Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
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In general, I agree with you and personally enjoy seeing stamps on the shipments I receive; even though I don't collect contemporary stamps, nonetheless I like to see "real stamps" being used instead of printed labels.
From a collector-seller's perspective, I almost always use stamps on my shipments, and I'll even try to estimate your collecting interest from the member profile area and use similar themed stamps as postage if possible.
However, I do not use stamps on shipments by Priority Mail, large packages, or shipment of high value items, especially to a non-US address. Printing labels from the USPS or PayPal websites provides me with a discount (which is passed on to the buyer, BTW) and easier proof of delivery in case of claims to PayPal.
Cheers,
Peter
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Joseph,
yes, the irony is inescapable, but obviously one that can be ignored by a multitude of senders. And it's not restricted to eBay; i've had SOR people send me things franked by meters, common definitives, and mutilated reused stamps.
For eBay, this is a combination of cost savings and tracking convenience; for us, well, it's just a pity.
David
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The label is a postage meter. People do collect those too, though I can see where you are coming from.
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I usually ship using all sorts of stamps for postage. I also adorn the envelopes packages with foreign stamps. However, like Peter said, there are times when it is not prudent to use postage stamps on some shipments where the use of such could be a clue to someone that there are valuables inside the package, or special tracking is needed.
With that said, stamp collectors and dealers should support the hobby and show it off, so-to-speak, but the bottom line is that a buyer pays for what is inside the envelope. Not what's on the outside.
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Usually the mailer is faced with having to make a trip to the PO if they use "real" postage stamps, since there is no way of tracking a package, tracking as in where it was sent from, not as in tracking the route of the package or the arrival of. Using the PO gives the package validity since the clerks (and cameras) can see who is mailing the package. By using the USPS online mailing system, or et cetera, you must use a credit card, or Paypal, to pay for your postage, which is of course traceable in case your package is loaded with Anthrax or C-4 explosives.
Mike
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On envelopes and small packages I almost always use stamps. On larger packages I use a combination of stamps and traceable labels. Short pay the stamps by a few pennies and print a meter for the difference. Boom, the best of both worlds! 
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". . . your package is loaded with . . . C-4 explosives. "
What if I wanted some C-4 explosives?
I did get an envelope from the APS today (some stamps and covers from the stamp store). I was quite pleased to see a $2 Waves of Color stamp on it.
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For some reason or another, they frown on posting C-4 through the USPS system. Spoil sports aren't they?
Yes, I enjoy receiving mail from the APS and the stamps they use. They have a contract PO, set up in the old PO from West Virginia, so they are able to apply stamps on everything they ship out, except C-4 of course.
Mike
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I take packages to the post office as I do not like to advertise that stamps are enclosed and really do not like it when someone sends me a package loaded with stamps. Yes, it looks great and I've received stamps with better cancels than what I've put in my book, but in this day and age of thieves and charlottones I think it best not to advertise what I might have at my residence. I'm not a fan of PO Boxes either so what choice do I have?
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I must say that I fall on the side of cover decoration being optional. I'm buying the stamp, not the decorated cover, and the seller may have tracking requirements placed on him (or her) to consider. I take all those covers and toss them in a box for donation anyway, so I don't care.
If I bought a collectable coin at a coin shop, I wouldn't expect pre-1965 quarters and dimes in my change. What right do I have to EXPECT a decorated cover? What if the seller is busy with work and family and decides to get stuff out the most expeditious way possible?
Cover decoration is purely optional and should not be expected, but appreciated when it does happen.
Lars
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My 2 cents it to agree with Lars. Not expected but pleasant when it shows up. I finally figured out the discount postage deal and would think it would be an additional cost effective practice to use discounted postage stamps. Makes the package look nice and stamp collecty and adds to the bottom line as well.
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I also, don't really care how the package is franked, a yellow 8.5 x 11 envelope that has 40 or so mixed value discount postage slapped on the face of the envelope that are all wrinkled is going in to the trash anyway. I would guess that at least a third of all mailings that I receive with stamps affixed for postage do not get cancelled another third are mutilated in some way or defaced with a marker/pen with the last third being received in decent condition.
I do use stamps on most of my mailings with most being discount postage, I try to use interesting combos neatly applied.
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@Michael numbers:
"I also adorn the envelopes packages with foreign stamps."
