Contact Us About Your Consignment

H.R. Harmer
Philatelic Auctioneers
18061 Fitch
Irvine, CA, 92614, USA
USA

Telephone: (800) 782-6771 and (949) 748-4802
Fax: (949) 748-4803
Email: Info@HRHarmer.com

Why Choose Harmers?

H.R. Harmer intends to make selling at auction an easy, streamlined and always personal experience. This starts with the estimate. Our experts can accurately identify and determine the current market value of your Property for sale at auction. To schedule a complimentary, confidential auction value appraisal, please call (800) 782-6771.

Harmers has an unsurpassed international reputation. This assures the vendor of the satisfaction that comes with obtaining undisputed top return for his or her property.

Whether a Philatelist, Trust Officer, Attorney, Executor, Beneficiary or Institution with a collection or single rarities to sell, Harmers is the answer.

Sale by Auction

WHAT THE AUCTION COMMISSION PROVIDES

Detailed advice as to the best method and time of sale.
Detailed advice as to how the material should best be offered.
Preparation of the material into lots for greatest possible appeal to worldwide buyers and financial return.
Publication of extensively illustrated and intelligently organized catalogues accurately describing each lot, with illustrations in color.
Distribution of catalogues to a meticulously maintained world mailing list of the most active buyers in philately.
Extensive advertising and publicity to stimulate interest of collectors and dealers.
Transit and on premises insurance.
All services of the entire Harmer Staff of specialist experts, reference facilities, exhibition, auction gallery and web site.

ADVANCE PAYMENTS

Liberal advances are available for qualified properties.

PUBLICITY

Harmers retains public relations specialists to plan, prepare and place advertisements and publicity in all philatelic journals to attract buyers and stimulate bidding.

Promotional publicity is regularly provided to non-philatelic communications media such as business reviews, investment journals, national magazines, TV and radio producers.

INSURANCE AND PROTECTION

Stamps consigned to H.R. Harmer are insured under standard policies (except for terrorist attack), both in transit (see Shipping Information) and on premises at no cost to the owner. Dual security systems and the only on-premises vault - AA rated and climactically controlled - ensure worry-free and unequalled protection.

Auction Details

Auction

Sales of usually one or two days' duration are held from September to July inclusive. Catalogs are mailed to consignors approximately three weeks before the auction. Consignors and prospective consignors are invited to attend the auctions.

Settlement

Checks are sent 45 calendar days after the last date of the auction.

Expertizing

Expertizing is carried out on premises. Where appropriate, and at Harmers discretion, items are submitted to prominent independent Experts or Expert Committees that issue "Certificates of Authenticity" which accompany the lots. This increases bidder confidence in the authenticity and condition of the items, which, in turn, engenders increased interest and bidding. Fees are charged to the Vendor's account.

Minimum Requirements

The prominence of Harmers may lead you to believe that only the most valuable properties qualify for our services. This is not true. Please contact us with a description of your material. You too may enjoy the many advantages and services all vendors are offered by Harmers.

Sale by Private Treaty

Ever alert to the special needs of its clients, Harmers maintains a superior service, when warranted, for the direct sale of philatelic material.

Harmers is in constant contact with collectors and dealers throughout the world, many of whom have standing offers for a wide variety of material they desire. Buyers are readily available for important single rarities and general or specialized collections.

The price asked is determined by a Harmer appraisal and the vendor's approval of that figure.
Private Treaty. Sales can often be finalized in a few weeks
Settlement. Check is sent immediately after payment is received from the buyer.
A collection may be originally offered by Private Treaty and if unsold, placed into the next appropriate public auction.

Sale by Outright Purchase

On the preceding pages Harmers has recommended the various methods of disposal that will result in a maximum net return to the vendor.

However, there has been, in recent years, a preference for outright sale.

Immediate Payment
Experienced Buyers
Complete Integrity

When writing, calling or emailing, please mention if outright sale is of interest to you.

Appraisal and Estate Information

The Harmer Appraisal

A realistic assessment of the market value of a collection, this is based on in-depth professional knowledge and daily contact with the world's philatelic centers.

Appraisals are provided for all purposes including gift, insurance, tax, probate or sale. Where appropriate, we will provide detailed recommendations of the most advantageous method and place of sale.

Harmers will also advise the vendor, without prejudice, whether any offer that has been received should be accepted.

A Harmer appraisal includes:

1. A formal appraisal, duly notarized as required.
2. Professional unbiased advice on selling.
3. Insurance while in Harmers possession.

Appraisal Fees

Harmer's charges $100 per hour plus travel time and expenses for written appraisals. Appraisal Fees are waived if the property is purchased or consigned. Verbal appraisals for material brought to our office are conducted without charge. Often, we can determine whether material is suitable for auction over the telephone. Kindly call first with the material in front of you before visiting our office. Appointments are encouraged to ensure the availability of staff.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is essential for everyone. Whether your collection is to be donated or sold, it should receive the professional attention that Harmers has provided since 1918.

In order to assure the protection of your philatelic estate and services of Harmers, we would recommend a provision in your will or codicil as follows:

"I direct that the services of H.R. Harmer, Inc. be retained to appraise and sell my philatelic properties for such compensation as is customarily paid thereof"

Minimum Requirements

Shipping Information

Philatelic material sent to Harmers should be carefully packed in suitable containers (cartons are recommended along with plastic liners) and addressed to:

H.R. HARMER, INC.
18061 Fitch
Irvine CA, 92614
USA

If collections are sent in stock books or albums, and the pages are not pressed against the book covers, please place a piece of cardboard before the first page and after the last page. Place a rubber band around the pieces of cardboard. Then, band each individual album or stock book.
Line all boxes with plastic bag and close tightly at top. This will keep out any moisture.
Harmers is not responsible for damage due to poor packaging.
The sender's name and address should be shown on the envelope, package or carton in which the material is sent. Shipping expenses are the responsibility of the sender.
IMPORTANT: the Consignors Form must be completed and mailed, faxed or emailed to Harmers under separate cover prior to day of shipping. Please read carefully our section on Transit Insurance.

Shipments From Other Countries

Stamps sent from countries other than the United States or its Territorial Possessions must be legally exported to be covered by insurance.

Customs Duty

The United States does not impose Customs Duty on postage stamps.

However, sendings -- particularly is declared in excess of $250 -- may be held by U.S. Customs for "formal entry" processing. In such instances, Harmers will make appropriate arrangements with a professional broker.

Brokerage fees, if required, will be charged to the consignor.

Transit Insurance

H.R. Harmer, Inc. will provide standard insurance against all risks (except terrorist attacks) for material sent by the following methods:

Registered Mail, Declare the full value of the contents. Maximum $200,000 per package.
United Parcel Service (UPS). Please contact us for details.
Parcel Post. Package limit 70lbs. Maximum value insured under our policy $200,000. Special handling required (if available) and maximum allowable Post Office insurance.

Air and Surface Freight. Maximum value of $200,000 per package by Air. $100,000 per consignment by surface. Must be insured with carrier for 20% of full value.

Provisions for insurance through Harmers requires prior advice under separate cover. (SEE SHIPPING). Personal conveyance available by arrangement.

In the event of a loss, the sender will be required to furnish reasonable proof of value.

Payment of insurance claims will be distributed on the basis of 80% to the owner and 20% to Harmers.