Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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I have tried several over the years and am most happy with EZstamp.com. There project is amazing and the service is justy out of this world. Never have to wait long for answers to my questions or help with the system... check it out I'm sure you'll like what you see.
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I'll second that endorsement for EZStamp. I've been using it for three years now, and am very happy with it.
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It depends on what your primary goals are. If you are looking for pre-entered data (catalog numbers, descriptions, images) than there are programs Ezstamp and StampManage. I had wanted to be more independent so had used Stampcatplus (has some pre-entered data but no catalogue numbers). I eventually started using excel since I can decide what fields I want and entry is very quick and super easy to duplicate.
Al
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Ahhh....stamp software; a very young blonde, with a very large....envelope of stamps....
TuskenRaider
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Another vote for Microsoft Excel. 
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In order to display my collection, and document it, I have built a database in MS Access, which is definitely overkill, and not just in the information which can be entered, but the time and learning it required.
I am in the home stretch of having it produce album pages with my stamps (my scans), on the fly, and by a large number of criteria. For instance, select page format, border, text box styles, fonts, content, etc, etc...then stamps by year, country, keyword/theme, etc, etc....even by lineage, such as re-issues, overprints of parent country for colonies, etc, etc. Even print a album by stamp color, or printing type.
Gonna take me a while to finish it, but even now, I can view any stamps, zoom view them, even view their "actual" size, just in case.
Saves wear and tear on the stamps, and I'd rather knock a glass of beer over my computer than my prize stamps.
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I had created a database for my model car collection in MS Access mainly because I wanted to learn how to use it. As you said, it was overkill but I learned the program.
Today I have my New Jersey postmark collection in Excel. I use this program every day at work so it's second nature to me, and the right tool for what I need to accomplish.
I haven't ventured into creating full size album pages just yet. Right now I'm working in two pocket pages for my covers and have a template set up in Word to create the 5.5" x 7" title cards. This is working out quite well for what I'm doing.
I use Microsoft Publisher professionally and I believe this would be my tool of choice once I get to creating album or exhibit pages.
My US collection album page created in Word.
My New Jersey page prototype with county highlight. This is set up in Word, in a template with invisible border. I get two of these from an 8.5" x 11" sheet.
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stampCat v10.24 is best ... from norway
http://www.fnprg.com/
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FNProgramvare has ceased operations.
Thanks to all customers for the opportunity to have served the collector community for almost 20 years.
Sorry, but it is no longer possible to purchase any of our programs.
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Just tried to download a demo of EZStamp, but doesn't look like it works on a Mac.
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"stampCat v10.24 is best ... from norway"
It appears that FN Programvare is out of business.
David
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A simple and functional program is available for free from Stamps2Go.com.
-Les
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Is anyone using Ezstamp and if so could I have some comments and advise of how the program is updated annually?
Regards
Richmond
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I've been using EzStamp for several years now and love it. Annual updates are purchased online and downloaded. These updates include new issues and the latest pricings.
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Douglas
I cannot locate pricing information for the annual updates
Regards
Richmond
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Think this is the page you are looking for.
https://ezstamp.netfirms.com/ezstamp/v8_upd_orderCAV.htm
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Thanks - this is quite confusing and I am not sure what S/H stands for.
Reading between the lines and assuming I go WW I would be up for a small fee annually plus the cost of a CD but only where that CD is updated.
Also I am assuming that updated CD's are very piecemeal i.e I would not need to update 100's of CD's every year?
Regards
Richmond
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07:10:08pm
S/H is short for Shipping and Handling.
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I've been using EzStamp for a number of years and am quite happy with it. Like most applications, I always can find something I wish it would do a little differently but overall it does the job. The owner is great to work with when you have questions or suggestions. I do have a question for those who have been using EzStamp for a while... How accurate do you feel that the supplied catalog values are? EzStamp does not use Scott values but instead use values obtained from auctions, sales, etc. One of the things I want to do is to insure my collection but I am concerned about whether or not insurance companies will honor the catalog values supplied by EzStamp. I am not going to buy Scott catalogs as they are ridiculously out of sight price-wise and the supplied catalog values do not reflect reality. Any thoughts?
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For my US collection, I had been using StampCAT Plus but then just took the database and maintained it as an xls file about 2 years ago. A lot of effort was applied to get it complete with a lot of variety details.
In the last year, I have been working on a worldwide collection (initial British SE Asia, expanded to more British Commonwealth (will focus more KGVI era and likely KGV to QEII) after I had purchased a partial collection and had been using excel again with data from Stampworld.
