Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Rumour has it they will do it like Stanley Gibbons and Michel, by region... France and Colonies, Germany and Colonies, Scandinavia, etc. We'll have to wait and see, eh?
David
Login to Like
this post
That will kill off the Scott catalogs if they do it that way. I can see how it may be thought to be happening this way since the Scott editor stated that it is difficult for them to decide how to group the various countries.
If true, the catalogs will balloon up to a dozen or so volumes with prices for each probably what one volume costs now. I'll also wager that they will let several of the "sections" lapse for a number of years without updates (ala Gibbons).
Looks like it might be a good idea to get the 2017 catalogs as they would then become the last world wide set. Scott did say that they will announce the format of the 2018 catalogs in March or April.
Login to Like
this post
i just went down in the cellar and got my first Scott catalogs 1971 the world in two books,Vol 1 The Americas , British Commonwealth,U.S., U.N. Volume 2 Europe,Africa,Asia ! Pretty simple, the books look so basic compared to the Scotts catalogs of today ! The zeps cataloged $610 mint and 397.50 used. The penny black 155.00 mint 21.00 used ! If i had to i could collect the world to 1970 !
Login to Like
this post
09:06:04pm
" .... If I had to I could collect the world to 1970 ! ...."
Sure and if the prices in my oldest Scott Catalog, 1904, were valid I could own the Columbian Expositions and Trans Mississippis for today's lunch money.
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride"
Hi ho Silver, awaaaaaay !!!
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Actually I collect much like philb suggests except I quit collecting world wide after 1984. I replace the ww catalogues each five years just to have more recent values. And then I purchase someone else's set when they update. Maintain the oldest catalogue with my inventory so I don't have the veryyyyyy large job of bringing the inventory forward to the newest set.
Dan H
Login to Like
this post
I recall filling out a survey from Amos Press last year on Scott catalogs. One of the options was to do it by country, another was to make it a 12 volume set. I usually buy a year old set every 2 years so I am due to get a set this year. Since I sell only older stamps and collect for the most part non-scott, there is no need for me to have a current set of catalogs
Login to Like
this post
Just checked my 1958 Scott Combine Edition Standard Postage and Stamps catalogue, Zepps, mint $175, used $140. BTW this is a 3" thick volume.
Login to Like
this post
"1958 Scott Combine Edition Standard Postage and Stamps catalogue, Zepps, mint $175, used $140"
If someone can adjust those values for inflation, and compare that adjusted number with the current catalog value, that'll let you know if buying the set was a good investment or not.
Login to Like
this post
One rough calculator on-line has 1958 vales equal to $3,895 mint in 2015
Login to Like
this post
"One rough calculator on-line has 1958 values equal to $3,895 mint in 2015"
That must be including something other than inflation. The cumulative inflation from 1957-2015 is 743.5%, which equates $175 in 1957 into $1476.08 in 2015. The 2016 Scott Volume 1 catalog value for a mint set is $1900 ($1155 for unused original gum). I'm not sure whether the $175 price quote for the 1958 catalog was for never hinged or hinged. I'm guessing the 1958 catalog value is for F-VF(?), while the 2016 catalog is for VF; so that may need to be considered in the comparison.
Login to Like
this post
"That will kill off the Scott catalogs if they do it that way. I can see how it may be thought to be happening this way since the Scott editor stated that it is difficult for them to decide how to group the various countries.
If true, the catalogs will balloon up to a dozen or so volumes with prices for each probably what one volume costs now. I'll also wager that they will let several of the "sections" lapse for a number of years without updates (ala Gibbons).
Looks like it might be a good idea to get the 2017 catalogs as they would then become the last world wide set. Scott did say that they will announce the format of the 2018 catalogs in March or April."
Michel groups the countries (and therefore their catalogues) in regions. They have North America, South America (2 parts), North Africa, Middle Africa, South Africa etc. That does indeed mean you will end up with about 20 volumes. Yes, that will be inconvenient for the worldwide collector but then again, it also has its advantages. For instance, there are many who collect for instance Scandinavia. If they use the Scott catalogues, they will need volume 2 (Denmark and Finland), 3 (Iceland), 4 (Norway) and 6 (Sweden). This would be one single volume when grouped together as a region.
