Stamp Exchange
Hi,
If you are interested in exchanging stamps with me, you have come to the right place. The following sections lay out the terms I’m willing to make some stamp exchange with anyone interested. PLEASE, READ THE BELOW RULES THOROUGHLY – IT WILL TAKE ONLY APPROX. 5-10 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME.
Need help? If You can’t open PDF-files, then here is the same form as an printable image file (just click and print)….Don’t have access to an printer? Handwritten messages with same details are fine too.
The goal of the exchange is to be fun, fast and very simple way to swap unnecessary duplicate stamps to possibly something more useful. As I want to keep this stamp exchange as lightweight and open as possible (without catalogue value staring), it has a only very few and very specific rules that I hope all participants to follow.
How the exchange goes
This exchange is a slightly modified version of traditional “exchange stamps by packets” trade.
Step 1: Send me any number of used worldwide stamps that meet my criterias.
For more information about this step, please read “What I want”-section below.
Step 2: Mail the stamps to me.
For more information about this step, please read “Mailing the stamps”-section below. Please, remember always to fill in this PDF-form and attach a printout with your exchange sending. (If you don’t have access to printer, you can easily write down the same details on sheet of paper as well. And If you have problems opening the PDF-file, here’s the same form as image that will open on your browser screen for printing).
Step 3: Once I receive your sending, I will pick up what I like from your sending, and add same number of items worldwide items from my duplicates stock. The stamps I have no use, I will return untouched “as is” with the new exchanged stamps. For more information about this step, please read “What I Offer”-section below.
Step 4: Making of public summary
For each and every exchange, I will make and publish a public summary (with photos of exchanged stamps).
What I want
I’m interested of USED ONLY worldwide postage stamps that I don’t have.
With used stamps I mean stamps having some kind of postmark or cancellation. I accept both real used and CTO-used stamps.
As I collect worldwide from 1840 to current date, I’m interested of pretty much everything. This includes also countries that many collectors consider “junk” such as dune states (like Ajman, Manama etc) or even bogus issues (like Sahara OCC, Nagaland etc).
Single country sendings and mixtures are both equally fine for me. Though you are free to send as many stamps as You wish, I recommend sending exchange covers containing at least 30 or more stamps.
Stamps I want must be in good condition (= no thins, tears, missing tooth,folds,greases etc). Unobtrusive (graphite/HB) pencil markings on the back of the stamp are fine for me, but stamps with ink (and other colored) markings on the back I will count as faulty.
Please, do not send me stamps that have background paper still affixed (unless they are non-soakable recent stamps, like some very recent US or UK stamps).
Any stamp that does not meet the above criterias I will return “as is” with exchanged stamps.
Any stamp that I have no use I will return “as is” with exchanged stamps.
What I offer
In exchange I offer used and mint stamps around the world. You can specify if you accept used or mint (including both hinged and never hinged) stamps; or both.
Stamps I offer will be in good condition (= no thins, tears, missing tooth,folds etc). Used stamps may have writing / inscription (like catalog number) on the back – but it’s always unobtrusive and made with pencil. Mint stamps may vary from mint never hinged to lightly hinged or heavily hinged. If you prefer only a specific condition, please specify it with a separate note/ letter with your stamps.
As a generalization I will try to follow the “1:1 of the same kind” rule. This means that:
- a large (commemorative/pictorial) stamp is worth a large (commemorative/pictorial) stamp
- a small (common definitive) stamp is worth a small (common definitive) stamp
- an old stamp (pre 1940’s) is worth another old stamp
- a CTO-used stamp is worth a CTO used stamp
- a bogus stamp is worth a bogus stamp
- a miniature sheet is worth a miniature sheet
- etc
Please, do not send me anything truly valuable (unless you are willing to exchange it for common stamps). I will not check catalogue values of any stamps going in or out.
I will NOT accept any kind of detailed wantlists (including wishes for specific countries or topics, and exclusions). As the idea of this exchange is to be “simple worldwide stamps exchange”, wantlists would simply kill the fun out of it. So once more – NO WANTLISTS OR EXCLUSIONLISTS, PLEASE.
Mailing of stamps
This step is easy… Just fill in this PDF-form and print it with your sending. (If you don’t have access to printer, you can easily write down the same details on sheet of paper as well). My mailing address (and summary of instructions on this page) are included to the form.
I will mail the stamps back to their sender using normal (unregistered) mail with some Finnish stamps on the top. As my local post office has somewhat limited services and selection, I will not give any guarantees of cancel quality or use of specific stamps for postage, but I’ll do my best to use commemorative stamps.
Though international (and national) postage is usually very reliable, I want to highlight that I will not take any responsibility of lost covers or stamps under any circumstances. If you wish to receive the return cover by registered mail, please be prepared pay the expenses (by IBANN or PayPal payments). However, I must warn that the cost of international registered postage from Finland to abroad is VERY expensive (from 7€ upwards even for standard 20g letter).
Closing words
Thanks for reading everything… I know this page has a lot of details, but I believe good and clear “terms of trade” make stamp exchange more fun for all participants.
If you have any questions, just leave a question using the form below. And don’t be shy; there is no such thing as stupid question 
Best,
-keijo-
30.12.2009 (entry updated 17.8.2010)
Summary of exchanges
Here’s a quick summary of stamp exchanges in 2010 so far:
| ID | Date received | Sender | Total number of stamps | Exchanged stamps | Picture (for me) |
Picture (to sender) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 2010/01/08 | Gerd, Germany |
200 | 107 |  |
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| #2 | 2010/01/08 | Jacques-Marie, France |
33 | 14 |  |
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| #3 | 2010/01/11 | Klaus, Germany |
200 | 127+12 CTO |  |
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| #4 | 2010/01/18 | Kristin, USA |
60 | 33 |  |
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| #5 | 2010/01/20 | Gerd, Germany |
350 | 159 + 5 CTO |  |
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| #6 | 2010/01/22 | Aivars, Latvia |
100 | 49 + 12 CTO |  |
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| #7 | 2010/01/29 | Julius, Germany |
160 | 70 (14 defins/small) |  |
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| #8 | 2010/02/01 | Steven, USA |
60 | 41 (14 revenues) |  |
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| #9 | 2010/02/02 | Brad, Canada |
408 | 98 (15 CTO, 7 small + 32 old, 44 large) |  |
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| #10 | 2010/02/03 | Tsung Fei, Malaysia |
74 | 15 (12 large,2 defins,1 old) |  |
 |
| #11 | 2010/02/05 | Shrikant, India |
54 | 38 (31 large,7 small) |  |
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| #12 | 2010/02/12 | Moses, Israel |
50 | 45 (all large) |  |
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| #13 | 2010/02/19 | Marco, Italy |
152 | 134 (11 CTO,3 small, rest large) |  |
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| #14 | 2010/02/24 | Saurin, India |
28 | 5 (1 small, rest large) |  |
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| #15 | 2010/03/01 | Graham, USA |
100 | 47 (9 old, 9 defins, 2 CTO, rest large) |  |
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| #16 | 2010/03/01 | Ben, UK |
300 | 35 (4 CTO, 11 defins, rest large) |  |
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| #17 | 2010/03/05 | Saurin, India |
24 | 5 |  |
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| #18 | 2010/03/11 | Rolf, Norway |
102 | 34 (25 large,8 (mosty large) defins, 1 old) |  |
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| #19 | 2010/03/18 | Saurin, India |
19 | 6 |  |
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| #20 | 2010/03/22 | Jayne, USA |
102 | 74 |  |
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| #21 | 2010/03/22 | Marian, Israel |
200 | 48 (1 cto, 25 defins, 22 commemoratives) |  |
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| #22 | 2010/03/22 | Graham, USA |
250 | 112 (67 commemoratives, 26 cto-used, 19 old) |  |
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| #23 | 2010/03/23 | Tsung Fei, Malaysia |
50 | 12 |  |
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| #24 | 2010/04/02 | Guy, Canada |
50 | 35 (23 cto,11 large,1 small) |  |
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| #25 | 2010/04/02 | Keith, USA |
39 | 22 (10 old,3 cto, rest large) |  |
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| #26 | 2010/04/07 | Dell, USA | 100 | 14 |  |
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| #27 | 2010/04/15 | Aivars, Latvia | 100 | 66 (33 CTO,31 large,3 small) |  |
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| #28 | 2010/04/15 | Bronwyn, Australia | 132 | 50 (34 large, 16 defins) |  |
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| #29 | 2010/04/22 | Tsung Fei, Malaysia | 70 | 50 |  |
