From collectibles to cars, buy and sell all kinds of items on eBay
Site Map
aAdvanced Search
BuySellMy eBayCommunityHelp

Home

  » 

Community

  » 

eBay Discussion Boards

  » 

Community Help Boards

  » 

Workshops

  » 

eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector
Topic Locked This topic is locked - uploads are not allowed.
Last Post Jul 21, 2002 6:05 PM by: jimbo
Replies: 68
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153

eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:06 PM
Introduction...

Hello everyone, I’m Jrwinsom and I want to invite you to be a part of this discussion.

Advanced collecting tips are for the seasoned stamp collector as well as the beginner. Your positive questions and input at this workshop are welcome. Purchasing stamps in the past few years has expanded with the advent of the internet and eBay’s trading venue. But the practice of buying has remained the same since the beginning of commerce. Collectors have an immense desire to build and complete their collections.

This workshop will help in educating you how to bid and buy at auction on the internet. Please address me as JR. Now let’s begin!

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
View Listings
daphne@ebay.com
Posts: 765
(1 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:10 PM
Welcome, Jrwinsom! And welcome to everyone who has joined us tonight!

Jrwinsom is back again to host his second Stamp Collecting workshop. While the original workshop was an introduction to the hobby for the novice, this workshop speaks to those collectors who are more advanced or hoping to become more advanced.

He's prepared some incredibly useful tips and advice to help you become a savvy, discerning Stamp collector... I hope you enjoy it!

We love workshops to be interactive, so please feel free to ask your questions that directly relate to this topic. If you have your own tips to add, we love them, too! Lurkers, please consider making a post from up there in the rafters so we can greet you! :)

What the lawyers ask me to add..

Note: The statements and opinions made in this discussion board are those of Jrwinsom's only and do not reflect eBay policy or eBay's opinion with respect to such statements.

Take it away, jrwinsom!

Daphne
eBay Community Development
--------------------------------------------
Love to read?? ...

Join an eBay/Half.com Book Club!

Click here to view our current Workshop Calendar.
Click here to read the latest Community Chatter Newsletter.
Click here to contact eBay with your support or billing questions.
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153
(2 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:12 PM
Know the Stamps You are Buying....

Before you bid on a stamp, answer this question for yourself--"I am collecting it, because...."

Collectors buy items as their interests expand. They are enjoying their collection and the pursuit of finding more collectibles. You are reading this because stamps have caught your fancy at some point. After finding stamp collecting, for a while you will find yourself specializing in one or more areas.

Are you equipped to purchase the difficult, rare, or key items for the empty spaces in your stamp album? Have you done your homework yet? Difficult stamps require ample study and research. It is far better to purchase reference books on your collecting interests than to purchase a rarity just because someone says in their auction description it’s genuine.

How many times do we let our greed get the best of us and bid on something that’s too good to be true? The quote "A sucker is born every minute" was made by a man who saw plenty of them. It is not in human nature to give away a rarity for a dollar.

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153
(3 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:16 PM
Know the Stamps You are Buying cont...

Keep a good "Buyer Beware" attitude, and get to know everything possible to know about the item you are considering bidding on. Always look at an expensive stamp with careful, calculated, and educated eyes. It’s always good to ask ourselves "why?" when bidding on any stamp.

TIP: There are some sellers who do not know the true value of what they are selling. They auction stamps that appear to have value. Upon close study, you may learn it is a very rare and important stamp, because you have done your homework and are educated on that item. You may have a treasure waiting for your winning bid! :)

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
dbenson
Posts: 15
(4 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:17 PM
JR, what warning would you give to a prospective bidder when he comes across such terms like AS IS and NO REFUNDS,



David Benson
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153
(5 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:17 PM
Read the description (knowledge about a seller's terms and conditions)

The description in the auction allows us to see what the auction has to offer. Most have photos / scans attached along with text about condition and terms.

If you are buying from this seller for the first time, look at the seller’s feedback first. Look for clues about this seller by examining the negative and neutral feedback.

Next look at the transaction record for the past week, the past month and the past 6 months. Take time to and see if this seller is also good buyer.

Look at some of his past auctions. If you find he is selling a lot of rare and expensive stamps at a fraction of the catalog prices, be cautious and inquisitive about his lot that you are considering bidding on.

Look at the fine print! Does this seller offer a return policy? Look for costs on insurance and shipping options. Educate yourself about the seller, otherwise your energy bidding and possibility wining the lot might end up in disappointment.

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
dbenson
Posts: 15
(6 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:20 PM
JR, I am sorry to pester you again before you have a chance to ponder over the 1st. question but I have to go out in 20 minutes,

Have you ever read any comments on Ebay Stamp Chat.

