This GUIDE will explain what to expect when you see this word (ACCUMULATION) in EBAY auction lot titles and help you with your bidding.

Accumulations:

• selection of stamps where you will find quite a significant amount of duplication.
• if you are not looking for traders, then stay away from these types of lots
• if you are looking for kiloware mixtures (which are stamps on paper), this is  not for you.
• if you are looking for varieties, then this is for you.
• if you are looking for postmarks, then, yes, this is for you.
• if you are a dealer or want to be a dealer, then this is for you
• if you just want to re-sell stamps in circuit books, then this is for you.
• you can expect to find some stamps in mixed condition....
• .....i.e. there may be some bends, creases, short perfs, or other faults amongst the material that you will receive.
• Does the SELLER clearly state what types of faults that you can expect to find?
• read the auction lot description carefully
• check to see if the SELLER, has scanned in a representative selection
• sometimes, the SELLERS, scan in a generic representative sample and then keep re-using the same scan.
• in those cases, be aware that what you see, is not what you will get
• many times the SELLER will not tell you what is the quantity
• don't be shy, contact the SELLER and ask him a question.
• but remember, that he may then place your question on eBay for everyone to see. That is shown at the bottom of the description.
• therefore , at all costs, in order to remain anonymous, don't sign your name or ebay userid id at the end of the message ( he/she already knows who sent the message).
• you don't want the other bidders to know that you are interested, until you bid.
• lastly, check the postage and handling costs, as these types of lots tend to have a greater cost, simply because of the weight of the stamps.
• continuing in this same vein, eBay has been helpful by creating a feedback rating which relates to postage and handling fees. So, i strongly suggest that you look up the feedback and then check to see if the rating is 4.8 or above.  That will give you the best indication of if the seller is charging excessively or reasonably.

GOOD LUCK WITHE THE BIDDING~!!!

P.S. Different eBAY sites will give you some very different RESULTS. ( as at May 13, 2009)

Search was done on the ACCUMULATION on the following sites. These are the results.

eBAY in the USA = 186 listings

eBAY in the UK = 93 lots listed

eBAY in Australia = 281 lots were found

CONCLUSION:

When searching auction listings with a "WORD", I strongly recommend that you visit numerous sites.

The material that you find may surprise you.

DID YOU FIND THE REVIEW HELPFUL?

most viewers will not click YES/NO.

Only 4% actually take the time to vote.

Are you part of the 4% who will vote?

I am an eternal optimist.