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| #30 | 2010/04/22 | Radojka, Croatia | 50 | 30 (20 large defins, 10 commems) |  |
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| #31 | 2010/04/27 | Haluk, Turkey | 102 | 43 (3 old, 14 small, rest large) |  |
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| #32 | 2010/04/27 | Dell, USA | 90 | 12 |  |
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| #33 | 2010/04/28 | Novie, Indonesia | 97 | 57 |  |
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| #34 | 2010/05/04 | Graham, USA | 212 | 72 (2 bogus,11 CTO,26 old,29 large, 4 small defins) |  |
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| #35 | 2010/05/04 | Tsung Fei, Malaysia | 37 | 30 (5 old, 4 defins, rest large) |  |
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| #36 | 2010/05/04 | Guy, Canada | 50 | 39 (26 CTO,13 real used) |  |
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| #37 | 2010/05/10 | Radojka, Croatia | 55 | 14 (13 real used,1 CTO) |  |
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| #38 | 2010/05/12 | Kristin, US | 54 | 32 (1 m/s, rest large) |  |
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| #39 | 2010/05/24 | Narender, India | 19 | 5 |  |
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| #40 | 2010/05/24 | Radojka, Croatia | 52 | 9 |  |
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| #41 | 2010/05/25 | Tsung Fei, Malaysia | 32 | 19 |  |
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| #42 | 2010/05/24 | Joseph, Malta | 40 | 12 |  |
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| #43 | 2010/05/25 | John, UK | 35 | 12 |  |
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| #44 | 2010/06/05 | Moses, Israel | 50 | 18 |  |
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| #45 | 2010/06/05 | Guy, Canada | 50 | 37 |  |
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| #46 | 2010/06/05 | Tsung Fei, Malaysia | 69 | 22 |  |
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| #47 | 2010/06/05 | Azzam, Egypt | 51 | 18 |  |
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| #48 | 2010/06/05 | Antoni, Poland | 100 | 26 |  |
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| #49 | 2010/06/09 | Radojka, Croatia | 52 | 17 |  |
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| #50 | 2010/06/21 | Radojka, Croatia | 106 | 34 |  |
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| #51 | 2010/06/21 | Tsung Fei, Malaysia | 38 | 23 |  |
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| #52 | 2010/06/21 | Rafael, Brazil | 38 | 29 |  |
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| #53 | 2010/07/12 | Azzam, Egypt | 60 | 45 |  |
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| #54 | 2010/07/12 | William, Canada | 50 | 18 |  |
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| #55 | 2010/07/12 | William, Canada | 50 | 3 |  |
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| #56 | 2010/07/13 | Radojka, Croatia | 52 | 27 |  |
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| #57 | 2010/07/15 | Ardois Y, France | 100 | 15 |  |
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| #58 | 2010/07/15 | Dell, USA | 92 | 26 |  |
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| #59 | 2010/07/20 | Seth, UK | 200 | 41 |  |
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| #60 | 2010/07/20 | Rafael, Brazil | 54 | 37 |  |
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| #61 | 2010/07/20 | Paul, USA | 32 | 16 |  |
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| #62 | 2010/07/20 | Radojka, Croatia | 100 | 23 |  |
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| #63 | 2010/07/21 | Patrick, USA | 66 | 22 |  |
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| #64 | 2010/07/27 | Silviu, Romania | 30 | 25 |  |
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| #65 | 2010/07/27 | Iman, Malaysia | 71 | 15 |  |
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| #66 | 2010/07/27 | Akhil, India | 26 | 22 |  |
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| #67 | 2010/07/27 | George, Sri Lanka | 30 | 20 |  |
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| #68 | 2010/07/27 | Anthony, USA | 130 | 73 (53 commems, 15 defins, 2cto,3 old, 1 cinderella) |  |
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| #69 | 2010/08/03 | Radojka, Croatia | 120 | 31 |  |
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| #70 | 2010/08/03 | Joe, Malta | 50 | 17 |  |
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| #71 | 2010/08/03 | Elton, India | 11 +2 m/s | 5 |  |
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| #72 | 2010/08/09 | Seth, UK | 200 | 24 |  |
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| #73 | 2010/08/09 | Azzam, Egypt | 50 | 26 |  |
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| #74 | 2010/08/11 | Patrick, USA | 101 | 69 (50 large,6 defins,6 old) |  |
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| #75 | 2010/08/11 | Richard, Canada | 100 | 49 (17 commemoratives,1 definitive,18 old, 13 bogus/cinderella) |  |
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| #76 | 2010/08/12 | Aleksandar, Serbia | 131 | 39 |  |
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| #77 | 2010/08/13 | Joe, Malta | 150 | 75 (34 large, 5 defins,11 old, 25 cto/bogus) |  |
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| #78 | 2010/08/13 | Radojka, Croatia | 100 | 30 |  |
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| #79 | 2010/08/16 | Markus, Austria | 183 | 149 (94 cto, 36 large,11 defins,8 older) |  |
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| #80 | 2010/08/17 | Kristine, USA | 75 | 10 |  |
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| #81 | 2010/08/17 | Anthony, USA | 98 | 47 (29 large,15 defins,3 older) |  |
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| #82 | 2010/08/17 | Fred, UK | 85 | 9 |  |
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| #83 | 2010/08/17 | Elton, India | 35 + 2m/s | 16 + 1m/s |  |
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| #84 | 2010/08/18 | Rafael, Brazil | 81 | 48 (40 large, 8 small) |  |
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| #85 | 2010/08/20 | Radojka, Croatia | 138 | 72 (56 defins, 15 large, 1 cto) |  |
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| #86 | 2010/08/20 | Fred, UK | 98 | 44 (27 large, 7 defins, 3 older, 7 cto) |  |
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| #87 | 2010/08/23 | Azzam, Egypt | 56 | 33 |  |
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| #88 | 2010/08/23 | Guy, Canada | 50 | 33 + 2m/s (large:24cto,4 real used; 5 defins; 2cto m/s) |  |
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| #89 | 2010/08/24 | Trevor, Australia | 150 | 23 |  |
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| #90 | 2010/08/30 | Joe, Malta | 151 | 70 (23 commemoratives, 5 defins, 1 older, 41 cto/bogus) |  |
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| #91 | 2010/08/30 | Clarence, Sri Lanka | 50 | 36 (34 commemoratives, 2 defins) |  |
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| #92 | 2010/08/30 | Fred, UK | 103 | 43 (38 commemoratives, 2 older, 3 definitives) |  |
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| #93 | 2010/08/30 | Radojka, Croatia | 102 | 31 (20 large, 4 defins, 4 older, 3 cto) |  |
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| #94 | 2010/08/31 | Thomas, USA | 200 | 147 (64 large, 22 older large,15 defins, 21 older defins, 25 cto) |  |
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Can i send an aerogram to you?
Hi Shia,
I’d prefer a postcard / letter with stamps on top as I don’t collect aerograms, stationary, FDC’s or similar. It’s only the stamps that interest me
Happy New Year!
-keijo-
The redesign of your blog is excellent, and your stamp exchange rules are very helpful. May your stamp collection thrive and grow in 2010.
Thanks Carol,
I’m very happy to hear positive feedback about the new look as well as for the stamp exchange rules
Happy new year!
-keijo-
Hi Keijo,
I’ll post a letter with a stamp packet tomorrow. I hope we’ll can do some stamp trades in future.
Bye
Gerd
Hi Gerd,
and thanks. I’ll be looking forward to my mail
-keijo-
Can I send you some US stamps?
Yes… I’m open for any country as long as the stamps are used (=cancelled with some kind of postmark) and in good condition.
For U.S. my collection is about 41% complete meaning that I still have a huge number of spaces to fill. Especially era from the 1990s onwards is very blank, but smaller gaps are in all eras and in all (catalog) value ranges.
-keijo-
Today’s (Jan 8th) mail included two exchange lots (from Gerd and Jacques-Marie); please see recent blog (or archive) for more details about these.
Looking great so far
One more exchange lot (sent by Klaus from Berlin, Germany) arrived in todays (Jan 11th) mail. A summary will appear in the blog soon.
Hello Keijo,
an other stamp packet is ready to be posted at Monday.
Have a nice weekend
Gerd
Re: last nights blog entry about some re-organization…
This page now features a summary table with information (and pictures) of exchanges. I will update the table contents as I receive new lots.
In addition, I’ve tried to make the exchange rules more compact.
I really like to be able to view the stamps exchange
of what was kept and what was returned, so if I send you a selection of stamps hopefully it will be some that you can keep. This is really helpfull. THANKS
Today’s (Jan 18th) mail brough stamps from Kristin (USA). Some very nice stamps from Japan and Canada
However, there is no return address included… So Kristin, would you please send me Your return address (just type it in into comment/reply box, and I’ll pick it up). Thanks.
best,
-keijo-
I am glad you liked the stamps. I was worried because I sent them a while ago. I did have a return address sticker on the envelope but I guess it came off.
