An Amazing Deal on 2024 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue

erich · Post by **erich** » 25 May 2023 19:38

If you mostly collect pre-1940 (or pre-1953 British Colonies) the Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue is a worthwhile reference. The bad thing is it retails for US$179 and is seldom discounted much.

Even when several years old, people get $100+ for them. I don't know why, but Amazon is letting you pre-order the 2024 edition (will be released in mid-November) for $53.99 i.e. 70% off.

This is unheard of. Amazon doesn't charge for pre-orders until shipping, so I don't see how this could be a scam -- if the product turns out to not be available, you won't get charged for it. Have a go at getting one on the cheap if you need it...

https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Specialized-Catalogue-Stamps- ... 100&sr=8-4

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 25 May 2023 19:50

Thanks for the heads-up, erich! If it turns out to be a genuine listing/doesn't get pulled before November, that is quite the savings.

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 25 May 2023 21:27

Nice find Erich .. Amazon website says they are out of stock ... so maybe be someone spotted the glitch and pulled the deal?

I did wonder if this was for the EBOOK version, (Scott charge nutty prices for those) but they do quote a weight and state it is 'hard cover'.

I

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 25 May 2023 22:46

I think Amazon show 'temporarily out of stock' when the book has not yet been released.

memphre · Post by **memphre** » 26 May 2023 05:30

Pre-order successfully placed!

Thanks erich for the info on this incredible deal.

Even a used copy from a few years back will cost more than this.
I have suggested my stamp club also buys one, I hope they do.

Memphre

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 26 May 2023 05:32

norvic wrote: ↑25 May 2023 22:46 I think Amazon show 'temporarily out of stock' when the book has not yet been released.

Not always--there's often a preorder option when the release date is known or has been provided to Amazon.

For what it's worth, that is still what I see when I follow the original link:

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 27 May 2023 01:15

I relayed this to a US forum (where the market may be bigger).

Chas Snee has come back on there and written:

Hello, Ian et al.: That listing did not originate with Amos Media, publisher of the Scott catalogs. It has been reported to Amazon.

Best,

Chad Snee

Senior Editor, Linn's Stamp News
Contributing Editor, Scott Catalogs

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 27 May 2023 01:40

Amos etc, are not the seller of 99.99% of Scott cats on Amazon (or Ebay) so Chad's comments are surely meaningless? Retailers have always priced as they see fit.

If buyers are not charged now, how does a scammer gain from this sort of thing?

Number-O-Ne · Post by **Number-O-Ne** » 27 May 2023 01:55

Pre-orders are charged on the day of shipping. It also shows Amazon as the seller, so the buyer doesn't risk a penny. There is no scam here.

"Listing not originating from Scott" is a political statement. Doesn't deny anything about Scott selling the catalog to Amazon at a discount.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 27 May 2023 02:00

Don't shoot the messenger. Just reporting.

Number-O-Ne · Post by **Number-O-Ne** » 27 May 2023 02:06

norvic wrote: ↑27 May 2023 02:00 Don't shoot the messenger. Just reporting.

That's right. The response from Linn's is not credible, though.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 27 May 2023 02:47

I believe it. Whether or not it is realistic, or reasonable is a different matter.

Chas has been a member here. I believe he did what he said he did - therefore the response is credible.

Number-O-Ne · Post by **Number-O-Ne** » 27 May 2023 03:19

The short answer only states the obvious but does not give any information about the presence or absence of a highly discounted sales agreement between Amos and Amazon.

That's why I say the answer is political and hence not reliable.

norvic · Post by **norvic** » 27 May 2023 03:50

I'm not sure why there needs to be any discussion.

The very fact that 'The listing has been reported to Amazon', whilst odd - if it is Amazon selling the book - Indicated to me that Amos were not aware of it.

But it really doesn't matter. I'm not buying the book. I don't even collect US stamps.

I copied the OP to the other forum and it was welcomed by members as it was here.

I coped the Snee reply to this forum and all I get is flak.

Enough already!

