>User Profile > alpha_thematics > All-About-Me

Welcome to Alpha Thematics!

I am a private collector and seller, not a commercial business. I sell stamps for fun to dispose of my duplicate and unwanted stock. All items are offered subject to availability. I treat buyers as I would expect to be treated when buying stamps online, with honesty, integrity and no quibbling.

The image scans shown in my listings are the actual items that will be sent to you unless otherwise stated. Item descriptions are my opinion. If you think I've got it wrong when you receive your item, please tell me before posting feedback. I will rectify the situation quickly. Shipping will be combined for multiple items if paid on a single invoice. Please request a finalised invoice prior to payment. Payment by PayPal only (no account is required).

'Stamp Grading' guide can be found below 

Note: If postcards or covers are combined with stamp purchases, the higher shipping rate will apply.

I offer a 'No Quibble' Returns Policy within 7 days of despatch (unless stated otherwise in listing). Contact me if you require further item details or postage estimates. Please allow me 48 hours to reply if in the UK and Europe, or 72 hours if resident elsewhere :-)

UK buyers: Pay a single combined postage charge for stamps, covers and postcards (excludes books, catalogues, albums, stockbooks and heavy non-qualifying items) if paid on a single invoice. Request a new invoice prior to your payment as discounts cannot be applied post-payment. We post most orders within 48 hours of payment clearance (except Sundays and Bank Holidays). Note: If postcards or covers are combined with stamp purchases, the higher shipping rate will apply. 

European & International buyers: Pay a single combined shipping charge for stamp lots, covers and postcards (excludes books, catalogues, albums, stockbooks and heavy non-qualifying items) if paid on a single invoice. Request a new invoice prior to your payment as discounts cannot be applied post-payment. We post most orders within 48 hours of payment clearance (except Sundays and UK Bank Holidays).

All customs charges, taxes, duties and fees are the responsibility of the buyer.

Note: If postcards or covers are combined with stamp purchases, the higher shipping rate will apply. 

I do not currently ship to: Russia, China, Myanmar or Ukraine.  

General: Postage for heavy or bulky items (i.e. books, stockbooks, catalogues or albums) will be charged separately or included in the item price. I will combine these items whenever possible. However, some lots may not qualify for further postage discount and this will be stated in item descriptions. Registered mail may be available on request.

Unregistered mail is sent at buyers own risk. Request 'Registered Mail' before paying, to receive revised invoice. 

All items offered subject to availability.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 Payment Methods Accepted:  

• PayPal (GBP) No account required and most credit/debit cards accepted.
• All payments required within 7 days of purchase. 
• Orders will be cancelled if no payment is received within 7 days or no contact made with me.
• Please wait for my invoice prior to payment to qualify for combined shipping rates
• Personal cheques or postal orders are not accepted. 

 Shipping & Delivery: 

• Lots are combined for discounted shipping rate when paid on a single invoice
• Standard shipping rates apply for all orders up to £25 (excluding shipping). Above this value, additional shipping charges may apply (Registered or Tracked Mail will be used). Please wait for my invoice before paying. 
• All orders are sent in new, secure and suitable packaging. Stamp stock cards are not included unless stated.
• Covers and Postcards are sent with inner protective bags or polylopes
• Orders normally despatched within 2 working days of payment clearance excluding Sundays & Bank Holidays
• All customs charges, taxes, duties and fees are the responsibility of the buyer
• Unregistered mail is sent at buyers own risk. 

Returns:

Terms & Conditions effective from 26 November 2024

Shipping Rates effective from 26 November 2024

© 2012-2025 Alpha Philatelics [incorporating Alpha Thematics, Alpha Stamps, Alpha Postcards and Alpha Covers]

Stamp Grading Guide

I grade stamps as accurately as possible using the system below. You may email if you require any further information about a particular item. In the rare event that you are not satisfied with your purchase our generous 'No Quibble' Returns Policy applies.

Mint Never Hinged (MNH) :
As issued. Original gum and complete perforations. Also known as 'Unmounted Mint' (UM).

Mint Light Hinged (MLH) : 
Mint but with light hinge marks or slight hinge remains. Also known as 'Mounted Mint' (MM).

Mint Hinged (MH) : 
Mint but with heavy hinge marks or remains.

Average Mint (AVM): 
Mint stamps with small defects such as gum creases or disturbed gum, perforation faults, heavy hinge marks or remains of hinge, or other storage damage.

Cancelled to Order (CTO)
Unused and cancelled, remaindered, or overstocked stamps sold specifically for stamp collectors.

Superb Used (SU) : 
Light circular postmarks or attractive clean partial cancels on undamaged used stamps. Visually appealing and highly collectable items sometimes termed 'Very Fine Used' (VFU). Some sets / singles in this condition listed in this store are from First Day Covers and will be decribed as such where known.

Good Used (GU):
Medium or less defined circular postmarks or other cancellations, but not as fine as SU. Includes light commercially used wavy line, slogan or light clean parcel cancellations. Also referred to as 'Fine Used' (FU).

Average Used (AVU):
Stamps with heavy, broken or smeared circular, parcel or slogan postmarks. May partially detract or obscure stamp design but still collectable as 'filler'.

First Day Cover (FDC):
FDCs will normally have a full set of stamps postmarked with cds or special cachet on the day of issue, unless stated otherwise in the item description.

UNAUTHORISED & BOGUS ISSUES

As a general stamp collector-dealer I cannot guarantee the authenticity of some modern issues. Most stamps are produced by authorised agencies but some are produced without the relevant government or issuing authority authorisation and may be deemed to be illegal or bogus. I may list these items along with Local or Cinderella issues as some thematic collectors include them in their collections. 

© 2012-2025 Alpha Philatelics

Postcard & Cover Condition Guide

I grade postcards and covers as accurately as possible using the system below. You may email if you require any further information about a particular item. In the rare event that you are not satisfied with your purchase our generous 'No Quibble' Returns Policy applies.

M - Mint: A near perfect and highly desirable item as received from the printer. No marks, bends, bumps or creases. A clean and fresh card.  

EX - Excellent: Like mint in appearance. No bends, creases, rounded or bumped corners. Can be used or unused and may have light aging or minor album discoloration. Overall, a very collectable item.

VG - Very Good: Corners may be slightly bumped or buffed. May have minor crease or bend that does not detract from overall appearance on the picture / obverse side. May be postally used or have hand written content / address.

G - Good: Corners may be noticeably bumped or rounded with slight bends or creases. May be postally used or have hand writing on it.

FR - Fair: Item is intact but may have very noticeable soiling, staining, creasing or writing on picture side. The cancellation may affect the picture / stamps. Generally a ‘filler’ or could be a scarce card that is difficult to find in any condition.

© 2013-2025 Alpha Philatelics