Hi Kristin,
and thanks for the address. I’ll mail the stamps today. If all goes well they should arrive US in about 2-3 weeks time.
best,
-keijo-
Hi Gerd,
your sending arrived today (Wed 20th Jan). Plenty of new stamps once more
Hi Keijo,
glad to see some nice nordic stamps reach my collection soon.
Have a nice week
Gerd
Today’s (Jan 22nd) mail brought an exchange lot from Aivars, Latvia. Very nice selection of Slovakia, Czech Rebublic, Poland etc. (mainly eastern) European countries… If all goes well, Aivars should receive my sending early next week as I’ll mail it today.
Hi Keijo, its true, i would be looking for stamps from a certain time frame…but at some point in time i can see myself sending you a “fun trade” of 100 worldwide..as i trader i could use current stamps to exchange with others!! Nice to visit your site !!! phil
Hi Phil,
sounds like a good idea to me
Hello Keijo,
I have spent the last couple of days reading through your blog and also picking out a selection of stamps to trade with you. I will be sending 400 stamps, mostly used but there are some mint never hinged from Moldova and Cote D’Ivoire – all more recent issues. I am also sending some earlier Canadian stamps, Jamaica, Maldive Islands, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania (both early and recent), Macedonia and Nicaragua. I tried to keep it ecletic in order to make it interesting.
I have really enjoyed your blog and have started following your lead, by getting my stamps out of glassine envelopes and boxes, and getting them into stock books. Tomorrow I hope to get out to a stamp store and hopefully buy some used stock books, as mine are filling up fast.
I like your attitude about the trading. This will be the first time I have ever traded, but you seem friendly, honest and relaxed about it – so it will be fun.
I will mail out the 400 stamps tomorrow – I hope you enjoy them.
Best regards,
Brad
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Hi Brad,
However, please send ONLY USED stamps as stated in my wants. I have no use for mint stamps and I will return them “as is”.
and thanks. That sounds like a lot of fun
As you are a first timer, here are few practical tips to make sure things go as well as possible:
- If sending more than 150/200 stamps, please consider sending stamps in larger envelope (like C5 or C4), or sending them in multiple envelopes. This way the cover will remain somewhat flat… Thick covers WILL jam sorting machine and get “squeezed”. They might also get into “special treatment” of customs (if sending outside EU-area).
- The cover CAN/WILL receive some very handling. Please, pack the stamps properly. Place stamps into sturdy stock cards, or if using pouches place postcards or similar on both sides of the cover to prevent from bending.
- And finally… DON’T PANIC… Lost international mail is very rare, but sometimes covers take the “long route” to arrive. Most of the covers arrive within 2 weeks from sending, but sometimes they can go missing for month or two. If the cover doesn’t show up after 6 months, then it’s a goner.
As for other notes…. I’m happy You are liking the blog contents
Used stockbooks can be cheap, but be aware that they might contain fungus/mildew spores etc. substances that you don’t want to get anywhere close to your collection.
best,
-keijo-
Today’s (Jan 29th 2010) mail brought an exchange lot from Julius, Germany.
It contained a total of 160 stamps, of which I took 70 stamps (14 small defins, rest large commemoratives or defins). Some very nice Czech republic and (West) Germany to add my collection.
My response will leave on monday’s mail towards Bad Schwartau.
Hi Keijo,
Sorry, I already mailed the pack with the mint stamps in it. No problem if you have to send those back. Or, you could always consider using them to trade for other used material. I am not looking for any special “trading rate” because they are mint. The choice is yours.
The stamps are well packed in a large envelope. I used to sell on Ebay, so I got pretty good at the packaging.
That is a good point about old stock books. I have some pretty ratty looking ones myself still. I will be sure to have a good look at them before purchasing.
Sorry about the mint stamps!!!
All the best,
Brad
Hi Brad,
and thanks for response. Very likely all the mint one’s will come back to you untouched.
But anyway, as for future reference (and to ALL readers)… I wish everybody wanting to exchange with me, would read the rules IN FULL before sending anything. It’s only about 2 pages and will take less than 10 minutes of time to read.
Keijo,
I received your sending a couple of days ago. Thanks for the nice stamps and I loved the stamps on the cover. I am preparing to send some more stamps soon. I am glad you posted a picture of what you took, so I don’t send the same ones again. I see you liked the Canadian and Japanese stamps in particular. I also wanted to know if you wanted to take part in the Forever Stamp Exchange. I have gotten some good stamps from it. I know some people don’t like these chains, so I will only send it to you if you are interested.
Hi Kristin,
and thanks for the info. It’s good to know that the cover arrived in good condition (as the international mailing CAN hammer covers quite badly sometimes).
Yes, the Canada and Japan you sent were nice and did add to my collection. And based on the stats on “my stamp collection“, I still have plenty of missing stamps for both of the countries.
I know the Forever stamp exchange (and I’ve been even invited/asked to take part several times), but right now it’s not in my interests.
hi kEIJO
I SEE YOUR website for stamp exchange e ,I am interested in exchangig stamps with you .I am from India.My name is swapan chandra.If you are interested I will tell you in details about what I want to offer & what I want to get from you.I am very much interested in your offer of Mint stamps .I am interested in your stamps if they are any left.I can offer you a lot of stamps from India Bangladesh Bhutan & oTher small Asian Countries . I am also interested in small European countries like Luxemburg Island Andora & others
Waiting for your reply.
swapan chandra
Hi Swapan,
After reading your comment, I’m pretty sure You have (unfortunately) not read the guidelines / contents of this exchange. Please, do read them first.
best,
-keijo-
Feb 1st 2010 mail brought a letter from Steven, USA. It contained 60 stamps of which I took 41, including some older US stamps and revenues (and nice Malawi). They will add to my collection very nicely. Thank You.
Hope you will enjoy the stamps I’m sending to You in tomorrows mail.
Hi Brad,
your sending arrived in todays (Feb 2nd) mail. That was one SPEEDY delivery (only 4 days) for cross-Atlantic mail.
Anyway, I took about one fourth of your sending and replaced them with used worldwide.
I’ll put the return covers (two covers, as it will be cheaper to mail this way) to mail today. Hope you will like the stamps I included.
An exchange letter from Tsung Fei, Malaysia arrived in Feb 3rd mail. It contained 74 stamps of which I took 15.
As usual, the return envelope is already in the mail with exchanged stamps (as a side note, the image of stamps I sent in return is missing one stamp – I accidentally forgot to place it on the stock sheet while taking a photo).
Thanks Keijo! I am pleased with the exchange. I am quite surprised that the letter reached you in about 9 days? I was expecting something like two weeks
.
Hi Tsung Fei,
I agree that this time the mailman was exceptionally fast. But I’m not complaining
I hope the return cover reaches you equally fast.
Exchange cover from Shrikant, India arrived in Feb 5th mail.
Plenty of very nice Sri Lanka. Thank you my friend
The return cover will start it’s journey back to India on monday (as it won’t make in today’s mail).
Hello Keijo!
I have taken over stamp collection from my grandfather and father, was wondering what do I do with the duplicates and happened to bump into your blog.
Since the time I have been handling stamps it’s my second love, you have motivated me to reach higher altitudes in my hobby.
Have read the terms of trade and shall shortly send you my very first stamp collection (used stamps) overseas! Hope it shall help build your collection.
I am excited!
Cheers from India!
Saurin Yagnik
Hi Saurin,
sounds great and I’m looking forward to exchange
Hi Keijo! Your mail reached me safely today on 11th February. According to the cancellation mark, it was processed by the Finnish post office on the 4th of February, so it took eight days to reach Malaysia. Interestingly, my local post office told me that it would take TEN days for my normal mail to get to Bangkok, very strange indeed.
I particularly like the 50 years celebration of the Max-Planck Institute stamp that you sent. Last year, I had the good fortune of visiting one of their institutes in Ploen, a beautiful town about an hour away from Hamburg.
Hi Keijo,
Your stamps arrived here in Toronto on February 10th. Thanks very much. I really enjoyed the selection. I will try and put another pack together for you this weekend. It will be all used stamps though!!
Best regards,
Brad
Thanks for letting me know Brad. I’ll be waiting for your new sending
Anyway, lots of stuff in Feb 12th mail… First an exchange cover from Moses, Israel. Most of it was very useful (as my Israel collection was very anemic before this)
And as usual, a response cover is already on it’s way.