Another example: suppose one collects the Indian subcontinent. In that case you'd need volume 1 (Bangladesh and Bhutan), volume 2 (Ceylon), volume 3 (India), volume 4 (Nepal and Pakistan), volume 5 (Portuguese India, Seychelles) and volume 6 (Sri Lanka). In other words, for just a few countries you'd need all volumes. Even if you only collected Ceylon / Sri Lanka two volumes would be needed...
I would go for the Michel system anytime and if that means there is not going to be a new version of each volume every year, so be it.
Login to Like
this post
In the end i was purchasing Scott catalogs mainly for trading purposes...not a good investment ! I guess its never too late to wake up...a duplicate is a duplicate to me...if i can get a stamp that i can use for my collection for it.i do not have to damand catalog for catalog .
Login to Like
this post
Jan, I can definitely see the advantages to regional catalogs, and the advantage of the format of the "standard" catalogs. Just Scott is a company that is so inconsistent, that they can be hard to trust. Also, I can just imagine how much they'll charge for each regional volume. As for updating the catalogs, I'll wager it could be five or more years for updates on the regions that they determine to be unpopular.
I'm planning on getting the 2017 catalogs. Scott says that is the last year for the 6-volume set. What 2018 brings, we'll have to see. Scott says they'll announce in February or March what the 2018 catalogs will look like. Like when a new car model comes out, it might be a good idea to let the 2018 model get its trial run, and buy the 2019 edition after most of the bugs are worked out. I just hope they don't bring out a catalog set with as many volumes as DelCampe has categories, and their pricing per volume had better not cost a second mortgage either.
Login to Like
this post
my problem with their catalogs is the fact that their well over 100 per new and are softbound making them really annoying to work with and shelf, Id think at that price point they could offer a hardbound.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
The softbound aspect is a deal breaker for me. I suppose that at the current price point it would be worth it to have them bound if you were going to keep them for awhile.
The cost to Scott to have them hardbound at the time of printing would be minimal.
Login to Like
this post
Some decades ago, I read that that the difference in production costs between a paperback and a hardcover was 45 cents. This takes into account several factors which would not apply to the Scott catalogs, such as the hardcover's much larger size, the use of better quality paper, and the production of a slick dust jacket. The only difference between a hardcover and softcover Scott catalogue would be the use of boards instead of paper wraps.
Micahel#####, would you please win the lotto, already?
Login to Like
this post
It has to be the research..my late son in law was in the printing/publishing business, it just does not cost a hundred bucks each to mass produce a run of books !
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
My husband's father had some old books rebound several years ago. The cost of repair/restitching and a very nice binding was around $20 each. To realize just how cheap it is to print a new book on today's presses take a look at the remainder tables at Barnes & Noble - some decent quality work out there at under ten dollars.
It's not the cost of research because that is all automatic now - it's just a computerized dartboard. The cost of promotion is high.
My two cents
Login to Like
this post
I recently saw HE Harris catalogs for sale at Hobby Lobby. They were printed spiral bound. I liked that a lot since they will lay flat.
Login to Like
this post
Scott does issue a hardbound catalog. They charge $50 more for that.
Ted, I'll probably win the lottery when you learn how to spell my name right! 
Login to Like
this post
Holy crap! I sure mangled that, didn't I. 
Login to Like
this post
Dear Scottos, i would like an updated version of your catalogs to 1969..i am really not too interested in most of the stuff that came off the presses after that !
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Just a thought- I imagine one of Scott's largest customers for their catalogs are libraries. In just my under-populated county in western Virginia there are 3 town libraries, 1 county and 2 county satellite libraries. All 6 libraries keep the most current edition for reference and the prior 2-3 year sets for checking out. That's 6 sets for libraries in this one small (population wise) county. All the county, city and town libraries nationwide must be a huge sale for those catalogs. I would venture to say it very easily could account for maybe 30-40% of total sales (conjecture only). If they go from 6 to 10 or more volumes at about the same price per volume some libraries may balk and only order every 2 or 3 years or discontinue altogether. Yes, Scott's would be getting more dollars per set but I still think they may lose more than they gain.
