Shipping Information

The Collectible Stamps Gallery carefully packages all orders to avoid damage during transit.  Orders are routinely shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS); the USPS is reliable and, with very few exceptions, less expensive than shipping with the United Parcel Service (UPS) or FedEx.  However, we realize that minimizing shipping cost is not the number one priority for all of our customers- if you have a special shipping method request, please contact us prior to placing your order.

Important Shipping Considerations:

• Delivery time estimates provided on this page are those proved by the United States Postal Service.  We only have control over when we place your package in the mail, after which we are at the mercy of the USPS and, for international orders, of the customer's home country's postal service.

• As noted elsewhere on this page, certain orders are subject to a reduction in the shipping charge (examples are orders that can be shipped by the First Class Letter rate, or supplies orders that fit within a Priority Mail Flat Rate mailer).  This reduction in the shipping charge will not show up on your shopping cart auto-generated total.  You will be notified of the reduction in your "Order Has Shipped" email.  Depending on your method of payment, we will reduce the charge to your credit card, reimburse your PayPal account, or include a refund check within your package.

• International orders: Orders that safely fit within the dimensions of a First Class Letter Rate mailer (6 x 9 inches, with a thickness that does not exceed 1/4 inch) can be shipped at a significantly reduced rate (see reduced First Class Letter rates in the column at right).  If your ordered items meet these dimension requirements, and you selected "Economy First Class" as the shipping option, we will reduce the shipping charge as indicated.  If you chose the Priority Mail shipping option, we will assume that speed or tracking is your overriding concern and we will not change this chosen method.

• Customs / duty fees / VAT:  For international shipments, we are legally required to provide detailed descriptions of package contents on customs declaration forms (e.g., "Philatelic items", with quantity, weight and value; the shipping charge is not included in this value).  Please note that the buyer assumes all responsibilities for customs fees, duty fees, or value-added taxes (VAT) that may be assessed by their home country.   The Collectible Stamps Gallery cannot accurately predict whether or not you will be assessed these fees or how much they may be (the buyer, from their home country, is in the best position to determine this; you may contact your postal service and/or local customs office for guidance.

Shipping Method Explanations:

Economy First Class:  This is the USPS First Class Large Envelopes (Flats) rate.  Although we include stiffeners (adds rigidity) and ensure that enclosed stamps do not move around and are not close to the edges of the envelope, the USPS requirement for this rate is that the envelope must be "flexible" (we do write "PLEASE DO NOT FOLD" on the envelope).  Although this is the least expensive rate for orders that do not meet the requirements of the First Class Letter rate, there is increased risk of damage to the contents during transit than with the Standard First Class rate.  Estimated delivery times are 3-5 business days to a U.S. address, 6-10 days for Canada, and highly variable to other international locations.

Standard First Class:  This is the USPS Rigid (not easily bendable) Large Envelope/Package rate.  Hard-board mailers, which provide excellent contents protection during transit, are used.  Estimated delivery times are as described above but please note that international shipments may be delayed by your home country's Customs department.

Priority Mail Flat Rate:  Faster than First Class (though we have found this to be variable for international shipments).  Orders are protected with stiffeners within a USPS Priority Flat Rate envelope.  This service provides the ability to track domestic (U.S. address) packages, but not international packages.  Estimated delivery times are 2-3 business days to a U.S. address and 6-10 business days to an international address (but your home country's Custom department may further delay delivery).

Priority Mail:  Faster than First Class.  Provides the ability to track your package to a U.S. destination and most international addresses (though it is the responsibility of your home country's postal service to continue tracking once the package is in your country) .  If your domestic (U.S. address) order will safely fit within a Priority Flat Rate envelope or box, and this is a less expensive option, we will ship via the Flat Rate method and reduce your shipping charge accordingly.  Estimated delivery times are 2-3 business days to a U.S. address and 6-10 business days to an international address (but your home country's Custom department may further delay delivery).

Standard Post (U.S. shipments only):  This is the USPS's new name for Parcel Post.  Provides the ability to track your package.  Slower delivery (3-8 business days, with 5-8 days being typical).  The further away you are from Colorado, and the heavier the package, the greater the savings relative to Priority Mail (Priority Mail is less expensive or the same price to certain locations).