In addition the mailman dropped few (other greeting) covers from the readers of the blog. Jacques-Marie: the Obelix and Idefix stamp on top of the cover were SUPER!!! Christoph – You’ll be getting a response soon. I loved the m/s you used for postage
Cheeky question, do comemerative stamps we put on the sending envelope count. ie. do you return the envelopes with recent Finnish commerative stamps?
Simple and short: I don’t count them.
Personally I include commemoratives or other large stamps for the postage always. But these may be older stuff (from the markka era) or newer issues (euro era), or their mixture. It depends on what I have available and what are the total postage costs.
But here’s a catch I think many non-Finnish collectors don’t know (or realize)… If I use only very recent (euro-era) stamps for postage, then response cover usually will contain just single large stamp. Yes, just one lousy stamp. That’s what it takes to pay the full postage to most countries for average sized letter….If using older (markka) issues, I need to use about 3 or more large stamps (possibly even a complete m/s or booklet sheet) to make correct postage.
But no – I don’t expect people to use special stamps or similar for postage. Actually only about half of the exchangers have used large commemoratives only to pay the postage, rest of the covers have had a mixture of small and large stamps, or small definitives only.
Hello Keijo, with some days of delay I posted my letter, you should receive it soon
regards, Marco
Hi Marco,
your sending arrived in todays (Feb 19th 2010) mail. I had lots of fun while picking up almost every stamp you had included
The response cover will start it’s journey to Italy today. Hope you will like the stamps I’m sending.
HI!
I have sent my mail to you on Feb 16th 2010, hope you shall receive it shortly!
Kind Regards,
Saurin Yagnik
Hi Keijo,
good to hear that the stamps arrived safely and that most of them were useful for you! I’m looking forward to receive your letter. In the meanwhile I will look among my other duplicates to see if I can find more for you
Saurin & Marco,
all I can say is
Saurin,
your exchange cover arrived today (Feb 24th). I was able to pick up few useful items from your sending, but unfortunately a large part of the included stamps were in very appalling condition:
I know. I’m making this particular case a public example of bad trade. And I feel more than sorry that I have to make so. But I fear that if I don’t strongly disallow this kind of behavior publicly, it will continue time and again.
Anyway – return cover will be sent back to India in todays mail.
Dear Keijo,
Please accept my sincere apologies for this bad trade, it was never intentional trust me. As informed earlier since this was my very first experience of trading stamps I stumbled upon and you have helped to correct me.
I respect your position on this and shall ensure that such error is not repeated from my side. Second exchange is ready from above lessons and have taken extra care to avoid bad trade.
Cheers!
Hi Saurin.
Apology accepted…. I know everybody makes random mistakes, so let’s not stick to them but move on
Hi!
My sending is on it’s way with few commemorative stamps on the cover!
This reminds me of a short story: A boy used to daily cross the mexico border on bicycle and check-post authorities used to frisk him and found bag of sand on his back seat. They were puzzled by this boy daily crossing the border for a bag of Sand!
Any Guesses what actually the boy was doing?
Cheers!
My guess would be smuggling bicycles. LOL.
Well my first swap is underway, I sent a package, 2 days ago. Unfortunately my local post office have changed thier tellers from the the last time I was there.
The package got taken away from me as soon as I said I’d I’d like to send it to Finland , and got a printed postage paid stamp stuck on it.
I’ll be more careful next time and ask to know how much it would cost and then buy approiate stamps.
Highly efficient postal services. LOL.
Exchange lot#15 from Graham, USA arrived March 1st 2010 with some very nice Egypt and Southern America stamps
Response cover will start it’s way towards Medford today.
And another exchange lot (#16) arrived today as well. It was sent by Ben from UK.
There was a pile of approx. 300 stamps (to quote Ben, I didn’t count) of all sorts. The 35 stamps I picked were mainly British commonwealth.
Response cover will start it’s way towards Powys, Newtown today.
Saurin,
your second sending arrived today (March 5th 2010). It was notably better than the first attempt, but please – do continue to enhance quality / condition. One fourth of the stamps had some faults (mainly thins).
Stamps on top of the cover were very nice though
I’ll put a return cover on the mail today.
Hi Keijo,
Thank you for the feedback, I did send you a self adhesive Mahatma Gandhi stamp size sticker hope you liked it and have retained!
Swiss Aviation is celebrating 100 years this year and I bought a souvenir having 04 mint stamps in it from Swiss Post online philashop. They are simply fantabulous!
My # 3 sending is ready and have taken into consideration of your feedback. This swapping is turning out to be really exciting and shall make extra efforts to be more quality conscious in our future swapping!
Cheers!
Hi Saurin,
I agree. Stamp exchanges are usually lots of fun
I’ve always wondered about “thins.” I’ve been given a couple of collections recently, and I now know why/how thins happen. Well-meaning people who do not understand how to collect used stamps try to peel them off of the packages, envelopes and postcards they receive. No, no, no! Tear/cut the envelope leaving a margin around the stamp, then separate the stamp from the paper by soaking in water for several minutes. Keijo, you say and illustrate the process beautifully here…
http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/how-to-soak-kiloware-basics.php
Hi Keijo,
Conincedentaly your sending received yesterday (05th March), this was the first International mail hiting my place. We all were excited to receive your cover and the wonderful stamps on and in the cover.
Cheers!
Dear Carol,
Thank you for the tip, have taken print of what Keijo has explained step by step and from now on shall follow to enhance my collection and future swappings!
I must admit here that hobby like this takes lot of character in you to build the collection and relationships.
Each day I am learning over here, a big thank you Keijo.
God is in detial!
Cheers!
March 11th mail brought exchange letter (#18) from Rolf, Norway.
It contained a 102 stamps around the world of which 34 will fill some spaces in my collections. It contained some very nice stamps, like Libyan Arab Rebublic “battle commemorative” and few Fiji definitives
March 18th mail dropped an exchange cover (#19) from Saurin, India. I will place the response cover to mailbox this afternoon.
Two new exchange covers (#20 and #21) in today’s mail.
Jayne from US send a lovely selection of recent France and Norway
Marian from Israel sent a wonderful allsorts mixture with some very nice Israel and China stamps
My compliments to both. Response covers will be mailed today.
And one more for 22/3/2010… Exchange cover (#22) from Graham, USA arrived today as well. It had 100 US stamps (from the 1980s) and 150 mixed worldwide stamps – both contained plenty of useful material. The picture shows some of the worldwide stuff I picked.
And as usual, a return cover will be placed on the mail ASAP.
March 23rd mail dropped in exchange cover #23 from Tsung Fei, Malaysia with some very nice Asian stamps
Hi! Keijo,
I am yet to receive second swap you have sent on March 05, 2010. No wonder it’s called snail mail!
Meanwhile, Do you have any suggestions / tips as to what care should be taken while attending Philatelic Exhibitions.
Cheers!
Hi Saurin,
such is the nature of snail mail; and it definitely adds up excitement to stamp exchanges
Usually international shipments take roughly 2-3 weeks to arrive, and anything up to 4-6 weeks is possible. But each day passing increases the possibility that the mailing has been lost.
As for going to to visit a stamp exhibition… It’s best to leave out most of your money at home. Seriously. LOL. The dealer tables are usually filled attractive offers, and it’s very easy to go over budget. And depending on the size of exhibition, these things may take serious time if you want to see / try totally everything.
Hello Keijo
I will mail approximately 100 Canadian stamps to you in the morning. Enjoy and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Dell
California, USA
Sounds great
Hi Keijo! Received your mail just now in good condition – again, only 7 days from Finland to Malaysia.
You said that stamps should be fun. You impose so many rules for trading that it is no longer fun. I was planning to send you some sheets from Vietnam but decided not to because of all the rules that I must follow.
Cheers and hope you get more collectors who can follow your trading rules.
Hello Richard,
The exchange has only 4 very simple rules:
1) Sent me only used stamps (large, small, cto, bogus are all equally good)
2) Make sure that all the sent stamps are in good condition (no thins, folds etc) and off-paper
3) Specify if you prefer used or mint (or mixed) stamps in return
4) Do not sent wantlists
The rest of the “statements” (like “DO NOT ask me to use specific Finnish stamps for postage” etc.) exist simply because lots of people tend to make all sorts of false assumptions; this I have learned the hard way. By stating the involved terms and practises very precisely I hope to reduce risks and disappointments for everyone.
best,
-keijo-
The rules are simple enough for me
. Two exchanges already so it must be fun.
When you play in a game the fun is to follow the rules!
April fool’s day brought an exchange cover (#24) from Guy(Canada), but I had the time to open & review it today. And I’m pleased to say it had plenty of nice stamps that will add to my collection
Response cover will head towards Canada right after Easter.
Hello Keijo
It’s me Novie from far far away, Indonesia.
