The Unitrade Specialized Catalogue Of Canadian Stamps

I usually don't buy the most current Unitrade Canada stamp catalogue when it first comes out since that is usually when its price is the most expensive. Instead, I look for a slightly older new catalogue that has not sold when it was current or a used one that is a few years old. Currently, the 2013 Unitrade catalogue has sold out, but the publisher still has some new ones left over from 2012 which they are selling for $15.00 each on their specials page and which I am planning to get one before they sell out since my the last new one that I bought was from 2010. Does anyone else do the same thing that I do?

I prefer to buy the latest when it first comes out even though it is expensive, but as a source, it's untouchable in my opinion.

I annually update my Canadian valuation program, my album pages and continuosly search for new varieties, which I spend a great deal of time doing (and with great joy), so the newest info is a necessity. This is my winter stamp project.

Your method makes a lot of sense.

Since I do not normally collect stamps newer than 1960, my 2002 unitrade works just fine. I wish there were an electronic version, though.

I used to buy them every other year. I've lately found that the values don't change that much and the information is pretty stagnant. Note that I only collect Newfoundland so comments only pertain to that small section.
Now, I just buy them every 5 years. I have the 2011 now and it works just fine like Yakboomer says.

There is some newer information out there coming from the specialized stamp study groups that is not always added to the catalogue until some time afterwards or because the catalogue can't just cover everything. However, for those specializing on a specific issue, it is best to join its own study group, if there is one for it, in order to get more updated information than is usually found in the catalogue and to get ahead of the crowd before it is picked up by the catalogue.

Another expense that adds to the catalogue price is shipping for those that can't or don't get it locally from a dealer or its publisher. For those living near or in Toronto, there are still several dealers with stores that have or can get the catalogue or a visit to Unitrade helps to reduce shipping costs which can add to the price.

I buy one about every three years because my collection is more the general sort. Certain updates that are more important to others aren't as necessary for me. It is an indispensable resource that I couldn't live without though.

I do the same as you jogil, in fact I am about a month ahead of you. My oldest version was the 2010 catalog, I called unitrade in Toronto and was quoted the $15.00 you mentioned but since I am in Texas the shipping was way more than the book.
The great folks at Unitrade suggested that I call Subway stamps in the USA, they wanted more money for the book but when I told them the story about Unitrade and how much they had it on sale for they said they would match the price. The shipping was much cheaper as well. Done deal..happy camper here..lol.

Any members in the US could probably get the same deal just by asking.

I usually buy a new one every year at the Barrie show,

As far as I know, I will be again when I attend their show in October.

I usually sell / trade off my last year's Unitrade Catalogue.

Chimo

Bujutsu

The price of the Unitrade catalogue is very cheap when compared to other specialized catalogues. I have paid less than $50 (shipped) for mine, each of the past two years.

The reason for updating each year?

Unitrade has been making updates faster than collectors can follow each of the past 7 years or so. So it's not just about price updates, but listings of varieties that makes it worthwhile.

If you're not into varieties, then go with one that is 2008 or newer, imo. The older catalogues leave too much out.

Brian

I bought the 2007 edition for $11 from Canada Post a few years back. Recently, I also found out about the $15 2012 edition direct from Unitrade, and was close to buying it. But then I realized I am just a casual collector of Canada (#1 and #158). Well, I will save the money for SG's 2013 BCEM when the 2014 comes out later this year.

Here's an interesting website regarding some stamp errors and stamp varieties that were not always in the stamp catalogue before: http://www.vaxxine.com/csh/letter1.htm

I recently paid full price for my first Unitrade catalog, the 2013 edition for $59 plus postage. Worth every cent in my opinion, but I certainly would of taken advantage of the $15 deal for the 2012 edition had I known about it since my main Canadian interest is in the 'classic era' stamps issued from the 1920s through the 1940s. Price changes and newly listed varieties happen at a slower pace for this period. Consequently, for me, an updated Unitrade is fine every couple or three years and I will grab a deal like yours every time.

While at the Toronto CSDA stamp show at the end of September, they had the 2012 catalogue (new unopened) at $15.00 each and the 2011 catalogue (new unopened) at $5.00 each so that for those who buy one once in a while, the 2011 one at $5.00 is a bargain.

To be honest, I didn't know they sold for $15.00 the following year of publication.

Chimo

Bujutsu

They did so for the 2012 and 2011 ones since they had some of them left over. However, they do not seem to have any of the 2013 left over since they are sold out of them so that they will not be available on special after the 2014 ones come out. Thus, the 2012 one would be the most recent such special besides paying full for 2013 and 2014.

I am currently using the 2011-version of Unitrade, and I don't plan on updating this year at least. My focus on Canadian stamps aren't strong enough that I need to update it all the time, especially since I don't really go after the new issues. That being said, the Unitrade catalog is a real gem, it is my favorite catalog to use along with Norgeskatalogen (the specialized catalog for Norway).