Insider tips Series: Part 1  

This is the first in a series of posts that will initiate both new and experienced stamp collectors on how to interact with stamp dealers. While dealer “Associations” exist, they have not, yet, established strong standards of practice and codes of ethics that determine dealer integrity in relation to each other. What this means for the buyer is that they need to be aware of false, misleading and slanderous gossip from dealers hoping to discredit their competition. It is common practice amongst less ethical dealers to cast doubts into the market with respect to dealers whose websites are more advanced and who are breaking new ground in terms of reaching customers and providing them with new tools for shopping and purchasing.  Because business models are varied and as long-established stamp dealers struggle to update and move into the online world, it is vital that buyers are able discern who is doing that well and who is not.  So, in terms of best practice and professional ethics, here are the things buyers should look for or do.

• A no questions asked return policy that is clearly stated on their website, if they have one, and all materials. Buyers may be interacting with a dealer in person or over the phone and in that case must trust that the dealer will stand by that transaction.
• No dealer owns a segment of the market. Buyers should shop around and let the material and the dealer interaction speak for itself. 
• No dealer is THE expert on any specialty in philately. Some have more knowledge than others and have published papers on specific topics, however, discoveries are made frequently, and no dealer can claim they have knowledge of it all because new things are beings discovered at such a fast pace. How a dealer handles criticism or addresses complaints or naïve errors speaks volumes with respect to the integrity of that business. Collector input should be embraced, not shunned, as the advanced collector is the true "expert" in his or her field of interest quite often.
• The goal of every dealer should be to get it right or to make it right. Beware of the dealer who does not own mistakes and is not open to feedback from a more knowledgeable source.
• Positive feedback and good testimonials from past buyers are a good indicator that that dealer is ethical and providing excellent customer service.
• Dealers whose entire stock is online for perusal provide transparency for the buyer but also open themselves to the criticism of dealers who are in competition for that sale. Beware of the dealers or organizations who engage in back room gossip about material instead of taking concerns to dealer colleagues directly.

Some collectors are extremely comfortable with online services; however, some are trying this for the first time. Our next post, Part 2- Transparent Business Transactions, will explore what buyers should expect from any reputable dealer and how to best protect themselves.

Stay well & happy collecting,

-Deveney Stamps