I will exchange with you, and send you some Asia stamps.
Please let me know what do you think?
I will send after get a reply from you
Cheers
Novie
Hi Novie,
sounds great
Tuesday April 6th mail brought an exchange cover from Keith, Anchorage. It featured some very useful early Bulgaria
A response cover with exchanged stamps will be mailed today.
Wednesday April 7th mail brought a letter from Dell, USA with “the promised” Canadian stamps. There were some very nice items (like a perfin on 5c blue KVG stamp)
A response cover will leave in tomorrow mornings mail.
Hello Keijo
wow excellent timing from California… glad you like the perfin
best
Dell
Hi keijo,
I am interested in getting some foreign stamps. I have recently been to Africa and would like some from that continent. Do you have any African stamps?
Thanks
Nigel
Hi Nigel,
as said on the rules of exchange above – “no wantlists, please”. My selection of duplicates is a moving target, and I have no way to guarantee that what I have right now will be there also tomorrow.
best,
-keijo-
Hello Keijo
OK received your envelope today here in California. Pretty quick turn around considering that we are using ’snail mail’
I plan to send to you another package of 100 stamps. I figure we need to do a number of exchanges to see if we can help each other.
best
Dell from California
Hi Dell,
thanks for “landing report”. It’s good to know that the cover arrived safe & sound.
As for another batch of stamps… It sounds good
Hi,
It was good to see ur collection. Do you collect currencies of different countries? If yes, can we excahnge that as well?
Thanks,
Narender.E.S.
OK Keijo
dispatching another 100 today…
Regards
Dell from California
Hi Narender,
I accumulate coins of the world, but I’m not interested on exchanging them. Sorry
April 15th brought two new exchange letters.
Aivars from Latvia send a batch containing stamps from DDR (CTO and real used). A lot of it was very usefull to me.
Brownyn from Australia sent a mixture of recent Australia, and some Malayisian definitives. I had lots of fun with it as well
Hello!
The excitement stage has been overtaken by disappointment!
I have not received two swaps (March 05 & 18) out of three which were sent to you.
It seems people handling your postage are aware of the contents and I sense some foul play.
This platform does not encourage me for future swaps! I may bounce back if I am lucky, but as of now I am sadden.
With deep regret,
Saurin Yagnik
Hi Saurin,
Sorry to hear bad news… First, I’m quite confident that the problem is not on Finnish end (as Finnish post is amongst the most reliable and least corrupted worldwide)… Have you notified Your general postmaster? I fear it won’t bring back the lost sendings / stamps, but it will hopefully lead to actions that cause “bad apples” to get caught. Very likely it’s just one or two individual employees at some part of postal chain who have decided to do ill…
best,
-keijo-
Important notice… I’m sure everyone (at least in Europe) is aware of the Icelandic volcano eruption. As far as I know, all airmail (to, from and inside) Finland has been placed in complete halt from friday April 16th due to flight (safety) restrictions. Things are expected to return normal status sometime in the end of next week, but a lot depends on how things move up in Iceland.
Anyway, this will definitely cause some delays in both in- and outgoing letters. So please, be patient.
best,
-keijo-
Today’s mail brought two exchange covers: (#29) from Tsung Fei, Malaysia and (#30) from Radojka, Croatia.
Once again there were some excellent stamps and I was able to use most of them
Response covers will leave towards Kuala Lumpur and Matulji in tomorrow’s mail.
Sorry to hear about the lost mail Saurin. Come to think of it, a lot really depends on the honesty of people handling mail, because there really isn’t anything to stop them from picking off a mail and opening them.
I once sent some photos to a friend in Thailand and he never received them, so sometimes bad things do happen.
Hi,
Does your index contain all the countries in the world? I reckon it does not. For instance, there is an island called Herm Island and they have issued pretty old stamps. I have three of them but they are mint, but for sure old. Would you be interested to take one of them?
http://www.junior-philatelists.com/Images/HermIsland.jpg
Cheers,
Narender.E.S.
Hi Narender,
The list found on “my collection” page should include all major countries and their territories etc. So in that sense it’s somewhat complete.
What it still omits are a) some smaller postal agencies b) most local issues (usually not listed by major stamp catalogues) – such as Herm Island, Lundy and other channel Islands locals (and hundreds of other places worldwide), and c) bogus issues (Isö, Nagaland, Sahara OCC etc)… I hope to add information about these some day, but it’s a slow process.
As for Herm stamps, you might want to check this entry about Herm stamps I wrote last year… As your offer, I prefer used copies. So thanks, but no thanks.
April 27th mail brought a letter (#31) from Haluk, Turkey. It seems my collection of Turkish stamps just got a whole lot better. Thanks Haluk.
Then there was a letter (#32) from Dell, U.S containing a mixture of older Europe + Australia… Once again there was plenty of nice items, bad sadly I had most of them. But still, I managed find few very usefull new items
I’ll put the response covers on tomorrow’s mail.
April 28th mail brough exchange cover (#33) from Novie, Indonesia. Plenty of useful Indonesia stamps (not to mention some Singapore). Thanks Novie, my Indonesian collection got a hole lot better…I’ll place the return covern on mail today.
Hello Keijo
sorry to hear that you already have most of the stamps I sent. Hopefully you are not unhappy about it. I would like to try again. How about I dig into my US stock to see if we have a better fit?
regards
Dell
Keijo – by the way I wanted to mention that as a consequence of the first exchange return I received from you I am making a stab at sorting Norway posthorn stamps. Wow, difficult!!! I am using Facit catalog (first use) and it is definitely a slog. Well, I guess if it is not difficult, what fun is it?
Regards
Dell
Hi Dell,
I’m not unhappy as I still get to see some nice stamps. And every new stamp I get is a step into right direction (especially the Belgian perfin stamp made me very happy boy. Now I just need to figure out who used that specific perfin… LOL)
Your offer of US stamps sounds very nice. Though I have lots of US stamps, there are still lots of spaces to fill
As for Norwegian posthorns… I’d say that getting a Facit catalog is the best possible start to collect any Scandinavian country. Norwegian posthorns will be definitely lots of fun.
Hello Keijo
thank you for the response. I will keep trying to find the holes in your collection as we exchange stamps
best
Dell
I have finally prepared another sending. It will go out in the mail on Monday.
Kristin
Thanks for letting me know, Kristin. I’ll look forward to receiving your cover
Exchange cover (#34) from Graham, USA arrived May 4th. Packed with 110 US/Canada stamps and 102 worldwide it was guaranteed to contain plenty of interesting and useful additions to my collection
A response cover will be mailed today.
…and two more exchange covers (#35 & #36) for the May 4th. My compliments to Tsung Fei and Guy for sending them. Once again there was plenty of useful stamps around the globe
Response covers will be placed on mail today.
Hi Keijo,
I had sent you my first cover of stamps. It was posted on 6.May.10 and may reach you in 10-12days time.
Thanks,
Narender.E.S.
Bangalore, India.
Hi Narender,
and thanks for the info. I’ll be looking forward to receiving it
Do you want some stamps from Brazil?
Hi David,
Yes please (as my Brazil stamps collection is only about 10% complete)
May 10th mail brough exchange cover (#37) from Radojka, Croatia.
A response cover will be placed on todays mail.
May 12th mail came with exchange cover #38 from Kristen, US. Once again there were some excellent stamps including the first m/s of this exchange!
I’ll put the response cover on mail today.
Sent my first selection of stamps hope some are of use.
Hi John,
and thanks for letting me know. I’ll be looking forward to receiving your cover.
Hi,
Have you received my cover sent on 6.May.10? Please confirm.
Thanks,
Narender.E.S.
India.
Hi Narender,
unfortunately nothing has arrived.
I would not worry yet as it’s been on the road only 15 days; usual delivery time for foreign letters is 2-3 weeks.
May 24th brought two exchange covers from Narender (#39) and Radojka (#40). Response covers will be mailed today. My compliments for participation to both
3 more exchange letters arrived May 25th.
Tsung Fei from Malaysia sent once again a selection of good quality stamps (#41). Thanks my friend
Joseph from Malta sent a mixture (#42) of Maltese stamps. These did fill some holes in my collection. Thanks Joseph.
And Finally John from UK sent a selection of used worldwide (#43) with some very usefull items. Thanks John
Response covers will be mailed today.
Hi Keijo,
Do you collect FDCs of Finland?
Thanks,
Narender.E.S.
Hi Narender,
no. My focus in mainly on used stamps (besides some cinderella items, like airmail labels and bogus issues)….I think it’s important to note, that Finnish FDCs see very little (=almost non-existing) real use / postal delivery these days; in a sense they are very similar to CTO-used stamps and other “pretty wallpaper” collectibles.
