Stamps On Envelopes??

Last summer, when I was actively adding to my stamp collection, virtually all of my eBay transactions were done via PayPal, so I didn't have to mail out any payments. However, one particular transaction, with a seller in the UK, required that I mail an international money order (which was no problem, the bank provided me one for a minimal fee). Since I was sending this overseas, I chose to use registered mail, to help insure proper delivery. Paying for the postage and registration fees at the PO, the clerk automatically printed the metered postage for the envelope (again, no problem, or so I thought). Several days later, when I my payment arrived at its destination in London, I received a very harsh e-mail from the seller, explaining that he was very disappointed that I had not used older US stamps as the postage. Since I don't collect US stamps, I don't have any on hand to use, and really don't feel that it should be necessary for me to go out and purchase some "older" stamps for mailing my payment, and thus providing him with more sales material. Am I wrong if feeling this way? Is there some un-written guidelines that say I should use real stamps when mailing payments for other stamps?? I did once have a transaction with a coin dealer, who politely asked if I could use some current stamps (instead of the metered postage), as his son was a budding stamp collector. I had no problem doing this, and would've probably done it for the UK dealer, had he asked in advance. But for him to just assume that I would, and then send me a hateful e-mail for not doing so, just doesn't seem right to me.

Opinions??

It was not right for him to send you a harsh e-mail. He should have politely requested in advance that stamps be used. Using stamps when mailing items to other collectors is a thoughtful courtesy, but it is not required.

Since I enjoy getting interesting stamps and covers in the mail, I always try to use commemorative stamps on my letters. Lately I've been using a lot of Master Yoda stamps. I try to be especially creative when putting stamps on APS sales circuit boxes, since I know the stamps will be received and appreciated by a fellow collector. It is fun to use stamps which hardly ever get used, such as single stamps taken from souvenir sheets.

I agree, using stamps is a courtesy that is not necessary, and he had no right to get snippy with you.

Personally, I would always use a stamp in preference to a printed ticket, if I am sending to a stamp collector. I mean that's what it's all about, right?
I don't feel that anyone has a right to demand stamps though, so in my eyes you have done nothing wrong.

Steve

What ???? there is no collector value in the metered postage ! now thats a fine howdy do !

LOL don't let it get to you the Guy was out of line !

Metalman

I always try to use some sort of commerative (old or recent vintage) when mailing anything other than the two bills I pay by snail mail every month and I would encourage you to do the same, BUT you have no obligation to do so and he obviously shouldn't have sent the email. You have nothing to worry about or feel bad about!

Taking it to the post office you wouldnt have had a choice in what they put on it , id have set him straight and no mistake , nonsense

I'm an eBay seller. He should have simply cashed the money order and said thank you.

BTW, eBay now requires electronic payment, for example PayPal or a credit card merchant
account. He can't insist on a money order anymore. And he won't be getting those extra
stamps in the mail.

I did that once to Dianne and boy did she yell. Just joking the postal clerk had printed out a meter before I knew it. I was upset because as a courtesy I wanted to put stamps on it. I just figured it is good taste but not something required and Dianne never said a word about the meter.

However she does send some beautiful stamps on her envelopes.

I agree with everyone else it was the other party that needs to lighten up. He made a sell and got paid with no other requirements.

It was out of line for him to be upset when there was no prior request for stamps to be used. I normally ask for stamps to be used if possible, but do not get upset when meters are used. It is always nice to see mail arrive with stamps on them. He obviously has not dealt with "meter happy" USPS clerks ;)

However,
I was disappointed when my APS renewal application arrived today with their non profit label and not a postage stamp :( and a Mystic mailing in a preprinted envelope for bulk rate & no stamp. I have also received mailings from Linn's without stamps on the envelope. I would think they could use "discount postage" for mailings and help promote & practice what they preach. We can only dream...

For APS or Linn's to piece together mailings with discount postage would be too
costly and time-consuming. Even on the handful I might do at a time, it really
slows things down making up 42 cents for the U.S., 72 cents for Canada, or 94
cents overseas. And that's just for one ounce. Add the large envelope and
first class package rates, and it's a lot easier to let them meter it at the
post office. Also, is can be hard to use those older stamps when they can look
so good and collectors are still paying premium prices for them from Mystic
Stamps and others.

The major problem is with those postal clerks who have the meter sticker printed out almost before you have half a chance of saying anything. They're an eager bunch; we have them in Canada too at the sub-offices.

Now what I do is tell them flat out that I only want to weigh the item and find out what the rate is because I already have enough stamps for it. This seems to confuse them in their automaton state, but so be it.

The guy you were buying from was totally out of bounds for getting snarky. Like was said above, using old postage is more a courtesy than anything else. It is nice, but not compulsory.

Sounds like he does not believe in repeat customers..we can't read your mind buddy !

Heres how it works for me...if we are swapping..i will do my best to use commemorative stamps on the envelope...if I am buying..about everyone I do business with takes paypal !!

I have the local PO clerks trained...In fact now they look forward to seeing the stamps I post with as I will use stamps that are not sent to our rural PO. I tend to buy them direct from the USPS website...That way the ones I want to save are in perfect condition

My opinion is that you were a little inconsiderate not using stamps and the seller was rude in being nasty about it....so who cares what I think anyway