Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DO THE LITTLE SYMBOLS UNDER EACH STAMP MEAN?
ACTUAL ITEM
G
that I might have in large quantities.
YS
ARE ALL THESE ITEMS REALLY IN STOCK?
Yes, they are. My entire stock will be on this website. Please be aware that only a selection is currently shown. If you don't see what you are looking for call me or email me with a wants list. I'm adding items almost every day!
CAN I TELEPHONE YOU WITH MY ORDER?
Yes you can. My phone number is shown at the foot of every page. Just remember to call me during shop hours! It's probably best not to leave a long complicated order on the answering machine. Please call back to speak to me in person. Only I will answer!
CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR STOCK LEVELS?
Prior to 1922 if I have the item then its shown and you can purchase it. After 1922 my stock is almost 100% complete for unmounted mint. Used is 95% complete to 1990. Modern used is very difficult to keep in stock and may not be available when you place your order. If you want items not listed used please send me an email wants list for me to see if its now available.
Singles from panes and blocks are listed to help the collector complete a set but I'm unlikely to have many different FULL sets as singles as I try to keep in stock the more desirable complete panes and blocks in stock - not sets of singles! My minimum price for a single stamp is a very reasonable 15p. This includes the value of the stamp itself plus my time in filing the stamp into stock and then removing it from stock. It might interest you to know that GIBBONS charge a £1 minimum charge for any stamp they sell!
CAN I ORDER OVER THE PHONE, RESERVE AND PICK UP FROM THE SHOP WHEN I'M NEXT IN LONDON?
Yes, but I may ask for a deposit if you are unknown to me.
I HAVE JUST ORDERED AN ITEM BUT WHEN I LOOK AGAIN AT THE PAGE IT STILL APPEARS IN STOCK, WHY HASN'T IT GONE?
I process your payment the day of sending your order. Its then that the item is removed from the site. All orders are dealt with in strict rotation. First come - first served!
I WANT TO BUY A LOT OF ITEMS, CAN I SPREAD THE PAYMENT OVER A FEW MONTHS?
Yes you can. Orders over £300 can be spread over 3 months if need be. Your order will be sent after final payment.
IS THERE A MINIMUM TRANSACTION WHEN I ORDER THROUGH THE WEBSITE?
Yes, the minimum is £20.00 plus P&P
YOUR PRICES ARE IN BRITISH POUNDS BUT I'M IN THE UNITED STATES HOW CAN I BUY FROM YOU?
Your credit card company will convert the British Pounds into US$ on your credit card statement. It's also possible for your bank to credit my bank account here in London. Contact me for details.
DO YOU BUY?
Yes, I'm always interested in hearing about material that might be for sale. Please call me at the shop BEFORE sending!
CAN I SEND YOU MY WANTS LIST FOR ODD STAMPS?
Yes you can. I'm happy to help you complete sets if I have just the stamp you need as a single. Please use SG numbers if you can or a description. Email is the best way to send including your street address and telephone number.
DO YOU HAVE OTHER STAMPS IN STOCK?
Yes, I have a shop full! I have huge stocks of COMMONWEALTH and BRITISH and some FOREIGN. Please visit those websites, links are on front page.
WHAT DOES U/M - M/M and F/U MEAN?
U/M means "Unmounted Mint" or "Never Hinged", basically in Post Office fresh condition and has not been mounted on the gum side by a stamp hinge. U/M is scarce on older stamps.
M/M means "Mounted Mint" and has been mounted on the gum side with a stamp hinge that may have left a tiny mark. This is acceptable on older stamps and is certainly cheaper than U/M !
F/U means "Fine Used" The stamp has been lightly postmarked.
WHAT ARE THE POSTAGE COSTS?
UNITED KINGDOM
1st Class Mail (Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting certificate to keep on file ) - £1
Recorded Delivery (Max compensation £30.00) - £2
Special Delivery (Full compensation) - £4.75
OVERSEAS MAIL - AIRMAIL
Europe (Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file) - £2
USA, Canada, & South Africa (Max compensation £1000) - £3.50
Rest Of World (Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file) - £3
International (Signed for with full compensation) - £6.50
Bulky orders of Packs, FDC's etc - charged at cost
Please note that all catalogue numbers quoted on this website remain the full copyright of:
STANLEY GIBBONS Ltd - London - UK
and
SCOTT PUBLISHING Co - Sidney - Ohio - USA
to whom I extend my sincere thanks.