Michael, I've enjoyed these additional non-US stamps on cover from you, but I've had a hard time sending such to others. I sent a cover to Hong Kong, and the receiver reported the extra stamps were heavily crossed out with a pen (not sure if this was USPS or HKPO). Similarly, an envelope within the US ended up returned to me for insufficient postage; I took it to the post office, they calculated it was correct and surmised it was the extra GB and NZ stamps I put on the front that caused it to be rejected (evidently they don't have a category for Invalid Stamp). They recommended only putting these "labels" on the back. Mine were not even within the area where postage typically goes, but along the left side of the cover. Any suggestions?
Peter
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Many other countries do not permit stamps from the non-origin country to be on the envelope. I rarely put non-USA stamps or labels on mail that I am shipping to other countries. I fear that there could be a chance that the receiving country could confiscate the package, especially if the other items attached are perceived to be propaganda against the receiving country.
I find that Christmas Seals get by all right to Europe, Canada and Australia. Non-USA stamps seem to make it through to Canada, Australia and Great Britain. For Australia and Great Britain, I used stamps from AUstralia and Great Britain respectively. I figure the postal services can't complain if their own stamps are on the package. However, I do not put too many non-USA stamps on the package. Maybe one or two, and I attach them as far away from the USA stamps as I can.
Even in the USA, the USPS rule is that you have to attach labels and such on the left side of the envelope/package and in such a manner so that it doesn't appear that you have applied the foreign stamps, labels, etc. in an effort to make those items look like your trying to avoid paying full postage.
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That makes sense and might explain why the Hong Kong envelope resulted in the crossed out stamps: I put older British Commonwealth stamps, with depictions of KGVI and QE2 on them. Maybe the Chinese government didn't relish the reminder of colonial days.
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I spend a lot of time on the auctions and I'm wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience. I spend a number of days monitoring several lots usually posted by a 'company' that puts up several lots at a time and maintains an internet based stamp store. It is obvious that they pay their mortgage so to speak via the sales of stamps, covers, and philatelic matter. I ultimately win a lot and expectantly await its arrival. Now I have paid anywhere from $3.95 to $40.00 in s/h costs. When my package arrives, it has no franking on it. It has a printed shipping label printed by a home computer that includes the postage through a program that allows this. I AM A STAMP COLLECTOR...YOU ARE A DEALER!!!! USE STAMPS TO SHIP YOUR PRODUCT!!! How else are we going to get unusual combinations or high face value commercially cancelled stamps for our collection without paying a premium by buying them from these same dealers!! It kind of irks me that these dealers cannot help to perpetuate the same hobby that pays their bills. KMy rant is now officially over. Gee, I do feel a bit better!!
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08:17:58am
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
In general, I agree with you and personally enjoy seeing stamps on the shipments I receive; even though I don't collect contemporary stamps, nonetheless I like to see "real stamps" being used instead of printed labels.
From a collector-seller's perspective, I almost always use stamps on my shipments, and I'll even try to estimate your collecting interest from the member profile area and use similar themed stamps as postage if possible.
However, I do not use stamps on shipments by Priority Mail, large packages, or shipment of high value items, especially to a non-US address. Printing labels from the USPS or PayPal websites provides me with a discount (which is passed on to the buyer, BTW) and easier proof of delivery in case of claims to PayPal.
Cheers,
Peter
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Auctions
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
Joseph,
yes, the irony is inescapable, but obviously one that can be ignored by a multitude of senders. And it's not restricted to eBay; i've had SOR people send me things franked by meters, common definitives, and mutilated reused stamps.
For eBay, this is a combination of cost savings and tracking convenience; for us, well, it's just a pity.
David
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re: This has been really bothering me!!!
The label is a postage meter. People do collect those too, though I can see where you are coming from.
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this post
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
I usually ship using all sorts of stamps for postage. I also adorn the envelopes packages with foreign stamps. However, like Peter said, there are times when it is not prudent to use postage stamps on some shipments where the use of such could be a clue to someone that there are valuables inside the package, or special tracking is needed.
With that said, stamp collectors and dealers should support the hobby and show it off, so-to-speak, but the bottom line is that a buyer pays for what is inside the envelope. Not what's on the outside.
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this post
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
Usually the mailer is faced with having to make a trip to the PO if they use "real" postage stamps, since there is no way of tracking a package, tracking as in where it was sent from, not as in tracking the route of the package or the arrival of. Using the PO gives the package validity since the clerks (and cameras) can see who is mailing the package. By using the USPS online mailing system, or et cetera, you must use a credit card, or Paypal, to pay for your postage, which is of course traceable in case your package is loaded with Anthrax or C-4 explosives.
