Frequently Asked Questions

How  do I place a bid?

To place a bid you must register an account first. This is free, you can register by clicking signup in the top right corner of the homepage. You cannot bid until you have logged in once registered.

Are my payment details secure?

Yes our website is covered by Thawte SSL certificate so your data is encrypted when in transit to us.

How do I get scans of a lot?

 You can request scans of any lot by sending us an email with the sale number and the lot numbers you require.

How do I know if I am successful?

 We will upload an invoice to your account in PDF format within 4 days of an auction close. If an invoice has not been uploaded then you were not successful. You can email us for results after 24 hours of the sale close.

What is the cost of delivery?

 Rates depend on the size, weight and destination.  A box up to around 12kg will cost around £12 for next day delivery, Special delivery UK costs from £6.85, standard or uninsured delivery is from £0.85.  We add a small fee for packing materials like a board backed envelope. Costs to overseas destinations vary, a small packet to United States insured airmail will cost around £9.  Heavy boxes can be expensive to send abroad and can cost over £100.  We keep all despatch costs as low as possible and add this to your invoice.

How can I pay for my invoice?

 The quickest and cheapest way to settle your account is by Credit or Debit card, VISA or Mastercard, there are no surcharges for this method of payment.  

You can telephone our office +44 (0)1606 40047, Email, post or fax your card details. 

You can also send a cheque drawn on a UK bank, Cash (by registered insured post) or direct transfer to our account. 

Please contact us for IBAN and account details. Please use your invoice number and name as reference.

I have paid for my lots, but nothing has been received yet?

 Please contact our office to obtain a tracking number and we can advise on when you are likely to receive you purchases.

I am unhappy with my lot(s) or I have a complaint, what do I do?

You can contact us directly by email or phone where we can arrange return of the lot(s) and or a refund.  All lots are sold with a no quibble refund policy.

How can I sell my stamps in your auction?

You must contact us before you send any stamps to our office.  Please telephone 01606 40047 or email before sending any lots.

You can download our free guide to selling your stamps here or how to value your collection here

What are your office hours of business?

Our office is open 9am - 5.00pm GMT Monday to Friday.  Out of these hours we operate an answerphone system.

Can I receive a message when a new auction is posted?

 Yes we have auction alerts, you can join our subscribe list by clicking on Postal Auction>scroll to auction alerts>enter your email address.  You may unsubscribe at any time.

What do the abbreviations mean in your descriptions?

BLK = block (4)

CANC = cancelled

CAT = catalogue value

CDS = circular date stamp

COLLN = collection

FDC = first day cover

F.U. = Fine used (sound without faults) 

GBP = Great Britian Pounds – the currency for all transactions on this site

INCL = including

M = mint hinged

MARG = margin 

MINT = unused with original gum, previously or currently hinged

M/S = miniature sheet

OVPT = overprint

P. = perf 

PPC = picture postcard

P.STAT = postal stationary

SELN or VALS TO = selection or values to (incomplete set) 

SET = complete set as listed to the top value 

SURCH = surcharge

U = used 

U/M: Unmounted mint - Mint never hinged

UNUSED = as mint but without gum

USD = United States Dollar

VALS = values

VARS = varieties

VF = very fine