I decided to bite the bullet and get StampManage worldwide edition if anything for the data. The database is an unlocked Microsoft Access db meaning you can open in any database. You can export all data to excel as well and they even have a builtin report to do that.
Years ago, I did a review when I was the editor of PCSG (RIP) newsletter and always liked SM's architectural aspect (open database, good GUI, strong report creation albeit a learning curve for some people) plus Scott numbers. It has a lot of database fields but you really can keep it simple (just an inventory list) if you want and enough built in reports to satisfy minimalists.
BTW, I had used EzStamp for a review and had a lot of positives.
The second aspect is that it has images for many issues so plan to use it as an identifier (will find out soon how good it really is) since Scott and SG do not provide images for every stamp so sometimes to figure out some issues.
In my brief use, I already noticed some missing catalogue numbers and descriptions that are not correct but I am sympathetic to maintaining such as file.
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ANGORE
Out of interest, why did you stop using EZSTAMP?
Regards
Richmond
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angore said:
"Years ago, I did a review when I was the editor of PCSG (RIP)"
Yes, RIP! Hadn't thought about that group in several years. I had no idea you were involved with that effort! Loved the newsletter.
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"Out of interest, why did you stop using EZSTAMP?"
I was doing reviews of inventory programs and it was one of many I had used so "stop using" may be a misnomer.
At the time, I did not like the interface as much as StampManage and liked the more flexible architecture with the data in MS Access db. The report function was extremely flexible. EzStamp had some nice features and Mario provided excellent support. The interface was improved some time after I did the review.
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Unfortunately I discovered the PCSG shortly before its demise - I think it was in its final year, but I did at least manage to subscribe in time to enjoy receiving the final few issues of the "Compulatelist".
I looked up the website, but was not surprised to find that it no longer exists and that the pcsg.org domain now points to a for-sale landing page.
It would be nice however if someone could set up a Wikipedia page with a bit of the history and background rather than let the PCSG completely disappear into obscurity.
Clive
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I did save a copy of much of the website prior to when we closed it down. It was a simple design...very old school.
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What about certificates from EZperf or perfomaster software endorsed by Linn's what value do their certificates have in your opinion? calculates perf and measurements and are 99% accurate as I have run thousands of stamps through each and as long as scans are 300dpi or better and have clean background and cropped with minimal extra space both work very well.
What would you pay for say a scott #596 with one of these certificates?
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"What would you pay for say a scott #596 with one of these certificates?"
Zero.
How does the software determine a flat plate vs. rotary press? (It can't.)
The software does a fine job counting perforations. But a proper identification of a stamp typically also requires analyzing watermarks, paper type, and printing type. Sometime it also includes things like understanding of a cancel is correct for the period.
I would extend this opinion to grading too. While software can easily determining the centering of a stamp, it misses many other attributes needed to properly grade a stamp. For example hidden repairs, regumming, and other condition characteristics.
I have been involved with software development for several decades and you would be hard pressed to find a bigger fan of technology than me. But I hope the marketplace does not take these 'certificates' seriously.
Don
Edit: You mentioned that Linn's endorses EZPerf certs. I have seen the review that Bill Sharpe wrote in Linn's but I have not seen any certification endorsement. Can you supply a link?
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I would just like to say thanks for the knowledge freely and generously given by all our computer boffins, without belittling any of our brain shortcomings (well mine anyway).
Having recently had an excellent and speedy response from Clive regarding my understanding of AlbumEasy it is greatly appreciated the amount of work that has been done.
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Hi Don & All,
just a point of clarification here. Ezperf & EzGrader certificates are NOT certificates of authenticity nor have I ever claimed or promoted them as such. For EzGrader it is certificate of centering to indicate & document the centering of the stamp. EzGrader does NOT attempt to nor can it determine authenticity or make any determination for anything else other than centering. Any subjective determinations such as color, perf, paper brightness, freshness etc are left to others.
Ditto for Ezperf. It simply states that the stamp has perforation measurements as indicated on the printed certificate. It does not attempt to make any claim as to authenticity etc. EzPerf simply measures the perforations very accurately. I find it much easier to use rather than a perf guage. My eyes are not what they used to be
If anyone has questions, you can email me privately & I can answer all questions.
Marios
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06:56:49pm
Hello everyone,I have a question.what is the best down load soft ware for stamp inventory? Thanks for any info . Devil Dog
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12:00:24pm
re: stamp software
I have tried several over the years and am most happy with EZstamp.com. There project is amazing and the service is justy out of this world. Never have to wait long for answers to my questions or help with the system... check it out I'm sure you'll like what you see.
