Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DOES THE SIGN "ACTUAL ITEM" MEAN?
ACTUAL ITEM
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! 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 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 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 WHEN I'M NEXT IN LONDON?
Yes, its still possible to do this!
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!
A FEW WORDS ABOUT COMPLETE SETS
I list every George 6th and Elizabeth "Wilding" definitive stamps as individual single stamps. However complete sets are also listed in the COMPLETE DEFINITIVE SETS section shown on the front page. The odd stamps are listed to help the collector complete what they might already have, not to build a set one by one. If you need, for example, a particular sideways watermark set of six then order it as a set of six, not the six singles as its always cheaper to buy as a set anyway. You should also consider that if you already have part of the six it might still be better to order the complete set because the odds you have is only a few pence anyway. I keep my stock as the more saleable complete sets not unbalanced runs of singles so you are more likely to have luck ordering the complete set.
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 BEFORE sending!
DO YOU HAVE OTHER STAMPS IN STOCK?
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 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.
WHAT ARE THE POSTAGE AND PACKING COSTS?
UNITED KINGDOM
1st Class Mail - Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file - £1.50
Recorded Delivery - Max compensation £50.00 - £2.25
Special Delivery - Full compensation - £6.50
OVERSEAS MAIL - AIRMAIL
Europe - Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file - £2.25
Rest of the World - Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file - £3.25
Europe - "Signed For" service with full compensation - £8.00
Rest of the World - "Signed For" service with full compensation - £9.25
Bulky orders of Packs, FDC's etc - charged at cost
Because Royal Mail now charge by weight AND size.... Bulky orders of Books, Packs, FDC's etc - charged at cost plus a small amount for packing
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
tba - to be announced
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.
