Stamp Collecting Basics - Tips for Buying Postage Stamps Online

[@piratephilately]

Well said Ted! Maybe it's time for the "Hall of Shame of Stamp Dealers!" video? Your ire is well founded. That is why I love our stamp club auctions ... I have bought entire countries for a penny/less a stamp :)

[@BradPlays81]

Thanks for doing all of these videos. I just started and made my first purchases of some kiloware and assorted World lots and you were a huge help with sites and giving me some ideas on what looked interesting to get country wise.

[@tedtalksstamps]

I'm glad I could help you. Thanks for watching.

[@BoxOfRain]

A great video! Other problems I've seen is the misidentification of stamps owing to watermarks. Some dealers either don't want to be bothered with them or don't want to report on them which allows them to list the higher price. I've been burned more than once.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Yeah, I think I could fill another episode with problems such as watermarks, color shades, perf gauges, and such.

[@danielgolden2478]

I was wondering when the next Ted Talks Stamp video would be released! I’ve seen a lot of fishy sales and questionable listings on Hipstamp. I’ve been burned a couple of times, so for the time being I tend to keep my stamping shopping to in-person visits with dealers at stamp shows, or my local stamp club. Happy Stamping Ted!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thanks, Dan. It’s unbelievable how quickly time passes these days.

[@thatdadguy1974]

Lots of wonderful examples to watch out for when trying to fill those missing stamp holes in the collection

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thanks a lot.

[@Braddad126]

Thank you very much for going over the topic of buying stamps. I really appreciated this video. Thank you 🙏

[@tedtalksstamps]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@burhanergunay1231]

Ted Merhaba, önemli bir konuya temas etmişsiniz. Video için teşekkür ederim. Sağlıklı ve iyi seneler dilerim.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you very much. Happy New Year to you.

[@Rangersly]

Excellent ''buyer beware'' tips video! Good job Ted and thank you!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thanks a lot Rangersly.

[@hernanriverol]

Lots of useful information whether you are buying stamps or not. Very timely for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, Hernan.

[@billsweeney4785]

awesome job Ted, great coverage of interesting facts, thank you.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, Bill. Glad you enjoyed it

[@glennkendall8621]

Excellent video. Thank-you Ted.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, Glenn.

[@TheButcherHicks]

Another great video Ted. Very educational for people like me who are new to collecting via an unexpected inheritance of a recently deceased loved one's collection. You are helping me honor them by continuing and caring for something they loved and shared for more than 70 years of their life. Thank you. I am glad to learn about the ability to use the OG designation even when there is signs of a hinge!!! I always thought the gum had to be whole 100% and unhinged before one could use the OG designation. I've been unnecessarily downgrading many of the stamps I have been going through.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, Rolf. I’m glad I can help you.

[@kozzackkelt]

Very informative ! Great visuals to go along with the dialog ! Thanks Ted !

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

[@yvescote2808]

Thank you Ted. Very educative video. I hope everyting goes well for you.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, Yves. Good to hear from you again.

[@danielste-marie779]

Ted, excellent information. I also find that that some dealers charge an exorbitant amount for shipping. I was tempted to buy a stamp listed for $2.50, but a dealer in the US wanted $15.00 to ship to Canada. Needless to say I did not buy the stamp.

[@tedtalksstamps]

I hear ya, Daniel.

[@219belizeman]

Some sites require items be sent with tracking. Tracking services add substantially to the cost above and beyond the base postage.

[@danielste-marie779]

I realize that but for a $2.50 item I am not concerned about tracking. On orders over $15.00 I might consider opting for tracking but definitely not for a $2.50 item.

[@219belizeman]

@@danielste-marie779 Some platforms require tracking. Ebay requires it by way of policy but will allow you to send items by regular post. Doing so is at the sellers risk. More irritating are dealers who will not combine shipping costs or refund the difference.

[@abdelabdel7734]

​@@tedtalksstamps bonjour jai ma colection de timbre rare monde entier que je veux vendre si vous pouvez m aider es je peut vous envoy un echantillon

[@krisclulee4624]

Thanks for the awesome video Ted. Im glad you mentioned that a no gum stamp is not mint. To many times, i aee listings with MNG - mint no glue. That hits a nerve with me. How can something be mint, if the glue has been removed? Keep up the great videos?

[@adamhuffman3354]

Yea I see MNG a LOT!! It’s just so stupid. I’d be ashamed to list something with MNG attached. Tells me a lot about the seller!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thanks, Kris.