Hello Keijo
While browing , I came by luck into your website . I liked the idea and my first letter to you was sent today containing 50 used W W stamps . What ever the number of stamps you ultimately kept or returned , it is interesting to try new ideas .
Azzam
Thanks for the note Azzam. I’ll be looking forward receiving your letter
Gracias por visitar mi blog, y dejar su comentario. Saludos desde Argentina
Gracias Viviana
Hello Keijo,
I have just started collecting stamps again recently. I think i was about 10 yrs of age the last time. Now 25 and gained interest by way of my fathers collection. I am focusing on a European collection at the moment, Ireland being my most advanced as iit being my home country.
I am also interested in expanding into a worldwide collection at some point.
Is there any Irish or German stamps that you need in particular, as i would like to send some in the near future?
Regards
John
Hi John,
as I have a bit of this and a bit of that, it’s very hard to say any specific wants. The only guidance I can (or will) give is to check the statistics page about my collection – the higher the completion percentage next to country name, the better collection I have about that area.
More exchange letters… These have arrived between May 30th and June 4th, but as I was out of town (due to work) I had no change to check these earlier.
Here goes the list: #44 from Moses (Israel), #45 from Guy (Canada), #46 from Tsung Fei (Malaysia), #47 from Azzam (Egypt) and #48 from Antoni (Poland).
What can I say… Thanks to all participants. There were some superb stamps and I had plenty of fun going trough all the covers.
Return covers will be placed on mail at monday morning.
Keijo, accidentally I found your blog, and I really enjoyed. Very usefull articles and, most of all, an interesting way of exchange stamps. I have separetade some stamps and next monday I’ll mail to you. I hope you enjoy them and we could make more exchanges.
Hi Rafael,
I’ll be looking forward to receiving your sending.
and thanks. Your positive feedback made my day a bit brighter
Just received email from Narender (India). My sending had arrived promptly, but unfortunately the cover had been torn open and contents were stolen
I suggests everyone keeps on eye for these stamps:
Unfortunately, foreign letters do attract a certain degree of attention in some places. Theft is not an uncommon outcome
.
It can’t be said too often why we love collecting used:
Not just because it’s less costly, but also because a used stamp has “worked.” It has “earned” its rest in a collection.
Todays mail brought cover (#49) from Radojka, Croatia. Once again there were some excellent additions to my humble accumulation of Croatian stamps.
@Carol… I’m sure you have heard this one before: On unused stamp is a like a book that has never been read.
Keijo, stamps mailed. In 10 to 15 days you may be receiving. I hope you enjoy.
Thanks for the note, Rafael. I’ll be looking forward to receiving your cover
Dear Keijo
I’ve received your letter last week , Thanks a lot . It is realy interesting to exchange this way . Iam already preparing next sending .
Azzam
Hi Azzam,
That is good news
Some more exchange covers to match the midsummer feelings.
Radojka from Croatia send another batch of stamps. Cover (#50) arrived already on friday, but I didn’t have the time to write about it earlier. As usual there were some very useful stamps. A return cover with small surprise (remember, this was cover #50) is already in the mail.
Today’s mail brought two more exchange covers: #51 from Tsung Fei, Malaysia and #52 from Rafael, Brazil. Both provided plenty of very useful additions to my collection. In addition Viviana from Argentina did send me greeting with FDC. Thanks
As usual, responses are already in the mail.
Keijo, I´m glad to see you liked the stamps. If you need any information about brazilian stamp, be my guest.
Dear Keijo
The second letter to you is posted . It contains 60 used stamps(42 Egypt + 18 W W). Hope you find it interesting .
Azzam Adil
Hi Azzam,
it sounds very tempting and I’m already looking forward to receiving it.
@Rafael,
The Brazilian stamps you sent were plenty of fun
Actually I do have a question about Brazilian stamps? I’ve learned (the hard way) that some of the recent Brazilian self-adhesive definitive issues appear to be non-soakable. Can you tell me any kind of number / figure of how large part of recent Brazilian stamps are issued like this?
Ouch … missed the special #50
Enjoy the sun!
Keijo, only the definitive issues are self-adhesive. The comemorative ones are “normal”. There is a way to soak this self-adhesive stamps, as I discovered in a brazilian forum. I use a product called “benzina retificada”, but I don´t know it´s english name. It´s a type of hexane, but its note a common one. It´s like a purefied benzine and have a fast evaporation (like 10 to 15 seconds). A use of this product is cleaning cameras lenses. In Brazil, is kind of difficult find it, but i got in a small drugstore. As far as I know, its CAS number is 64742-49-0. You leave the stamp in it, for about 2 to 5 minutos, then you can gently pull the stamp. The stamp will remain gummy. After that, use antiseptic powder in the back. It worked in all stamps I tryed, even USA stamps. In this link (http://www.catalogocomselos.com.br/pdfs/recuperando_selos_auto_adesivos.pdf) you can edit it, no problem, there is an explanation with photos, but unfortunatly it is in portuguese.
Thanks Rafael,
I think the product you are talking is the same as used on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWMcVYgIZjM
that was useful document as it contained a list of Brazilian non-soakables
Yes,look very similar. I liked the diferent way he worked with the product. Have you tried it? Is it damage the back of the stamp?
You might want to be careful with benzene products as it is a known carcinogen (if I am not wrong).
I have tried it, and I can say it detaches non-soakables without damages. Like most chemical liquidizers, it simply turns glue into more liquid (and easy to scrape) format.
But personally I don’t use it for items in my collection as there’s no research information how this chemical combound affects stamps/paper on the long run. It might be ok, or not.
And like Tsung Fei writes, these are toxic (and flammable) products that should be handled with extreme caution.
Keijo, I don´t know if it´s exactly de same product, but the one I use is the same used to view the watermark, and it´s indicated by all major philatelist in Brazil, so I supose it has no damage to the stamp. I know there is more than one type of benzine, and just one can be used in stamps. All others can be very dangerous, to the stamp and to user
. And yes, it is toxic, so I used only small mount of it each time (not like in the video), in a open room. I´ll search for more information about the product used here in Brazil.
Best regards
Rafael
@Rafael… Sounds a lot like purified benzine.
Dear Keijo
The fluid you are refering to that is used for soaking self adhesive stamps ( demonstrated in the UTupe video ) is the lighter fluid .It is the fluid used , and still in use , for zippo type lighters ;the old type lighters before the introduction of gas lighters . I’ve been using it for several months with excellent results . It is advisable however to put on a mask and gloves , and to work in properly ventillatd room away from fire sources including cigerrates . If those precautions are followed , the technique is quick , safe , inexpensive and guaranteed .
Azzam adil
Hi Azzam,
Re, your comment
“If those precautions are followed , the technique is quick , safe , inexpensive and guaranteed .”
I’m not so sure about the safe-part…
For the time being nobody knows how Fuelite (and other similar chemicals) will affect stamps fibers on the long run (say in 10/20/50 years of time). It is possible that what looks fine now, may turn yellowish and brittle in 10 years, brown in 20 years, and dust in 50 years… I’ve browsed some white papers about Fuelite, and they state that the product can cause damages to some (textile) fibers. For now all the major stamp organizations recommend keeping non-soakables on-piece until some proper research on subject is done, and I agree with their view.
And even more importantly, I WANT TO STRESS N-HEXANE PRODUCTS (LIKE FUELITE) WILL CAUSE SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES if used improperly constantly. These include temporary and permanent paralysis, other nerval damages, increased cancer risk etc. As this product doesn’t “smell”, it is deceptively easy to misuse. Like you write about your experience – mask, gloves and properly ventilated area – must be used.
Keijo, just received yours stamps. Thanks. Soon I´ll be sending to you another pack of stamps.
Best regards
Keijo, new pack of stamps in the mail. I´ll hope you enjoy it.
Hello Keijo
I too am taking time away from normal life… visiting Hawaii for 10 days, very nice.
But just before I left, I dispatched a submission for your stamp exchange, including stamps of Australia, Mexico and others – was in a hurry so did not have time to include a note as we ran out for the airport
You might find interesting the postcards that I included in the envelope. They are scenes of San Francisco, drawn originally in pen and ink. The artist was my grandfather and they were created in the 1930’s
Enjoy
best
Dell from California
@Rafael – thanks for letting me know.
@Dell – lucky you. Hawaii sounds very tempting.
Three covers on July 12th mail.
Azzam from Egypt sent cover #53 filled with splendid selection of mainly Egyptian stamps. I did have a blast picking up items I didn’t have.
William from Canada sent two covers: #54 and #55… The first cover contained mixed Canada and US; there were some useful items. The latter cover contained US stamps from the 1940/50’s – these are something I already have in large parts and thus was able to take only few stamps.
