I love boxlots! It is the thrill of the hunt and the hours upon hours of fun which I enjoy. Over the years I have found some jewels (not many, but enough to keep me happy) and a LOT of very nice items both for my collection and to be used as trading material. Over the past 25 years, I have purchased a couple hundred such lots and collections, and have only returned 2 and felt an additional 2 or 3 (which were not returnable) were sub par.
Damaged stamps and a lot of common stuff are to be expected. The damaged I either toss or (if damage is minimal) throw in with the common material. The common material go out as donations, part of my nickel box for club meetings, or (more recently) into approval books on SOR.
Thumbs up for this thread Kelly!
I agree with Bobby I Love Box Lots. It is the thrill of the hunt! There have been time when I try and restrain myself from digging to see whats at the bottom-you just never know!!!
I've only 1-2 also that seamed a little sub par but thats box lots. Dr.Robert Friedman Stamps would offer multiple types in Linn's until recently, $100.00-$200.00- $300.00 and lots by country ect. I've bought many a lot from them over the years( a 10 minute drive from my house). I have been going through one from last fall purchased at auction.
Love them lots. A thumbs for sure.
I am really going to have to get my eyes checked; I read this post title as:
Pros and Cons of Botox!
Seriously!
Okay then, about BOXLOTS, my uncles used to order these all the time, and have them shipped to my address, and I'd send what they really wanted to them and had the rest to dispose of on my own. The good times were those when I found several QV stamps in a couple of lots, including some on cover! The bad times were more common, when I had a lot of things I didn't collect and were not high enough value to warrant the time to post them for sale: a 3 KG box full of lower value Machin heads; two shoe boxes of "dunes" complete with CTOs and everything I don't like in stamps; 300 addressed US FDC; etc. So when they stopped doing this, I continued for a couple more times, but then stopped too. What do you do with all the rest of the stuff you don't want?
Peter
I throw the 'stuff' I don't want from box lots into another box and periodically offer some for free to other collectors. If that doesn't get rid of the material, then our local recycling bins gets the box.
It never fails though as soon as I've disposed of something I think no one would want, someone asks for it.
I've purchased some excellent box lots in my lifetime and have had some that went straight into the recycling bin as 'floor sweepings'.
Liz
Oh Peter, my dear friend - you need your eyes checked (while you're there they may make suggestions as to how Botox can remove those lines too!)
definitely a thumbs up on botox.... I love boxlots as well.
Way more fun. It seems kind of a let down when shelling out big money for a single item (albeit quality item)and the deal is done...... big boxes can last for years
I love box lots, it so ,much fun to search thru. the good, bad and ugly, I have to admit I buy them quite often at various auctions, my next one should be here sometime next week, Got that one at Vance Auctions.
I always find something I can use and of course some stuff end up in the thrash, but as you know it is the thrill of the hunt
Last summer I ended up with 3 boxes the same day Had stamps all thru the house, Piles of stockcards, covers, album pages, All my bowls full of loose and on paper stamps, Sitting on the floor in the middle of it trying to figure out where to start, but sure was enjoyable sorting thru everything, pizza delivery for supper LOL
Lol Lee - I can clearly picture that!
I also like boxlots...it's like Christmas morning on the day I receive one in the mail! All of the unwanted material should be somehow gotten into the hands of others rather than ending up in a dustbin somewhere or in a box under the bed or in the attic. There are disabled veteran organizations, scout troops, girls clubs, etc. that would welcome your unwanted stamps. Please give it a little effort to find a group to support with your unwanted stamp donations before giving them the ole heave ho!!
Joseph has a great point worth remembering. I know of two such organizations: Stamps for Wounded Vets run by John Hotchner; and our own Holocaust Project. The former is more appropriate for sound material; the latter for things that really belong in the dustbin.
