Frequently Asked Questions
ARE ALL THESE ITEMS REALLY IN STOCK?
Yes, they are. My entire stock will be on this website. Please be aware that only a selection is shown. If you don't see what you are looking for call me or email me with a wants list. I'm adding items almost every day! Across the full range of GB, from 1840 to today I have one of the largest and broadest stocks of GREAT BRITAIN in the world!
DO I GET THE ACTUAL ITEM SHOWN?
Yes, you do! The only exception to that would be a modern inexpensive item 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!
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 shop hours! It's probably best not to leave a long complicated order on the answering machine. Please call back to speak to me in person. Only I will answer!
CAN I ORDER OVER THE PHONE, RESERVE AND PICK UP FROM THE SHOP WHEN I'M NEXT IN LONDON?
Yes, but I may ask for a deposit if you are unknown to me.
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 is £20.00 plus P&P
I WANT TO ORDER, FOR EXAMPLE, FOUR IDENTICAL PRESENTATION PACKS OR BLOCK OF FOUR OF A PARTICULAR SET, HOW DO I DO THIS?
Just order one and email me immediately that you do in fact require more and I will adjust your order to meet your requirements. Easy!
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 at the shop 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?
Yes, I have a shop full! I have huge stocks of COMMONWEALTH and USA and some FOREIGN. Please visit those websites, links are on front page.
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. This is acceptable on older stamps and is certainly cheaper than U/M !
F/U means "Fine Used" The stamp has been lightly postmarked.
WHAT ARE THE POSTAGE COSTS?
UNITED KINGDOM
1st Class Mail (Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting certificate to keep on file ) - £1
Recorded Delivery (Max compensation £30.00) - £2
Special Delivery (Full compensation) - £5.00
OVERSEAS MAIL - AIRMAIL
Europe (Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file) - £2
Rest Of World (Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file) - £3.25
International (Signed for with full compensation) - £6.50
Bulky orders of Packs, FDC's etc - charged at cost
SOME ABBREVIATION USED ON THIS WEBSITE
CDS Circular Date Stamp postmark
HS Handstamp
MS Miniature Sheet
NW North West
NE North East
SW South West
SE South East
Please note that all catalogue numbers quoted on this website remain the full copyright of STANLEY GIBBONS Ltd to whom I extend my sincere thanks.