Tips for finding and buying stamps

Viewing your search results:

You can view the listings that your search finds in many ways: featured auctions first, only the auctions that are ending today, or all the auctions in order of the day and time the auction ends. If you are looking for something specific, you may want to browse through all the listings, but if you are looking to bid and buy as soon as possible, selecting only auctions ending today will be helpful. If the listing hasafter the title, that indicates the listing includes a picture. "" listings are auctions that have been listed in the last 24 hours.

Reading the auction listings:

Every hobby has its own jargon, and stamp collecting is no exception. Take a look at the terminology for listing and buying that people often use when describing stamps. For example, it is helpful to understand the period in which the stamp was produced; common terms used (see glossary); and terms to describe the condition (fine, very fine, and so on). In addition, you may want to refer to a stamp reference book for more terms and more extensive definitions.

Deciding how much to bid:

Once you find a stamp you like, consider what it is worth to you and about how much the stamp is currently selling for. Stamp price guides can be a helpful reference. However, remember they are only guides. You can also do a search of completed eBay auctions for similar stamps to see what people have paid in the past. Read the descriptions of the stamps carefully. Details about the condition can help you decide how much to bid.

If you have a question or are unclear about something in a stamp's description, you may want to email the seller for more information before placing your bid, especially for more expensive stamps. Ask specific questions - most sellers are happy to answer them. In particular, you may want to ask what the stamp's flaws are so that the burden of disclosure is on the seller, and you are not unpleasantly surprised when you receive the stamp.

Placing a bid:

Once you have decided what you are willing to pay for the stamp, place a bid! You can set your bid for the maximum you are willing to spend. eBay will then place your bid at the lowest amount that ensures you are the high bidder up to your limit. If someone bids against you, eBay automatically raises your bid so that you remain the high bidder until the bid amount reaches your limit. You can also place a low bid and decide on a case-by-case basis whether you want to raise your bid when someone outbids you.

Note: It is also a good idea to look at the feedback the seller has received before placing your bid. The comments will help you decide if this is someone you would like to conduct business with! If there is a lot of feedback, at least glance at the recent responses and any negative feedback to see if there are any comments of concern or issues you would want to clarify with the seller. For example, you may still want to buy from a seller who received a comment about not packing stamps well, but you may want to clarify how they will package your item.

Completing the transaction:

eBay will notify the seller and high bidder at the conclusion of the auction. The seller will then contact the high bidder to arrange for payment and transportation of the stamp. Typically, the seller will send the stamp as soon as the payment has been received (if a money order is sent) or, when a cheque received has been cleared by the bank. There are escrow services available for a small fee if the buyer would like to see the stamp and accept it before payment is released. If the stamp is not accepted, the buyer must return it quickly and the escrow service returns the funds to the buyer.

When you receive your stamp, enjoy! And if the seller was prompt and courteous, give positive feedback so that other users will know this person is a good seller to work with!