Karma And Stamp Purchases

Occasionally I'll do a local ad simply saying "wanted stamps new/ used" and I've gotten replies from extreme collectors all the way to found in garbage collectors. Now as most have encountered the Grandpas collection with about $3000 worth of sentimental value and about $5 worth of stamps I've always handles those situations with respect and honesty and will take my time to explain the pros and cons rather than being rude (thanks Dad for the morals)Now just yesterday I dropped by a reply to the ad which I sorta had the feeling was going to be another sentimental issue -- Brief history was Dad passed away and Mom didn't have the heart to sell anything but a van load of his collection went to auction and there were some leftovers. Perspective being I'm working with the daughter who basically hopes they will go to someone who will enjoy them.
I arrive to see a box of empty binders with single FDC holders, the very detailed written log books of what was likely in the van full that went to auctions and a couple albums with hingeless mounts but no stamps.(strike 1) Then she pulls out the cookie tin where in lies stuffed to the brim with small glassines with 1-15 MNH canadian stamps all cataloged but generally low values so my quick guesstimate maybe $150 face value. Then she says OH I forgot these albums and pulls out a Canadian Unity album and a US liberty and the Jaw starts dropping a bit. Both completely hingeless 98% MNH Canadian pretty well complete from maybe 1930 through 1985, and the US from about 1900 to approximatly same period. Looking at these and after hearing the gentlemans history and the fact he passed away back in 88 I am pretty sure these 2 albums were his pride and joy . I have a whopping $70 in my pocket and ste that there is more value than the $70 but she insists that is more than fine and she is content that I will enjoy them . In my honesty I say that as soon as I have time to better evaluate I would be more than happy to drop by and pay her some extra as I just can't seem to with good conscience not be fair to people. I estimate on face alone maybe $800 $1000 between everything. Now she and her husband were totally fine with the $70 and even said if I don't like what I find I could return them. Now I plan on figuring things out and somehow making things up to these people wether they expect it or not (Note-- They are not in need of money and doing quite well) I just look at these things as Karma and hope it one day comes back.
Now if I were at an auction I'd be ruthless and have my KISS MY A$$ shirt on yet the same folks could be sitting right beside me but that is the nature of that beast.
What are your opinions on this and who has stories along the same lines where you may have been honest and fair or may have walked away with far more than you should have for the buck.
PS -- No I'm not in a psych class doing a thesis on human nature----lol

nitrolures, you are just an honest person. Those things you don't learn in any school but at home. Just do what you think is right

Best Regards,

Bob

I'd say that if it's karma, that you've already done something right, and it's coming back to you now. Sounds like it will just keep coming back. Well done.

were it me (and its not) I would make up a nice commemorative in honor of their father and give it to them with a bit more cash with the explanation that you just would not sleep right at night (true or not). if nothing else in the future when they run into some one selling or trying to figure things out they will remember your kindness and pass your name on.. over all it works for you any way.... as for similar not with stamps but yes and often.... and now the kindness shown to me has paid off for my sister-in-law and in turn her children.... in the future it will return with no doubt in my mind....

HMMMM a commemerataive is an awesome idea just need to find out some details. Not sure how to start but makes alot of sense. Once I figure things out with whats here I'll pass along some treats to the board and members.

This is a really great question Nitro. I think you were completely above board in your dealings with the sellers. You informed them that the value was much higher then what you had to offer and they were happy with that amount. Like James said this is Karma coming back to you, just make sure to continue its flow, in return for all the positive energy you've put out there. One question if you walked into a antique store or stamp store and encountered a business person showing the same pieces with a sign that said make an offer and you told them the same thing 70 dollars in pocket but worth much more and they took your money, would you feel the same way.

One day, the guy behind me on line at a gas station paid for my cigarettes, coffee, and donut. He said something about paying it forward and random acts of kindness, or something like that. He said it in a sinister sort of way that seemed to have some significance. That prompted me to look it up. It turns out there's a sort of underground chaotic movement which consists of people doing random acts of kindness. This appeals to me as a naturalist who believes that we make the world by our acts. You, of course, have to do what you feel is right. But how does it go? What goes around comes around? I just don't think it necessarily has to balance for each person. And it is delicious fun to be kindly devious.

Nitro, I have always felt that if an item is clearly marked at a certain price, or says make offer and you make a reasonable offer and it is willingly accepted you have met your committment to the seller. If they ask for a professional opinion as to value I will do my best to let them know a value as close as I can determine. I usually then will ask what they want. Sometimes you reach agreement sometimes you do not. Lockumup

Don't get me wrong I can be a devil in disguise when it comes to dealings (gemini thing) and I certainly don't look away from golden opportunities. If I walked into a store and made the deal without the verbal provenance behind everything I'd be skipping away not thinking twice where they came from or what was behind it. Might bring the store owner a coffee and give him my number for any future deals but like ststed before it would be done.
Guess its like getting a cover and being able to trace it back --you almost feel compelled to contact the original sender/ receivers family in most cases just to say what you found. I suppose for the 1000's of times the grandpas stamp collection story has been misused to resell items it was rather nice to see in this case that it was legit. At a show or store when you look through a collection you probably say wow this guy either cared alot or didn't give a damn but its cool knowing the details behind things .
If this was karma coming back why couldn't it have been on my lottery tickets!

It's always someone else......

because karma understands that there is no real winner from lottery... long story.. but you are a good person and it came back in a way in which your work payed off... much more rewarding and more sustainable....