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Mystic Stamp Company

Mystic Stamp Company review: Scam 41

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Author of the review
12:36 pm EST
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Hi, I used to purchase stamps and other items from Mystic Stamp Company for long but they keep on sending so many product items for pay after review. Ultimately I asked them to cancel all my subscriptions and do not send me anything unless I order that. In spite of continuous reminders to them I kept on getting items and later on bill for that. I had to return them at my expanse. I filed a complaint with BBB and Mystic responded by saying that they will stop sending all such things and I need not to pay for any unsolicited item. They sent me an email also confirming that they will stop sending all such things to me. But to my surprise 2 weeks after all this they again started sending stamps to me. This seems to be a fraudulent company with very bad sales practice. I stopped buying even my regular stuff from them and switch to eBay.

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41 comments
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Shima Gaijin
, US
Mar 05, 2023 2:50 am EST

Mystic Stamp Company send products "on approval." This is a service you have to sign up for by checking off a list of topics / products / price ranges and frequency. "On approval" means they send, you review, then either you send it back or make the purchase.

IMHO they do overcharge for "CTO's" and "thins" but once they get the message that you are an experienced buyer they tailor your approvals to meet your needs.

I did approvals with them for 12 years, and for the next 24 still order periodically.

I hope this helps.

v/r a 52 year old USMC veteran

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Raymond Ruff
Leesburg,VA, US
Aug 07, 2021 4:29 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Are there albums similar to your best album set (United States) .. for each Country?
e.g UK or just" England": RSA?
Member
Email :Africa @rrtraders.com

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The Chief USN Retired
Orange Park, FL, US
Jun 24, 2021 4:05 pm EDT

I am a current Mystic Customer. I subscribe to the Heritage collection and the Cuba collection and the Imperforate collection and the Definitive Collection. These collections go straight into the matching albums and supplements that they send me for free. I occasionally order other items from them and have never had a problem. If I receive something that is damaged it is replaced. I was receiving shipments more than once a month for each collection. I called and had a note put on my account to limit the shipment for each collection to only once a month. I also requested not to receive any approvals that I had not already agreed to receive. I have never had a problem. They are extremely helpful. I admit their pricing is a little on the steep side. I always compare multiple sources before I buy.

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Bill Boender
, US
Jan 23, 2021 4:42 pm EST

I don't buy from Mystic because their prices are too high but I get one of their catalogs every few years. The catalog is an awesome reference and price guide. I wear one out in a year or two so I get a new one and never have a problem cancelling approval service. I wish they had a plate block catalog.

Ebay has been overrun by scammers in recent years but wary collectors still have little alternative for a stamp source, buying or selling. An imperfect world and getting worse!

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George Himes
, US
Feb 02, 2019 10:45 am EST

Excellent company to buy and inquire about stamp collecting. I have had only excellent customer service over the years! Mystic Stamp Company is very reliable and the quality and price of their stamps is exceptional! Always a pleasure to do business with Mystic. I have been a stamp collector since I was 8 years old and collecting for over 45 years.

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ffkling
Woodstock, US
Oct 01, 2018 2:03 am EDT

In light of my many years of enjoyment dealing with Mystic Stamp Company, I feel compelled to let the public know that Mystic would not continue in business since the 1920s unless the quality of the merchandise and the customer service were exceptional. In all the years I have done business with Mystic, I can only recall one incident where there was a mix-up- an honest error- and to the credit of Mystic, the issue was resolved immediately. Customer service even followed-up with me to make absolutely certain I was entirely satisfied.

These are good people so I encourage you to give Mystic an opportunity to meet your needs.

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vista9
, US
Mar 12, 2018 8:59 am EDT

is there a good place to sell a stamp collection? I would like to sell my collection that I had as a kid.

