Frequently Asked Questions
ARE ALL THESE ITEMS REALLY IN STOCK?
Yes, they are. My entire definitives stock is on this website plus better commemorative sets and single stamps.
DO I GET THE ACTUAL ITEM SHOWN?
Yes, you do! The only exception to that would be a modern inexpensive set that I might have in quantity.
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 mail order is £20.00 plus P&P
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! My stock of commonwealth is far bigger than this website so please send me a wants list of what you are looking for. I have large stocks of USA and BRITISH too.
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
USA, Canada, & South Africa (Max compensation £1000) - £3.50
Rest Of World (Sent at your risk - but I do obtain a "proof of posting" certificate to keep on file) - £3
International (Signed for with full compensation) - £6.50
Bulky orders of Packs, FDC's etc - charged at cost
Please note that all catalogue numbers quoted on this website remain the copyright of STANLEY GIBBONS Ltd to whom I extend my thanks.