Lokomotiv · Post by **Lokomotiv** » 14 Jul 2023 02:28

It now shows $118.00

2024 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps & Covers 1840-1940: Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps & Covers (World 1840-1940) (Scott Stamp Catalogues) Hardcover – November 10, 2023
by Jay Bigalke (Editor), James Kloetzel (Editor), Charles Snee (Contributor)
See all formats and editions

Hardcover
$118.08
1 New from $118.08

https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Specialized-Catalogue-Stamps- ... 100&sr=8-4

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 14 Jul 2023 03:16

Hope he is stuck with supplying the folks who ordered at $US55 or whatever!

librarianc · Post by **librarianc** » 15 Jul 2023 08:45

I just clicked on my order and ...............

Order Summary
Item(s) Subtotal: $80.42 CAD
Shipping & Handling: $5.90
FREE Shipping: -$5.90
Total before tax: $80.42
Estimated GST/HST: $4.02
Estimated PST/RST/QST: $0.00
Grand Total: $84.44 CAD

I would stock it anyway, so we'll see how it goes in October.

John A

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 15 Jul 2023 11:32

John .. what odds are you giving on that being honoured?

Surely he will simply say 'problem with order or stock - can't be supplied' or something?

Glen

librarianc · Post by **librarianc** » 15 Jul 2023 23:27

No way to know really........I'm not much of an e*bay guy, so I don't know the current situation with "bait and switch or unable to deliver" situations when buying online, but I'll keep us in the know as we get closer.

John A

erich · Post by **erich** » 20 Sep 2023 15:33

Still there at $53.87 for pre-order. I assume if Amazon thought it was sketchy, they would have taken it down.

I don't see how anyone could scam you, since Amazon is doing the fulfillment and the charge is on shipment. I guess they could end up not being supplied with anything to ship, but I don't see the point of that.

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 29 Sep 2023 13:46

As a marker - Eric Jackson has the USA specialised being shipped on Monday Oct 2 for $US95 post free anywhere USA -

https://www.ericjackson.com/rDetails1b.asp?cat=&CAT2=&rProductID=INV-257648&this=it

Eric .. are my emails getting through to you? Have sent via several sources - maybe you are on holidays or ill etc?

We are in the USA for a week until Oct 18, and I need to get a set of 2024 Scott A-Z, which are now all printed (or set of 2023 if anyone has a good deal!) mailed to my last hotel in Seattle. Maybe I'll add this new Specialised in too.

Anyone see a decent offer on these sets in the USA .. I better order them soon.

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 29 Sep 2023 14:24

Still not sure what's going on with Amazon, but nothing has changed there since the thread was first posted.

memphre · Post by **memphre** » 05 Nov 2023 13:31

The catalogue has been issued and is available from the publisher.

The link given by erich at the top of the thread now links to a regular offer at the list price US$179.99

On my amazon account I can see no trace of my pre-order for 2 copies at $53.99 each.

I wasn't holding my breath, nevertheless a bit disappointed.

What has become of other pre-orders?

Memphre

ghopper02 · Post by **ghopper02** » 05 Nov 2023 15:05

Mine appears to still be on order.
I'm fact, it should be delivered on Friday!

Thanks,
Doug

: 2024 catalog still on order

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 05 Nov 2023 16:08

memphre wrote: ↑05 Nov 2023 13:31
The catalogue has been issued and is available from the publisher.

The link given by erich at the top of the thread now links to a regular offer at the list price US$179.99

On my amazon account I can see no trace of my pre-order for 2 copies at $53.99 each.

I wasn't holding my breath, nevertheless a bit disappointed.

What has become of other pre-orders?

Memphre

Mine is still listed as scheduled for delivery on Monday. Am I optimistic it will happen? No. But if it does I will be extraordinarily pleased.