Login to Like
this post
It would be interesting to know how many times those older volumes are checked out. The last time I went to a library (admittedly a long time ago) the set mainly sat on the shelf - showing only a couple of check outs per year.
Not sure of the population of your county but it seems like an awful waste of tax dollars to buy 6 new sets eack year when inter library sharing is the norm on reference books.
Login to Like
this post
Carol, you voice what I've thought for quite a while. It seems like a waste of money to carry so many sets county-wide. However, surprisingly more often than not I can't find a volume in either 2013 or 2014 at one location but can usually find one or the other at a second location. And the best thing...... last fall the librarian at the satellite location 2 miles from my home called me and offered me a complete set of 2012 catalogs for--- $5.00. When I went to pick them up he had the complete 2012 and 5 of 6 2011 for me. I really didn't want the 2011 but I took them anyway. I gave him $20.00 instead of $5.00- goodwill for maybe being offered future sets!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I think I'll be headed to my local library to see what they've got. I have a 2004 Specialized US catalog, so I have all the identification etc that I need. What I do want to do is copy the pages for values of stamps up to the 1920s just for score keeping. Right now I've been buying nice stamps for 10% of value in my 2004 book.
Login to Like
this post
Hopefully, format meant "going digital".... I miss my CD's
1988 Scott's was 4 volumes, 3/4 tall and lighter as current.... I still use them at times
Volume 1, USA, UN, GB and Commonwealth..... so much easier to handle. I understand there would have to be 12-15 volumes (88-today) but more volumes wouldn't be so unwielding
Login to Like
this post
I bought a couple of the online versions of the catalogue, with the idea that you could save them to a laptop and take it where every you go. That was sort of implied in their descriptions. NOPE! You have to connected to the internet to use them.
I called and complained and I got my money back for them. I asked if they had CD's and they said they would not be making them anymore, because so many people were making copies from them for all of their friend. I was told they even found copies selling on e-bay. That's probably true, but I didn't see any at this time.
I wish they would make a loose leaf version that would fit into a standard binder. Then sell each country individually and if you buy several countries, then they could give a bit of a discount. They could also sell matching binders to hold the pages. Then just offer supplements each year for the new issues. Would also be nice if the pictures and text were on different pages as well, so that every few years they could upgrade just the prices.
Login to Like
this post
"I wish they would make a loose leaf version that would fit into a standard binder. Then sell each country individually and if you buy several countries, then they could give a bit of a discount. They could also sell matching binders to hold the pages. Then just offer supplements each year for the new issues. Would also be nice if the pictures and text were on different pages as well, so that every few years they could upgrade just the prices."
I wouldn't hold out any hope......
I believe the 2006 CD's were the last that could be edited and the 2008's were the last CD's ever.....There was quite a bit of pirating going on concerning the 2006 issue....
I hope Michael#s will straighten it out soon as the sale closes.... my two cents, price the cd's reasonably and offer rebates and contests for buying, (the paperwork inside the cd case) Ex... free binders, free lifetime subscriptions, etc.... there would be so little pirating it wouldn't be worth their while to persue it
Login to Like
this post
Scott has lost a large portion of its sales as they increased prices as libraries stopped buying them. Libraries in my area do not carry the catalog, and haven't done so for many years.
The idea for all the giveaways might work in the US, but the pirates outside the US will still have at it, especially China.
Login to Like
this post
I would pay an annual "membership fee" to have online access to the latest and greatest catalogue version. More of a subscription than buying a catalogue. Michael, when are you going to buy them already?
Login to Like
this post
"Michael, when are you going to buy them already?"
When he wins the lottery, which will be when I learn how to spell Micahel#####.
Login to Like
this post
Actually Ted, Michael is twisted from Micah'el .... מִיכָ×ֵל ......you had it more right than you know
Mike, short for Michael who would be Micah'el in another time and land
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
There are 23 city-owned public library branches in Ottawa, Ont. Canada (population 950,000.)
For the past several years, the Ottawa Public Library purchased 20 sets of the Scott Catalogue.
