Amospress on Ebay

[kacyds]

Came across this a few days ago.  I saw they are a new seller on Ebay, since May 2014.  Looks like they are selling some of there catalogs cheaper than there website.

Might want to check it out....  Amospress on Ebay

[Philatarium]

Thanks for pointing this out, Kris. They seemed to have removed the prior year's extras from their website, once the new ones have come out. They used to have both years on their site until they were sold out of the older ones. I had wondered what happened to those older ones this year -- apparently they moved them to eBay!

Thanks for digging this out and sharing it!

[khj]

Wow. I have to admit, I'm really surprised that they are selling Scott catalogs on eBay, even if they are the past editions. They continue to kick their dealers in the pants.

They didn't seem to have any problems selling out older editions on their website, so why bother to go on eBay and get less? Not only that, the shipping they are charging on eBay is significantly less than if I bought it directly from Amos!

Love their catalogs, but really don't understand their business model for their stamp division.

[kacyds]

Shhhh...... Kim, they might hear you and charge more...

[khj]

Aug 18, 2014 12:19:31 GMT -5 Philatarium said:

They seemed to have removed the prior year's extras from their website, once the new ones have come out. They used to have both years on their site until they were sold out of the older ones.

The 2014 catalogs are still on the Amos website. They put them in a separate section for 2014 catalogs -- not sure when they started to do that. But yeah, my initial reaction was also the same -- they took off all the 2014 catalogs?!?

Again, weird business model/execution; but at least they are consistent about having a strange business model.

[khj]

Up to about 5 years ago, they used to sell scratch'n'dent complete previous year WW sets for $100 plus $10 shipping. They used to have a lot of poorly publicized or non-publicized specials. Why bother having a special if you aren't going to let everybody know about it?

You'd think putting up eBay prices much cheaper than their own website would only cause bad vibes from customers who bought through the Amos website.

[khj]

In all fairness, I should note that Amos Press has given me a very nice freebie over the years.

So you're right kacyds, I should keep my big mouth shut.

[kacyds]

[Philatarium]

Thanks for the clarification, khj!

It is often hard to understand their business model.

[Bhaal]

Aug 18, 2014 11:41:39 GMT -5 kacyds said:

Came across this a few days ago.  I saw they are a new seller on Ebay, since May 2014.  Looks like they are selling some of there catalogs cheaper than there website.

Might want to check it out....  Amospress on Ebay

Thanks for the heads up

[Ebbo]

If I recall correctly, I think I paid about 25 dollars for the 2013 Scotts catalog in Ebay. Got to love Ebay for that! Bought other Specialized catalogs from there also for about 1/4 of the price. Don't really know how or why they sell them so cheap there [you really have to look around for the best prices] but I wont question it!

[khj]

Used catalogs are significantly cheaper than brand new catalogs. The prices you cited sound like they were for used catalogs?

[Craig]

Don't know if I got a bargain or not, because I didn't check prices on the Amos website. But they listed the 2014 U.S. Specialized for $59.99 at their eBay store. I offered $50.00 and my offer was accepted.

[kacyds]

Good to know Craig... I was looking to update both my 2009 US Specialized and my 2007 1840-1940 Classic catalogs. Maybe I will offer lower and see what happens....

[Bhaal]

Aug 18, 2014 20:07:55 GMT -5 kacyds said:

Good to know Craig... I was looking to update both my 2009 US Specialized and my 2007 1840-1940 Classic catalogs. Maybe I will offer lower and see what happens....

I believe I shall do the same, but must wait till Thursday to do so.

[khj]

I got a counteroffer for the 2014 Classic (BIN=$100) of $90. It looks like -$10 may be as much as they are willing to discount for either catalogs until the next stage. The longer you put off purchase, the lower the price will go, but there is a risk that it will get sold out. I got my 2013 US Specialized directly from Amos during their November 2013 close-out for $40 (free shipping). But most of the time, it gets sold out before it gets that low.

I'm tempted by the 2014 Classic for $90, even though it is more than my original offer limit. The list price is $170; Amos Advantage price is $150.

I can't make up my mind, and would like your vote/input. I have until Wednesday night to accept.

What would you do if you were me (not if you were you)? Here is my situation:

1. I probably have less than 200 items that can ONLY be found listed in the Classic.
2. I already have the 1999, 2003-2007 Classics. So a 2014 is not a "must have".
3. There is some new info since 2007, but the primary difference for me would the price updates.
4. I already have a good friend who can quote me 2014 Classic prices if I needed.
5. I don't have money to burn. $94 could be put to use buying actual stamps.
6. It's a really nice catalog, and $90 is certainly a very good deal for a current Classic (next one coming out within 3 months)
7. The most I've every paid for a new Classic (although it was 2 years out of date) was $45 (total).

What do you think, buy or don't buy? I can't decide right now.

:-S k

[Butterfly]

Sounds like you have one good reason to buy it now and about 5 not to or wait a bit..
my2cents

[khj]

Thanks, Butterflies! Turns out I was out of commission, so I missed the buy deadline. But based on your very good point, I had pretty much decided not to get it anyway. Thanks again!