Buying and Selling Stamps on eBay

The Trade Forum website reports, "...people using eBay for their stamp collection need to follow the code of conduct that is based on Philatelic Code of Ethics, the Standing Resolutions of the American Philatelic Society, and specific conditions of sale that are used in typical trade and transaction practice by the organized philatelic community."

According to the site, "eBay developed this with the American Philatelic Society aid in improving safe transactions in the 'Stamps' category of eBay. Traders are encouraged to follow the code of conduct when they sell stamps on eBay. If they disobey, eBay could impose disciplinary action or even suspend or take away their selling privileges.

"By following the guidelines, the stamp seller agrees not transact fakes or stamps in unacceptable condition, unless they clearly declare the stamps as fakes or reproductions or altered. They also agree not to take part in advertisement and transaction of stamps by wrong practices like false or misleading claims and inaccurate information. They also agree not to transact stamps from questionable sources or owners, to refund the payment for stamps that an approved expert has found to be different from the stamp originally advertised and offered by the seller, and to follow all laws related to philatelic concerns.

"Another main tool in the eBay stamp collection category is Quick I.D., an online authentication tool for stamps. Traditionally, stamps are identified through the formal certification process done by the American Philatelic Expertizing Service (APEX). However, this service is expensive. If a person is thinking of buying stamps on the web, or wants to research the stamps in his own collection, they can use Quick I.D."

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