For the 2017 set, they are only purchasing five.
I'm sure many other libraries across Canada will be doing the same.
David G.
Ottawa
Login to Like
this post
"Actually Ted, Michael is twisted from Micah'el .... מִיכָ×ֵל ......you had it more right than you know
Mike, short for Michael who would be Micah'el in another time and land "
Now you've done it and got me confused how to spell my own name! Now I'll never be able to buy Scott, because if I can't spell my name, I can't sign the papers!
Me Numbers
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
I came across an online site that you can "checkout" a copy of a few different Scott catalogs. The latest version that I saw was 2003. It's free and you can download them as a PDF or view them online. You can check them out for 2 weeks at a time and "returning" them is easy. I did a quick download of the 1997 version and returned it without any problems. The site is called "Open Library", membership is also free. They have lots of different versions, but unless you're disabled, the only ones you can check out are the ones marked "borrow". It seems like a good place to access at least some of the Scott catalogs.
WB
Login to Like
this post
i have used scott catalogs at local libraries and in Florida...they are clearly marked for "reference only" in other words the library was not taking chances on the catalogs walking away. For some reason the amount of catalogs that Scott prints and distributes seems to be a State Secret to the general stamp collecting public. I guess they feel we do not have "the need to know".
Login to Like
this post
I asked Scott about that a couple of years ago. They wouldn't tell me a number. They only said that sales are continually going down. I did reply back that quite possibly the annual price increase has something to do with it. Scott said that they had to increase the price every year to compensate for the lower sales each year.
The same attitude like the US Postal Service. First Class mail is decreasing so they have to increase the postage rates to compensate for it. Of course each year the same justification is used to raise the rates.
Soon, my books might be selling better than the Scott Catalogs.
Login to Like
this post
"said that sales are continually going down. I did reply back that quite possibly the annual price increase has something to do with it. Scott said that they had to increase the price every year to compensate for the lower sales each year.
The same attitude like the US Postal Service. First Class mail is decreasing so they have to increase the postage rates to compensate for it. "
Every big business is run with the same logic......when I started with my company we had 75 techs, we're down to 23 (4 with long term injuries but have to out of work 18 months to get off roster). Company says they can't hire more bodies because we aren't completing enough calls. We spend all day driving to work an area 75 guys are needed to cover. So we keep increasing our rates. Soon we will be priced so high we won't be getting called and then we won't need more bodies, hey it does make sense.
Our library system doesn't shelf any philatelic publications but does shelf salt and pepper shaker reference???
Login to Like
this post
"Our library system doesn't shelf any philatelic publications but does shelf salt and pepper shaker reference???"
Sad to say, there are probably more s&p shaker collectors in the US than there are stamp collectors.
Ted
Login to Like
this post
"Sad to say, there are probably more s&p shaker collectors in the US than there are stamp collectors"
Ted, there are also lots of them in Canada, at local household auctions they will some times go for good prices if they have older, unusual designs. We have also noticed that some go missing before the auction starts, no doubt due to the light fingered brigade and ample pockets.
Login to Like
this post
We are going to a semi annual post card show Sunday...you hardly have room to turn your rear end around...i hear the people and they come from neighboring states to attend. If only our local stamp collectors had the same dedication !
Login to Like
this post
Just received an email newsletter from Palo stamp supplies (Lindner). They are offering a set of 6 Scott catalogs 2015 for $300 if anyone is interested. Mot sure how many sets they have.
Login to Like
this post
If that's the case, you might want to consider the deal from Amos -- $300 for the 6-vol 2016 set. Additional $50 and you can add on the US Specialized.
Login to Like
this post
This change to the existing Scott catalog is quite interesting in that they could down the road be shooting themselves in the foot. Probably most of you have seen the online catalog located at www.stampworld.com. I once contacted them and asked if they would ever be putting other catalog numbers out there as well as their own, similar to what Collnect.com does. They said no as their intent is to switch the world over to their numbering system. Maybe a change to Scott will begin to push a lot more people over to a universal numbering system. I find the search engine on Stampworld to be amazing when you are trying to find the year of issue.
