Postal Commemorative Society (again)

I include a letter and response below from 1998 about the PCS. I have more questions.

I have a book of "First Day Covers" I inherited, which are from the
Postal Commemorative Society. Or at least the leatherette cover says
"First Day Covers". I don't collect stamps, but I thought a first-day cover of (for example) an astronaut stamp issued in 1980 would have a cancelled astronaut stamp of 1980 for the postage and some nice cover art from the place that cancelled it.

What I am looking at are roughly 100 envelopes in nice plastic cases,
3 to a page, with normal U.S. 15c stamps and normal hand-cancellations on them (years 1978-1980), and on the left side of the envelope is a plastic bubble with different older U.S. stamps in them: 3c, 2c, etc.

I have seen these types of covers on sale at stamp shows for 50 cents canadian each (35 cents US).

... and buyers were not rushing to buy at that price.

You are correct, although a first day cover can also be an ordinary cover that just happened to be cancelled on the first day the stamp was issued.
Such covers, in fact, are far harder to find than the others, and much more costly.

Sorry, not this stamp collector. As far as I'm concerned their best use is to fill up empty spaces on yard sale or flea market tables.

Your Dad, joining thousands of other people, probably believed the promotional "literature" that the covers were or would become rare collectibles, but they really have no serious commercial value now, nor will they ever. I sometimes buy such items if the art work might be of use in an album or on a web page. All the collectors I know value postally used covers, even ordinary and inexpensive first day covers, more highly than commercially produced, "limited-edition" "collectibles". I honestly don't know anyone who would give you more than quarter for such an item, and even then the purchase might be more charitable than acquistive.

Sometimes such items come up for sale in my stamp club's monthly auctions. A dozen or so of them might engender a bidding war starting at the minimum $1 bid and going all the way up to to $1.25 or even $1.50, assuming that the members don't fall asleep first, or die of laughter.

I am one of the many thousands who were naive enough to be duped by PCS. My intention was to purchase something special for my adopted son who would have been seven years old this December. He was born with a defective heart and wasn't able to play like a normal kid, so I thought this might be something he'd enjoy. His funeral was June 13th of this year. Just thought you and your fellow club members might get a laugh out of someone as dumb as me, stuck with a large collection of what is largely junk.
It must be a constant struggle for you, surrounded by those less well-versed in stamp collecting. Quite frankly, sir, I find your smug attitude rather pathetic. Perhaps in the future you'll learn at least a modicum of civility and learn to better deal with your self-importance. But then, more likely you won't. Here's wishing you all the success you deserve.

Jl7tree, welcome to the forum. I am so terribly sorry and sad to hear about your adopted son. There are no words I can add to that because nothing can even remotely comfort you I am sure.

When a company is acting under false pretense, whether it is with stamps or any other product, the side one has to condemn is that company, and ONLY that company. It is NOT funny to when people who rely on the integrity of companies are being fooled.

So, I completely agree with you.

I sincerely appreciate your kind words MonaL. Please know that my response was directed squarely at the poster, PopCan_Kid. As to the Postal Commemorative Society et al, I would suggest that they will eventually find that what goes around does indeed come around. They've managed to make dishonest business dealings an art form. The good news is that they are very much in the minority. There are many, many knowledgeable and totally honest collectors and dealers of stamps. I've had the good fortune to meet some of them and with their assistance have become at least moderately educated about the fascinating world of stamps. I'm sure that will continue as I become more familiar with all who post here. I'm pleased to have found your discussion board.

And I am very happy you joined us, jl7tree.

There actually should be a sort of a union of dealers which checks and guarantees 'honest business practices' (or something to that extent).

Thanks, MonaL for the warm welcome. I agree that some sort of dealer rating system would be beneficial to all involved. Having owned two small businesses in the past, I learned early on that reputation and good customer service are both essential ingredients for success.

Indeed. Not only for customers that will come back but also, and foremost, the reputation "thing" which is -honest advertising- actually, because not promising false promises.

True. It seems PCS has at least studied the law enough to know how to remain just inside the line. Once I learned what to look for I realized they were selling what they advertised. It is, however, cloaked in some amazingly misleading ad copy. I s'pose there's plenty of truth to the adage: Too soon we get old and too late we get smart.

That's a beautiful adage I had never heard of before but am sure not going to forget it anymore.
And, you are right. The best frauds are hidden behind totally legal statements. That's why it is so tricky. Much easier to fool people when much of what is written is true except for the part that matters most.