David Benson
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153
(7 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:20 PM
Hi David, thanks for posting. Let me put up the next post and see if that answers your question.
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
View Listings
daphne@ebay.com
Posts: 765
(8 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:21 PM
welcome, dbenson! :)

Daphne
eBay Community Development
--------------------------------------------
Love to read?? ...

Join an eBay/Half.com Book Club!

Click here to view our current Workshop Calendar.
Click here to read the latest Community Chatter Newsletter.
Click here to contact eBay with your support or billing questions.
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153
(9 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:21 PM
How to Look at the Pictures (Scans) in a Listing to Determine the Quality of the Stamp...


If a seller includes a picture of the stamp(s) with the description, you are very fortunate, indeed. Photos are a way to determine the quality of the item. Study it carefully before you bid.

A photo/scan will not tell you about the life of the stamp. It cannot tell you if there is a repaired tear or filled in thin. Watermarks are not visible and a photo/scan of the back of the stamp are usually not included. These faults and others can only be detected by personal examination.

However, a photo/scan can tell you if the stamp has been reperforated. Look closely at the edges of the stamp. Do they appear sharp with straight cut tips? Are the holes uneven? Some perforation holes maybe smaller than others or the row of perforation holes may not be in a straight line. These are telltale clues that this stamp maybe a suspected reperforated stamp.

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
View Listings
daphne@ebay.com
Posts: 765
(10 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:22 PM
dbenson ... there is a post later that discusses "As IS" and other terms. If you can't stay that long, the workshop will be here for you to read at your leisure when you have the time! :)

Daphne
eBay Community Development
--------------------------------------------
Love to read?? ...

Join an eBay/Half.com Book Club!

Click here to view our current Workshop Calendar.
Click here to read the latest Community Chatter Newsletter.
Click here to contact eBay with your support or billing questions.
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153
(11 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:23 PM
David I will put up the rest of the posts. I sure you will find it interesting. JR.
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
tycophil
Posts: 3
(12 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:24 PM
JR,


Good advice, so far. What is a bidder to do when the seller makes his feedback "private"? This action makes it difficult to check out his past performance.


Bill
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jimbo
Posts: 31
(13 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:25 PM
JR,
Just a few of principles which I apply: If there is any question about whether the item is what it is purported to be or not, pass up the "opportunity." If it appears unlikely that the seller knows what he is selling in that he doesn't use the 'lingua franca' of the trade, it isn't worth the hassle to find out except in rare instances. If the seller doesn't provide specific information concerning shipping, it probably isn't worth asking. Also, excessive shipping charges are inappropriate (e.g.:$5 for one stamp PLUS $2 for insurance). All violators of these principles lead to my "moving on."
PS: My answer to David's question is simple: "Move on!" One of the best things which stamp sellers can do to establish confidence is to have an iron-clad no-questions-asked return policy. Most good dealers do this.
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
)
View Listings
jrwinsom
Posts: 153
(14 of 68)

Re: eBay Expert Member Workshop: Tips for the Advanced Stamp Collector

Jul 21, 2002 3:25 PM
Do you buy a stamp that has been reperforated?

Yes and no. If your collecting tastes are such that the reperforation does not offend you, then yes, it is ok to buy such a stamp. Beware though, that these stamps are often regarded as seconds. When you bid on such a stamp, don’t overdue it. There are plenty of low grade stamps around. On the average these seconds are worth between 1 and 10 percent of the current catalog value and even less when you go to sell it. So bid accordingly!

Looking at the perforations can also tell you if this stamp is a rare compounded perforation. If it is, bid on it only if the seller has a good return policy. Chances are that it has been reperforated to resemble a very rare stamp. True rare stamps always need to be certified by a well-known expertizing group. With out a certificate, you can be very sure that the stamp is no good. And a no-good rare stamp is worthless.

Jrwinsom

Workshop Host
Reply
Reply
Name:
Email:
 
Click for emoticon Click for bold Click for italics Click for underline Click for pre tag Click for url tag Spell Check
Tip: To create a link - type the desired text, highlight it with your mouse and click[Click for url tag]
Tags:
 
Page: of 5
Back to Top

New to eBay Boards? Try a visit to our Community Discussion Boards Help and Welcome Center .

Want to visit another board? You can view our Community Overview Page or select from these lists:

Community Help Boards:

eBay Tools Boards:

Category-Specific Boards:

General Discussion Boards:


Feedback Forum | Discussion Boards | Groups | Answer Center | Chat Rooms | Community Values

About eBay | Announcements | Security Center | Resolution Center | eBay Toolbar | Policies | Government Relations | Site Map | Help
Copyright © 1995-2009 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eBay User Agreement and Privacy Policy.
eBay official time
hosted by LiveWorld