RSA's (Rubber Stamp Addicts) have all been there:  You find what you think is a great deal on a Stampin Up set.  A couple of questions should immediately come to mind:  Is it REALLY retired or can I order it through a SU demonstrator?  Are ALL the stamps there?

I will assume that some sellers just get carried away when listing SU sets and everything is "RETIRED AND RARE!" An easy way to check if the stamps are actually retired is to go on Stampin Up's website (stampinup.com) and look at the catalog.  If the set is in the most recent catalog, it's not retired.  There is also a "Dormant List".  A Dormant List is a list of stamps that were not included in the most recent catalog, but are still available for purchase (some for pennies less and some for up to $9 less than the original price!)  Again, this information is found easily on the Stampin Up website.  The retiring information you will not find is information with regard to retiring wheels and accessories.  This information needs to be obtained from a SU demonstrator.  As of this writing (4/08) the next time stamps will be retired is in June.  The new catalog will be out in August.

Easiest way to find out if a set is actually "complete" is to do a basic search on Ebay.  If the set your looking at is listed as "complete", look at other sets that are for sale or have finished.  If you have no luck there, Google the set.  The info's out there somewhere, you just have to look for it.

If you can't find a SU demonstrator in your area, there are several on Ebay or (again) a quick Google search will get you in touch with one via email.  Many are set up to accept your order by email and will invoice you with a Paypal invoice.  ALWAYS ask what deals are going on and if the demonstrator has any "demonstrator only" specials.  Some will give you 10-25% off your order, some will give you free shipping.

A little bit of research can save you hundreds of dollars in Stampin Up stamps.  Happy collecting!