Insider tips Series: Part 2

 

It is vital that everyone buying and selling in the world of philately understand their rights and responsibilities. It is common practice for buyers to, at some point, become sellers, and the flow of merchandise goes back and forth in a complex industry that encompasses buying, selling and trading. Because of this, there are rights AND responsibilities for each party in every transaction. Transactions turn on a foundation of trust that one party is in possession of  authentic item(s) (as much as it is possible to know) and that the other party will take responsibility for making payment in a reasonable timeframe or return items as they were originally shipped.  For example, when a dealer/seller, or buyer/seller, trusts a person enough to view the material prior to purchase and ships the items to the other party, the material must be viewed with great care and shipped back in the same way it was received. There is earned trust that is built up over time but lost in an instant when one party or the other does not meet their responsibilities.  Because the world of philately is slowly moving online and the days when collectors meet frequently with a dealer to build a trusting relationship are happening less and less, here are some things to look for in your transactions:

• Quick response times, by either email or phone.
• A good return policy that assures the buyer that they are protected if/when the item(s) purchased do not meet their expectations.
• When they are selling their collection or trading items, collectors should expect a written policy detailing turnaround times, when they can expect information, an offer, or return of their materials.
• Shipment notifications. Look for efficient order processing, notification that your item has shipped within the stated time frame, and that you receive tracking details when appropriate. 
• Volume of sales. The volume of sales for any dealer is a good indicator that their sales policies and hired team are working effectively. 
• For those dealers with an online presence, expect high quality images of material. Sharp, clear images at a high resolution, allow collectors to fully inspect the material and to feel confident in their decision to purchase. 
• Positive Reviews.  Always weigh the reviews of the dealer on whatever platform they use.  These are the voices of other collectors and they hold weight.  Understand that there will always be a person or two who are impossible to please, for every dealer/seller, but a dealer with a high positive feedback record throughout the industry, earned it through excellent business practices.   

For those dealers who have an online presence, 

The philatelic industry relies heavily on earned reputation and because of this, and the tendency for some competitors and “disgruntled and impossible to please buyers” to use rumor or false accusation to discredit dealers and each other, our next post, Part 3 “Rumors, Slander and Bad Behavior” will delve deeper into the world of libel and slander in Philately. 

Stay well & happy collecting,

-Deveney Stamps