Kap Stamps

Has anyone done business with KAP stamps? They offer a huge amount of fast-moving material but have a somewhat different business model, one that I find a tad complex. Curious what your thoughts and experiences might be.

I've been a satisfied customer of KAP for three or four years. I've probably bought close to a thousand stamps from them. Service is fast. So far, every stamp has been correctly identified. No more than a couple that had any faults. Lots of used and unused hinged which is a plus for me as I like to avoid MNH. Also, they handle low value as well as higher value stamps. Two negatives: prices are usually no better than 50% of the current Scott catalog, so you may be able to do better, assuming you can find the stamps they are selling elsewhere. And they occasionally sell a range of stamps rather than breaking out individual stamps. Still, one of my best sources for 1840-1940 stamps.

1840 I noticed in their terms that if you buy at 50% of cat, you cannot return the stamps due to flaws. Has that ever been a challenge for you.

It has not been a challenge, but I can see why someone would have reservations about such a policy. I have been very impressed with the quality of what KAP supplies, but I am perhaps less picky than others, particularly about the backs of stamps. Considering how good their service is otherwise, I can't help but believe they would take back a more expensive stamp with hidden flaws they might not have noticed, but, of course, that isn't what their policy says.

Thanks very much for your help 1840.

shermae, you are very welcome. I collect 1840-1940 and still lack many less expensive stamps. Unfortunately, there aren't that many online dealers who sell such stamps individually. KAP is one of those who does.

Downtown Stamp Company will sell anything they have in stock as singles. They list a lot of items on Bidstart but have a huge stock that isn't listed there. I've been a customer of theirs for 10 or 15 years and they are happy to work from want lists and/or approvals.

I have been collecting stamps for 63 years and have dealt with many different dealers. About 5 years ago I started dealing with K.A.P. stamps. They are a small company, it being only two people, Jim & Kathy. That being so, if you call them, you will be talking to the "Bosses" Not some clerk. I have bought thousands of stamps from them and have never had a single problem. There have been a few (less than 10) times when they accidentally pulled the wrong set or single, usually a used copy when I ordered a mint copy. A quick phone call to Jim (Kathy does mostly billing) has almost always solved the problem if the desired item was still in stock. Of all the dealers I have dealt with over the years, K.A.P. ranks as #1 or #2

They do not handle wantlists. They send out an email list once per week. If you find something you want, I recommend you send them an IMMEDIATE email or phone call if it is a reasonable time. The items go quickly.

The thing I like most about K.A.P. is they sell individual stamps from sets (the cheap ones as well as the higher value ones). I can not tell you how many broken sets I have filled out (especially pre-1940) because of this policy.

Downtown Stamps was mentioned above. I have dealt with Mark there for several years. They DO handle wantlists. I usually send them my wantlist for a single country at a time and just tell them to start at the top and work down in $50 or $100 dollar shipments once a month. I have them send me an email with that months list before they ship it out so I can review it in case I have obtained a particular stamp elsewhere. This company bends over backward to "Do It Your Way" I can heartily recommend them as well as K.A.P.

I haven't used Downtown Stamps before. I collect 1840-1940 worldwide and prefer used. I checked out Downtown Stamps' bidStart store and most everything I saw was unused. I realize they have a lot more than what is on bidStart, but before I contact them, do you know whether or not they have a wide selection of used? And do you have a feel for their prices versus catalog? Thanks.

I only collect Mint stamps. I have 88,000+ stamps and the only used stamp is a nice 4-margin Penny Black. My dealings with Mark at Downtown Stamps have been for Mint stamps so I can not say what their depth is for Used. I suggest you call Mark at PO Box 329, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889. Phone (908) 439-3663. They have been in business since 1926, so I would guess they have lots of Used stamps.

Same here - I only collect Mint and am not sure about Downtown's stock of Used.

Antman and shermae, thanks. I'll contact Downtown Stamps and report back.