My compliments to both for taking part.
July 13th brought cover from Radojka, Croatia. Once again there were plenty of interesting stamps from Southern Europe…A response cover will be placed on mail this evening.
Exchange cover #57 arrived from France. My compliments once again as I managed to find several new items
Exchange cover #58 from Dell arrived as well. There was plenty of very useful stuff as usual (and yes, the cards looked nice too).
What a busy day…July 20th mail brought 4 covers from the world:
* Seth from UK sent 200 worldwide, most of these were pre 1940’s stamps(#59).
* Rafael from Brazil sent up another superb mixture of Brazilian stamps(#60)
* Paul from US and Radojka from Croatia both sent a nice mixture of allsorts(#61, #62)
My compliments to all senders. These were lots of fun
Hi,Keijo
I have seen you website and send 30 stamps today to you address at Finland , it is 20 Singapore Stamps and 10 Maldives stamps total of 30 Stamps
In retuen i need 30 Finland used stamps , other wies ANY of Europe County , hope you will received my stamps soon
Regards
George ( From Sri Lanka)
Hi George,
and thanks for the note.
As said on the exchange rules, “I will NOT accept any kind of detailed wantlists (including wishes for specific countries or topics)”. The only exception to this rule is that I don’t send out stamps from exchange partners country of origin; meaning you don’t have to worry about receiving stamps from Sri Lanka…I know not all like this rule, but it is there for a reason.
July 21st brought a cover (#63) from Patrick, USA…Once again there was a nice selection of used worldwide stamps
A response cover will be placed on mail tomorrow morning.
Hi, I’m Iman from Malaysia. I want to send stamps to you today. Hope you like it.
Hello Keijo
Just a quick note to confirm receipt of your cover #58, yesterday.
thank you
Dell from California
Hello again Keijo
Just opened your cover… interesting that you took one of the Swedish stamps… but I am not surprised… sometimes it is difficult to get all of the commemoratives from a (relatively) prolific country
the exchange stamps are from many of the countries on which I focus, so very much appreciated… Austria, Hungary, Holland, Switzerland… very good!!!
thanks again
best
Dell from California
What a day… There were 5 covers waiting for me on my mailbox. This is almost too much for single day (especially as temperatures approaching 30 celsius degrees, which is way too much…)
Anyway here’s a short summary
Silviu send some real used Romanian commemoratives (#64). Most of these added to my collection.
From Iman’s sending (#65) I managed to find some nice Malaysian stamps.
Akhil’s cover (#66) was filled with somewhat recent India.
George from Sri Lanka sent out cover (#67) with a mixture of Maldives and Singapore; very nice mixture IMHO.
And finally, but definitely not least…Anthony from US sent a larger mixture of worldwide. I had plenty of fun digging my way trough this. Especially my US got a whole lot better due to this.
Thanks to all… Covers will be placed on mail tomorrow morning.
Dear friend, I´ve just received your stamps. Thanks.
Soon I´ll send you another cover.
Thanks for the info, Rafael. I’m looking forward to new cover
Hello Keijo
Returning back home from a trip I found your second letter in my mailbox . Thanks for your selection of nice stamps . Iam preparing the next trade to you and will send it in a day or two . Have a nice time .
Azzam
Thanks for the information, Azzam. I’m looking forward to your new cover
Hi Keijo
Today i received you cover send to me , It was very nice stamps , i like it all and thank you very mrch on extra stamps ,BTW i will try to send a othere cover with stamps soon to you
Regards
George
Just to update that I’m back home after spending 4 days as a “refugee” at my wifes parents. As some know, storm Asta broke large havoc in central Finland end of last week, and though our home didn’t suffer any major damages, we lost all electricity for 4 full days.
Anyway, my mailbox had 3 covers waiting. These had arrived on monday:
Radojka from Croatia send once again a nice mixture of allsorts (#69)
Joe from Malta did the same (#70).
And finally Elton from India send a bunch of mint and used stamps and m/s (#71)… And this is again one of those cases why I WISH PEOPLE WOULD READ THE EXCHANGE RULES PROPERLY:
1) Elton sent mostly mint items – as said on exchange rules, these are something I don’t need or take. Both m/s and several stamps are returned as is.
2) Elton sent some damaged used items – again, these are something I will not pick up and return as is.
3) The goods were not packed properly – the cover I received was bruised on bottom, causing tears and folds to both mint m/s . In addition, the cover had moisted at some point along the way causing the larger m/s to stuck (permanently I fear) to Elton’s letter… These could have been avoided easily by adding some stiffener around the goods instead of plain sheet of paper.
4) And finally, there was a request for Finnish sheets in return… As said on exchange rules,”please no wantlists or specific wishes”.
I honestly don’t know what to say… The good news is that I got 5 usable stamps from Elton’s sending, and hopefully 4 more on the letter when I soak the stamps off. But this one could have been much better experience for both if the onpage instructions were read and followed.
Keijo, I just posted another pack of Brazilian stamps. I hope you enjoy it.
Best regards from Brazil
Rafael
Dear Keijo,
I have just received your cover with the exchanged stamps. The swap resulted in me getting 5 new stamps for my collection. I’m still happy even if that was not much. I am now preparing a new and bigger lot (150) to send you soon. I hope that you will find quite a few stamps which you need.
Best wishes from Malta,
Joe
Hi Joe,
that was truly fast piece of international mail.
5 new stamps sounds small, but percentage wise it’s almost one third. With such few exchanged stamps, the percentages easily distort notably though… But it’s not far from my exchange average (which was 43% in June 2010 when I last counted it).
But sending a larger lot sounds like a good idea… It should definitely add up the number of exchanged stamps on both ends.
Hi,
Today, I posted first pack of my stamps for you. I hope you’ll find something interesting.
Hi Keijo,i have just recently discovered your site.I have some stamps i would like to swap and have read your terms of trade and they are most reasonable.I am sending you 150 stamps for you to go through.I hope they can fill some gaps for you.
Greetings from Australia,
Trevor.
Hi Trevor,
and thanks for letting me know. I’m looking forward to receiving your sending.
Two covers in mail for August 9th…
Seth from UK send 200 stamps from UK and Germany (#72). Unfortunately I had most of these, but managed to find few nice items (including perfins).
Another cover wa sent by Azzam from Egypt (#73). Like last time there was a splendid selection of misc Egyptian stamps.
My compliments to both. Response covers will placed on mail tomorrow morning.
Two very lovely sendings for August 11th. Patrick from US sent a lovely mixture used of stamps around the world (#74). And Richard from Canada did send a mixture of mixed stuff with some interesting cinderella (bogus/fake) items (#75).
Response covers will be placed on mail tomorrow morning.
August 12th mail brought a cover (#76) from Serbia with some very nice Yogoslavian definitives. My compliments to Aleksandar for sending these… A response cover will be placed on mail later today.
Hi Keijo!, Just to let you know that I found your blog by chance! I was browsing on the internet looking for information of stamps and Zas! there you are!!!
I am sorting a bunch of stamps and I’ll send to you asap!
regards,
Fred
Hi Fred,
and thanks. I’m looking forward to receiving your sending.
Two sendings for friday the 13th August…
Joe from Malta sent a selection of 150 allsorts (#77). I had a blast with it, and half of the items were exchanged. I had some troubles while thinking what to scan as sample – cto/bogus items, or real used… I think most folks prefer the latter.
And then Radojka sent me another batch of 100 stamps. These were once again very nice. Unfortunately the included Yugoslavian definitives contained a lot of same stamps I took from Aleksandars sending one day earlier.
Responses will be placed on mail this evening.
Hi Keijo,
Your cover is in my hands. Thank you for the stamps and your prompt response. We should be thankful also for the postal service on both sides. Between your receiving my cover and I receiving yours there is only a weekend.
I will soon send you another lot hoping you find many to your liking.
joe
Hello Keijo
Your third letter came with yesterdy’s mail . Thank you for a nice selection of stamps . Today I prepared the next sending to you and will mail it to you tomorrow . Hope you’ll find it interesting .
Azzam Adil
August 16th mail brought a thick letter from Markus, Austria (#79). It contained a bit of allsorts worldwide, and a huge selection of CTO-used UN stamps (of which I took pretty much everything).
@Joe and Azzam… Thanks for letting me know. I’ll look forward to Your new sendings. It seems I’ll be getting very busy with all the exchanges coming in.
Four letters for August 17th…Two of these arrived actually yesterday, but I was too busy to check them last night. My compliments to Kristine(#80), Anthony(#81), Fred(#82) and Elton(#83) – all sendings contained useful items. Response covers will be placed on post this evening.
