khj
Member 
Posts: 1,524 
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Post by khj on Apr 1, 2018 4:47:07 GMT
I went back through my numbers and that was $1400 per year not month.Still an unsurmountable figure to go out the door every year for coverage of about 3/4 of my collection.My contractors insurance of $1,000,000 coverage costs me $485/year.Trust me I'm more apt to run over your car with the bulldozer than lose my stamps. I feel $1400 a year is still pretty steep, but certainly relieved that it wasn't per month! Then again, I haven't bought stamp insurance in over a decade. As far as the bulldozer, I'm glad I live over thousand miles south of you!  Although we could really use you as we install the basketball court behind our back building! |
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Apr 1, 2018 5:02:26 GMT
Alright I went through the spread sheets posted at APS for their budget but saw no entry regarding HWI could someone else try to locate the stated income from that source?
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khj
Member
Posts: 1,524
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Post by khj on Apr 1, 2018 5:10:06 GMT
It would not necessarily be an individual line item in their budget. Us NPOs have to report it on our Form 990. For 2016, APS received $171,202 from insurance fees. But that's a total, not a breakdown of insurance fee sources. I don't know if APS has any other insurance programs.
In the budget report, they may have lumped it in with sales commission or miscellaneous. Those are the only 2 categories that are big enough. If you really wanted to know, you could do the math and compare the 990 figures and determine which category by a process of elimination.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,699
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Apr 1, 2018 10:52:24 GMT
The insurance includes loss through the mails (limit to $75 Mil), loss at stamp shows (exhibitors), etc. They do not need a lot of documentation unless you have high value items. Insurance is all about risk so if you do not feel like your home collection will be stolen or damaged in a fire then it may not be appropriate. Can you afford to lose it?
If you see better rates or terms, please share what you learn.
My question is what did you expect when you joined APS? I have been a critic of many things but new member feedback may help them improve.
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Apr 1, 2018 12:27:13 GMT
angore, In an ideal world joining a stamp society would open doors to dealer specials,a discount stamp store,A free service much like that currently used to verify Id of stamps.Access to a searchable data base to answer questions about stamp issues much as the libabry is attempting to do.Online education videos of specific issues and other how to's.An ask phil type link for help.I would think benefits should offer some value to the collector that isn't available to non-members which currently I don't see as the case.Not ready to give up on them but there is much to do for sure.
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on May 6, 2018 17:45:01 GMT
Well thought I'd update my report on APS membership.As of today nothing further has reached me either by email or snail mail.Been over two months now and needless to say disappointed at best.I must be getting old and cantankerous.
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tomiseksj
Moderator 
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on May 6, 2018 18:37:05 GMT
The membership approval process isn't fast. March applicants are published in the May American Philatelist. If no objections are received by the end of the month the applicants are admitted for membership. |
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,699
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on May 6, 2018 18:38:07 GMT
I have been a member for many years and the only mailings I have received as of late are the journal, a solicitation for the Mighty Buck club, and Tiffany dinner solicitation. Now, I have it checked that I do not want dealer solicitations, etc.
Have you received a copy of the journal? You can go to the website to view it as well.
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on May 6, 2018 21:13:03 GMT
All well and good but if I was asked for a feedback rating at this point I would struggle with two stars.Just a public record of my experience.
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Jul 26, 2018 16:59:21 GMT
Just my update from here.My opinion remains unchanged about my membership.I have seen no benefit to myself and view the last issue of the magazine a show promotion hogging most of the pages.I may not be a prime target for this organization,I do not attend shows and find better bargains elsewhere when shopping.I do not plan on renewing when the time comes.I love the hobby but certainly cannot justify spending money for something that has proved entirely useless to me.Was a experiment to start with and seems the test tube blew up.Call me schooled.
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
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Post by renden on Jul 26, 2018 18:47:28 GMT
No longer a member of APS....no real benefits for a "Canadian" except a journal with lots of adds. I started my Insurance when I was an APS member through HWI Canada and stayed with them as I joined The Royal and BNAPS. During your life, you have to stop paying everybody for a "membership"......rather put the $$ on stamps !!
I do not discredit APS for US stampers or those who like to belong to multiple stamp organizations. Even with the multiple "adds" there are some very good articles.
René
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Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,912
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Jul 26, 2018 19:26:56 GMT
Just my update from here.My opinion remains unchanged about my membership.I have seen no benefit to myself and view the last issue of the magazine a show promotion hogging most of the pages.I may not be a prime target for this organization,I do not attend shows and find better bargains elsewhere when shopping.I do not plan on renewing when the time comes.I love the hobby but certainly cannot justify spending money for something that has proved entirely useless to me.Was a experiment to start with and seems the test tube blew up.Call me schooled. Well, Frog, I am sorry to hear that the whole APS thing has not worked out to be worthwhile for you, but I also think that I understand. As others have said at the start of your experiment, "...it's not for everyone." The best news for those of us on TSF is that you are still a member here, and one of us, and that means more than anything else. |
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Jul 26, 2018 20:36:51 GMT
firstfrog2013 , if you aren't satisfied with the overall experience, I'll personally refund the $36.75 that you'll be paying for membership (rate is for those joining Jan-Feb and affords membership through Dec 31)... , I thought that if you tried it you might like it but apparently I was mistaken -- my offer still stands -- let me know when your membership has expired and I'll send you the refund. |
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Jul 27, 2018 14:10:18 GMT
Not necessary Steve.I've thrown away much more on other junk before.Would be interested in others opinions on APs and other similar organizations and their experiences with them.Stil considering if BNAPS would be better suited....jimjung ?? reeden ??
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renden
Member
Posts: 9,162
What I collect: Canada-USA-France-Lithuania-Austria--Germany-Mauritius-French Colonies in Africa
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Post by renden on Jul 27, 2018 18:34:34 GMT
Not necessary Steve.I've thrown away much more on other junk before.Would be interested in others opinions on APs and other similar organizations and their experiences with them.Stil considering if BNAPS would be better suited....jimjung ?? reeden ??
No animosity towards APS but you have to realize it is a USA Society and that is great for US residents who can profit from their multiple programs. I do not care much about travelling the Stamp Shows except BNAPS in Quebec, Sept 2018. As a Canadian no way you can participate in their stamp exchanges, etc. BNAPS www.bnaps.org/index.phpRPSC is a pure Canadian Philatelic Society www.rpsc.org/I am satisfied for the time being with these two and will learn more on BNAPS in Quebec. René |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2018 19:00:02 GMT
I have been at one time a member of APS, RPSC and BNAPS and they all have particular member benefits and each tends to be geographically specific. However since my present interests are more about postal history and philatelic research, it is difficult to beat both the RPSC & BNAPS for free non member information. Their free online repository is very impressive -
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,699
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jul 28, 2018 10:19:04 GMT
Firstfrog2013,
I am not sure what you expect from a philatelic organization. You can be an active collector without joining in any stamp club or organization. You usually subscribe or join to get something so what are you wanting.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2018 13:08:43 GMT
Firstfrog2013, I am not sure what you expect from a philatelic organization. You can be an active collector without joining in any stamp club or organization. You usually subscribe or join to get something so what are you wanting. That's already been well answered by Firstfrog  "angore, In an ideal world joining a stamp society would open doors to dealer specials,a discount stamp store,A free service much like that currently used to verify Id of stamps.Access to a searchable data base to answer questions about stamp issues much as the library is attempting to do. Online education videos of specific issues and other how to's. An ask phil type link for help. I would think benefits should offer some value to the collector that isn't available to non-members which currently I don't see as the case. Not ready to give up on them but there is much to do for sure."
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Jul 28, 2018 13:33:19 GMT
Well Nelson as usual you hit the nail on the head.That description of benefits is exactly what I would expect for paying dues to somebody.Services that I don't use it seems to me I would be footing the bill for others with interest to use.
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Jul 28, 2018 15:03:09 GMT
AP readers may have noticed that HipStamp ran an ad in the July AP offering APS members the opportunity to get up to $1,000 cash back on purchases made (BIN rather than auction) thru July 31st.
Fairly sizable purchases are required for the refunds but if one is considering a major purchase it is something to consider.
A $250 purchase receives $25 cash back, spending $1,000 returns $125, and spending $7,500 or more returns $1,000.
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angore
Member
Posts: 5,699
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jul 28, 2018 15:29:56 GMT
Maybe I will remember his response the next time. I do not even remember reading it.  I do think if APS had more videos it can add member value but many of the knowledgeable types do not seem to like the online world. All these On the Road classes that few will attend could all be on video. Here is a guy without any society (no board of directors, no technology funding) can do. |
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Nov 16, 2018 15:29:24 GMT
Well renewal has arrived and I think I will pen an old fashioned letter and return that in the return envelope.Maybe constructive feedback is a positive thing.Probably not most of the powers to be anywhere ignore anything that doesn't suit their beliefs.
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Admin
Administrator 
Posts: 2,676
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Post by Admin on Nov 16, 2018 16:29:21 GMT
Send the letter to the attention of Scott English, the APS Executive Director.
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brightonpete
Departed
Rest in Peace
On a hike at Goodrich-Loomis
Posts: 5,110
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Post by brightonpete on Nov 17, 2018 15:04:30 GMT
AP readers may have noticed that HipStamp ran an ad in the July AP offering APS members the opportunity to get up to $1,000 cash back on purchases made (BIN rather than auction) thru July 31st. Fairly sizable purchases are required for the refunds but if one is considering a major purchase it is something to consider. A $250 purchase receives $25 cash back, spending $1,000 returns $125, and spending $7,500 or more returns $1,000. I looked at that, but it looks like multiple billings & mailings. I had checked off a bunch of stuff, but the dealers there are all over. So the postage on a few items (to Canada) really adds up. As well as VISA bills for $1 here, $2.97 there etc etc etc. So I just cancelled the order. There is stuff there I want, but it would be nice if it was along the lines of the APS StampStore. |
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firstfrog2013
Member
Posts: 3,276
What I collect: BNA Liberia St Pierre U.S. Bolivia Turkey
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Nov 17, 2018 18:54:25 GMT
Well today I penned a letter,yes handwritten.It was as Steve suggested addressed to Scott English.I hope for the good of the APS it is actually read and taken note of.I consider myself an advanced collector and if I can't find benefit belonging to APS something needs to change.I did my part and can sleep at night just fine.
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on May 27, 2020 15:55:12 GMT
APS is currently running two membership specials. The first is a $5 discount for members of APS Chapters (like ours) who have not been APS members in the past. This promotion extends through the end of the calendar year. When submitting the application, use the coupon code AMBASSADOR. The second, $25 Under 30, is being offered to new members under 30 years of age. The $25USD membership includes all APS benefits and access to the digital version of The American Philatelist. For more info and to join, go here. |
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Aug 28, 2020 16:58:30 GMT
APS is running a special offer to encourage membership in the American Philatelic Society. This special, limited time offer enrolls new members for 16 months of APS membership for the price of 12 months. Use the code "VSS2020" when signing up online, by mail or by phone and please don't hesitate to share this special offer with your stamp collecting colleagues. This offer applies to new APS members only. It cannot be used by lapsed/former members. If you choose to join, make sure to let them know that you are a member of APS Chapter 1591/The Stamp Forum! |
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Sept 13, 2021 12:39:40 GMT
As the banner indicates, APS is celebrating its 135th year of promoting philately with a membership special. If you join now using coupon code APS135, you will save $13.50. More information is available here. If you do decide to join, don't forget to mention APS Chapter 1591 (The Stamp Forum) as your sponsor -- use my APS#130102. |
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,385
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Oct 16, 2021 14:24:38 GMT
The below image announces the APS membership special for Stamp Collecting Month, an $8 savings for membership through December 2022.
More information is available here. Should you decide to join, don't forget to use the coupon code (SCARY8) and mention APS Chapter 1591 (The Stamp Forum) as your sponsor (APS#222596) |
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