David
I love box lots too. I have found many great items over the years in those kinds of lots. I can build my collection faster by buying country album full of stamps, but it is much more fun to dive into a box of stamps/covers. The only con is that it takes some $$ to ante up to get a box lot. Usually you need about $50 to get a good sized box. When I sell stamps I prefer to sell box lots too, to earn more money to buy more box lots!
I too am a lover of box lots. Last summer, I bought a large box for $10 in Peoria and then put it aside for later. I have shoeboxes every where like that. When I got around to sorting it, I found among a host of other neat things, a pastel painting in the bottom of the box which turned out to have been painted by an artist from the 1930s for department stores in Atlanta. There was a label on the back that said if you like this one contact me and I will paint another. It turned out that he- I don't remember the name- is enjoying some popularity and a friend of mine put it on EBay and we got $37.50 for the item and I still had the rest of the box. I recently bought a stock book of stamps from a dealer friend which we dickered over for some time finally settling on $50. He knows me well and in parting said, "If I had dumped that in a box lot, you would have given me $75," and he is probably right.. I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with but since I collect everything, there are always many things I can use.
Jack
" I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with"
Well, here's a large lot that should make many on this thread happy and busy for a long time. From a very reputable dealer on eBay (formerly of Stanley Gibbons). 50,000 ship and flight canceled covers. Of course, it will cost you at least $10,000 US!
Scocia Philately UK
Peter -- What are you going to do with all those covers?
And totally off-topic, those blue bags are Ikea reusable bags, and they're fantastic! Two thumbs up!
-- Dave
Dave, what will *I* do with this purchase? Other than go to the poor house for retirement?
Those bags look like Ikea bags to me, which ARE great; very strong, and reusable.
But speaking of box lots ... I forgot I had placed an opening bid on an item in an auction and I ended up winning it! Something like 3 cartons for $400. Expect some approval books and auctions here folks!
Peter
No doubt we have all purchased boxlots at some point in our hobby. We know there are bound to be damaged stamps, pulled perfs or creases or accidental perf creases due to transport of the boxlot.
Today I was quite pleased to find a Penny Red in my boxlot. What else lurks in there? I look forward to checking the plating on this Penny Red.
What experiences have you guys had (pros and cons) of boxlot purchases?
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
I love boxlots! It is the thrill of the hunt and the hours upon hours of fun which I enjoy. Over the years I have found some jewels (not many, but enough to keep me happy) and a LOT of very nice items both for my collection and to be used as trading material. Over the past 25 years, I have purchased a couple hundred such lots and collections, and have only returned 2 and felt an additional 2 or 3 (which were not returnable) were sub par.
Damaged stamps and a lot of common stuff are to be expected. The damaged I either toss or (if damage is minimal) throw in with the common material. The common material go out as donations, part of my nickel box for club meetings, or (more recently) into approval books on SOR.
Thumbs up for this thread Kelly!
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
I agree with Bobby I Love Box Lots. It is the thrill of the hunt! There have been time when I try and restrain myself from digging to see whats at the bottom-you just never know!!!
I've only 1-2 also that seamed a little sub par but thats box lots. Dr.Robert Friedman Stamps would offer multiple types in Linn's until recently, $100.00-$200.00- $300.00 and lots by country ect. I've bought many a lot from them over the years( a 10 minute drive from my house). I have been going through one from last fall purchased at auction.
Love them lots. A thumbs for sure.
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
I am really going to have to get my eyes checked; I read this post title as:
Pros and Cons of Botox!
Seriously!
Okay then, about BOXLOTS, my uncles used to order these all the time, and have them shipped to my address, and I'd send what they really wanted to them and had the rest to dispose of on my own. The good times were those when I found several QV stamps in a couple of lots, including some on cover! The bad times were more common, when I had a lot of things I didn't collect and were not high enough value to warrant the time to post them for sale: a 3 KG box full of lower value Machin heads; two shoe boxes of "dunes" complete with CTOs and everything I don't like in stamps; 300 addressed US FDC; etc. So when they stopped doing this, I continued for a couple more times, but then stopped too. What do you do with all the rest of the stuff you don't want?