If not, I do intend to politely email Amazon to at least get an explanation of what happened and why they won't honor the pre-order price guarantee.

librarianc · Post by **librarianc** » 06 Nov 2023 02:21

Just checked my order and everything still shows sale price and free shipping. Delivery stated Nov. 10

John A

memphre · Post by **memphre** » 06 Nov 2023 07:21

Hi

After reading other pre-orders being still current, I checked again as I found I had two accounts with Amazon and the pre-order is still active with delivery to be expected November 20-24.

Now I have to find out why I have two accounts with a place I don't even buy from once a year.

Memphre

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 06 Nov 2023 09:25

Out of interest Amazon state this is HARD cover.

Were previous editions also hard cover?

Even Scott themselves do not say it is hard cover ... indeed they do not say how many pages it is!

https://www.amosadvantage.com/PRODUCT/2024-SCOTT-CATALOGUE-C ... -1840-1940

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 06 Nov 2023 09:30

Yeah, the Classic Specialized has been a hardcover for a few years now.

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 06 Nov 2023 09:39

I wish they did hard covers for the standard Scott set of catalogues.

Just schlepped back all 2024, 13 volumes, 2 weeks back on Singapore Airlines in our 7 pieces of checked baggage from Seattle - and being flimsy soft covers, given the absolutely massive price of Scotts these days, hard covers adds near zero to their cost price.

I find the corners bend, and the books 'crumple' and sag on my bookshelves.

Gibbons make the Commonwealth in super thick outer card covers and a joy to use.

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 06 Nov 2023 09:41

I'm with you on that, honestly! Once they transitioned to the new 13 volume format, there was no reason not to offer a hardcover option. It's very frustrating.

librarianc · Post by **librarianc** » 06 Nov 2023 10:28

Hardcover back to at least 2005 for the Classic.

I have to say, the 2024 set of Scott is already VERY, VERY heavy.

I can only imagine a carton full of hardcover A-Z catalogues. WOW!

John A

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 06 Nov 2023 17:04

librarianc wrote: ↑06 Nov 2023 10:28
I have to say, the 2024 set of Scott is already VERY, VERY heavy.

John A

And VERY, VERY, expensive! Mine cost me about $A1000 wholesale even with free shipping.

And having just lugged the carton up my 50 exterior stairs, know full well the weight!

Adding a few grams for card covers is just a total no-brainer.

librarianc · Post by **librarianc** » 10 Nov 2023 10:55

Just received this email tonight:

Amazon.ca

Item Cancelled
Hello,

Due to lack of availability, we will not be able to obtain the following items from your order. We've cancelled the items and apologize for the inconvenience. If you see a charge for the cancelled items, we will refund you within 1-2 business days. If you are still interested in purchasing these items, it may be available from other sellers. Please visit the detail page for these items below.
Details
Order #702-9439707-3129821
Placed on Thursday, May 25, 2023
View or manage order
2024 Scott Classic S... 2024 Scott Classic Specialized Catal...

Sold by Amazon.com.ca, Inc.

Too good to be true...........

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 10 Nov 2023 11:52

Very Ancient Chinese saying .....................

Confucius say - 'There is no such thing in life as a Free Lunch'.

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 10 Nov 2023 12:34

Ah well, I'll wait for my email as well then.

It was worth dreaming about for a while!

ausman1000 · Post by **ausman1000** » 11 Nov 2023 03:19

My order says 'arriving Monday' but not yet shipped!

Hmmm... not feeling confident

ausman1000 · Post by **ausman1000** » 15 Nov 2023 12:47

Received this email message from Amazon just now.

Maybe still a glimmer of hope?... nah doubt it

ghopper02 · Post by **ghopper02** » 15 Nov 2023 13:07

That's what I'm getting now also.

7:00pm update - 40 minutes on hold with Amazon customer service - still holding

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 15 Nov 2023 13:13

If they have not cancelled the order, there is still lots of hope.

Surely Amazon have a Customer Service line? (1000s of them!)

This is a simple matter - you all pre-ordered in good faith from Amazon at the price advertised, your Amazon account shows the order is still valid, and is being processed, and the book is clearly now published. Amazon sells them - albeit at a higher price - not your issue.

