This is a bit lengthy and contains many opinions. So, take it for what it's worth.

As a full-time dealer, I have tried to model my business as one that can be relied on for honesty and integrity. I feel
that in order to maintain the sizeable customer base I have and to have customers return, they must be satisfied with
the quality of the merchandise I am selling. I also feel that it my obligation to them to try to describe the stamps I
sell in as honest a manner that I can. I feel that sellers who try to push poorly centered stamps off as Very Fine are
doing a great disservice to the hobby in general. Now, I know that there are many collectors who are very astute when it
comes to centering determination and they will avoid Fine stamps described as Very Fine. There are also many sellers
that will offer the explanation of "Well, I was describing the overall quality of the stamp." Now, that explanation
may fly in Europe but [I feel] that it doesn't when it comes to classic US stamps. I also am aware that there are
collectors who are just looking to fill spaces and will pay seemingly high prices for off-quality material. If that's
their choice, so be it. I don't try to dissuade any collector from collecting what they want. I am just trying to make
collectors aware of what they are buying.

"So, What's your beef?" you ask.

My beef is this. I browse ebay's listings on a daily basis looking for items that I might like to add to my own
inventory. And, I constantly run across items that are listed with a price quoted from either the Scott Valuing
Supplement or the PSE's Stamp Market Quarterly price guide. In general I have no problem with quotes from either of these
two publications. The problem I have is with the seller offering ungraded material that is clearly far
inferior to the quality and price range being stated. I have seen many, many stamps offered as XF or XF/SUP and they
are listed with the quote from one of the above publications. Yet, in my opinion, these stamps would receive a grade
at least 2 grades below that which is being offered. This would render the stamp's value far below what they
are stating in their listing. This also applies to stamps being offered with certificates, but with ungraded ones. So,
the bidder thinks he is buying a superior quality stamp when, in fact, this is generally not the case. The current craze and
astronomical prices for super-high graded stamps at auction have, in my opinion, brought many such offerings out of the
woodwork. And, many sellers are trying to capitalize on this craze. To repeat, I do not have a problem with this. The market
is what it is and prices will continue to soar so long as collectors feel they are paying a worthy price. And, once this
craze wears off, prices will return to their earthly levels.

Another thing. I have a hard time reconciling a 25c stamp that sells for $100 such as was reported in Linn's. What could possibly
be the rationale for such a purchase? There were millions of these stamps printed (which is why they are only valued
at 25c) and I'm sure that there are thousands if not tens of thousands of these stamps in similar quality around. A 25c stamp
graded in XF/SUP, to me, is not a condition rarity. Nor, is it worth $100 under any circumstances. But, again, that's just my
opinion.

My caveat: I would strongly suggest that if you decide to bid on these stamps that you only bid or buy stamps
that come with Graded certificates. Do not rely on the grading of the seller (that includes me - grading is a purely
subjective subject). Personally, I have received a number of stamps from certification that I thought were of a grade higher that
what I had submitted it for. There is a huge price difference between an XF/SUP stamp that has a Graded Certificate as opposed to one
that does not have one. If you are willing to pay $50 or more for a stamp that catalogues $1.00 (or some similar ratio), I would
strongly suggest that you buy it only if it comes with a graded certificate. And, I would limit the certificate to one from
either the PSE or Philatelic Foundation ONLY. I don't believe that a certificate from Joe Seller "guaranteeing that this stamp is
XF/SUP" would qualify.

A Simple Offer: I try to stay as close to the Scott and PSE descriptions of centering as I can in my offerings. If you have
seen my listings and agree with my assessments as to centering, you will agree that this is true. If you ever have a question
as to my opinion on the centering of any item being offered on eBay. I will be happy to give it to you. I have no axe to
grind with any seller and have no intentions of slamming another seller's material just because I am trying to promote my
own material. Yes, they are competition but I feel there is room in this hobby for any honorable seller. My aim is to
educate the collector so that they can make educated assesments on material they are interested in buying.

And, again, the opinions offered here are my own. You may agree with me or disagree. If you want to throw your money away
buying overgraded stamps that's your business. I am simply offering my help if you want it.


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