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JOHNeJENKINS2001
, US
Jan 14, 2018 9:33 pm EST

Ahhh, Mystic Stamp Company... They who fulfilled my dreams in 1972 as a 10-year-old stamp collector living in the hills of KY. I LOVED getting the stamps in the mail as it was difficult to get to the one stamp store in town very often. I picked up the habit again a few years ago and I will do some buying and selling on eBay, however I have found that many times the eBay stamps have problems that you can't see in a photo. I really enjoy viewing the precise item I am buying before I buy. Though they may be a bit pricey, every stamp I have ever bought from Mystic has been top quality. Whites are white, not some faded off-white color, and purples are purple and not some sulfurized/oxidized black color. They have also sent me several albums for the stamps they send on approval, and I don't buy anywhere near everything they send. I return many more than I buy due to my hobby budget. They send you mounts for every stamp they mail and the mounts are free to keep whether you buy or not. They have great introductory offers, yet you should be aware that each offer can begin a new round of shipping for stamps on approval. If they do send something unsolicited, then it comes with a postage paid envelope for returning everything. Mystic is not my main source for buying, but it will always be, for me, a source for excellent quality stamps and supplies. AND they have a rewards program!

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Susan Hettinger
, US
Oct 18, 2017 8:41 am EDT

Mystic stamp refuses to include a page for the 2014 Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient sheet issued by the USPS. These stamps differ from other issues, in that they carry the 2014 designation. Mystic stamp includes the individual stamp on their Heirloom pages, but did not issue a place for inclusion of this collectible sheet. They blame Scott (numbering system), however it is an inconsistency on the part of Mystic stamp. They have included WWII, and Vietnam, no difference. They include collectible sheets for Civil War sheets, and Legends of Hollywood, but not Korean War. This is and insult to Korean War veterans, their families, and anyone wanting to develop a truly inclusive mint collection. For the money they charge, they need to get it right. Consider this before investing in their binders and pages for mounting your collection. BTW, I have brought this to their attention, and they have blown me off.
Susan Hettinger

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David Hare
, US
Aug 06, 2017 12:10 pm EDT

I have been a customer for quite a few years. I have a problem you need to address. When ordering over the internet why does it mot take the orders for mounts. I tried 5 different ways and wasnt successful. I typed the number MM970 and kept getting an elvis stamp, Thus i was ubable to get the mount for my order. What would you suggest? Had 2 orders for over 100.00 I cant put all in my books.

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SonnyBeaches
, US
Jul 11, 2017 12:14 pm EDT

Mystic is a dirty company that preys on uneducated, beginner stamp collectors. It floods novice collectors with cheap packet mixtures along with phony promises of great value. Mystic stamps are ridiculously over-priced and in many cases not in the grade and condition as advertised.
Mystic's chief stamp buyer is Mark Morrow of Mark Morrow Stamps, Inc.
Morrow was charged with bid rigging stamp auctions and fraud in 2002.
Here's proof:
https://www.justice.gov/atr/case-document/information-376
Don't buy stamps from, or sell stamps to, Mystic. They're unscrupulous, dangerous swindlers.

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ffkling
Woodstock, US
Oct 01, 2018 2:10 am EDT

This is a dishonest review. Firstly, Mark Morrow Stamps is not directly or indirectly affiliated with Mystic Stamps. Also, Mystic is a family owned and operated company. The chief buyer is Don Sundman.

I reviewed the documents you cite and I see no mention of Mystic anywhere.

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QUINT Sharky
, US
Jan 30, 2020 12:07 am EST
Replying to comment of ffkling

Ironic comment and claim, ffkling, because on Mark Morrow's website right now: http://www.markmorrowstamps.com/ which has a 2020 (year) label on it ––– it clearly lists the contact info as: "stampbuyer@mysticstamp.com" in addition to a [protected] phone number.

Morrow's page, with his smiling photo, states: "I purchase stamps for America's leading stamp dealer, Mystic Stamp Company." The image also shows the same upside down 24 cent, red Curtis Jenny stamp.

Last year, which I guess is 2019, Morrow claims he spent $12 million on stamps. And he says he "pays more for stamps, " so give him a call. So, I do see mention of Mystic and its iconic imagery all over!

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Thomas L. Miller
, US
Dec 25, 2016 11:48 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have used Mystic Stamp Company for several years now. I have found this company to be honest and willing to resolve any issue. I have read most of these complaints and candidly do not understand why you people are having any issues. They have an 800 telephone number so it doesn't cost you a dime to reach out and speak to one of their customer service representatives. I have NOT ever received any unsolicited approval stamps. Each time I order from one of their ads it says that they will send similar items for approval. Well if I don't want those "similar" approvals I write so clearly on their invoice and return them. I may get one more shipment because of the turn around time to stop such service but no big thing. It' s easy to return the items. Now not every time do I receive a prepaid envelope to return their items. Nor on occasion is the return envelope large enough to return the shipments. So I use one of the return envelopes from shipments that I have kept and paid for. I will continue use to use Mystic Stamp Company in the future because they have integrity and will listen to a rational person's calm explanation of an issue. When I called several months ago after receiving several past due statements I explained that I never received that particular shipment. Never received another statement for that set. I just don't have the same experiences some of you folks have written about here. Keep up the excellent service Mystic! Respectfully, Thomas L. Miller