Greg
Login to Like
this post
I guess I need to get up to Ohio as soon as possible. Volume 1 of the 2017 catalog was announced as being released on April 1. Today I got a back order notice.
Login to Like
this post
Linn's is reporting that Scott will change the format of the Standard six volume catalog starting with the 2018 edition. Scott has not decided how to do this as of yet. It is expected that Scott will announce the new catalog configuration either March or April 2016. (I have a bad feeling about this..., but maybe Scott will surprise us all and come up with a good plan.)
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Rumour has it they will do it like Stanley Gibbons and Michel, by region... France and Colonies, Germany and Colonies, Scandinavia, etc. We'll have to wait and see, eh?
David
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
That will kill off the Scott catalogs if they do it that way. I can see how it may be thought to be happening this way since the Scott editor stated that it is difficult for them to decide how to group the various countries.
If true, the catalogs will balloon up to a dozen or so volumes with prices for each probably what one volume costs now. I'll also wager that they will let several of the "sections" lapse for a number of years without updates (ala Gibbons).
Looks like it might be a good idea to get the 2017 catalogs as they would then become the last world wide set. Scott did say that they will announce the format of the 2018 catalogs in March or April.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
i just went down in the cellar and got my first Scott catalogs 1971 the world in two books,Vol 1 The Americas , British Commonwealth,U.S., U.N. Volume 2 Europe,Africa,Asia ! Pretty simple, the books look so basic compared to the Scotts catalogs of today ! The zeps cataloged $610 mint and 397.50 used. The penny black 155.00 mint 21.00 used ! If i had to i could collect the world to 1970 !
Login to Like
this post
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
19 Nov 2015
09:06:04pm
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
" .... If I had to I could collect the world to 1970 ! ...."
Sure and if the prices in my oldest Scott Catalog, 1904, were valid I could own the Columbian Expositions and Trans Mississippis for today's lunch money.
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride"
Hi ho Silver, awaaaaaay !!!
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
12:15:59am
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Actually I collect much like philb suggests except I quit collecting world wide after 1984. I replace the ww catalogues each five years just to have more recent values. And then I purchase someone else's set when they update. Maintain the oldest catalogue with my inventory so I don't have the veryyyyyy large job of bringing the inventory forward to the newest set.
Dan H
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I recall filling out a survey from Amos Press last year on Scott catalogs. One of the options was to do it by country, another was to make it a 12 volume set. I usually buy a year old set every 2 years so I am due to get a set this year. Since I sell only older stamps and collect for the most part non-scott, there is no need for me to have a current set of catalogs
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Just checked my 1958 Scott Combine Edition Standard Postage and Stamps catalogue, Zepps, mint $175, used $140. BTW this is a 3" thick volume.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"1958 Scott Combine Edition Standard Postage and Stamps catalogue, Zepps, mint $175, used $140"
If someone can adjust those values for inflation, and compare that adjusted number with the current catalog value, that'll let you know if buying the set was a good investment or not.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
One rough calculator on-line has 1958 vales equal to $3,895 mint in 2015
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"One rough calculator on-line has 1958 values equal to $3,895 mint in 2015"
That must be including something other than inflation. The cumulative inflation from 1957-2015 is 743.5%, which equates $175 in 1957 into $1476.08 in 2015. The 2016 Scott Volume 1 catalog value for a mint set is $1900 ($1155 for unused original gum). I'm not sure whether the $175 price quote for the 1958 catalog was for never hinged or hinged. I'm guessing the 1958 catalog value is for F-VF(?), while the 2016 catalog is for VF; so that may need to be considered in the comparison.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"That will kill off the Scott catalogs if they do it that way. I can see how it may be thought to be happening this way since the Scott editor stated that it is difficult for them to decide how to group the various countries.
If true, the catalogs will balloon up to a dozen or so volumes with prices for each probably what one volume costs now. I'll also wager that they will let several of the "sections" lapse for a number of years without updates (ala Gibbons).
Looks like it might be a good idea to get the 2017 catalogs as they would then become the last world wide set. Scott did say that they will announce the format of the 2018 catalogs in March or April."
