ARE YOU GETTING “RIPPED OFF” BY YOUR POSTCARD, POSTAL HISTORY, STAMP DEALER?

A “heads up”, be aware of these examples based on my not so good transactions.

Now, before I go into detail as to my experiences. I will use real life examples that have happened to me. 

So...you are probably thinking, John you are a Dealer so why are you telling us this stuff?

As a Dealer, shouldn’t you know better?

Well, we are all potential victims as optimistic collectors and let’s say we are particularily vulnerable when we shop on the “super highway”, called the internet. 

Or in other words, maybe you are shopping on a website or two or three.

REAL EXAMPLE NUMBER #1.

The implication of mis-described product (postcard).

Title On Website: LOT OF 3 RPPC - REDCLIFF - ALBERTA - CANADA - EARLY GAS & OIL EXPLORATION - HISTORY. 

Price: U.S. $45.00

Shipping: U.S. $14.43

Import Charges: U.S. $6.42

By the way, that’s about $85.00 Canadian.

Pricey Right?.

What’s Implied Here, In “My” Opinion.

Even though the image(s) are faded, I expect to see at least something related to the title: 

LIKE: Perhaps miners, a mine shaft, or coal cart, rail track, a pic or a gas well or burning flame.

Just something, anything...

Also verification that this RPPC is REDCLIFF, Alberta.

Now, upon receipt of the postcards.. what do I see?

A distant view of (3) men posing for a photo situated on a cliff, rock structure, a homestead shack and a penciled reference that this is REDCLIFF Alta.

A “heads up” when you see writing on the back of a postcard referencing location. How do you really know the information is true? 

Although having said that in many cases, not ALL the writing on the back correctly identifies the location. 

These tips may help with identification as well.

1. To be more confident as to the location, look for the description on the front of the postcard. Sometimes it’s hidden, such as on a logging RPPC where the script is frequently written in the log pile or aligning a railway track.

2. The photographer maybe a local resident of the town or region. Look for the persons name, photo company and the business location. A good indicator.

3. Oftentimes in the message area of used postcards, the writer may start with the location. For example; Boulder, Colorado, June 10th 1908.

A very good indicator.

4. This is MJR’s intent; to help collectors. 

Quite frequently a postcard image is referenced as somewhere else (Archives)? 

MJR will “search” for an image similar to the postcard in question. If we are able find it, MJR will reference it in our description. 

Now this is what works for me: (example) enter 'Historical Images of Sweetgrass, Montana'.

Sometimes the very same image as the postcard, shows up with details.

NOW BACK TO THE POSTCARD IN QUESTION.

Basically it’s the regular information that is featured in most templates. 

With the REDCLIFF Alberta postcard it indicated:

“Please see scanned photos of postcards for details.”

                    and

No Returns (see details)

OKAY!-OKAY! 

I get it or do I?  These questions linger in my mind.

Why no returns?

Why no refunds?

Why very expensive shipping costs?

Why a misleading description, in my opinion?

WHY IN THE HELL DID I BUY THESE POSTCARDS IN THE FIRST PLACE? 

My thought is I’m going to have a serious discussion with our dog “Maggie”, about this transaction. 

She will be very upset when she hears that I spent $85.00 on unknown postcards, rather than on “treats” for Maggie.

NEXT WEEK EXAMPLE #2. 

Lost in Miami will surface soon.

Take care,