Your Thoughts On APS "Circuit Books"

As I last posted, I did sign up for circuit books, and a week or so later got an email acknowledgement. I've heard nothing since then, and wonder how long it will be before I get the first grouping.

Try to be a bit patient, you will get one. They have to fit you into an existing route, and if that one just started it will take some time for another one. Also, it makes a difference what exactly you are signing up for.

Peter

A circuit's "speed" depends on a lot of factors:
1) What circuit(s) you choose, the available inventory and popularity;
2) how many people are on the circuit;
3) how quickly the circuit members forward the circuit onward (supposed to be moved within 7 days, but some folks will squat on a circuit for longer);
4) Where you are on the circuit list (new members are added to the bottom of the list initially but each time a new circuit is sent, you move up one space until you are the first recipient);

Once started, the 4 circuits I am on come about every other month. It appears that the average circuit makes it back to APS in about 6-8 weeks.

Renden (Rene)

[quote][/Thanks Peter - will check at the P.O. Also wrote to APS for their experience with Int'lquote]

APS does not do Circuit books in Canada (APS response)- so I have no thoughts about the Topic

I just restarted after having been "on the move" for a year. I believe it took about two months for the first one to arrive after submitting the request. Interestingly, a second circuit came in two days after the first. I have signed up for two others, but haven't gotten either (one is a high demand/limited supply circuit so I know it will be a while).

"Oldguys" list is good. I might expand by saying I've had circuits in the past where there were as few as 4 names on the list and those turned around quickly. I've also been on ones with ten or more recipients.

Hi!
I ordered the I.D. rubber stamp yesterday (www.wcp-nm.com)so that should get me ready to work the circuits. Of course I'm still in "waiting mode", and while I'm a pretty patient guy, I'm also anxious for them to arrive. On a side note, I'm also waiting for a 2017 truck - ordered in mid August with a build date of 11/30 which makes delivery to me about 12/10 or so.

Wow! I knew you dealt in bigger lots and collections but needing to buy a truck to move them!
Don

Hi!
Just an update.............nothing to report. No circuit books, no truck............

mobilman44, I went back and checked my records. I requested 3 new circuits of US stamps on July 1, 2016. The first two arrived the second week of September and the third in middle November (this last one had limited availability). I think once you hit three months it would be worth contacting APS, although now that we are in the holiday season, the circuits may slow down a bit with people on vacation, etc. Sorry this is taking so long but I hope you will find it worth the wait.

Just got my first circuit in the mail today. Looks like I'll be adding some stamps to my collection over the next couple days!

Hi!

Well, two days ago I took delivery of the new truck, and yesterday the first box of circuit books arrived (USA - BOB). The timing is terrific, for I was feeling a bit low on the hobby as I couldn't even find a decent world album to bid on ( ebay) for the last two months. Now, I've got something to help fill the void.

Oh, the truck is terrific! Its a silver (black interior) 2017 Ford F150 XLT Supercab Sport with the bells and whistles.

Hello, our club had always received a box of 16 or so sales books requested by the members...as APS rep I had to request that the circuit be discontinued until further notice...i would have liked to have had 20 dollars or better per month in sales...but lately its only been a few dollars. I think our members are spoiled as they can buy stamps at the club for 20 percent of catalog and therefore think 50 percent of catalog or better in the circuit books are too pricey. Now we are saving 8 dollars plus a month in postage and insurance and its less work for me !

Hi!
Just finished packing up the circuit books for their next stop. I got several stamps from them, spending just over $90. I'm looking forward to the next circuit package(s), and hopefully will be able to fill some holes at reasonable prices. Have to say, I do enjoy going thru them, for each page is a surprise.

Hi again!
Just thought I'd pass along an update for those interested in getting involved with the APS sales circuits. I'm just now packing up another set for the next person in line. I have spent $80-$95 on each set that has come my way.

I find most of the prices quite reasonable, and have been pleased to get good examples of stamps I have been especially after.

Is there a downside to the sales circuits? Well, not in my view, but there are two things that some might have a problem with.

The first is that the turnaround time is expected to be a week or less. For some, that may be a constraint but certainly not for me.
The second is that there is some detailed paper work to be done. Obviously it is a necessity, and I find that its just not that big of a deal.

Anyway, I'm glad I got involved with them, and look forward to the next set.

The concern over the sales circuit turn-around time being only seven (7) days should be kept in perspective. If there are seven people on the circuit and each person keeps the circuit for the full seven days, it will take no less than 49 days (seven weeks) to complete the circuit the way I figure it. That's a long time for the later people to wait. So being prompt is helpful to others. You're basically being loaned the circuit for a few days to look it over. Sort of like a library book except there's a list of people waiting for it after you're done.

If you find you are very busy when it arrives, you could just send it on to the next member without looking at it. I don't currently subscribe to any circuits, but years ago when I did subscribe I did just that once or twice when a circuit arrived when I realized I had no time to look at it. A little frustrating, but I didn't want to hold up the circuit and there will be another one later. I may begin again (now that I'm retired!).