YOTP TOA Perforated sheet of 10,

 

Surely it all comes down to how much you trust the seller.

 

Have they got a history of selling unsatisfactory goods?

 

On eBay a quick look look at their feedback will instantly tell you how reputable they are, and how accurate their descriptions are.

 

But more than that, ask yourself why anyone might go to all the trouble of mis-describing a sheet when these stamps are so well documented? The different types of papers they are printed on, the type of printing, the design of the sheet... all of these things are so well documented and authenticated online that it would be quite easy to reassure yourself of your purchase once it has arrived.

 

The best advice might be to take the time to ask the seller directly about your items' background before you buy... Was it bought from the shop? A competition prize? Did it come from the archive of one of the many people who have been involved in the production of these stamps since 2005? If it is unusual then does it come with a certificate of authenticity? If any of these items are later found to be mis-described when your item arrives you can justify asking for a refund and/or complain to eBay.

 

And then weigh up the seller and their history. Are they new to eBay, have they got lots of Discworld stamps items to sell, or other cinderellas too. How long have they been trusted to sell stamp items there? A year? Three? More? 

 

Why not search for their seller name here or on the shop forum website?  A quick Google of an eBay name will bring up links to previous eBay sales and tell you something of the sellers' history and reputation.

 

Many sellers are well known to the cinderella and Discworld community and would not risk losing their hard-earned reputations over the single sale of a stamp or sheet. 

 

The seller stands to gain more from building a long-term relationship with the limited number of buyers who are interested in collecting more unusual items. 

 

In all probability it is less likely that sellers would seek to deceive or disappoint in such a public way when listing a more unusual item than with more common stamp items, because they know their item will attract more intensive scrutiny from the most experienced collectors.

 

I hope that helps put your mind at rest