[@John-ul4hv]

Australian here, 22.51 Basutoland price comparison, it would depend on what part of the world you are paying online prices (international) for stamps 30 British pounds is currently $59.71 Australian, $40.00 American is $62.96 Australian dollars & then we have postage. I would go to your regular stamp show inspect the stamp front/back in person. I understand what you mean though, be careful in online dealings.

[@voneschenbachmusic]

Another excellent video Ted! The first thing I do with any stamps that come my way is to remove and discard all of the damaged. I have seen so many collections sold as % of SCV where most of the high values are damaged.

[@adamhuffman3354]

Yea I have the same problem. I don’t mind hinged or a hinge remnants but a tear or a “thin” is not going in my collection even as a filler. Great video Ted!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thanks, Adam.

[@tedtalksstamps]

I don’t buy lots and collections for just that reason. CV is based on sound stamps with VF centering. That low % cv collection quickly turns into an overpriced pile of trash when you cull the damaged and poorly centered stuff.

[@splankerbergen]

Ted , that was outstanding. I have seen ALL of these issues in my years buying online. There are 2-3 Big consistent sellers that I always see shady attempts. Most common is the inflated cat value with "discounting", followed by the photo enhancing and then the inane EGrade scam. I won't say who, but a seller in New York ( City, State?) even regums, repairs consistently without revealing. A "good deal" should not be equivalent to a "scam".

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you very much. I think I know which NY dealer you mean. The one problem with the internet is that you have such a wide reach that it doesn’t matter how many people know of your practices snd avoid you, there are many times more who don’t know and will keep you happily in business.

[@dennisferguson9129]

The dealer referred to shows both sides of stamps. Often the backs have spots of wite out applied to cover up defects but it is sooo obvious.

[@chrislovesstamps]

Very interesting video. Insane how some sellers/dealers game the system. This is an important video as not everybody knows this. I certainly didn't. Thanks for the video!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Glad you liked it, Chris.

[@littlehillpost]

Hi Ted, important subject. I try my best to describe my items best I can, always with pictures (no retouching). I consider a stamp Mint if it has no postmark and original glue even if it has been hinged, listed as MH or MNH. It's touchy with stamps, some say it's mint only if it is like right off the press, no hinges, like with Mint coins. What about disturbed glue? can you call that mint. I always describe in detail, and offer returns.

[@tedtalksstamps]

While it is my personal preference to use the term "Unused" for any stamp that is not MNH, I don't make a big deal (or a little deal, even) out of anyone using the terms MH, MLH, or MOG (Mint Original Gum). After all, if Mint only meant Never Hinged, why do we have the term Mint Never Hinged? It's redundant, isn't it? What bothers me more are the sellers who describe their postally used stamps as Used NH. That is patently absurd.

[@alioruc910]

Thanks for sharing.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thanks for watching.

[@antoniolen-rios8482]

Excellent presentation. Will there be a part 2 (such as altered, repaired, regummed, cancel removed, etc.)? The Philatelic Foundation has all their certs online and searchable. It should provide some good visual examples of these issues.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Yes, I hope to cover all those areas in future videos. Thanks for watching.

[@oldhab7890]

Maybe it's because of my limited budget or after 60 years collecting I've seen a lot but I think the key is not to be in a rush to buy. If you are spending a substantial amount of money (for me this is probably less than it is for you) I want to know what is the fair market price. Stamps are printed in huge quantities so examples of prices on line are fairly easy to come by. Whenever I make a significant purchase (for me), I only use an auction house I have dealt with for several decades. As Ted points out really look at what you are buying/bidding on.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Wise words, oldhab.

[@JamesJohnson-gv7tv]

Nice episode Ted!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, James.

[@georgeloveday9674]

Always enjoy your videos. Thank you. I would appreciate it if you could help me. I’m new to stamp collecting and the perforations for stamp identifications is very confusing. Many times I can’t match the number of perfs to the description. The number of perfs don’t match. Is that 12, or 11 perfs? I’ve spent hours trying to figure out George Washington stamps.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Hi George. To go into perf gauges and Washington stamps will take afew more words than is convenient fro a comment. May I suggest you head over to the Ted Talks Stamps forum (link in the description) and post your question there? We can get into all the gory details about measuring perfs, and one of the forum members ClassicalPhilatelist is an expert on the Franklin/Washington series and will be able to answer any question you have about them. Hope to see you there.

