Do You Get Your Money's Worth From The APS

I joined the APS last week - am still waiting for my membership package so I can update my profile with a member number.

If you're on the fence regarding the APS, now would be a great time to join and see if it's for you. Membership is pro-rated by quarter and currently only costs $14.25 through the end of the year.

Brian

Congratulations Brian!

Glad to see you take the plunge.
My APS # is 134809

Art

APS 223349 (pending approval)

Thumbs up riley!

As a newcomer to the American Philatelic Society (APS), I find it very useful in many ways. The poll asks about the tangible benefits and not the "supporting the hobby" benefits. Again as a newcomer, it is difficult to isolate (or even distinguish) tangible benefits from the "supporting the hobby" benefits. I think they reciprocate each other. Also, intangibles need to be part of the equation. For example, being a non-profit, the APS has a certain brand that implies credibility. This is not a tangible benefit and not a "supporting the hobby" benefit but certainly, at least to me, is important to have as a member of the APS.

A concrete example of a tangible benefit is the discounts when one buys stamps through APS. Some may argue that this is a "supporting the hobby" benefit but if I were not a member of APS, I won't receive this tangible benefit.

Whatever the results, this poll will surely get members thinking about the importance or triviality of their APS membership and hopefully will encourage the people that run APS to think what membership to this organization means to them.

I am curious about stamp discounts at APS, what would be the $1,2,3,4,5,
used space filler stamp of the Colombian issue run a person roughly at the APS vs say ebay or elsewhere if available?

The pending was the worst part for me. I was heavily interested in the circuits, which you can't receive until the "pending" is changed to approved. I think when my name was published, I logged into my account everyday to see if my membership had been upgraded.

I just took a quick peak at the online store. They had quite a few of the lower denomination Columbians, but the only one on your list currently listed is Scott 242 ($2 denomination), and they had two listed:
Posted Date: 12/4/2013
Description: Columbian
Condition: Unused
Hinge Type: NG
Catalog Value: $1150.00
Member price: $450

Or

Posted Date: 3/27/2014
Description: regumed priced as NG, 1893 columbian expo issue of columbus in chains
Condition: Unused
Hinge Type: NG
Catalog Value: $750.00
Member price: $625

wow Interesting thanks, ebay lists many $2.00 used in the less then $250.00 range.

There are used 242's in the APS store for under $250.00. Prices for single stamps will vary by quality on ebay and APS. Non-members can view the APS stamp store listings, just not purchase. So you can make a comparison yourself. Of course, there is a higher level of confidence with sellers on APS and 30 money back guarantee, which might be worth additional $'s.

good to know- there is a 242 over there for $150.00. Thanks was nice to browse there. I was just looking for space fillers, seems like you mention Colombian's and the $100.00 bill+ flag gets hoisted no matter what condition it is in.

I personally view APS as our (as they advertise!) "Our Nation's Stamp Club" and I therefore believe it is important that every stamp collector help support this non-profit by joining. There are multiple benefits, including reduced rates on many services (Expertizing is cheaper for members, as is Stamp Insurance, as are the fees to attend Summer Seminar, and more.

I am happy to day I've been a member nearly 50 years (in 2016) and am an honorary Life Member. I suggest that every collector consider joining our National Stamp Club!

I have been an APS member since 1981. I browse the APS magazine every month. Can't say that every article is of interest to me, but I think that the editors do a good job of trying to serve the whole community. I view my annual dues as a small contribution to the community and think that it is money well spent.

Unfortunately I have not been able to participate in any of the summer seminars although there are many topics of interest to me. One of these years I will get there. I have participated in the circuits in the past, but frankly am more comfortable in what I call the new mail order marketplace(aka on line business) and believe that the APS should update their process there to become more of a force in where the market is going.

Bob

I belong to three national organizations that serve very narrow and specific interests--APS, ARRL, and NRA--all for the same reason: the insurance program offered to members. Any other benefit I get from membership is incidental.

"Unfortunately I have not been able to participate in any of the summer seminars although there are many topics of interest to me. One of these years I will get there.";

Funny, I never did either until I was invited to teach a course there about 5-6 years ago, which I did, on the subject of United States Classics, 1847-1893, and what I found was that putting aside whatever you can learn from the course you take, just as important is the camaraderie that you share with your peers. You will meet lots of new people (this year between students, instructors and administrators, nearly 100 different people were present). You will get to meet many well-known philatelic personalities, get to tour the facilities, get to use the library, get to look through lots of covers to buy (if you wish), go through the sales division material (if an APS member), get a special reduced rate of APEX submissions that week, get to attend a "Buy, Sell and Swap" night where you can (if you wish) get a free table to sell your wares, attend an auction, and sample local restaurants and other attractions.

All in all, it's a great experience. So after that first year, I've been back 3 more times including one year as a student and two as an instructor (this year's course was "Fundamentals of Expertizing" and it had the most number of students EVER in a SS course (31)!). Maybe we will see some of you fine SCF members there next year!?