A Word Of Precaution For Circuit Book Users..........

Last week I got a circuit mailing (USA - BOB), which is about the 5th one I've received. I'm typically very methodical and careful about them (retired analyst) and found out later I made a "rookie mistake" that cost me $9.

Turns out that one stamp (USA o91)was missing from its space, and I did not remove it. The thing is, I didn't realize this until I had processed the books. So rather than get into difficulties with the APS and/or previous holders of the circuits, I paid the $9 as if I had bought it.

AS THE APS ADVISES..... I SHOULD have reviewed each book page by page as soon as I got them, and then advise the APS of any missing stamps w/o indication of another member's purchase.

Like I said, I'll chalk that to a "rookie mistake", and make sure it does not happen again.

I have made the same rookie mistake, not checking each book completely. It was also a BOB circuit. My problem with the circuit books came later, after a few years on the circuit, there's not a lot left for me to choose from, but still cost $6-7 (then) to send to the next on the list.

Join another circuit

Happened to me recently as well on my Canada circuit and it was a jaw dropping dollar value of stamps. I felt awful when I received the letter as I was the last person to handle the circuit. I checked that I had all the books, but didn't carefully go through them all (I collect used, and the book the stamps were out of was MNH, so I didn't even page through it). I contacted the APS and talked to them. They were very reasonable about it, but my god if I don't look at every space in the circuit going forward. It sucks though because it probably was just a mistake, but I am worried about someone in my circuit now possibly skimming stamps.

Couldn't. At the time they had ONE circuit for Officials. After a few years there was nothing but the newer officials, 6-7 books of them of the ten would be the newer issues, which I don't collect.

Hi, its me - the OP - again...........
I've processed a number of circuits since my last posting, buying $60 plus each. On Saturday I got a letter from the APS with an invoice for $51. Seems a stamp was missing from a book that I forwarded on weeks ago. I keep thorough and accurate records and they did not indicate I bought that particular stamp. I then went to the Scotts album and it was still a blank space. Then I went to my meticulous "USA STAMPS NEEDED" listing, and the stamp (USA 351) was still on the "need list".

In short, I don't have the stamp, and of course I wrote the APS and await their response.

Now having to pay $52 for something I didn't get is a bit upsetting. The money is not the issue, but the idea that I'm buying a stamp that someone else has would bother me a lot.

That aside, what really bothers me is what if it was significantly higher value stamps?

I really enjoy the circuits and their arrival in the mailbox makes me smile. But I'm thinking it just might be a good idea to quit the process.

Using the APS Stamp Store may be better for you.

You should also check each book over when you are done and ready to box them for shipment.

I find, all to often, the book owner did not properly mount a stamp(s) and they will fall out just from the book being handled.

Mobilman, someone on your circuit seems to be skimming, Be much more careful from now on, and check your books before you do anything else.

Peter

Thanks all for the good words. Just got a nice email from the APS, and it looks like I'm "off the hook". I'm a retired business analyst (ExxonMobil) and doing detail work with the circuits is right up my alley. I really enjoy the circuits, and hope this incident is a one time thing.

I've never had a problem with circuit members. Typically the same people.

What irks me is circuit members that don't put at least a couple stamps on their forward. We all collect stamps. To get a circuit with just a label is almost an insult.

I wish APS would reverse the circuit membership occasionally.

It is a bit of trouble for the PO clerk (depending who you get) to put stamps on the box, so I've been enclosing the cancelled stamps from circuits I receive in the box I send out.

My "complaint" is that there seems to always be at least one seller whose printing of stamp number and/or price is unclear. I have had stamps I wanted to buy, but the price was a mystery, so I passed them up rather than making a mistake.

All this said, I find the folks at the APS circuit office to be absolutely outstanding and a joy to work with.

One way to always put stamps on your circuits is to buy the stamps when you mail your previous circuit. There is no good excuse not to use stamps on your packages - we are all collectors.

Peter