Rules, rules, rules.
I know rules usually stink, but in this case they are here to make the trading experience better for all involved.
1. You contact me about trading means you send first. After we have successfuly completed a trade, I have no problem sending at the same time.
2. Used for used, Mint for mint, kiloware for kiloware. Let's keep the trading fair.
3. No CTO's please. I do, occasionally, have CTO's for trade. These are almost always stamps sent to me that the trader thought were used. I offer these for trade, because some people do enjoy them but I also clearly identify them as CTO.
4. No damaged stamps. I understand that corners can get dinged up during shipping, but lets keep the creases, thins, and tears to a minimum, OK.
5. I will drop you a courtesy email when your stamps arive and when I mail yours. I expect the same.
6. Try to use good commemorative stamps or PNCs on the covers you send me. I will do the same.
7. Package with care. The easiest way to avoid damage to the stamps is to take some time and thought when packing them for mail. I currently use a number 5 glassine with an acid free backerboard. (if you want some of these drop me a line and we can work out a swap)All the ink on my tags is also acid free, archival ink.
8. My infamous rule number eight. This is the rule that gets me the most hate mail, but unfortunately I find it necessary. While I enjoy trading with other collectors all over the world, I have blacklisted several countries. This is nothing personal; it is just from my experience the postal services in these countries have been unreliable. Packages are frequently "lost", arrive damaged, or opened. The Blacklist