About Us
Michael Read started his approval business on a part time basis. He started by buying a mature approval dealership that dealt in 92 countries. This was in 1975. To do this, he obtained a bank loan of £3,200, this being 25% more than his mortgage at the time! Having a full time executive position in the pharmaceutical industry, he found that he could not cope with the work load. To his surprise, after 6 weeks, he found the dominant country was Germany. As a consequence, he advertised and promoted various groups of countries. Within a year, he had paid the bank loan and was making 50% of his salary selling stamps.
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Armed with the success of his German business, during the next four years he slowly expanded and by 1979, offered all Western European countries. His eldest son, Nick, during the formative period of the business, made up approval books to supplement his pocket money. On leaving school, he took over the day to day supply to customers whilst Michael dealt with purchasing and advertising.
A process of steady expansion took place, so that by 1993 the business covered 60% of all Commonwealth and foreign countries. At this point, Michael decided to retire from his executive job and become a full time stamp dealer. As a consequence, the business now covers 95% of all countries, employs six part-time staff and is the largest advertiser of approvals in the stamp press.
In 2006, Saracen Stamps, a locally based fair dealer was acquired and so enhanced the stock range. In 2009, with the gradual demise of the stamp shop, Michael opened up his home and launched The Stamp Pad, a place where customers can spend many hours browsing through the stock of one million plus stamps.
A process of steady expansion took place, so that by 1993 the business covered 60% of all Commonwealth and foreign countries. At this point, Michael decided to retire from his executive job and become a full time stamp dealer. As a consequence, the business now covers 95% of all countries, employs six part-time staff and is the largest advertiser of approvals in the stamp press.
In 2006, Saracen Stamps, a locally based fair dealer was acquired and so enhanced the stock range. In 2009, with the gradual demise of the stamp shop, Michael opened up his home and launched The Stamp Pad, a place where customers can spend many hours browsing through the stock of one million plus stamps.
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A cardinal strength of Michael G Read is the human resource. We have three valuers who identify, value and make up our approval books. We specialize in accurately identifying some of the more challenging areas of philately. For example, we plate 1d Blacks and 2d Blues and correctly describe Indian Feudatory States. By spreading these tasks we are able to offer the widest spread of countries of any approval business in the UK.
We also pay great attention to service to our customers, who we value greatly. Michael still attends to customer mailings and is also aided by two very efficient ladies who job share on a part time basis. All queries are resolved direct with our customers, often by phone. Nothing is left to chance.
We also pay close attention to our growing overseas clientele. We have many British customers who retire to warmer countries but still prefer to continue trading with us.
With this attention to servicing and excellent stock, the business rarely loses a customer.
We also pay great attention to service to our customers, who we value greatly. Michael still attends to customer mailings and is also aided by two very efficient ladies who job share on a part time basis. All queries are resolved direct with our customers, often by phone. Nothing is left to chance.
We also pay close attention to our growing overseas clientele. We have many British customers who retire to warmer countries but still prefer to continue trading with us.
With this attention to servicing and excellent stock, the business rarely loses a customer.