Frequently Asked Questions
ARE ALL THESE ITEMS REALLY IN STOCK?
Yes, they are. My entire definitives stock is on this website plus better commemorative sets and single stamps.
DO I GET THE ACTUAL ITEM SHOWN?
Yes, you do! The only exception to that would be a modern inexpensive set that I might have in quantity.
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 very 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!
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 mail order 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 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?
My stock of commonwealth is far bigger than this website so please send me a wants list of what you are looking for. I have large stocks of USA and BRITISH too.
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.
KING GEORGE 6th FIRST PRINTINGS
Please note that some first printings of the then new definitive stamps come with a mottled darkish brown gum. Not a lot but a few. If the stamp is mint then this is an indicator that it is a first printing! This brown gum thankfully is not visible from the front of the stamp. A good example of this is the early printings of the 1938 Bermuda stamps from the 2/6d to the £1 and some of the Hong Kong higher face values. If you wish to return a stamp that is in fact a first printing (because that's what you ordered) then you should consider that fact that the stamp may well only be available in this state, its how it was issued! Please contact me before returning the stamp.
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
Orders comprising of one 15p or 20p stamp from each country are respectfully declined, sorry too much work!
Its best to find a stamp dealer who deals in "packets". He can then sell you a packet of 100 different!
Please note that all catalogue numbers quoted on this website remain the copyright of STANLEY GIBBONS Ltd to whom I extend my thanks.