Michel groups the countries (and therefore their catalogues) in regions. They have North America, South America (2 parts), North Africa, Middle Africa, South Africa etc. That does indeed mean you will end up with about 20 volumes. Yes, that will be inconvenient for the worldwide collector but then again, it also has its advantages. For instance, there are many who collect for instance Scandinavia. If they use the Scott catalogues, they will need volume 2 (Denmark and Finland), 3 (Iceland), 4 (Norway) and 6 (Sweden). This would be one single volume when grouped together as a region.
Another example: suppose one collects the Indian subcontinent. In that case you'd need volume 1 (Bangladesh and Bhutan), volume 2 (Ceylon), volume 3 (India), volume 4 (Nepal and Pakistan), volume 5 (Portuguese India, Seychelles) and volume 6 (Sri Lanka). In other words, for just a few countries you'd need all volumes. Even if you only collected Ceylon / Sri Lanka two volumes would be needed...
I would go for the Michel system anytime and if that means there is not going to be a new version of each volume every year, so be it.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
In the end i was purchasing Scott catalogs mainly for trading purposes...not a good investment ! I guess its never too late to wake up...a duplicate is a duplicate to me...if i can get a stamp that i can use for my collection for it.i do not have to damand catalog for catalog .
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Jan, I can definitely see the advantages to regional catalogs, and the advantage of the format of the "standard" catalogs. Just Scott is a company that is so inconsistent, that they can be hard to trust. Also, I can just imagine how much they'll charge for each regional volume. As for updating the catalogs, I'll wager it could be five or more years for updates on the regions that they determine to be unpopular.
I'm planning on getting the 2017 catalogs. Scott says that is the last year for the 6-volume set. What 2018 brings, we'll have to see. Scott says they'll announce in February or March what the 2018 catalogs will look like. Like when a new car model comes out, it might be a good idea to let the 2018 model get its trial run, and buy the 2019 edition after most of the bugs are worked out. I just hope they don't bring out a catalog set with as many volumes as DelCampe has categories, and their pricing per volume had better not cost a second mortgage either.
Login to Like
this post
12:45:20pm
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
my problem with their catalogs is the fact that their well over 100 per new and are softbound making them really annoying to work with and shelf, Id think at that price point they could offer a hardbound.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
The softbound aspect is a deal breaker for me. I suppose that at the current price point it would be worth it to have them bound if you were going to keep them for awhile.
The cost to Scott to have them hardbound at the time of printing would be minimal.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Some decades ago, I read that that the difference in production costs between a paperback and a hardcover was 45 cents. This takes into account several factors which would not apply to the Scott catalogs, such as the hardcover's much larger size, the use of better quality paper, and the production of a slick dust jacket. The only difference between a hardcover and softcover Scott catalogue would be the use of boards instead of paper wraps.
Micahel#####, would you please win the lotto, already?
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
It has to be the research..my late son in law was in the printing/publishing business, it just does not cost a hundred bucks each to mass produce a run of books !
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
My husband's father had some old books rebound several years ago. The cost of repair/restitching and a very nice binding was around $20 each. To realize just how cheap it is to print a new book on today's presses take a look at the remainder tables at Barnes & Noble - some decent quality work out there at under ten dollars.
It's not the cost of research because that is all automatic now - it's just a computerized dartboard. The cost of promotion is high.
My two cents
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I recently saw HE Harris catalogs for sale at Hobby Lobby. They were printed spiral bound. I liked that a lot since they will lay flat.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Scott does issue a hardbound catalog. They charge $50 more for that.
Ted, I'll probably win the lottery when you learn how to spell my name right!
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Holy crap! I sure mangled that, didn't I.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Dear Scottos, i would like an updated version of your catalogs to 1969..i am really not too interested in most of the stuff that came off the presses after that !
