Inventory Software

I'm curious to know if anyone uses any software to keep their inventory. I've always kept my own database of my collection, which I of course have to enter manually, including details of the stamp, basic condition info, perf etc etc.

Now that I've decided to start collecting US, there will not only be a new data base to create, but an influx of a great many stamps, since I can buy the cheaper ones in large groups, along with some generous offers from a couple of SCF members. So I was contemplating purchasing some inventory software instead.

A couple look very interesting - Ezstamp and StampManage. But there are others as well. You can even get stamp recognition software now that will identify stamps.

Anyone have any experiences? Downloaded trial versions? Opinions on their use? I'll probably download trial versions, but others experiences are always useful.

Thanks
Balf

Personally I use Excel as my inventory and it works for me. But on the other hand the only information I track is cat. number, cat. value and additional notes field for stamps in my collection. I don't type in perf or any other information unless there is something worth noting - in which case it goes under the "additional notes" field.

As for EZstamps and others...Have tried them (several times) and for me they don't fit. They simply slow down the pace and don't provide any real value. But there are some situations where they can be usefull such as high resolution images (of varieties). Personally I expected a lot from but received very little. But it's just my opinion, taking the trial and making personal judgements is IMHO a must have experience.

-keijo-

PS. And for those wanting to read more about keeping stamp inventory... Please do check out my "rants & raves" at http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/...llection.php and http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/...programs.php

I am currently looking at the free demo for Liberty 2009 StampManage. It has tons of photos and current value listings for just about anything I think. I'm only using the U.S. guides but there are a bunch more. Personally I think it's pretty good, but I'm kind of limited on funds right now.

I use Microsoft Works database. Making my own lists in a database is the only way I have found to enter the information the way I want it entered.

I only collect U.S. and all BOB, so when you get your 50 posts maybe we can work out some trades.


Butch

Butch, was that to me or SCB? I would love to work out some trades! After my 50 posts of course. :-)

Devlin........ that was to you and Balf. Email me when you get your 50 posts.


Butch

Personally, I'm a fan of the spreadsheet but, then I keep my inventory records as brief and simple as possible. Al the other programs I've researched carry far more info then I would ever consistently track.

I bought StampManage once, but I really didn't like it. I went back to my Excel spreadsheet inventory system instead.

I would be very interested in how you set up your Excel spreadsheet.

I had purchased the EZ Stamp database a few years ago and started inventorying but quickly got tired of inputting my basic collection... I really need to start that again. It wasn't terribly difficult to start & you get free updates annually. However, it always comes down to time management & determination to follow through. I am a procrastinator by nature.

Devlin - email sent.

I'm checking out Ezstamp first. Data entry seems pretty easy, although for pricing it lists mint and used, you have to manually enter a percentage increase for NH, which seems a pain, especially when I only collect NH (except the really rare ones of course .) Although pricing is not the main focus of why I keep an inventory.

I'm thinking that I'll probably only use one of these (if I go that way) for my new US collection, rather than entering my existing Australian and Victoria collections. Especially since they base their catalogue on Scott, which frankly sucks for Victoria . I know you can manually create new catalogue numbers, but when there's one Scott # for sometimes around 12 different stamps, seems a lot of additional work. I may as well keep the database I've created for them. Since I don't have any US stamps yet, it won't be an issue having to enter an existing basic collection, I'll just do it as I get them.

I'll let you know what I think of each of the software programs.

Balf

I use good ol' pen and paper.