"Stock Image"... I dont think so..............

Hello, nice to see you. Thank you for reading me.   Tonight I was looking to find a few stamps to fill a gap in my aircraft on stamps collection.  Occasionally I do this, especially if I see something new that I do not have .

I found a nice set – I am not going to go into details about the country or issue because that might be a giveaway or offend someone.  The rest is meant to advise and if it offends then that is your problem not mine.

I found a lovely set on one of those online philatelic market places  - you know the ones that have terms and conditions for sellers but don’t uphold them –  yes  you got it -    anyway,  I read the description as I do and as you should always do  and saw the words  “Stock image”. 

“Stock image” means you have no idea what you will be buying until you receive the stamps.   And, in my humble view then it is too late!  Sure you can send the stamps back  - if you can do it within some stupidly short time frame – which of course you cannot comply with if the order is country to overseas country.

Yes the seller may refund your money if you tell them you are not satisfied  with what you receive but if a few bucks maybe you will just say, another lesson learned. 

Well you don’t need to learn the lesson.  That is my thinking.    So don’t buy when you see “stock image”. I don’t care who the seller is, or if you think they are reliable,  a seller with integrity will not say  “Stock Image”.

Did I buy?  No, I did not,  and another seller is now on my list of “do not bother looking any further at their listings”

Whatever happened to honesty, integrity, professionalism, caring?    Well you will still find it from members of accredited philatelic bodies like the PTS, Philatelic Traders Society of the UK or the IPDA, Internet Philatelic Dealers Association, a global body registered in the USA.

Enjoy your stamp collecting and be careful out there 😊