Hello Again

Hi, like previous poster I also put my introduction in the wrong spot yesterday so will introduce myself here and now. I am Tom, and am here to learn how to deal with my father's collection. I am selling most of it, starting with modern Canadian stamps.

I have already found much help here, and was encouraged to jump right into things. I have scanned 260 blocks (avg. 4 per block). I was able to fit four blocks onto the scanner each time so it only took about seventy scans--two hours ain't much compared to the age old methods of tags, tabs,labels, sleeves, folders, sticky things, etc.Once done I dated each scan with date of stamp so that photo organizing software takes care of sorting stamp images. Then added titles and captions for each jpg. Each image gets used to sell the stamps, and as a record of that sale for tax purposes, etc.

As far as philatelics go I know nothing so I find it reassuring to hear that I am not likely to be giving away the crown jewels by disposing of such stamps. On the other hand there are voices of caution, and even warnings of the alluring quality of the hobby, how it might stick like glue. Already I am liking the new look of stamps scanned and viewed on a screen...gone are dad's clumsy magnifying lenses!

Hello Tom and welcome.

You should give some thought to keeping the collection and becoming a collector.




Butch

Yeah but even if I kept one copy of everything I still need to downsize like 90%! But thanks, it is in my blood. However, could use the money, as little as it is. The coins will be even harder to deal with...when the time comes.

G'Day Tom and to the forum.

Hey I am checking out Canada Post sites to find out rules about using old stamps as postage. Does anybody know what the limits are, how old the stamps can be? I have to start using some of my stamps up somehow!

Hi, welcome again Tom.

Legally in Canada you are allowed to use any stamp issued in the Dominion of Canada or Newfoundland to pay postage as payment for postage. NOT revenue or bill stamps or duck stamps or old airmail or special delivery or other 'special purpose' stamps.

Provence of Canada stamps were issued from 1851 til 1859 ish in English pence.

Dominion of Canada (what we have now) stamps issued from 1859 til present, in decimal cents and dollars.

Newfoundland stamps issued 1865 til joining Canada in 1949, in cents. Can't use the older pence and shillings issues. Darn.


Another way to sell these mint stamps is to put them together in a lot of $30 - $100 face value (not including taxes probably paid when bought) and people buy these on ebay as postage lots at about 75% - 90% of face value, depending on the postage you charge also. Perhaps an idea for the ones that don't garner interest.

Puzzler, yeah the folklore goes old stamps are always "legal tender" sort of thing but I was just wondering, since I so rarely use snail mail to begin with and I will soon be mailing shipments of stamps (what better way to use old stamps!) I do not want to start using old stamps and getting into yes-and-no sorts of situiations as per their legitimacy. As far as lots of stamps set according to cumulative face value is a new idea idea for me, sounds much better than the 'Canada stamps by the pound" webiste I found (it said something about them being 'not for postage'?).

Next month I will start working my way backward through the collection and see how things go...can't wait for the spare time to do so.

Cheers and happy stamping.

The claim 'not for postage' is there most likely because a few years ago Canada Post cracked down a bit on ebay sellers who were selling stamps that were used but not cancelled, to be used as postage.

This is illegal in Canada and probably most other countries. The sellers were informed that they had to place such a notice in their auctions. But I see many sellers not doing that now so perhaps Canada Post figured it cost more to save money this way and decided to just increase their prices on other products to cover the anticipated loss. I am not sure.

I have mailed envelopes with older stamps on them and not have them stopped or not get through. Some younger clerks will not know of older stamps being allowed and legal but most will. Most stamps from the 1970's on look nice enough in a modern way that no one will notice anyway.

Excellent reply, Puzzler, exactly what I needed to know. So off to the post box I go. I am actually looking forward to the prospect of sending letters with the option to choose from hundreds of stamps, not just using the usual, most current edition that sits in my office desk and that most everyone else is using. Animals for the animal-loving, art for the artsy, scenery for the traveler, etc. What a hoot!

I understand you to say that some stamps are used but uncancelled and therefore pawned off as unused? Because there is no visible sign of ink? Anyway, makes sense the feds would get uptight about re-using stamps.

Yes. It is just more obvious when you sell them like that on ebay. Kind of like throwing it up in their faces in a way. Not polite at all.

Anyway, I do like your idea of using different idea of stamps for different customers. I have done that when I can myself and others on here have also. It adds a bit of extra fun and enjoyment on both ends of the correspondence.

I have apparently made some sales on delcampe. My sales conditions were that I pay postage and that I would wait until they got their stamps before requesting payment. I think this is good business policy when starting off trying to build long term--and long distance--financial relationships. The value of the stamps is minimal so for me it is well worth the risk. My question is, since this is not only my first stamp sale but also my first mail/internet transaction--what are my chances of getting paid? I checked the delcampe profile of the buyer and they are one hundred percent and all that so figure hey...see what happens. Any thoughts?

Wow. This would be a great topic out in the regular forum also.

Maybe copy and paste your question ot there?

But I will answer here anyway.

I am gladdened that someone out there is having the chutzpah to sell that way. It harkens back to the old approvals day where stamp dealers would send you a packet of stamps and you paid if you liked them and sent them back if not. Kind of.

I never was a dealer in that world and there are still some dealers who do that I think. Not everyone is an eBayer, etc.

Keep in mind you are in international mail order now. That is what ebaying and Delcamping is.

Chances of getting paid are pretty good if you do look at the feedback ratings. Stamp people are usually pretty good. But stuff happens to everyone sometimes. Keep an open mind and be prepared for a loss here and there.

And losses happen even when the people pay you up front. They can still claim that the item was not received or sent or what is going on etc etc.

To me, now that I am used to PayPal etc, I think I wouldn't do it the way you are doing it. But sometimes I sell other things than stamps too, so I have a different customer base sometimes.

But, heck, I have always thought about those old approval days and wished that there was a way to do that. I do not know the risks involved in that way of selling stamps though.

Did I answer your questions or raise more?

Hey, postal worker! Find another way to vent your aggression!










Well, thats one of the oldest stamps I found after (finally) cataloguing my father's 5000 item Canadian stamp collection.

Time to get scanning, eh?

Well, I have scanned over 5000 stamps and never want to see another pair of tweezers in my life!

Still have some problems cataloguing it all but check my collection out at http://www.branchingoutroots.com

Enjoy!

Tom H

Problem with the link.
It goes nowhere.

Thanks Londonbus, I have added the http part to the link so it works now.