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Just a thought- I imagine one of Scott's largest customers for their catalogs are libraries. In just my under-populated county in western Virginia there are 3 town libraries, 1 county and 2 county satellite libraries. All 6 libraries keep the most current edition for reference and the prior 2-3 year sets for checking out. That's 6 sets for libraries in this one small (population wise) county. All the county, city and town libraries nationwide must be a huge sale for those catalogs. I would venture to say it very easily could account for maybe 30-40% of total sales (conjecture only). If they go from 6 to 10 or more volumes at about the same price per volume some libraries may balk and only order every 2 or 3 years or discontinue altogether. Yes, Scott's would be getting more dollars per set but I still think they may lose more than they gain.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
It would be interesting to know how many times those older volumes are checked out. The last time I went to a library (admittedly a long time ago) the set mainly sat on the shelf - showing only a couple of check outs per year.
Not sure of the population of your county but it seems like an awful waste of tax dollars to buy 6 new sets eack year when inter library sharing is the norm on reference books.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Carol, you voice what I've thought for quite a while. It seems like a waste of money to carry so many sets county-wide. However, surprisingly more often than not I can't find a volume in either 2013 or 2014 at one location but can usually find one or the other at a second location. And the best thing...... last fall the librarian at the satellite location 2 miles from my home called me and offered me a complete set of 2012 catalogs for--- $5.00. When I went to pick them up he had the complete 2012 and 5 of 6 2011 for me. I really didn't want the 2011 but I took them anyway. I gave him $20.00 instead of $5.00- goodwill for maybe being offered future sets!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Approvals
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I think I'll be headed to my local library to see what they've got. I have a 2004 Specialized US catalog, so I have all the identification etc that I need. What I do want to do is copy the pages for values of stamps up to the 1920s just for score keeping. Right now I've been buying nice stamps for 10% of value in my 2004 book.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Hopefully, format meant "going digital".... I miss my CD's
1988 Scott's was 4 volumes, 3/4 tall and lighter as current.... I still use them at times
Volume 1, USA, UN, GB and Commonwealth..... so much easier to handle. I understand there would have to be 12-15 volumes (88-today) but more volumes wouldn't be so unwielding
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I bought a couple of the online versions of the catalogue, with the idea that you could save them to a laptop and take it where every you go. That was sort of implied in their descriptions. NOPE! You have to connected to the internet to use them.
I called and complained and I got my money back for them. I asked if they had CD's and they said they would not be making them anymore, because so many people were making copies from them for all of their friend. I was told they even found copies selling on e-bay. That's probably true, but I didn't see any at this time.
I wish they would make a loose leaf version that would fit into a standard binder. Then sell each country individually and if you buy several countries, then they could give a bit of a discount. They could also sell matching binders to hold the pages. Then just offer supplements each year for the new issues. Would also be nice if the pictures and text were on different pages as well, so that every few years they could upgrade just the prices.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"I wish they would make a loose leaf version that would fit into a standard binder. Then sell each country individually and if you buy several countries, then they could give a bit of a discount. They could also sell matching binders to hold the pages. Then just offer supplements each year for the new issues. Would also be nice if the pictures and text were on different pages as well, so that every few years they could upgrade just the prices."
I wouldn't hold out any hope......
I believe the 2006 CD's were the last that could be edited and the 2008's were the last CD's ever.....There was quite a bit of pirating going on concerning the 2006 issue....
I hope Michael#s will straighten it out soon as the sale closes.... my two cents, price the cd's reasonably and offer rebates and contests for buying, (the paperwork inside the cd case) Ex... free binders, free lifetime subscriptions, etc.... there would be so little pirating it wouldn't be worth their while to persue it
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Scott has lost a large portion of its sales as they increased prices as libraries stopped buying them. Libraries in my area do not carry the catalog, and haven't done so for many years.
The idea for all the giveaways might work in the US, but the pirates outside the US will still have at it, especially China.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I would pay an annual "membership fee" to have online access to the latest and greatest catalogue version. More of a subscription than buying a catalogue. Michael, when are you going to buy them already?
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"Michael, when are you going to buy them already?"
When he wins the lottery, which will be when I learn how to spell Micahel#####.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Actually Ted, Michael is twisted from Micah'el .... מִיכָ×ֵל ......you had it more right than you know
Mike, short for Michael who would be Micah'el in another time and land
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
There are 23 city-owned public library branches in Ottawa, Ont. Canada (population 950,000.)
For the past several years, the Ottawa Public Library purchased 20 sets of the Scott Catalogue.
