There are many ways to search Online Stamp Sales. We have designed the site so that you can search for specific items or simply browse the site to see what has been added.

Anyone can view the items, but you must be a CSS member to buy in Online Stamp Sales. If you are not a CSS member, we invite you to join now.

The First Search Category is the basic area. (Categories are added as items are posted)

For Example: Imperial China, Republic 1912-1949, ROC Taiwan, Liberated Areas, PRC, Japanese Occupation of China, Hong Kong, Literature, etc.

The Second Search Category contains more specific criteria.

For Example: Stamps, Postal History, FDC, Specimens, etc. (There may not be a listing in every category.)

The Third Search Category is a further refinement of the search.

The Keyword Search allows you to look for a word or phrase that is of interest to you. This method searches every title and description in the database and will yield the greatest results. It is also useful if you are unsure how to search for a particular item or if you are seeking a specialized item. This feature allows word searches for a topic, place name, type of item, year, etc. The search engine uses Boolean Logic.

This feature can also be used to limit a search within a category for a particular type of item or stamp. For example, if you collect Republic 1912-1949 First Flight Covers, select "Republic 1912-1949" as the First Search Category, type "flight" in the Keyword Search and click on "Search."

The Item ID Number feature searches for a specific item by its identification number. You can also view a range of ID numbers.

The Scott Catalogue Number feature searches for item by their catalogue number. It is best used in conjunction with a First Search Category. For example, if you are looking for Hong Kong Sc. 594-599, select Hong Kong as a First Search Category, type 594 in a Scott Catalogue Number box and click "Search." Remember, if you do not specify Hong Kong as a First Search Category you will not only get Hong Kong Sc. 594, but also the Sc. 594 of Republic 1912-1949, PRC and Macau.

Email Online Stamp Sales with any questions.

Add to Cart. When you decide to purchase an item, click on the "Add to Cart" button. If you are not logged in you will be prompted at this time to log in and the item will be added to your shopping cart. No need to stop shopping. The item will remain in your shopping cart while you continue to browse other pages of the site.

Shopping Cart. When you are finished shopping, click on "Shopping Cart." View the items in your shopping cart and make sure they are the ones you wish to purchase.

Check Out. Click on "Check Out" and you will be directed to a screen that requires the usual information - name, shipping address, etc. When finished click on "Next" and you will be sent to a screen that asks for payment information. The Check Out area is secure.

Payment. Purchases made by credit card or Paypal are normally shipped within three days. Those paid by check will be shipped when the check is received. If the check is not received within 10 days, the items will be reposted in Online Stamp Sales. To speed delivery we recommend payment by credit card or Paypal.

Postage. Purchases from Online Stamp Sales are shipped via the US Postal Service.

Postage and handling will be more for stamp collections, large lots, literature and other items requiring special packaging. The additional postage will be indicated in the listing.

Insurance: Included in every purchase is a charge of 1% of the value of the order for insurance. This fee applies to all orders regardless of destination and protects against loss or damage. This insurance does not cover confiscation by a foreign government. See Customs and Import Duties.

Returns. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you are given thirty days to return an item. Stamp collections or other items with numerous stamps are not returnable. The thirty-day period begins the date your order is shipped. Refunds cannot be made if the return is received after the thirty-day period.

Customs and Import Duties. When ordering from Online Stamp Sales, you are considered the importer and must comply with the laws of your country. Customs forms for international shipments will show the value of the order and will be identified as "philatelic materials." You will be responsible for all customs fees, import duties or other fees levied on the order. Since customs policies vary widely, you should be familiar with the requirements of your country. Contact your local customs office for information.

Guarantee. The CSS stands behind every item sold in Online Stamp Sales. We try to screen consignments and remove any items which are not genuine or accurately described. However, mistakes sometimes happen. Therefore, you have thirty days from the date of shipment to return an item purchased in Online Stamp Sales for a refund of the purchase price. Stamp collections or other items with numerous stamps are not returnable.

Expertizing. You may request that an item purchased in Online Stamp Sales be expertized. The expertizing process usually takes 45 to 75 days. You will be charged the expertization fee at the time of your purchase. If the item is genuine the cost of expertizing will be borne by you and you will receive a CSS expertization certificate. If the item is not genuine, the cost of expertization will be borne by the seller, and you will receive a refund of the expertization fee and the purchase price of the item. If payment was by credit card or Paypal, the refund will be to the credit card or Paypal, as the case may be. If payment was by check, the refund will be by check. If the CSS Expertization Committee is unable to reach an opinion you will be notified of your options.

Learn more about expertizing.

You should request expertization at the time of purchase, before the item is shipped to you. If you request expertization at this time the CSS waives the postage charges normally required for returning items submitted for expertizing. If you send the item in later for expertization you will have to pay the return postage.

You are also free to use other expertizing organizations, but unless the seller agrees in advance he or she will not be responsible for expertizing fees if the item is not genuine. If you choose to have the expertization done by the CSS, the seller is responsible for the fee if the item is not genuine.

Email Online Stamp Sales with any questions.

Protecting Your Personal Information. The CSS will NEVER email you a request for sensitive personal information such as passwords, bank account or credit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), or Social Security Numbers. Be very suspicious of any email that asks you for such information, it did not come from the CSS. ONLY provide personal data when you are in our secure Check Out area.