Frequently Asked Questions about our Expertization Service
1. Submissions and Forms
We do not have forms. Just send the items, properly packaged in stock cards, plastic cover holders and the like, with good cardboard in the envelope, as you see necessary. Mail by registered, insured or certified mail, your choice, to Liane Sismondo, 10035 Carousel Center Drive, Syracuse, New York, USA 13290-0001. We can also receive courier mail; in this case, telephone first for a different address (1-315-422-2331). Please include your telephone numbers and/or e-mail address.
2. Basis for Price of our Service
Charges for stamps are 3.75 % of catalogue value, with a minimum fee of US $29.00. Charges for covers are 3.75% of catalogue value, with a minimum fee of US $37.50. The fee for stamps and covers that are found to be counterfeit will cost a minimum of US $29.00 to $37.50 respectively. There is a US $8.50 supplement for certification of stamps with overprints and surcharges, and for stamps and covers where value depends mostly on the authenticity of one or more postmarks (i.e. 20¢ mint, $200.00 used). Higher charges may be expected for very high value items and items requiring extensive plating work. The maximum fee for any one item is US$ 375.00. Please inquire. There is a US $10.00 surcharge for individual submissions. Save this charge by sending 2 or more items each time, which will also save you 2-way postage.
3. Discounts
Discounts are applicable for bulk submissions, such as many examples of the same stamp or specialized collections of the stamps of one issue. Under special conditions, some discounts may also apply to repeat business.
4. Sets of Stamps
We do not have a fixed rate for sets of stamps. By way of example, we charge $90 for a set of 1934 Vatican provisionals.
5. Signing and Marks
We normally sign with pencil, used stamps, mint hinged stamps and covers provided that they have (a) substantial value and (b) excellent condition. We do not sign mint Never Hinged items, items too delicate to sign, or items with faults.
6. Time
Our normal turnaround time is usually fast. Some backlogs are inevitable, especially in advance of the auction seasons. Currently the turnaround time is estimated at 3-4 weeks (as of 02/14/2009). We handle material in order of receipt. If you need your material by a particular date, please make this request in writing. We recognize emergencies do happen. For an additional fee, we can often arrange for Expedited certification, usually within one business day. Please provide advance notice.
7. Returns and Insurance
We charge you for the cost of returns. Normally we return mail registered. Sometimes, by mutual agreement, we return stamps by certified or insured mail when the savings are warranted. We can also send your stamps by Express Mail, Federal Express, etc. We expect that you have proper insurance for the mailing in both directions. If you do not, we will be happy to inform you of the cost of appropriate insurance, at the time of returns.