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Kevin Kirkens
, US
Oct 12, 2016 8:21 pm EDT

Have done business with Mystic for many years and have had very few problems and any i have had, they addressed. Any stamps they sent that i didnt want, sent em back, no big deal. They're a bit pricey but as one commentor pointed out, you get many other benefits other than just buying stamps. Overall, i think Mystic is a great company with a long history of helping people enjoy the hobby of stamp collecting. Thank You Mystic!

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Jared1979
White Plains, US
Jul 06, 2016 6:38 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

but that does not make it a scam

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dfraynoha
, US
Jul 06, 2016 6:28 am EDT

I purchased stamps and other supplies from Mystic for properly well over 25 years. Yes, they did take the liberty of send new different types of collections. Yes I paid over market price for stamps and products, but I never had a problem telling them to stop a specific serious of stamps and eventually all shipments. I used them for so many years because I liked learning about new products and country collections and the convenience of have home delivery. My name is Dennis Raynoha and I am not ashamed of posting it.

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Jared1979
White Plains, US
Jun 04, 2016 7:52 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I have never had problems with Mystic stamp company some of you should be sued by Mystic Stamp for Defamation of Character

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ffkling
Woodstock, US
Oct 01, 2018 2:11 am EDT
Replying to comment of Jared1979

I agree!

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fu#
, US
May 06, 2016 7:50 am EDT

There s a law in New York State that reads: IF you are sent something by a company & did not order it, you can keep it as a gift because you are not obliged to pay them even a thin dime for whatever it is. IF you tell these dweebs that you no longer are interested in their "on approval" stamps & they continue to send them anyway, send them a registered letter stating that you are canceling & then keep all of whatever they send you & refuse to pay for it by law.. NY enacted this law back when everyone was sent anything & everything by new companies that wanted to sell you something & then when you didn't send them any money for it they sued you in court & usually won.. The news stations used to have people that took care of them type complaints & it went viral within a few months & that law was passed in both houses in NY State as a result, so don't worry about sending anything back at all, in fact if they do send a potage paid envelope with their on approval stamps, add a chunk of metal in the envelope because they have to pay the postage by weight of what it weighs when they get it back... They do suck big time & think their ### don't stink either..

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The Nazarene
, US
Apr 21, 2016 8:09 pm EDT

I started buying stamps with Mystic Stamps Inc. and the contract stated that I would receive a shipment of stamps once a month and those I did not like I could return. Now three months in they are sending so many stamps I just had six shipments in one week. I am going to cancel my membership with them today. This is a dirty method of getting people overwhelmed and hope that the customers buy every shipment they send. Plus, I have to pay to send these shipment back. Terrible business. I know in the coin collecting business you order and pay for what you want. I will continue my stamp collection but do it on my own terms.

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Ray Benash
, US
Feb 29, 2016 8:43 am EST

I think LarryF hits the nail on the head.

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LarryF*
, US
Feb 05, 2016 11:39 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I am absolutely "mystified" by some of these complaints, And most of the responses leave me totally dazed and confussed. If a person could deal with a company and achieve the same results as dealing with Mystic Stamp over some problem, real or imagined, they'd be in hog heaven. I have never received, and I state that again, I have NEVER received any unsolicited shipments from Mystic that were not accompanied by a postage-paid envelope. They are promoting their business, but also introducing prospective customers to areas of the hobby they might not be familiar with. Of course they aren't mind readers so these folks have somehow indicated some interest in these areas; i.e. sending in for one of those catchy $2.95 offers would be a prime example. Also a simple and effective snippet of advise: If you get something you don't want, return it in the postage-paid envelope...NOW...not three or four weeks from now, when half the contents have been lost, etc. If you dally along, Mystic thinks you are keeping the item and moves to collect their money. Sounds Reasonable, EH? What's fair is fair. Ah an afterthought, I'd love to see melissa's collection!

