 KG box full of lower value Machin heads; two shoe boxes of "dunes" complete with CTOs and everything I don't like in stamps; 300 addressed US FDC; etc. So when they stopped doing this, I continued for a couple more times, but then stopped too. What do you do with all the rest of the stuff you don't want?

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likes this post.
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"TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO FORGIVE, CANINE."
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Patches

Liz
22 Mar 2014
11:35:37pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Cool Peter

I throw the 'stuff' I don't want from box lots into another box and periodically offer some for free to other collectors. If that doesn't get rid of the material, then our local recycling bins gets the box.

It never fails though as soon as I've disposed of something I think no one would want, someone asks for it.

I've purchased some excellent box lots in my lifetime and have had some that went straight into the recycling bin as 'floor sweepings'.

Liz

Like
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).
23 Mar 2014
03:16:09pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Oh Peter, my dear friend - you need your eyes checked (while you're there they may make suggestions as to how Botox can remove those lines too!) Batting Eyelashes

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

drkellyfleming.ca
Members Picture
ECollector

23 Mar 2014
07:39:12pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

definitely a thumbs up on botox.... I love boxlots as well.

Way more fun. It seems kind of a let down when shelling out big money for a single item (albeit quality item)and the deal is done...... big boxes can last for years

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
lpayette

23 Mar 2014
09:04:24pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I love box lots, it so ,much fun to search thru. the good, bad and ugly, I have to admit I buy them quite often at various auctions, my next one should be here sometime next week, Got that one at Vance Auctions.

I always find something I can use and of course some stuff end up in the thrash, but as you know it is the thrill of the hunt Happy

Last summer I ended up with 3 boxes the same day Had stamps all thru the house, Piles of stockcards, covers, album pages, All my bowls full of loose and on paper stamps, Sitting on the floor in the middle of it trying to figure out where to start, but sure was enjoyable sorting thru everything, pizza delivery for supper LOL

Thumbs Up

Like
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).
23 Mar 2014
10:44:15pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Lol Lee - I can clearly picture that!

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Let's find a cure for Still's Disease, Breast Cancer and Canine Addison's Disease. We CAN find a cure and save lives!!"

drkellyfleming.ca
Members Picture
jozep

24 Mar 2014
05:31:34am

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I also like boxlots...it's like Christmas morning on the day I receive one in the mail! All of the unwanted material should be somehow gotten into the hands of others rather than ending up in a dustbin somewhere or in a box under the bed or in the attic. There are disabled veteran organizations, scout troops, girls clubs, etc. that would welcome your unwanted stamps. Please give it a little effort to find a group to support with your unwanted stamp donations before giving them the ole heave ho!!

Like
Login to Like
this post
Members Picture
amsd

Editor, Seal News; contributor, JuicyHeads
24 Mar 2014
08:14:58am

Auctions

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Joseph has a great point worth remembering. I know of two such organizations: Stamps for Wounded Vets run by John Hotchner; and our own Holocaust Project. The former is more appropriate for sound material; the latter for things that really belong in the dustbin.

David

Like
Login to Like
this post

"Save the USPS, buy stamps; save the hobby, use commemoratives"

juicyheads.com/link. ...
Members Picture
landoquakes

29 Mar 2014
11:06:38am

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I love box lots too. I have found many great items over the years in those kinds of lots. I can build my collection faster by buying country album full of stamps, but it is much more fun to dive into a box of stamps/covers. The only con is that it takes some $$ to ante up to get a box lot. Usually you need about $50 to get a good sized box. When I sell stamps I prefer to sell box lots too, to earn more money to buy more box lots! Happy

Like
Login to Like
this post
stampmanjack

APS Life Member

29 Mar 2014
07:44:34pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

I too am a lover of box lots. Last summer, I bought a large box for $10 in Peoria and then put it aside for later. I have shoeboxes every where like that. When I got around to sorting it, I found among a host of other neat things, a pastel painting in the bottom of the box which turned out to have been painted by an artist from the 1930s for department stores in Atlanta. There was a label on the back that said if you like this one contact me and I will paint another. It turned out that he- I don't remember the name- is enjoying some popularity and a friend of mine put it on EBay and we got $37.50 for the item and I still had the rest of the box. I recently bought a stock book of stamps from a dealer friend which we dickered over for some time finally settling on $50. He knows me well and in parting said, "If I had dumped that in a box lot, you would have given me $75," and he is probably right.. I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with but since I collect everything, there are always many things I can use.
Jack

Like
Login to Like
this post
michael78651

29 Mar 2014
08:48:33pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

" I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with"



I have to agree with that statement. even when I thought that I had overpaid for a boxlot in a auction or just on a purchase from a dealer, I have hours and hours of fun sifting through the box and usually find a few nuggets that make up for all the junk that is usually found in these boxes as well.

Through all the years that I have been buying box lots, it's amazing how much of the same material just keeps showing up time after time. No doubt in my mind why so many stamps are valued at minimum catalog value.
Like
Login to Like
this post
cocollectibles

30 Mar 2014
11:20:54am

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Well, here's a large lot that should make many on this thread happy and busy for a long time. From a very reputable dealer on eBay (formerly of Stanley Gibbons). 50,000 ship and flight canceled covers. Of course, it will cost you at least $10,000 US!

Scocia Philately UK

Image Not Found

Like
Login to Like
this post

"TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO FORGIVE, CANINE."
Members Picture
Philatarium

APS #187980
30 Mar 2014
12:30:02pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Peter -- What are you going to do with all those covers? Winking

And totally off-topic, those blue bags are Ikea reusable bags, and they're fantastic! Two thumbs up! Thumbs Up

-- Dave

Like
Login to Like
this post

"You gotta put down the duckie if you wanna play the saxophone. (Hoots the Owl -- Sesame Street)"

www.hipstamp.com/sto ...
cocollectibles

30 Mar 2014
02:30:55pm

re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots

Dave, what will *I* do with this purchase? Other than go to the poor house for retirement? Happy

Those bags look like Ikea bags to me, which ARE great; very strong, and reusable.

But speaking of box lots ... I forgot I had placed an opening bid on an item in an auction and I ended up winning it! Something like 3 cartons for $400. Expect some approval books and auctions here folks!

Peter

Like 
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like this post.
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"TO ERR IS HUMAN; TO FORGIVE, CANINE."
        

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