Mystic Stamp Heritage Club?

I haven't bought anything recently (other than albums) from Mystic, so I am no longer inundated with their sales flyers.

Nevertheless, one thing that always bothered me about Mystic as a supplier of stamps (even with their overpricing) is that buried in the introductory paragraphs on how to order they identify their stamps of being in F or F/VF condition. Since the Scott Catalog values stamps in VF condition, the quality of stamps purchased from Mystic are technically considered to be of lesser grade than the values shown in the Scott Catalog.

While this grading variance may not be a major problem with most modern issues that have little premium value, it does become a much greater concern with classic era stamps where the seemingly subtle difference between condition can result in a considerable change in value.

Just something to consider before putting out a great deal of money for stamps that may be of inferior quality than the Scott catalog value may reflect.

Thanks wt1. I have noted how expensive they are, but not good at grading myself, so will have to rely on you for that. Really thinking I'm just going to stay away from them.

It doesn't take much effort to do better

JayR101,

You asked if the albums are free with approvals like in their Heritage club. The answer is no.

Jack Kelley

The Heirloom albums are a deal for a collector who does not need to spend a lot of money on an album and pages. I switched from Scott National since I was tired of spending a lot of money on supplements.

I purchased some spare used binders on ebay recently. For recent issues, I was using Steiner pages since Mystic was not as complete as I would like (missing some major Scott listings). I also used heavier paper (28 lb).

I could see ordering from them for convenience for some items (fill blank spots). They have been good for the hobby.

I'll throw in my agreement with the Mystic supporters. I've done business with them for many years. I love buying supplies from them. They deliver quickly and I've never had a problem with anything I've bought from them. I have an American Heirloom album for my US stamps and I love it. It's about to expand to a fifth volume. I agree that the stamps are a bit overprices, but like others have said...you're paying for the convenience. I've bought plate blocks from them in the past, but nothing recently. I'd hesitate from buying stamps from them unless it was really necessary.

My own experience with Mystic has been positive.

I've ordered supplies from other dealers - some of whom are well regarded on this board - only to see a month later the items still haven't shipped and to be told they don't know when they will ship.

Mystic? I order, it ships.

Most of the stamps I got from Mystic were poorly centered and hideously overpriced. The album and pages were pretty decent though. The black mounts I ordered from them seem to be good too. Had some fall apart at times, but only a few.

Thanks to all for the recent comments.

Mystic is very good to bring new comers to the hobby. They offer a free catalogue and very affordable album with their online sale and approval it's a one stop solution. After fews months with them a beginner will learn enough to fly on his own wings and look other places for more affordable solutions. But mystic still an asset to the hobby. Compare it to Kemore, what Kemore do for the beginners ?

Area66,

I agree with you 100 percent.

Jack Kelley

Is Kenmore even around any more? I purchased from them when I was a young beginner after answering a magazine ad. I still have lots of the stamps tucked away.

Yes. I have no idea how many customers they have, but given how high their prices are, they don't need very many to make a living. I still see their ads running in places like the coupon inserts of a Sunday newspaper. Jamestown is another company similar to Kenmore. I get emails from them occasionally advertising a packet of 25 common WW stamps for $8.50(!). If I could sell my pile of duplicates for that much per stamp, I could probably retire.

Not that I'm about to pay their high prices, but Mystic, Kenmore and Jamestown all run ads in the non-philatelic press and therefore are perhaps the only ads a non-collector/potential new collector will see. Ads in national publications can't be cheap, so they have to pay for that marketing somehow. If we want our hobby to grow, it has to be visible or how will anyone even know it exists?

Give over-vaping teenagers a packet of stamps to wear during their next flash run?

Find a collector with a grand-nephew NASCAR driver?

Vandalize pay phones with dune stamps? Oh, no more pay phones ...

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey