How To Start A Stamp Collection?

OldGuy, thank you for the websites. I subscribed to both and can't wait to get my stamps on approval. Every bit helps!

Hello There, if you follow Littleriverphil's lead you will get to the website's correct page. I tried and clicked on ZIP code and guess what? There must be at least a dozen of stamp clubs in your area.

Peter

I don't normally like to plug my own ebay sales here (mostly because I'm content just selling a packet here and there and really have no desire to sell tons and tons of them), but I sell beginner packets myself on ebay. My lots are smaller (100-500 stamps), but I can put together multiple lots with no duplicates. Anyway, here is a link to the packets I sell on ebay, which are priced between 1 and 3 cents per stamp, depending on the kind of stamps they contain:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/hawk-i-trea...047675.l2562

If you decide to order from me, let me know if there is anything in particular you'd like to see (or not see) and I can try to accommodate.

My advice to a beginning collector would be to read everything you can about stamp collecting. Go to your local library and look for stamp collecting books and magazines, my local library carries "Linn's Stamp News". Look at the Scott Stamp Catalog, it is usually a 'reference' book that you can't check out, but they may let you check out older editions.

Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed, though. Take your time, there is a lot to learn, so don't try to learn it all this weekend. Collect what interests you, there is no right or wrong way to collect stamps (although there is a right and wrong way to handle stamps!)

The most important advice I could give though, is to ask questions here on the forums. There are a lot of experienced collectors here who will gladly tell you anything you want to know.

TheArtfulHinger, I am following your store now. I actually ordered the 1000+ stamps lot on ebay, but I will keep your store in mind when I buy stamps again.

Also consider topicals such as boats, planes, etc., on stamps. An ebay search for topicals will show you endless subjects.

i recommend postal history from your area until 1945.

Hello
If you have a few stamps that catch your eye from the same country, you may consider searching ebay for a cheap 2nd hand catalogue, that will give you a good idea of what your up against, what to expect & a rough price guide

Jezza

Thanks to Hieronymus, I found a somewhat local stamp shop. It will be my go-to place for any stamp needs!

Thank you again.

I joined a club and been there twice already! Although they collect for many years, and some even sell, I am having fun there (given the fact that the organizer is a neighbor of mine)!

Looking to join another one, but that is on the 24th. We'll see how that goes.

Hello There.

First, Do not buy stamps for investment.
Second, Be prepared to spend a bundle.
Enjoy the hobby.

Jack Kelley

I especially second jkelley and his statement don't buy stamps as an investment.

I buy stamps just to enjoy them, not to make money.

Glad you found a club and some stamps - this is a great board for reference. The search options will allow you to find a treasure trove of information and there are 2 threads here that have attracted many new members with some great information:

US Album Reviews: https://goscf.com/t/17127
Large World Wide Collections: https://goscf.com/t/40901

I'm sure you will find others as you browse the forums!

When I started I told people I collected and they would save and give them to me. Let people know you collect used stamps too. I say this because many non collectors think used stamps are worthless so why collect them. I now tell people I collect the whole envelopes because they are more interesting, and things are given to me regularly. It is a fun way to also promote the hobby.

Topical collecting is a fun way to start. Focus is narrow, but exposure can be worldwide. Like motorcycles, or orchids, or movie stars? You can collect stamps on just about any topic you can imagine. I have a friend who even collects nudes on stamps!

Most of all have fun and happy hunting! Unlike many things where you spend money with no return (movies, bowling, tickets, etc) with stamps you can get some of your money back when you sell. Some get lucky and break even effectively having all the fun for free, and occasionally some who build skill over years might be able to come out ahead financially. But don't go into stamps as an investment. It is the hobby of kings, and kings are often already wealthy.