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!
WHEN DO I GET MY ORDER?
I usually deal with an order within two working days. Regular customers (thus with all their details already on file) might even get a simple order the next day! I do appreciate you want your stamps as soon a possible! However please appreciate that as a "one man business" if I am away on a buying trip overseas then your order might be delayed by up to 10 days at worst. If I am away on a trip I will inform you by email with a note as to when your order will be mailed. Most of my competitors offer a 14 day service so I'm still fast! Remember too that your card is not charged until the day of mailing.
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 office hours noon to 7.30pm Monday to Friday. It's probably best not to leave a long complicated order on the answering machine but a brief message, name and number would be good. . 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 30-50% complete to 1990. Used is very difficult to keep in stock and may not be available when you place your order. If you are collecting used, order, say £50 and you might be lucky and get £25. It is just not possible to put in place a stock accounting system for many thousands of stamps that sell at 15p each. I would need to employ people to count them for me.
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 STANLEY GIBBONS charge a £1 minimum charge for ANY stamp they sell!
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 and has been since the early 2000s
YOUR PRICES ARE IN BRITISH POUNDS BUT I'M IN USA - BRAZIL - AUSTRALIA etc etc - HOW CAN I BUY FROM YOU?
Your credit card company will convert the British Pounds into your local curency 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 SCOTT numbers if you can and a description. Do not sent me your wants list on paper, you must email me the list. Do not have the numbers going across the page but place the numbers in a long column. Please including your street address and landline telephone number not a mobile.
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 on the gum. 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 AND PACKING COSTS FOR AN ORDER?
UNITED KINGDOM
1st Class Mail - Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file - £2.50
Recorded Delivery - Max compensation £20.00 - £4.00
Special Delivery - Full compensation - £9.00
OVERSEAS MAIL - AIRMAIL
Europe - Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file - £3.50
Rest of the World - Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file - £4.50
Europe - "INTERNATIONAL SIGNED" service with compensation - £10.00
The above service applies to almost all of Europe - signature taken on delivery.
Rest of the World - "INTERNATIONAL SIGNED" service with compensation - £11.00
The above service applies to 190 destinations - signature taken on delivery.
To learn more please visit the Royal Mail website.
PLEASE NOTE: IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT THERE ARE ANY CUSTOMS
CHARGES THEY ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BUYER.
BULKY ORDERS OF MORE THAN 100g WEIGHT WILL BE CHARGED AT COST PLUS A SMALL REASONABLE AMOUNT FOR PACKING
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.