Literally Just Started Collecting.

What is the cheapest way to get stamps? There are no collecting clubs around here that I have found, and the only hobby shop is a bit expensive. I'm wanting to collect stamps from around the world as well as the U.S. Thank you for your input. I'm in Bellaire, Ohio, and normally I collect sports cards, but I love the detail in stamps.

Cheapest way to get stamps... beg the members to sent you a few .... you want to specialize or world wide? Let the members know. A new collector will always draw interest.

Thank you. Definitely going to collect worldwide. The detail and content are great, why limit it to one country or subject?

Because the subject is so vast, I would recommend trying to start with just one country and/or time era or subject. Else wise you will be confronted with spending all your money on stamp albums and catalogues. You can always expand.

True. May start with U.S. and world stamps of comics, history, trains (for my son's), and super heroes.

Welcome Blackhorseson!

I'll be contrary and suggest buying one lot of mixed world wide to sort through and see if one or more countries strike your fancy. Or see if your local public library has copies of stamp catalogs you can browse.

Terry

Thank you, Terry. That is a good idea also. I have to start with cancelled first being that they are a lot cheaper. Especially the U.S. ones I want.

Just joined thanks HAPPAP TN.Like stamps have a few China 1950 to 1964.Need to know if they are reprint or original.or what.

you can try to find a second hand US stamps catalog, I found my catalog in a second hand library near my home. Also, you can go to a dollar shop and buy little plastic bags in the art/design section to sort stamps, from country/topic or catalog number, you sort the way you want. Also ask your friends/families around you to keep stamps from their mail in a plastic bag (that the best and the cheapest way to start collecting) :) enjoy !

I recommend finding a stamp catalog that you can order from. Find the section with cheap stamps (40 cents or lower) and buying. To start out, the average quality stamps that are used are usually cheapest. You can easily find cheap stamps of nice quality unused in the "cheap" section of a catalog. Some rare stamps are really expensive, so don't buy those until you know you love the hobbie. PS welcome to the forum!

Thank you all. A lot of great advice that I will use.