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re: stamp software
I'll second that endorsement for EZStamp. I've been using it for three years now, and am very happy with it.
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re: stamp software
It depends on what your primary goals are. If you are looking for pre-entered data (catalog numbers, descriptions, images) than there are programs Ezstamp and StampManage. I had wanted to be more independent so had used Stampcatplus (has some pre-entered data but no catalogue numbers). I eventually started using excel since I can decide what fields I want and entry is very quick and super easy to duplicate.
Al
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re: stamp software
Ahhh....stamp software; a very young blonde, with a very large....envelope of stamps....
TuskenRaider
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re: stamp software
Another vote for Microsoft Excel.
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10:05:15am
re: stamp software
In order to display my collection, and document it, I have built a database in MS Access, which is definitely overkill, and not just in the information which can be entered, but the time and learning it required.
I am in the home stretch of having it produce album pages with my stamps (my scans), on the fly, and by a large number of criteria. For instance, select page format, border, text box styles, fonts, content, etc, etc...then stamps by year, country, keyword/theme, etc, etc....even by lineage, such as re-issues, overprints of parent country for colonies, etc, etc. Even print a album by stamp color, or printing type.
Gonna take me a while to finish it, but even now, I can view any stamps, zoom view them, even view their "actual" size, just in case.
Saves wear and tear on the stamps, and I'd rather knock a glass of beer over my computer than my prize stamps.
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re: stamp software
I had created a database for my model car collection in MS Access mainly because I wanted to learn how to use it. As you said, it was overkill but I learned the program.
Today I have my New Jersey postmark collection in Excel. I use this program every day at work so it's second nature to me, and the right tool for what I need to accomplish.
I haven't ventured into creating full size album pages just yet. Right now I'm working in two pocket pages for my covers and have a template set up in Word to create the 5.5" x 7" title cards. This is working out quite well for what I'm doing.
I use Microsoft Publisher professionally and I believe this would be my tool of choice once I get to creating album or exhibit pages.
My US collection album page created in Word.
My New Jersey page prototype with county highlight. This is set up in Word, in a template with invisible border. I get two of these from an 8.5" x 11" sheet.
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re: stamp software
stampCat v10.24 is best ... from norway
http://www.fnprg.com/
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re: stamp software
FNProgramvare has ceased operations.
Thanks to all customers for the opportunity to have served the collector community for almost 20 years.
Sorry, but it is no longer possible to purchase any of our programs.
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re: stamp software
Just tried to download a demo of EZStamp, but doesn't look like it works on a Mac.
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re: stamp software
"stampCat v10.24 is best ... from norway"
It appears that FN Programvare is out of business.
David
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09:19:02pm
re: stamp software
A simple and functional program is available for free from Stamps2Go.com.
-Les
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re: stamp software
Is anyone using Ezstamp and if so could I have some comments and advise of how the program is updated annually?
Regards
Richmond
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re: stamp software
I've been using EzStamp for several years now and love it. Annual updates are purchased online and downloaded. These updates include new issues and the latest pricings.
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re: stamp software
Douglas
I cannot locate pricing information for the annual updates
Regards
Richmond
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re: stamp software
Think this is the page you are looking for.
https://ezstamp.netfirms.com/ezstamp/v8_upd_orderCAV.htm
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re: stamp software
Thanks - this is quite confusing and I am not sure what S/H stands for.
Reading between the lines and assuming I go WW I would be up for a small fee annually plus the cost of a CD but only where that CD is updated.
Also I am assuming that updated CD's are very piecemeal i.e I would not need to update 100's of CD's every year?
Regards
Richmond
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webmaster for the ISWSC http://iswsc.org and ATA http://www.americantopicalassn.org
20 Aug 2017
07:10:08pm
re: stamp software
S/H is short for Shipping and Handling.
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re: stamp software
I've been using EzStamp for a number of years and am quite happy with it. Like most applications, I always can find something I wish it would do a little differently but overall it does the job. The owner is great to work with when you have questions or suggestions. I do have a question for those who have been using EzStamp for a while... How accurate do you feel that the supplied catalog values are? EzStamp does not use Scott values but instead use values obtained from auctions, sales, etc. One of the things I want to do is to insure my collection but I am concerned about whether or not insurance companies will honor the catalog values supplied by EzStamp. I am not going to buy Scott catalogs as they are ridiculously out of sight price-wise and the supplied catalog values do not reflect reality. Any thoughts?
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re: stamp software
For my US collection, I had been using StampCAT Plus but then just took the database and maintained it as an xls file about 2 years ago. A lot of effort was applied to get it complete with a lot of variety details.
