Thoughts On APS Circuit Books

Currently I live in New Jersey. A quick search through the APS website for all the clubs in New Jersey shows that all the local clubs are quite far away from where I am. I'll look into them though.

For me the best part of the APS circuit books is the fact that they come directly to your door. There's only one stamp store worthy of the name in my entire state. And while stamp shows are great, the timing doesn't always line up for me and attending usually requires a long drive. Some might wonder if the cost per circuit is worth it. Once postage and insurance is totaled the cost per circuit approaches $10 before you purchase a single stamp. For me that price of admission is a trade off I decided is worth it given what I receive in return. I'm glad that the APS and collectors/sellers invest the amount of time/resources they do in exchange for what I imagine is often a marginal return.

The last several APS circuits I've received have resulted in zero purchases, meaning I'm out of pocket $10 per circuit just for the experience. I wouldn't consider canceling though:

1. There's a price to be paid for convenience of delivery and the ability to peruse at your own leisure with all your tools and references at hand.

2. Those rare occasions when unrecognized cancels and plate varieties show up make it all worthwhile.

I find every circuit is an education in itself. On top of that I get to see first hand some stamps and items that I can only dream of owning.

My favorite opportunities are the discontinued books. You can only buy the entire discontinued book, but deals are truly extraordinary. You have request each circuit, but they are always full of gems.

Wheatcent, I'm not sure what you collect, but most circuits I've been on contain plenty of stamps for beginners. Yes, you'll see some expensive items, too, but I've seen books filled with nickel and dime stamps. You might want to start off with just one or two circuits to see what you're getting into; probably not a good idea to start off with a half dozen circuits right off the bat.

I've been receiving APS circuit books for about a year, focusing on US classics and BOB. I love going through them. All told, I've probably purchased 100 or so stamps, most F/VF used with minimal condition issues. Average price has been around $5 - $10. Haven't seen many higher value stamps, or they are sold before the books reach me. Just signed up for discontinued books, hoping the experience is as positive.

In response to Bud's posting, it is most likely that the U.S. classics priced over $10 have been moved by sellers to the APS online Stamp Store.

As a seller, I have had much better success selling better items at the online store.

I think bookbinderbob's assessment is correct. I receive circuit books, but use the online store for the higher priced stamps. One drawback of the online store is that buyers cannot see the backs of the stamps for sale. I've had to return a couple items that were creased that I would not have purchased if in a sales book.

Don