Any Other Examples Of KnoXVIlle's Super Stamp Club?

I read about the Knoxville Philatelic Society in Kelleher's Stamp Collector's Quarterly (which is one of the best free things in philately). Their club has been intentional about accumulating an inventory for members, making APS circuit books available and creating an online auction circuit. They did all this as a response to the decline of local stamp dealers. I'm wondering if there are similar clubs anywhere else- particularly in Michigan. I recommend checking their story out. It's a model for what clubs should be. Here's a link: https://db.kelleherauctions.com/php/home.php

BrotherSquint, you can check the APS website, www.stamps.org for all the stampclubs in Michigan

Peter

Yep, I know about that list. I'm more interested in finding out if there are any other clubs doing what the Knoxville Club does-things like using show revenue to accumulate inventory from auctions and breaking down large lots for purchase by members at reasonable prices. They have tens of thousands of dollars in inventory. That would be a great kind of club to join.

In case you are interested, about one-third of the KPS members reside outside of Tennessee and can purchase from their inventory. I have been a member for over two years now and have purchased several items from Bruce Roberts, who manages the program. It's quite a strong program.

There are two other clubs that have good programs for members in terms of stamps sales, that I am familiar with. The Sacramento Philatelic Society, which is our largest chapter, has a weekly meeting where members can dig through piles of stamps and buy for a nickel each. The business meeting is typically on 15 minutes and the rest of the time is dedicated to digging through stamps. They raise considerable funds with the program and their annual show, with the proceeds going to the local Easter Seals chapter where their meetings are held.

The Hollywood Stamp Club in Hollywood, FL, our second largest chapter, has a similar program for buying and selling, including regular club auctions. It's quite an enthusiastic club.

Neither have multiple platforms like the KPS, but sustain a large and active member base solely on the programs they do have and generate good revenue for their clubs.

I know none of those are near you in Michigan, which has some great clubs, too. I am a member of the West Suburban Stamp Club and Ann Arbor Stamp Club, which has have great member support for programs throughout the year. You never know, they might be looking to replicate the model with the right person.

Scott

This is a subject of interest to many stamp clubs, I am sure. As the past president of the Cobb County Stamp Club (near Atlanta, GA USA) I brought up this exact idea about fifteen years ago. It was met with certainly serious interest; however, the logistical details, as well as keeping the process from becoming or appearing to become subject to favoritism or outright abuse, caused the idea to be tabled indefinitely.

The attraction and popularity of such a program, specifically with using funds from the club's treasury to purchase, or bid at auction for lots, could definitely be a winner for all. Many members would make sure to attend "the next meeting" where lots would be opened under club supervision. It's just so fraught with potential for conflict that we never proceeded.

If you ask for open debate at many clubs (I was a member for many, many years, of the Hollywood FL club mentioned above), you really open up a can of worms and get nearly as many varying opinions as there are members!

It would be great to hear how clubs might be doing this with an eye to keeping the peace......

--Jim Wentzell
stampguyaps177-681

Thanks to Scott English and Jim W. for the replies. If anybody else out there has thoughts or actual experience (maybe somebody connected to KPS) it would be great to hear from you!

Sequoia Stamp Club in Redwood City, California, of which I am President, presently offers non-APS circuit books created by members. We also hold silent auctions at club meetings twice per month, live auctions of member material about once per quarter, and consignment auction sales. Inspired by the KPS article in Kelleher's, our club is presently investigating whether to create club-purchased/owned stock or inventory for retail-like sales as KPS has done. A final decision is likely several months away.

All the foregoing services involve member-to-member sales only. We have 105 members with several located outside the San Francisco Bay Area.

Chris

Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library ( www.rmpldenver.net ) fulfills many of the functions of the KPS. The Library sells stamps, to members, that are donated by other members. There are two annual auctions plus a silent auction at Rocky Mountain Stamp Show in May primarily for individual items. The Library has its own publishing arm, including both print books and You Tube videos. The Library also runs an occasional bourse throughout the year for dealers who work from their homes. As far as is known, the last retail stamp shop in metro Denver; and the Fort Collins to Colorado Springs Front Range "strip;" closed at the end of last year.