For the 2017 set, they are only purchasing five.
I'm sure many other libraries across Canada will be doing the same.
David G.
Ottawa
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"Actually Ted, Michael is twisted from Micah'el .... מִיכָ×ֵל ......you had it more right than you know
Mike, short for Michael who would be Micah'el in another time and land "
Now you've done it and got me confused how to spell my own name! Now I'll never be able to buy Scott, because if I can't spell my name, I can't sign the papers!
Me Numbers
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I came across an online site that you can "checkout" a copy of a few different Scott catalogs. The latest version that I saw was 2003. It's free and you can download them as a PDF or view them online. You can check them out for 2 weeks at a time and "returning" them is easy. I did a quick download of the 1997 version and returned it without any problems. The site is called "Open Library", membership is also free. They have lots of different versions, but unless you're disabled, the only ones you can check out are the ones marked "borrow". It seems like a good place to access at least some of the Scott catalogs.
WB
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
i have used scott catalogs at local libraries and in Florida...they are clearly marked for "reference only" in other words the library was not taking chances on the catalogs walking away. For some reason the amount of catalogs that Scott prints and distributes seems to be a State Secret to the general stamp collecting public. I guess they feel we do not have "the need to know".
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I asked Scott about that a couple of years ago. They wouldn't tell me a number. They only said that sales are continually going down. I did reply back that quite possibly the annual price increase has something to do with it. Scott said that they had to increase the price every year to compensate for the lower sales each year.
The same attitude like the US Postal Service. First Class mail is decreasing so they have to increase the postage rates to compensate for it. Of course each year the same justification is used to raise the rates.
Soon, my books might be selling better than the Scott Catalogs.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"said that sales are continually going down. I did reply back that quite possibly the annual price increase has something to do with it. Scott said that they had to increase the price every year to compensate for the lower sales each year.
The same attitude like the US Postal Service. First Class mail is decreasing so they have to increase the postage rates to compensate for it. "
Every big business is run with the same logic......when I started with my company we had 75 techs, we're down to 23 (4 with long term injuries but have to out of work 18 months to get off roster). Company says they can't hire more bodies because we aren't completing enough calls. We spend all day driving to work an area 75 guys are needed to cover. So we keep increasing our rates. Soon we will be priced so high we won't be getting called and then we won't need more bodies, hey it does make sense.
Our library system doesn't shelf any philatelic publications but does shelf salt and pepper shaker reference???
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"Our library system doesn't shelf any philatelic publications but does shelf salt and pepper shaker reference???"
Sad to say, there are probably more s&p shaker collectors in the US than there are stamp collectors.
Ted
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
"Sad to say, there are probably more s&p shaker collectors in the US than there are stamp collectors"
Ted, there are also lots of them in Canada, at local household auctions they will some times go for good prices if they have older, unusual designs. We have also noticed that some go missing before the auction starts, no doubt due to the light fingered brigade and ample pockets.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
We are going to a semi annual post card show Sunday...you hardly have room to turn your rear end around...i hear the people and they come from neighboring states to attend. If only our local stamp collectors had the same dedication !
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
Just received an email newsletter from Palo stamp supplies (Lindner). They are offering a set of 6 Scott catalogs 2015 for $300 if anyone is interested. Mot sure how many sets they have.
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
If that's the case, you might want to consider the deal from Amos -- $300 for the 6-vol 2016 set. Additional $50 and you can add on the US Specialized.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
This change to the existing Scott catalog is quite interesting in that they could down the road be shooting themselves in the foot. Probably most of you have seen the online catalog located at www.stampworld.com. I once contacted them and asked if they would ever be putting other catalog numbers out there as well as their own, similar to what Collnect.com does. They said no as their intent is to switch the world over to their numbering system. Maybe a change to Scott will begin to push a lot more people over to a universal numbering system. I find the search engine on Stampworld to be amazing when you are trying to find the year of issue.
Greg
Login to Like
this post
re: Scott Standard Catalogs
I guess I need to get up to Ohio as soon as possible. Volume 1 of the 2017 catalog was announced as being released on April 1. Today I got a back order notice.
Login to Like
this post