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Anthony Callas
, US
Dec 12, 2015 5:50 pm EST

Trust me, if you keep what they send you and not pay for them after you have notified them to stop sending on approval or special offers, they will stop sending you products for purchase. Also, if you keep receiving catalogs and you don't want them, toss them in the trash. Geese, some people will complain about anything... It's much to do about nothing!

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Virginia Charboneau
, US
Nov 25, 2015 12:56 pm EST

I have been receiving your advertisements for quite some time, I have tried to cancel by returning your mailings with "do not want " please remove my name from your mailing list . I still continue to get them. PLEASE remove my name, thank you, Ms Virginia Charboneau 2225 Turner Ave. Schenectady N.Y. [protected]

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Roice
, US
Nov 27, 2011 10:59 am EST

This company has been advised over 6 times by me to stop sending mail to my address, they continue to do so any way! I do not wish to purchase anything from them again ever!

I have advised them of this but they disrespect me and continue to send stamps hoping to sell them to me.

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Bart PErry
, US
Dec 05, 2014 2:26 pm EST

I received my catalog from Mystic yesterday, and it was opened in a corner and no stamps in it for review. I certainly HOPE not to get charged for something not received. This would be sad. Also, I LOVE receiving stamps for review, allows me to see if I need them, if not, its only a stamp to send them back.. no biggie...

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Sgt Mac
Stockton, US
Dec 23, 2013 10:18 pm EST

They have a great color catalog, yours free for the asking. Their basic US album is also a fantastic buy for the money. Yes, I had some problems canceling the approval service, just send the package back unopened marked return to sender. I still love their catalog and album, check them out.

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jimihdx
Bremerton, US
Nov 04, 2013 2:15 pm EST

I simply do not understand how a complaint like this can sustain itself. Although I do not doubt the problem is real Mystic Stamp Company has no intentions of purposely harassing its customers. I know for a business fact that they have the best customer service base in the industry. Not only will they bend over backwards to please their customers they back up everyhthing they sell. Returns are easy and they keep up on all stamp related issues. There innovative products like the new hingless US stamp albums are the ultimate godsent for those of us who can't find the time to put mounts in their albums. My whole collection would be in stock books if this genius of an idea was not developed and marketed. I've got all 8 albums and they are packed 99% full, thank you very much, providing me with fullfillment and hours of enjoyment. Salute Mr. Donald Sundman. You da man!

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melissa harrison
mammoth spring, US
Oct 21, 2013 1:01 pm EDT

my name is Melissa Harrison from mammoth spring, arkanasas I am so sitting of tire of you you sent me the bill for 70.55 wish I had not to received the stamp I suppose to get from you I am telling now do not send me no more and if I received you letter from you I will send it back to you. I am not going to payment this time I am telling you do not send me no more I am not order from you I am physical handicap I don't make money that much . that final thank Melissa p.s. I will not send no money from you you got that message I will not send 70.55 you promise me you stop the payment that nonsense that payment and the stamp wish I had not received the stamp my mail I was counting on them and waiting to but now, I don't have time to order this time ...

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seeuonred
Los Alamitos, US
Aug 05, 2012 3:04 pm EDT

My account has ben closed for nearly a decade, but for some reason I am again receiving unsolicited approvals. Their bottom line must be seriously hurting if they are resorting to digging up old customers. For the rest of you folks who think this company offers stellar service I suggest you try canceling your subscription and then come back and report how things worked out for you. Until then openly insulting people who honestly post a problem with this company does little more then publicize you immaturity and pettiness.

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MysticStamp
Camden, US
Nov 29, 2011 1:46 pm EST

To "ChewHydeA" -
My name is Jessica and I work at Mystic Stamp. I see you are unhappy with our stamp approval service.
If this is still a problem for you, feel free to send me your name and address and I'd be happy to turn off your account.
My email address is JLA@MysticStamp.com.

Regards,
Jessica

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MysticStamp
Camden, US
Nov 29, 2011 1:39 pm EST

Hello -
My name is Jessica and I work at Mystic Stamp. If you email me your name and address I will make sure nothing further is sent to you.

My email address is JLA@MysticStamp.com.