[@PhillipStamps]

Thanks for a great video. I see dealers selling graded stamps taken from a block that don't have a personal certificate. That's misleading. I have also seen dealers saying used stamps but don't show the back of the stamps. I got myself played on but the stamp overall centering was pretty good for the stamp (HR on the back). Live and learn.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Yeah, that’s another thing I don’t get. They’re asking the price of a certified stamp, but you don’t get a certificate.

[@serga76.bodrov]

Good evening Ted. I have watched a very interesting video.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you so much.

[@DavyBoy007]

I appreciate the excellent information provided. One the issues that bothers me is the refusal of some dealers to provide information on centering. The paper and the colour of the stamp might be flawless while the centering could be average-fine, something that should reduce the stamp's selling price (and value).

[@tedtalksstamps]

You’re right. Inexcusable, considering how easy it is to provide all necssary information.

[@dennisferguson9129]

I don't see that as a problem except for a mixed lot where all the stamps aren't completely visible. Otherwise just look at the picture.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Too many dealers scan stamp sets inside the 102 cards, overlapping.

[@boyscout419]

Thanks so much for the great advice!

[@tedtalksstamps]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@billsweeney4785]

awesome info my friend. Teddy my main man thank you for your hard work in keeping us always interested. U-Da-Man, LOL!!! Please keep up the good job. Still in Portugal.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thanks, Bill. I appreciate the kind words. Still in Portugal.

[@jerrystamps]

Great video. Some useful information, thanks ted😊

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, Jerry.

[@stuart2010ification]

Thank you for this, very informative.

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you, Stuart.

[@cristianefimov3611]

Good detective work Ted. 🙂 catch them all 😁

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you.

[@jojie-o5g]

thank you sir, this is very educational. BTW, i really don't like to use hinges, those marks it leaves, ugh!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Thank you. I'm with you, on hinged stamps. Unfortunately, with old stamps, you have to put up with hinge marks.

[@GreatStampAdventure]

Hello Ted! Great video! Chock and block with useful information. Does an inclusion deteriorate the quality / condition of a stamp, even though it happened during the making of the stamp? It sounded like it. Thanks so much for this excellent video! I certainly learned something. One should tread carefully!

[@tedtalksstamps]

Hi Charnie. It just depends on each collector. If it is a small speck visible only on the gum side, it doesn't bother me. On the other hand, I have run across stamps where the inclusion was larger and darker, and was visible not only in the gum, but showed through the face of the stamp. That is a stamp I do not want.

[@ronnieromero1086]

Reprints from overseas mint mint ones isn't that Forgery ?

[@tedtalksstamps]

Some countries, at times, do produce official reprints which are just as valid as the original printings. These days, though, there are criminal opeations printing counterfeit stamps and selling them at supposed discounts, and even making it look as though they are for sale from the country's postal service.

[@dennisferguson9129]

I once bought an older dollar denomination Canada stamp on eBay showing only the front. It looked perfect and was listed as MNH I was dismayed to receive it and find the back completely covered with various colors of ink transfer. The stamp had obviously been stuck to other stamps and peeled loose. I sent it back for a refund and left bad feedback. Now I don't buy any stamps unless both sides are pictured!

[@tedtalksstamps]

I know what you mean. It’s dismaying.

[@littlehillpost]

Some dealers list high price stamps with no regard for condition or authenticity. I came across one of my stamps from Germany that list on Hipstamps for over $500. I researched and believe I have the real issue. Some of the stamps listed online are forgeries and reproductions, details are all wrong. I would like to sell it but I worry that there's a small chance I could be wrong, so I keep it in my German Third Empire collection, I also have the reproduction or forgeries, nice looking page though. It's a real buyer beware out there.

[@tedtalksstamps]

It's a shame, the anonymity the internet provides brings out the worst in so many people. Thanks for your comment, LHP.

[@FilipeLemos1964]

👍👍👍

[@billsweeney4785]

Ya but I think that if you had fun you won. getting rich from collecting now days is too much. I do it all for the fun of it and making up different collections. Just get creative it turns out really good and interesting. Try it you'll like it

[@tedtalksstamps]

Oh, I’m having lots of fun with it. I wouldn’t bother with it otherwise. Thanks, Bill.

[@JuanRamos-ro9uv]

Goodday to all. Hello Ted. Today makes 1year since I inherited my grandfather's stamps and coin collections.i don't know anything about coins . Stamps. I need some help here.😊

[@tedtalksstamps]

Hi JUan. If you are interested in learning more about the stamps you have, may I suggest joining my stamp discussion forum at tedtalksstamps.proboards.com. It's full of people eager to help out. Love to see you there.

[@CoinsAZ]

👋

[@tedtalksstamps]

🙏🏼