Stamp Returned Damaged

John Eckhardt

I'd like some feedback on what other sellers do when a stamp is returned that may have been damaged by the buyer. I had a situation where I sold a stamp that was hinged with some paper still stuck to it. The buyer advised he soaked it and found it "ripped" when he took it out of the water. Reviewing my scan, I couldn't see any damage prior to soaking. The buyer also returned 5 other stamps he purchased that clearly showed some minor faults on my scans. His comment was that returning 6 out of 20 stamps wasn't acceptable and he wasn't satisfied with his purchase as he didn't buy scrap. My thoughts were that he should have reviewed the scans more carefully and not purchased stamps with minor faults. I refunded his money, sent him a note advising him of my thoughts and reassuring him that I offered 100% satisfaction. Is it necessary to point out every "minor fault" that is visible in a scan? Did this buyer take advantage of my return policy?

Henry Brooks

Depends on what the "minor faults" visible on the scan were.

Michael Duehr

The buyer may not have damaged the stamp just because he soaked it off paper. The damage to the stamp may not have been obvious to the naked eye while it was attached to the paper. As far as faults they should be noted in your description. Plus you offer a 100% satisfaction, it does NOT matter what the buyers reason is why they are not happy with stamps. The buyer is not taking advantage of your refund policy.

Martin Glaenzer

My descriptions clearly state to look closely at the scans (the ones that don;t have stock pics, which are also 100% clearly identified as so). My pics are excellent. You see issues on them that you can't see with your bare eye.
But you always get the never be happy kinda people. Just part of the trade I guess,

Ted Tyszka

Martin, I don't consider this picture of yours to be excellent. It is far too small (218px x 185px), and not very clear at all.


THIS is an excellent picture, large (958x623) and clear. (Reduced somewhat in size and clarity by the forum software)

Michael Generali

Remember the average age of a stamp collector, which is in the low to mid 60s. Not all collectors can see 20/20, or even 20/100. Untreated cataracts reduce vision considerably. Do not presume that just because you can see a problem in a picture that others can too. It also depends on the resolution of their monitors. Older collectors use older monitors, or maybe even a television with lower resolution. Damage and defects should be described.

Of course, not every little and tiny defect will be spotted by the seller for the same reasons I stated about buyers. Sellers often work for hours preparing stamps for listing for sale. By the time they get to the last batch, their eyes are tired. Buyers need to accept that some defects may be unnoticed.

Considerate communication therefor is important between buyers and sellers. I believe that almost all sellers will do what is necessary to make sure their buyers are satisfied with the purchases they made. Before blasting a seller, give them a chance to make it right. Those are the sellers that are worth buying from again.

John Eckhardt

Thanks everyone for the points you made. Although I didn't receive a response to my PM from this customer, apparently he was satisfied as he just made another purchase. I sent him a PM thanking him and asking him if he still wanted two of the stamps because they were perforated and he previously had returned two because of this problem. As suggested, perhaps he couldn't see that from the scan, but the "black holes" I see mean "perforations" to me.

Gale Spring

Just an observation from a buyer, not a seller. Many photos I see on Hipstamp are not sufficient quality to get a good idea of condition. Small files, improper color balance and flat lighting can make determining condition a bit hard. I tend to purchase from dealers who have good photos - but I'm not shy about asking questions either. I have noticed that very few sellers add notes to the description. Notes would be helpful as well as good photos.

Rene Bravo

The reality with the virtual stamp store is that the old days where you loitered casually at your neighborhood dealers shop are long gone , along with the ability to examine and determine whether that’s the stamp you want . Gratefully , 98 % of my purchases have been solid online , with a few glitches which were no ones fault .

Jeff Frazier

TO Buyers and Sellers, Not all of us are over 60!! And My eyesight is still 20/20.... I have 2 grandsons that collect as well as 2 Nieces. I have taught them to ASK QUESTIONS before hand. Not all Buyers/Sellers are 100% trustworthy, no matter what or where you are. AND this is the Truth of the matter! If you give honesty, there is someone always out there willing to take advantage, EVERYONE is NOT HONORABLE ANYMORE!!! So unfortunate, Everyone NEVER was to begin with....Good Luck to you and GOOD SELLING, may you deal with more Honorable people than you know!!