In the last year, I have been working on a worldwide collection (initial British SE Asia, expanded to more British Commonwealth (will focus more KGVI era and likely KGV to QEII) after I had purchased a partial collection and had been using excel again with data from Stampworld.
I decided to bite the bullet and get StampManage worldwide edition if anything for the data. The database is an unlocked Microsoft Access db meaning you can open in any database. You can export all data to excel as well and they even have a builtin report to do that.
Years ago, I did a review when I was the editor of PCSG (RIP) newsletter and always liked SM's architectural aspect (open database, good GUI, strong report creation albeit a learning curve for some people) plus Scott numbers. It has a lot of database fields but you really can keep it simple (just an inventory list) if you want and enough built in reports to satisfy minimalists.
BTW, I had used EzStamp for a review and had a lot of positives.
The second aspect is that it has images for many issues so plan to use it as an identifier (will find out soon how good it really is) since Scott and SG do not provide images for every stamp so sometimes to figure out some issues.
In my brief use, I already noticed some missing catalogue numbers and descriptions that are not correct but I am sympathetic to maintaining such as file.
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re: stamp software
ANGORE
Out of interest, why did you stop using EZSTAMP?
Regards
Richmond
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re: stamp software
angore said:
"Years ago, I did a review when I was the editor of PCSG (RIP)"
Yes, RIP! Hadn't thought about that group in several years. I had no idea you were involved with that effort! Loved the newsletter.
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re: stamp software
"Out of interest, why did you stop using EZSTAMP?"
I was doing reviews of inventory programs and it was one of many I had used so "stop using" may be a misnomer.
At the time, I did not like the interface as much as StampManage and liked the more flexible architecture with the data in MS Access db. The report function was extremely flexible. EzStamp had some nice features and Mario provided excellent support. The interface was improved some time after I did the review.
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re: stamp software
Unfortunately I discovered the PCSG shortly before its demise - I think it was in its final year, but I did at least manage to subscribe in time to enjoy receiving the final few issues of the "Compulatelist".
I looked up the website, but was not surprised to find that it no longer exists and that the pcsg.org domain now points to a for-sale landing page.
It would be nice however if someone could set up a Wikipedia page with a bit of the history and background rather than let the PCSG completely disappear into obscurity.
Clive
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re: stamp software
I did save a copy of much of the website prior to when we closed it down. It was a simple design...very old school.
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04:14:16pm
re: stamp software
What about certificates from EZperf or perfomaster software endorsed by Linn's what value do their certificates have in your opinion? calculates perf and measurements and are 99% accurate as I have run thousands of stamps through each and as long as scans are 300dpi or better and have clean background and cropped with minimal extra space both work very well.
What would you pay for say a scott #596 with one of these certificates?
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re: stamp software
"What would you pay for say a scott #596 with one of these certificates?"
Zero.
How does the software determine a flat plate vs. rotary press? (It can't.)
The software does a fine job counting perforations. But a proper identification of a stamp typically also requires analyzing watermarks, paper type, and printing type. Sometime it also includes things like understanding of a cancel is correct for the period.
I would extend this opinion to grading too. While software can easily determining the centering of a stamp, it misses many other attributes needed to properly grade a stamp. For example hidden repairs, regumming, and other condition characteristics.
I have been involved with software development for several decades and you would be hard pressed to find a bigger fan of technology than me. But I hope the marketplace does not take these 'certificates' seriously.
Don
Edit: You mentioned that Linn's endorses EZPerf certs. I have seen the review that Bill Sharpe wrote in Linn's but I have not seen any certification endorsement. Can you supply a link?
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re: stamp software
I would just like to say thanks for the knowledge freely and generously given by all our computer boffins, without belittling any of our brain shortcomings (well mine anyway).
Having recently had an excellent and speedy response from Clive regarding my understanding of AlbumEasy it is greatly appreciated the amount of work that has been done.
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re: stamp software
Hi Don & All,
just a point of clarification here. Ezperf & EzGrader certificates are NOT certificates of authenticity nor have I ever claimed or promoted them as such. For EzGrader it is certificate of centering to indicate & document the centering of the stamp. EzGrader does NOT attempt to nor can it determine authenticity or make any determination for anything else other than centering. Any subjective determinations such as color, perf, paper brightness, freshness etc are left to others.
Ditto for Ezperf. It simply states that the stamp has perforation measurements as indicated on the printed certificate. It does not attempt to make any claim as to authenticity etc. EzPerf simply measures the perforations very accurately. I find it much easier to use rather than a perf guage. My eyes are not what they used to be
If anyone has questions, you can email me privately & I can answer all questions.
Marios
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