Terms:
Sorry for all the following small print -- I've sold thousands of lots here, and I've learned that
it's better to answer questions first than to get into arguments later on.
Picture too small?
Larger scans are available of most lots -- we can send them by email upon request.
For lots with multiple scans, this could be a few megs of files, so please be
sure you can receive large emails.
Shipping:
Buyers pay shipping costs. I've been trying to keep the costs
down, but heavier lots need more expensive padded envelopes or boxes.
I try to mark every lot with my best estimate of the shipping weight.
Packaging adds a half ounce to
small lots, 1 to 2 ounces for padded envelopes or cardboard backing on medium
lots, and up to 8 ounces for heavy boxes, large flats or mailing tubes.
I have switched to calculated rates for shipping.
I add small but reasonable shipping/packing costs, usually my cost
plus $0.50 (or less). And I will be shipping all lots under an ounce for FREE
(within the USA) for a while.
I will always combine shipping costs if you win multiple lots.
Please note that there are two problem areas in the way the post office charges postage:
going over 13 ounces, there's a jump from $3.21 (first class) to $4.95 (priority mail);
and going over 1 pound, the priority mail rate is based on zones, and jumps to as high as $8.70
to ship to the east coast. So, while I can usually give 30% to 50% off when combining postage,
for those two weight ranges, it's hard to get a break.
I will add free REGISTERED MAIL upon request for any lots
over $100, because I want to make sure they're trackable.
Our post office charges $10 for this.
On overseas shipments over $50 I must require Registered Mail (to protect both buyer and seller),
but I will split the cost, charging only $5.
Overseas:
Please don't ask me to write anything special on the customs forms, or to mark
merchandise as gifts.
I report the accurate values and descriptions of all shipments.
Import fees are the responsibility of the buyer -- please be familiar
with your country's laws and tariffs. Thanks.
Sales Tax:
California residents -- as an added bonus, I pay the sales tax on all items.
So, no charge to you. March, 2009: and the tax rates just went up, too.
Accuracy:
I try to describe all lots accurately, but I must do it quickly. Collections of stamps on pages
will have a range of conditions, mostly fine stamps with some minor flaws possible. I can't
expertise all stamps (absolutely guarantee they're genuine),
but I do my best to weed out the bad ones and present the best material I can find.
Return policy:
We accept returns if the items are damaged or not properly described.
Please return items within 14 days. A refund will be given. Note that mixtures and bulk lots,
where the stamps are not all shown in the photos, are sold AS IS, and are not returnable.
Always contact me first,
and allow a few days to sort things out before filing complaints or whatever. I don't rush anyone
or nag people for feedback, and I appreciate the same courtesy. I think our hobby should be relaxing.
Removing stamps from pages?
Sorry, but I can't spend extra time to remove stamps
from album pages or stock pages to save on shipping.
This could take 15 or 20 minutes or more,
and there is a risk of stamps getting damaged.
A realistic fee for my time would be more than the savings in postage.
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