Sandafayre Experiences? Has Anyone Bought From Them?

Just wondering if anyone has purchased through them. What was your experience. How accurately would you say they describe? Did anyone buy large lots of mixed worldwide?

Thanks

I have bought on several occasions, via auctions, and generally have had no issues. I have gotten both single item lots and a large lot, a French collection, if I recall correctly. The descriptions were fine and I was pleased. You are unlikely to get top quality and that is reflected in prices that are reasonable. If you are buying on auction, I would just suggest you do not bid high since I doubt you'll get a hidden treasure.

I would probably compare them best to the Apfelbaum firm here in the US. The quality is at that level and the prices are set accordingly. Descriptions might be a touch on the overly positive side.

Just my 2 cents,

Larry

Thanks Larry - What Auction Houses have you used with better experience? - e.g. Bigger lots with lots of quality / specialty stuff in it?

I buy almost all my stamps through auction houses, and here are my subjective opinions:

I havent bought extensively from Sandafyre, but on limited basis, I think they are ok.

Cherrystone in NY is one of the best--if not the best. Paul is the guy and trustworthy. Though not cheap. I've sold substantial collections through them.

I've bought from Apfelbaum and had mixed results. Some good.
I did have one high value stamp that they clearly mislabeled and though they returned it, I sort of think that they have been less organized over time--but still a marque name on the East Coast.

In Los Angeles, I would definitely stay away from Colonial. My grandma said if you got nothing good to say about someone, then say nothing.....

Regency Superior is a merger of two old well known auction houses and I think are solid.

In terms of Canada, these are the ones I would recommend: Eastern (and Gary Lyon how is great), Vance, Maresch are reliable too.

just my two bits..

If Sandafayre ever wanted my business, they would have to do a better job of describing their lots. Then again, I am a small fish, so perhaps they don't want it after all.

I've bought mixed lots of Indian States from Sandafayre over the years, and never had a bargain. They appear to be distinctly aggressive/optimistic in their identifications of unfamiliar material. I've usually ended up paying near to full retail.

On the other hand, the few single Indian States items I've bought from them have turned out to be good to very good buys. One cover (of Jammu & Kashmir) they actually managed to misidentify on the downside - but I didn't discover this myself, until I placed it before an expert

So in summary, I rarely but from them.

Incidentally, I believe all their offerings are their own stock, they've bought themselves. They appear to pick over the collections they buy, and bundle up the remains into auctionable lots.

ldhaber - I would say they are better than Apfelbaum

I haven't bought anything but individual items from them, but the items I did buy were oddball and not often seen. Not bargains as far as CV goes, but I didn't mind paying the price considering the items are not often found. I often check out current offers looking for something different. As far as dealing with them, they were fine.

I'm a cheap guy so I only buy from auctions that don't have a buyer's premium. I purchase from Vance, Eastern and Weeda, all in Canada and all with no buyer's premium. Are there any good auction sites in the US or elsewhere that don't charge the premium?

No buyers premium doesn't always mean they are cheaper to buy from.

Figure out what you want to pay, and if they charge a buyers premium, deduct it from your bid.

Good point. Might have to rethink my preferences.

You can check YouTube. They also advertise collections there.