Just demand you receive it ASAP, at the price you paid. 'Offer And Acceptance' - here that is the basic tenet of all consumer law from all large companies.

AMAZON will sort such issues - a daily occurrence in there I am sure.

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 15 Nov 2023 15:15

ausman1000 wrote: ↑15 Nov 2023 12:47 Received this email message from Amazon just now.

Maybe still a glimmer of hope?... nah doubt it

Same email here. For what it's worth, the full-price catalogue is still listed as a "pre-order" so this isn't an issue restricted to us early birds. I wonder if that means Amos hasn't given them their stock yet.

Their preorder guarantee is pretty clear-cut based on my reading of it: we are guaranteed the lowest price on offer for that title, so persistence may just have to be the watchword of the day.

As Glen says, there is still hope unless and until they cancel the order (and if so, do raise the issue again with customer service)!

ghopper02 · Post by **ghopper02** » 15 Nov 2023 15:18

I finally gave up on Amazon customer support. Yep, something like an hour and 45 minutes on hold

Doug

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 15 Nov 2023 15:21

I've tended to have better luck with the online chat than the phone, but that may not make a difference right now (and it's trickier getting to a live person, I concede). Worth a shot, if you have the patience tonight?

Global Admin · Post by **Global Admin** » 15 Nov 2023 16:55

ghopper02 wrote: ↑15 Nov 2023 15:18
I finally gave up on Amazon customer support. Yep, something like an hour and 45 minutes on hold

Doug

WHAT? Most Americans get stir-crazy after 10 minutes on hold.

ausman1000 · Post by **ausman1000** » 15 Nov 2023 17:01

ghopper02 wrote: ↑15 Nov 2023 15:18 I finally gave up on Amazon customer support. Yep, something like an hour and 45 minutes on hold

Doug

Thanks for doing that Doug and reporting back!

billw2 · Post by **billw2** » 16 Nov 2023 06:22

Global Admin wrote: ↑15 Nov 2023 16:55
ghopper02 wrote: ↑15 Nov 2023 15:18
I finally gave up on Amazon customer support. Yep, something like an hour and 45 minutes on hold

Doug

WHAT? Most Americans get stir-crazy after 10 minutes on hold.

Not if we have AT&T for mobile phone service

memphre · Post by **memphre** » 25 Nov 2023 05:16

Good News, sort of, from Amazon

Just received this message from Amazon, indicating the pre-order might be going through at an unspecified future date. Not all is lost, yet.

Amazon.com
Shipment Delay

Hello,
There is a delay in shipping your order because of a supply chain issue. We’ll make every effort to get the delayed items to you as soon as possible. If you still want these items, please confirm below. We apologize for the delay.

Details
Order #
Placed on Friday, May 26, 2023
New estimated delivery date:
We will email you as soon as we have a delivery date.
I still want this item
Cancel Order
If we don’t hear from you by Sunday, December 24, 2023, we will cancel the item. Otherwise, we will send it to you when we have a delivery date and it’s ready to ship.
2024 Scott Classic S... 2 x 2024 Scott Classic Specialized Catal...
Sold by Amazon Export Sales LLC
If your shipment arrives too late, you may refuse delivery or return it for a refund.

We hope to see you again soon.
Amazon.com

Not holding my breath, but still. I answered and confirmed the order.

Memphre

polisciguy2011 · Post by **polisciguy2011** » 25 Nov 2023 14:36

Mine was marked as shipped today, with one of the Amazon tracking numbers. Supposedly it will be delivered on Monday--I'll report back if that happens or not!

doc · Post by **doc** » 25 Nov 2023 15:44

Sounds like a trainwreck - what a terrible ad for Amazon, and 'trust' in the brand.

ausman1000 · Post by **ausman1000** » 26 Nov 2023 14:27

polisciguy2011 wrote: ↑25 Nov 2023 14:36 Mine was marked as shipped today, with one of the Amazon tracking numbers. Supposedly it will be delivered on Monday--I'll report back if that happens or not!

Same here but supposedly arriving Tuesday.