Internet Philatelic Dealers Association Inc

IPDA's Commitment to Ethical
Philatelic Trading

The unwavering dedication of IPDA to fostering ethical philatelic trading practices, ensuring integrity and trust within the online stamp collecting community.

IPDA's Commitment to Ethical Philatelic Trading

The unwavering dedication of IPDA to fostering ethical philatelic trading practices, ensuring integrity and trust within the online stamp collecting community.

IPDA CODE OF ETHICS

The IPDA Code of Ethics is a set of guidelines and principles that all IPDA members are required to adhere to, ensuring that they conduct their business in a fair, honest, and professional manner. These ethical guidelines are crucial for maintaining trust and credibility within the philatelic community, and they provide a foundation for strong and lasting relationships between stamp dealers and collectors.

By completing the Application for Membership form and becoming a member of the Association, all members are deemed to have pledged themselves to comply with this Code of Ethics.

IPDA Code of Ethics

The principle of always purchasing and selling philatelic material at reasonable and fair prices is at the heart of IPDA’s commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. It’s about creating a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other and feel confident in their transactions.

When IPDA members consider prevailing market conditions, factors influencing pricing, and the potential risks involved, they are ensuring transparency and fairness. This means striking a balance between market trends, the unique qualities of the stamps, and the expectations of both buyers and sellers.

By following this principle, IPDA members contribute to a positive and trustworthy environment for philatelic enthusiasts. Collectors can confidently engage in transactions, knowing they are dealing with sellers who prioritize fairness and uphold high ethical standards.

The dedication to reasonable and fair pricing not only benefits individual members but also strengthens the reputation of the entire philatelic community. It fosters growth, sustainability, and a vibrant marketplace for all stamp enthusiasts to explore and enjoy.

We have a strict policy against knowingly dealing in or holding stocks of stolen philatelic material. We understand the importance of ethical conduct in the philatelic industry and the significance of preserving the integrity of stamp collecting.

By refraining from engaging in such practices, our members demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. They play a crucial role in safeguarding the authenticity and provenance of philatelic material, ensuring that collectors can trust the items they acquire.

Through our Code of Ethics, we promote a culture of responsibility and respect, where the trade of stolen philatelic material is not tolerated. By adhering to this principle, our members contribute to the preservation of the philatelic community’s reputation and the enjoyment of stamp collecting for enthusiasts worldwide.

We maintain a strong stance against knowingly dealing in counterfeit philatelic material. We recognize the importance of authenticity and integrity in the world of stamp collecting, and we strive to protect collectors from fraudulent practices.

Our members are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and are expected to refrain from engaging in the sale or distribution of counterfeit items. However, we do acknowledge that there are instances where the sale of counterfeit material may be necessary for educational or reference purposes.

In such cases, our members must clearly and publicly disclose that the item(s) for sale are counterfeit. This transparency ensures that collectors are fully informed and can make informed decisions about their philatelic purchases.

By adhering to this principle, our members demonstrate their dedication to maintaining trust and credibility within the philatelic community. They contribute to the preservation of philatelic knowledge and the promotion of authentic and genuine stamp collecting experiences for enthusiasts worldwide.

We prioritize transparency and accuracy in providing buyers with comprehensive written descriptions of all philatelic materials. Our members understand the importance of conveying essential information about the condition, identification, and specifications of the items they offer for sale.

When you purchase from an IPDA member, you can expect a detailed description that reflects the seller’s knowledge to the best of their ability. This includes providing accurate information about the condition of the material, precise identification details, and specifications relevant to the item.

By ensuring clear and thorough descriptions, our members aim to provide buyers with a reliable understanding of the philatelic material they are interested in. This commitment to accuracy helps foster trust and confidence between buyers and sellers, ensuring a positive and informed purchasing experience within the philatelic community.

Integrity and honesty are at the core of our values at IPDA. We emphasize the importance of truthfulness in all interactions with sellers, buyers, and in any advertising or displays of philatelic material.

Our members adhere to a strict code of ethics, ensuring that they provide accurate and truthful information in their dealings. Whether it’s communicating with other sellers and buyers or presenting philatelic material through advertising or displays, transparency is paramount.

By upholding truthfulness, our members strive to build trust and maintain the integrity of the philatelic industry. We believe that open and honest communication fosters strong relationships and promotes a fair marketplace for all collectors and dealers.

When you engage with IPDA members, you can expect truthful and reliable information that aligns with our commitment to ethical practices. We value your trust and work diligently to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all aspects of our philatelic dealings.

We prioritize providing accurate and reliable advice to our customers. When requested, our members are committed to offering guidance on philatelic matters to the best of their knowledge and expertise. We understand the importance of delivering correct information and aim to avoid any false or misleading statements.

In cases where a member encounters a subject outside their area of knowledge or expertise, they will always refer the customer to another reliable source of information. We believe in the value of accurate information and want to ensure that our customers have access to the most reliable resources for their philatelic inquiries.

By adhering to these principles, we strive to maintain the highest level of integrity in our interactions with customers. We are dedicated to providing accurate advice, guiding collectors on their philatelic journey, and ensuring that they have access to the most trustworthy information available.

At the core of this guarantee is the recognition that customers may occasionally encounter situations where they are dissatisfied with the philatelic material they have purchased. Whether it is due to inaccurate descriptions, misrepresented condition, or any other valid reason for dissatisfaction, the IPDA stands behind its members and their customers.

By publicly guaranteeing a full refund of the purchase price, the IPDA aims to provide customers with peace of mind and assurance. This commitment reflects the association’s dedication to maintaining trust, transparency, and fairness in all transactions.

The refund policy serves as a safety net for customers, encouraging them to engage in confident and secure philatelic transactions. It demonstrates that the IPDA is accountable for the quality and accuracy of the materials offered by its members, and it establishes a strong foundation for building long-term relationships based on trust and integrity.

This principle serves as a guiding principle for all IPDA members, reminding them of their responsibility to uphold the reputation and integrity of the association. It encourages members to act in a manner that reflects positively on the IPDA and its collective membership.

Members commit to conducting themselves ethically, honestly, and respectfully in all their interactions and dealings. They are mindful of their actions and their impact on the association as a whole. They strive to promote a positive image of the IPDA, both within the philatelic community and to the general public.

Members are conscious of the potential consequences their actions may have on the reputation and prestige of the IPDA. They understand that their behavior can reflect on the entire membership, and as such, they make deliberate choices to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.

When presenting an expertising certificate a member must ensure the certificate is provided by a recognized third party service  and that it
does not contain the IPDA logo  – this specifically  conforms to the legal  principle of ” nemo judex in causa sua”   meaning no one should judge themselves. This will ensure there can be no perceived bias by the seller and no endorsement by the IPDA to something the IPDA is not in a position endorse.