Kiloware Isn't What It's Supposed To Be!

When I see "kiloware" being offered, I like to think that on paper stamps are actually being sold by the kilo {that's 2.2 pounds American ). But if you look on eBay, for example, "kiloware" can mean 100 stamps, or 400 stamps or 50 grams of stamps or whatever. But seldom does anyone offer a genuine kilo or multiple thereof.

Thanks Modern_Who

I've seen them on eBay and wondered about the validity. Mostly because often the shipping cost does not reflect the weight them seem to be portraying.

I stick to the auctions with complete descriptions and good pictures and have been successful so far

You are absolutely right Modern. I bought a true kilo of stamps on paper about ten years ago and I'm still trying to get through the whole batch. There were thousands of stamps in there and I haven't been able to give them all away yet.

A purchase of 2 to 5 ounces of off paper or close cropped stamps seems to be about right to me.

I usually pick up kilo ware as part of a collection or accumulation..i do not mail away for it as I like to see it before hand. Until 6 or 7 years ago I used to go down to Dutch Country Auctions in Wilmington Delaware about 5 hours down the inter state. The wife and I used to get there the day before the auction and I would roll up my sleeves and spend the day going through box lots of sometimes 2 or 3 large cartons...what fun it was ! If I spent around 400 dollars I would go home with probably 3 box lots..those days are gone..i got the message last time I attended...the dealers would not let me win a lot..they would bid 2 or 3 times what I anticipated..i wondered what did they see in those boxes..one fellow from Philadelphia told me he took what he wanted and brought the boxes back to the next auction..but hes only 30 miles away..i guess my stamp room is full enough now without additional kiloware..phil

Philb, you sound like you need a year or so just to dig through your stash. I've been doing so and have found all sorts of material I don't remember buying. I'm giving away a lot of it through the quizzes on here.

Is there a way of determining how much to pay for a kilo, short of going through it and a catalogue and determining the value that way?

I'm not aware of any GOOD way other than having to trust the seller. To find out what they are worth, you might look for similar kilo's being sold on eBay or StampWants.

As can be expected, kilo's will always have tons of duplicates. If you buy one be prepared to live with it for a long time!

Kiloware mixtures are reviewed in Linn's Weekly Stamp News in the E. Rawolik column.

Try Linn's On-line marketplace ads where you will find stamps sold by weight and quantity. Sellers offer stamps by KG, LBS, ounces and quantity. Also the shipping rates are reasonable

Welcome Chiaro

Thanks for the info I've just started collecting again and am always on the lookout for large lots.

Dianne

Can anyone comment on The Haystack, that The Stamp Farm sells for $30.00 1 LB trash and treasures?

Thanks
Chiaro

Chiaro if I were starting out...i would tend to go with offers of one thousand different ...kiloware means you are getting bulk..when you get a couple of hundred of the same stamp that everyone else has..what do you do with them.?..you also see ads from these kiloware sellers offering to buy cheap stamps..they buy them cheap and turn them out as KILOWARE !! for 30 dollars you can buy a few decent stamps that you will always treasure...

Don't tell him because we don't want him to get the big head, but Philb is absolutely right! I'm still trying to give away the last of my Kilo of German material almost eight years later! I'd definitely go for sets or smaller quantities like 250 or 500 different to get started!

Regarding the purchase of kiloware, I look at the stamp I am finally able to mount into the album and calculate the cost of the stamp that is mounted is far greater then the ad's so many stamps per penny fallacy. As far trading the duplicates, the number of duplicates and definitve duplicates are mind boggling. They usually wind up in a dark and unseen corner and eventually get tossed or donated or some such. I to like like the mystery of the hunt and I try to find decent and affordable auction houses that have been in business for a good number of years, not fly by nights, when making a major purchase. A legitimate dealer has a return policy and that needs to be investigated before purchasing. I sometimes buy country packets, off paper, all different. There may be a small premium but compare it to the cost the stamp(s)that finally made it into your album from a kiloware purchase. In my opinion, common stamps should be 25% or lower of the catalog price. That can be accomplished in quatity buying or haggling. Quality stamps cost! The stamp market place is an amazing thing.
Joel

Phil:

If you've lots of kiloware, I'd go through it at your place....

What are you charging per kilogram? Twi Indonesian dinners and a jar of Sambal Oelek?

David

Hi David, I wouldnt exactly call it kiloware although I do have gallon freezer bags of New Zealand and Canada from the 1970's...if you try real hard you may be able to pull 100 different from each of the bags..thats how heavy the duplication is !!