Just to notice everyone about important update relating to exchange rules / guidelines….
From this day (Aug 17th 2010) forward, I wish everyone would use this PDF-form to include details about their sendings to me… If you don’t have access to printer, handwritten messages with same details are fine too.
I know this new system doesn’t contain the same level of personal touch as open formatted letters/messages. But honestly speaking, I feel this kind of “universal message” is required in order for me to keep up with the ever increasing number of exchange covers… Personal letters / notes are still welcomed too.
August 18th brought a new exchange letter from Rafael, Brazil (#84). Once again, there were plenty of new additions to my collection of Brazilian stamps
Hi Keijo, today (19th August), I received already your response letter. Surprisingly fast, considering how many exchanges you have (not to forget a family and a job). But having read your recent blog entry (time and devotion), I am sure that you still enjoy it.
Thanks for your stamps, of which quite a number is really interesting for me. All in all, this was a successful exchange, so most likely, I will send you another letter after a while.
Markus
Hi Markus,
nice to hear you enjoyed it… If you take a look of my collection, you can see that most of the UN stamps are already added to their proper place at my collection. And rest of stamps will find their new placement in couple of days time too
As for speed, I think it’s a combination of several issues… International postage is on super-speed right now. Don’t know why, but I’m not complaining. Just today I received a parcel from UK that was send on monday. And lot of covers have arrived in less than a week lately… But I’m sure it will slow down a lot, and during Christmas season everything will come to full halt.
Secondly, I do my best to return any incoming exchange covers the same or following day. Picking up interesting stamps from an sending is a quick process, as I just pick all items I think I don’t have (I don’t look for catalogs, or stock books). And then I just count the same number of different looking items from my duplicate boxes for replacement. Very simple and efficient… All in all, I’d say that making the public records (scanning the stamps, and putting summaries online) eats up more time than the actual exchanges, LOL… And yes, I do enjoy the exchanges a lot
Hi Keijo,
I am from Ukraine. I would like to exchange used stamps with you. I collect worldwide steel engraved stamps. Otherwise you can send me any worldwide. Please write me your address & I shall send you stamps in perfect condition.
Look forward
Peter
@Peter… Please see the instructions (PDF) on this page for my mailing address.
Otherwise… Two exchange letters for August 20th. Radojka sent a splendid selection of Yogoslavian definitives (and some other stamps too) (#85)…And Fred from UK sent a mixture of allsorts (#86). Both response covers will be placed on mail this afternoon.
Two sendings for August 23rd. Azzam from Egypt send yet another lovely mixture of Egypt & worldwide(#87). And Guy from Canada sent attractive packet of mainly CTO-used worldwide stamps (#88).
Response covers to both will start their journey tomorrow morning.
And not to forget… Thanks to Anthony C. for the mailed article print out. I had seen some portions of the article earlier, but not at this length. Thanks – it will make a good bedtime read
August 24th brought mail from Trevor, Australia. A nice selection of Australia and NZ, but unfortunately I had most of them… Return cover will be placed on mail later today.
Dear Keijo
I’d like to know what kind of stamps from Brazil you are needing, and I’ll do my best in order to serve our stamps. Is it possible an answer?
Esposito/
Brazil
By the way,I want tell you that I’ve enjoyed enough about your bookstamps showed in the open page of yours;
Quiet cool !!!
Hi Esposito,
The best guideline I can give is the same as for all: any used stamp in good condition is highly welcomed.
As a general guideline I can recommend to check the “My collection page” and see which countries have low completion levels (values between 0-20); these are something I need very much. For example my collection of Brazil stamps is only about 15% complete (meaning I have about 500 different Brazil stamps, and need 3200 more!), there is a very good change that most stamps of Brazil sent to me for exchange will add to my collection (if not sending only the most common ones, like definitives from the 1950-1980s – but I don’t have all of these neither).
-keijo-
Elton from India emailed me last night to inform that sending #83 had reached him. Sadly the cover was torn and contents were lost/stolen (if anyone is interested to see the contents, just check #83 in the exchange summary table).
As this is the second lost sending to India this year, I want to stress that all exchange candidates from India would think twice before sending any stamps. 25% lost rate (2/8 covers) is not a good sign… Like said on the exchange rules, I’m not willing to take any responsibility of lost covers. And I think all agree that sending (just few) stamps with registered mail is not an option as it’s deadly expensive (nearly 8 Euros, which equals 500 Indian rupees).
So sad that stuff like this happens
Dear Keijo,
I am suspecting that my last cover had some unfortunate adventure. I posted it on Tuesday 17th and it seems it did not reach you yet.Usually, the post between our countries does not take more than 5 days.
I still hope it will reach you.
joe
@Joe…Unfortunately no new covers from You…. Possibly it’s just taking the long route (ended up as 2nd class mail or similar, in which case it can take 3-6 weeks)… I can’t even recall when was the last time I lost an exchange letter inside EU region… If it’s of any comfort, few weeks back I received an exchange cover from China that had been on the road for 3 months. For some reason it had ended up to surface mail (the cover had red “surface” cancels all over). So there is always hope (and now I know that surface mail from China to Finland takes 3 months, LOL).
Hi… I have some stamps from Papau New Guinea if you’re interested… I came across them when helping my gran tidy up her desk – apparently they were used to send parcels home to the UK from PNG when my dad was working there in the early 70’s, so as such they are all used. The majority are $1 and $2 stamps of shells, and a few cents stamps. Send me an email if you’re interested. Cheers
Hi JamesB,
any PNG stamps sound mouth watering (as I still need most of them). But please, no direct (or specific) exchange offers like this….I know, it would be tempting to know beforehand whether or not I need that specific stamp a person has, and what I might offer in return. But (and this applies to all reading this)…
The simplest method is, as stated on the exchange rules above, just send me the stamps and I’ll send something of equal type (a definitive for definitive, cto for cto etc) in return if interested… And in general I’m interested in obtaining just a single copy of each stamp (unless there is variety or EFO).
So please, let’s not make the exchange more complex than it needs to be. OK?
A busy morning is a good description for August 30th. The mail brought 4 exchange letters and couple of other goodies.
@Joe… Your sending arrived today(#90). It had been wet and cover partially torn, but besides that all was fine thanks to cardboard protecting the stamps. Some of the CTO’s were stuck to each other, but a bit of soaking will do them fine I think. All in all I had lots of fun checking this.
Then there was a cover from Clarence, Sri Lanka (#91) with excellent selection of Asian stamps…. And finally, Fred from UK sent more UK goodies and some worldwide (#92). It seems my UK is growing pretty quickly these days, LOL… And finally a cover from Radojka (#93) with nice selection of all-sorts.
And to add up… Anonymous collector from Canada sent me some used Palestinian Authority stamps as a gift. Hooray!!!! And then Tristan (from Dutch Antilles) dropped me a letter while visiting the isle of St. Pierre & Miquelon… I managed to nail two “zero stamps” countries/areas down in one go – quite amazing. This must be my lucky day
These (and all the above) will definitely find a proper place in my albums in day or two…
Hello Keijo, after our sucessful exchange earlier this year I have another for you.
130 recent Australian
170 WW
Are you happy for me to post them to you ASAP?
Bronwyn
Australia
Hi Bronwyn,
sounds very good to me…
One cover on August 31st mail… Thomas from US send a superb mixture of 200 worldwide stamps. And it had plenty of useful items; all in all I took nearly 75% of stamps
Return cover will be placed on mail tomorrow morning.
Hi Keijo! I’ve just got cover #92 with your material but I’m in the middle of re-arranging my US collection, so…it’ll take a couple of days to look thoroughly at those stamps, LOL!…
Very good the information (”know-how”) of removing the backing paper of those self(superglued)adhesive!!! I reckon the guy (brazilian) using the benzine (or any solvent: white spirit,lighter fluid,etc)and then spreading talcum powder over the remaining gum, is the best…at least eliminates the stinking smelling of the solvent and leaves a more nice scent!
Well, at last all my problems seems so far away…not really…L O L !
Cheers!
@Fred… Just one more advice regarding the soakable (dual-layer) Peel/stick stamps… Use hot water when soaking. Cold water doesn’t do a thing for these. Even Australia Post website recommends the hot water approach for collectors… Not quite sure what will happen if these stamps were put to boiling water – very likely it would begin to break fibers or cause other similar damage to paper
Keijo, just received your last cover. Beatiful stamp. And really, really sorry about faulty stamps. And I know what happened: bad light, LOL. With sun light, I saw there were some really bad stamps. I promisse next pack I´ll take more care, and I´ll choose stamps during daylight, not at night.
Thanks Rafael. I appreciate the extra effort a lot, and I’m already eagerly waiting for Your next sending