Mike
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11:36:54am
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
On envelopes and small packages I almost always use stamps. On larger packages I use a combination of stamps and traceable labels. Short pay the stamps by a few pennies and print a meter for the difference. Boom, the best of both worlds!
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re: This has been really bothering me!!!
". . . your package is loaded with . . . C-4 explosives. "
What if I wanted some C-4 explosives?
I did get an envelope from the APS today (some stamps and covers from the stamp store). I was quite pleased to see a $2 Waves of Color stamp on it.
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re: This has been really bothering me!!!
For some reason or another, they frown on posting C-4 through the USPS system. Spoil sports aren't they?
Yes, I enjoy receiving mail from the APS and the stamps they use. They have a contract PO, set up in the old PO from West Virginia, so they are able to apply stamps on everything they ship out, except C-4 of course.
Mike
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this post
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
I take packages to the post office as I do not like to advertise that stamps are enclosed and really do not like it when someone sends me a package loaded with stamps. Yes, it looks great and I've received stamps with better cancels than what I've put in my book, but in this day and age of thieves and charlottones I think it best not to advertise what I might have at my residence. I'm not a fan of PO Boxes either so what choice do I have?
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this post
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
I must say that I fall on the side of cover decoration being optional. I'm buying the stamp, not the decorated cover, and the seller may have tracking requirements placed on him (or her) to consider. I take all those covers and toss them in a box for donation anyway, so I don't care.
If I bought a collectable coin at a coin shop, I wouldn't expect pre-1965 quarters and dimes in my change. What right do I have to EXPECT a decorated cover? What if the seller is busy with work and family and decides to get stuff out the most expeditious way possible?
Cover decoration is purely optional and should not be expected, but appreciated when it does happen.
Lars
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10:39:27pm
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
My 2 cents it to agree with Lars. Not expected but pleasant when it shows up. I finally figured out the discount postage deal and would think it would be an additional cost effective practice to use discounted postage stamps. Makes the package look nice and stamp collecty and adds to the bottom line as well.
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this post
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
I also, don't really care how the package is franked, a yellow 8.5 x 11 envelope that has 40 or so mixed value discount postage slapped on the face of the envelope that are all wrinkled is going in to the trash anyway. I would guess that at least a third of all mailings that I receive with stamps affixed for postage do not get cancelled another third are mutilated in some way or defaced with a marker/pen with the last third being received in decent condition.
I do use stamps on most of my mailings with most being discount postage, I try to use interesting combos neatly applied.
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08:37:27am
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
@Michael numbers:
"I also adorn the envelopes packages with foreign stamps."
Michael, I've enjoyed these additional non-US stamps on cover from you, but I've had a hard time sending such to others. I sent a cover to Hong Kong, and the receiver reported the extra stamps were heavily crossed out with a pen (not sure if this was USPS or HKPO). Similarly, an envelope within the US ended up returned to me for insufficient postage; I took it to the post office, they calculated it was correct and surmised it was the extra GB and NZ stamps I put on the front that caused it to be rejected (evidently they don't have a category for Invalid Stamp). They recommended only putting these "labels" on the back. Mine were not even within the area where postage typically goes, but along the left side of the cover. Any suggestions?
Peter
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this post
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
Many other countries do not permit stamps from the non-origin country to be on the envelope. I rarely put non-USA stamps or labels on mail that I am shipping to other countries. I fear that there could be a chance that the receiving country could confiscate the package, especially if the other items attached are perceived to be propaganda against the receiving country.
I find that Christmas Seals get by all right to Europe, Canada and Australia. Non-USA stamps seem to make it through to Canada, Australia and Great Britain. For Australia and Great Britain, I used stamps from AUstralia and Great Britain respectively. I figure the postal services can't complain if their own stamps are on the package. However, I do not put too many non-USA stamps on the package. Maybe one or two, and I attach them as far away from the USA stamps as I can.
Even in the USA, the USPS rule is that you have to attach labels and such on the left side of the envelope/package and in such a manner so that it doesn't appear that you have applied the foreign stamps, labels, etc. in an effort to make those items look like your trying to avoid paying full postage.
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01:40:43pm
re: This has been really bothering me!!!
That makes sense and might explain why the Hong Kong envelope resulted in the crossed out stamps: I put older British Commonwealth stamps, with depictions of KGVI and QE2 on them. Maybe the Chinese government didn't relish the reminder of colonial days.
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