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
Peter
I throw the 'stuff' I don't want from box lots into another box and periodically offer some for free to other collectors. If that doesn't get rid of the material, then our local recycling bins gets the box.
It never fails though as soon as I've disposed of something I think no one would want, someone asks for it.
I've purchased some excellent box lots in my lifetime and have had some that went straight into the recycling bin as 'floor sweepings'.
Liz
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
Oh Peter, my dear friend - you need your eyes checked (while you're there they may make suggestions as to how Botox can remove those lines too!)
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
definitely a thumbs up on botox.... I love boxlots as well.
Way more fun. It seems kind of a let down when shelling out big money for a single item (albeit quality item)and the deal is done...... big boxes can last for years
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
I love box lots, it so ,much fun to search thru. the good, bad and ugly, I have to admit I buy them quite often at various auctions, my next one should be here sometime next week, Got that one at Vance Auctions.
I always find something I can use and of course some stuff end up in the thrash, but as you know it is the thrill of the hunt
Last summer I ended up with 3 boxes the same day Had stamps all thru the house, Piles of stockcards, covers, album pages, All my bowls full of loose and on paper stamps, Sitting on the floor in the middle of it trying to figure out where to start, but sure was enjoyable sorting thru everything, pizza delivery for supper LOL
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
Lol Lee - I can clearly picture that!
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
I also like boxlots...it's like Christmas morning on the day I receive one in the mail! All of the unwanted material should be somehow gotten into the hands of others rather than ending up in a dustbin somewhere or in a box under the bed or in the attic. There are disabled veteran organizations, scout troops, girls clubs, etc. that would welcome your unwanted stamps. Please give it a little effort to find a group to support with your unwanted stamp donations before giving them the ole heave ho!!
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
Joseph has a great point worth remembering. I know of two such organizations: Stamps for Wounded Vets run by John Hotchner; and our own Holocaust Project. The former is more appropriate for sound material; the latter for things that really belong in the dustbin.
David
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
I love box lots too. I have found many great items over the years in those kinds of lots. I can build my collection faster by buying country album full of stamps, but it is much more fun to dive into a box of stamps/covers. The only con is that it takes some $$ to ante up to get a box lot. Usually you need about $50 to get a good sized box. When I sell stamps I prefer to sell box lots too, to earn more money to buy more box lots!
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
I too am a lover of box lots. Last summer, I bought a large box for $10 in Peoria and then put it aside for later. I have shoeboxes every where like that. When I got around to sorting it, I found among a host of other neat things, a pastel painting in the bottom of the box which turned out to have been painted by an artist from the 1930s for department stores in Atlanta. There was a label on the back that said if you like this one contact me and I will paint another. It turned out that he- I don't remember the name- is enjoying some popularity and a friend of mine put it on EBay and we got $37.50 for the item and I still had the rest of the box. I recently bought a stock book of stamps from a dealer friend which we dickered over for some time finally settling on $50. He knows me well and in parting said, "If I had dumped that in a box lot, you would have given me $75," and he is probably right.. I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with but since I collect everything, there are always many things I can use.
Jack
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
" I have never bought a box lot that I was unhappy with"
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
Well, here's a large lot that should make many on this thread happy and busy for a long time. From a very reputable dealer on eBay (formerly of Stanley Gibbons). 50,000 ship and flight canceled covers. Of course, it will cost you at least $10,000 US!
Scocia Philately UK
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
Peter -- What are you going to do with all those covers?
And totally off-topic, those blue bags are Ikea reusable bags, and they're fantastic! Two thumbs up!
-- Dave
re: Pros and Cons of Boxlots
Dave, what will *I* do with this purchase? Other than go to the poor house for retirement?
Those bags look like Ikea bags to me, which ARE great; very strong, and reusable.
But speaking of box lots ... I forgot I had placed an opening bid on an item in an auction and I ended up winning it! Something like 3 cartons for $400. Expect some approval books and auctions here folks!
Peter