Front And Reverse Scans On Ebay

HI

I've noticed that on ebay, the stamp collectors who list stamps not all provide reverse images of their stamps.

I contacted a couple members, the responses were, I do not provide reverse images for a stamp less than five dollars. What? I think stamp collectors should treat other stamp collectors better, don't you?

David Thompson

Its bothersome to me when a grill stamp front and back images are not posted. Regarding those that do post front and back, I've seen a boat load of misidentified 1867 grills. I do think it better that both sides are shown no matter the issue or price range.

Al E. Gator, I agree with what you said.

Stamp collectors should treat other stamp collectors better. Show both sides of a stamp, detail any major faults, etc. I think there are some stamp collectors that do this, but then I know of some stamp collectors who list stamps on ebay who do not! This is a shame to me. There even some members who do not show both sides of a stamp on ebay, WOW!

Cheers

David (Stampmaster)

Scanning the backs of stamps takes extra time and effort. I used to only scan the backs of hinged or grilled stamps or stamps with special circumstances like prominent creases or tears where showing the back would add information. However after getting a new and faster scanner and rearranging my work area to make the scanner immediately accessible from my desk, I now scan the backs of most individual or small groups of stamps. While the back of clean used or never hinged stamps may show no information on a scan, that in itself is information. I found that routine scanning would occasionally reveal an inclusion or some other overlooked fault.

I believe that better listings can result from routine back scanning. I am not sure if more sales result, but I can sleep better at night knowing that my listings are better as a result. The additional time required is not doubled because it is less time consuming to correct levels (gamma) of back scans than of multi-colored stamps.

Also, it has only been a couple of years since ebay made it possible provide multiple gallery images at no extra cost. Older listings may include only a front scan because ebay used to charge extra for additional images.

Clark

I don't scan the backs of stamps or covers unless the item is of high value, or in case there are issues that go beyond a simple text explanation. E.g. saying "some staining" on the back of a cover is inadequate - it demands a scan. But I might list a stack of covers and say "no significant back issues" - and lace it at that.

I now scan the backs of used stamps that are not perfect, like used revenues. I like dealers that provide them as well, though I realize it adds to the workflow...

I always take a photo of the back of stamps regardless of the value.Some buyers are very picky about things;so I don't hide anything.I buy on ebay or delcampe and once I asked for a pic of the back;and the seller
asked 5 euros in pre- payment;refundable if I bought the stamp!!
lousy tactic I think...

What I dislike even more is when a postcard seller shows the front only, states the card is postally used, but does not show (or even describe in many cases) the reverse.

i prefer to see both sides scanned. Saves on some unnecessary returns.

Years ago I asked an ebay seller if he could provide a picture of the reverse on a moderately priced stamp. His reply was "If YOU DO NOT LIKE MY DESCRIPTION DO NOT BID!" I didn't. I didn't know at the time that a second imaged would cost him more, but he could have described the reverse in words with the assurance that if I was displeased I could return the stamps for a refund.

Anyway, that's how I would have done it.

That's if he put it up on the page. He could always just email a scan to you. He just didn't want to bother, or worse. You did well to bail; life is too short to have to deal with unnecessary ebay hassles.

Two sides of this coin: "time is money" and "the customer is always right" (I would add common courtesy).

If the stamp has no faults and is low priced, scanning the back adds unnecessary work.

If the stamp is more valuable, has a watermark, or some other feature on the back (e.g. fault), then providing a back scan is common sense (like a postcard - which may be of interest for the stamp/cancel/message as much as the picture).

Apart from the above, I always provide a back scan if asked, but I am not a busy full time seller. If I was, I would probably explain politely that it is not my policy on inexpensive stamps due to time constraints.

Maybe not. Sending a scan by email could be considered by ebay as an attempt to sell outside of ebay. As ebay continues to attempt to place unreasonable restrictions on sellers, customer service will decline even further as sellers are forced to choose between ebay rules and improving customer service. As long as ebay provides discounts the way they do, customer service will lose.

A seller can attach up to 5 images to an ebay message. I mostly sell stamps on pages but occasionally someone asks for a scan of a particular stamp and I send it thru the ebay message system with no trouble.

Exceptional customer service may include sending that extra scan even on a cheap stamp -- It doesn't take more than a few minutes, and might gain a repeat customer. It reminds me of the stamp store in Ashtabula Ohio when I was a kid. I'd have a dollar or two to spend and the owner took as much time with me as with anyone else, and gave me good advice -- like I might want to buy the one stamp that cost a dollar rather than 20 stamps from the nickel box. It was a visit I always looked forward to with delight.

I would happily buy a stamp where the back is not shown, provided the back is not important. I do want to see the grill, if it has one. When selling, I usually scan both sides, unless it is a self-adhesive.mint. Come on, you know what that looks like.

Don