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Mr. Peabody
3812 Enterprise, US
Nov 06, 2011 2:34 pm EST

Mailing something to someone that has not ordered it is a ridiculous practice! Do they think their customers are unable to find a stamp that they like and order it for themselves? Instead, they presume to know what their customer wants and sends it to them?
Stamp Approval my eye. Obviously, someone at the Mystic Stamp Company has decided that force-shipping crap to unsuspecting customers is an easy way to make a sale. The Mystic Stamp Company is a ripoff. They need to change their practices if they intend to keep their reputation.

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ffkling
Woodstock, US
Oct 01, 2018 1:57 am EDT

I agree with the comments of Mr. Evan Bench. I always enjoy the mystery of not knowing what stamps I will receive next. Further, the quality of the stamps has never been in doubt, and the customer service is wonderful. Gee, too bad there are so many angry people in the world.

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ChewHydeA
Newport News, US
Nov 06, 2011 10:36 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

MYSTIC STAMP COMPANY IS A DISHONEST COMPANY! I had dealt with MYSTIC STAMP COMPANY for about one year. I then sent a letter telling them that I no longer wanted to receive items from them. They continued to send items. I returned the items for a while and then I sent them another letter saying I would no longer pay for returning items to them. I received two more shipments. I told them I would not return them unless they sent me a postage paid return envelope. They did that, and I returned items. In addition, I saw to it that I had paid in full for any outstanding items. They continue to send me threatening letters about a past due balance. I have sent them multiple letters requesting that they send me a list of items I have paid for and prove to me that I still owe the outstanding balance. (I know that I DO NOT OWE IT) They have not responded.

Today, I sent them a letter informing that unless they stopped communicating with me, I would contact the Better Business Bureau, which currently has 47 complaints on file against this company.
STAY AWAY FROM MYSTIC STAMP COMPANY. There are plenty of good and honest stamp companies we can deal with!

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DH2011
, US
Nov 03, 2011 2:10 am EDT

I've been a customer of Mystic Stamp co for 5 years and never had a problem with them. They send me good stamps every month. I buy the ones I want and send the rest back. I have no complaints against mystic, they give excellent service!

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Evan Bench
, FR
Oct 20, 2011 2:26 pm EDT

As a 12 year old stamp collector in the 1970's, I actually like getting the review stamps. I looked forward to the package from Mystic and would simply return those I didn't want. For me it was such a mysterious thing not knowing what was in each package and so my view is quite different. If you don't want to buy them you return them. This is also explained clearly on the website.

Kind regards,

Evan Bench

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lkp1
, US
Aug 14, 2011 7:24 am EDT

I agree with Cool T. I am having the same issue with Mystic company. I ordered 3 stamp books for them to gift someone. And there I go flooded with stamps and catlogs and then bills for the same.
They really seem to have bad sales gimmicks or are really desperate for business. I am just going to send them back saying return to sender. I don't have money to waste to return their forced shipments back. I wrote a letter to them and asked them to STOP and any further shipments would be their responsibilty but they don't seem to get the message. The only way to work these companies is to file a complain against them and return their shipemets without opening and return to sender. Once they start paying the postage for returned shipments they will get the message. Next step could be to throw in garbage as junk mail.

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Rich D
Dalton, US
Aug 12, 2011 11:35 pm EDT

My years of buying from Mystic has been nothing but enjoyable. They provide collectors with a catalog with lots of tips and history of stamps and collecting. They also provide profit shares with every purchase which I use to buy other stamps with. They may be a little more expensive but overall, they provide excellent service and a complete U.S. catalog that is useful and full of tips and information about collecting. If you are having problems with Mystic, you better really look out on ebay. Quit whining and get on with enjoying our great hobby of stamp collecting.

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SLSOBob
Pasadena, US
May 30, 2011 1:37 pm EDT

Quit whining! If you received a notice from them that you would not be financially responsible for any materials sent to you after a particular date, you can keep the items and not pay for them. Mystic is a large company with a long reputation of good service to its clients. One whining, sniveling complainer does not constitute a valid complaint. Learn a little bit about the hobby and those who serve it (including their sales methodology) and you will go a long way to improving you enjoyment of stamp collecting and not bore the rest of the collecting world with you "sob stories". Do you even know what a "stamp approval" is? Sorry, but you need to be told this (from a Veteran Collector). Oh, and good luck with your happiness in purchasing stamps from eBay sites - talk about a "den of thieves"!

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