Using the Refine Search Filter

The refine search filter provides a number of options that allow you to find the stamps you want. By default, the search filter is configured so that all sale items are displayed in the item listing. However, in most cases, you will want to narrow this search to find only those items in which you have an interest.

Using the refine search filter, you can specific types of stamps, as well as the grade, category, cover type, and format. You can also select the number of items listed per page. A complete description of each of the search options is given below.

Once you have selected your desired search criteria, simply click the 'Okay' button to refresh the item listing. When you leave the Listing Page (for example, to view the details of an individual item), your current search parameters will be saved. The next time you view the Listing Page, the search conditions will be the same, unless you log off or your session expires.

Items/Page

This dropdown list allows you to select the number of items to display on each page of the item listing. Using a smaller page size is advisable if you are using a small screen resolution, or if you have a slower dial-up connection. Typically, displaying more items per page will result in slower listing updates.

Show expanded comments

When this checkbox is checked, each item in the listing will include a one or more lines of description for each item. This description will be the comments about the item provided by the seller. If this option is not checked, the item listing will be condensed, with just one line per listing item.

Don't display foreign sellers

When this checkbox is checked, only items from sellers in your home country will be displayed in our listing. This is useful if you do not wish to purchase stamps from sellers in other countries.

Don't display my own items

When this checkbox is checked, items you have listed for sale will not be included in the listing that you see. This is handy if you have a large number of items for sale, and are currently browsing the site with "buying" in mind.

Format

The Format dropdown list allows you to select a specific item format for your search. Examples would be, Single Stamp, Plate Block of 4, Coil Line Pair, Booklet Pane, etc.

Cover

This dropdown list allows you to select a specific cover type, where the term 'cover' is used to denote the type of envelope or paper (or lack thereof) that accompanies the stamp. Examples are stamp only, cut square, on envelope, etc.

Grade

Five different grades have been defined for searching. Of course the grading of philatelic material is very subjective, and can be broken into many other levels, but these five should prove adequate as search parameters. See our Grading Guidelines for more information.

Category

We define five categories for searching, including Mint, Mint Hinged, Unused, Used, and CTO (cancelled to order). As with grading, these categories are broad, but should be sufficient for searching. See our Category Guidelines for more information.

Okay Button

After you have selected your desired search criteria, click the Update Listing button. This will cause the refine search window to close, and the item listing will be refreshed using the current search conditions.

Help Button

The Help button opens a help screen (which you are now reading).