Stamp Collecting Software

I recently got back into stamp collecting and was fortunate to find this forum. I searched for any discussion on stamp collecting software and all I found were entries from 2013-2014.

Does anyone have any opinion about the "best" stamp collecting software available in 2018?

*** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. ***

There are several offerings, all have their pros and cons. One or two have previously broken forum rules so listing their names is not allowed.

The retail cost of the two largest desktop apps is about the same. But the initial cost of the app is almost nothing compared to how much time you will invest in entering your stamp data. So for me I use and recommend Stamp Mange since it does not encrypt/lock my own data. (If something happens to the company, this allows me to export and work with my data without being stranded.) But do not count on this company for support, their support is awful.

The other company has much better support but encrypts your data.
Don

As a software person, I like GCstar. It's free, and it's open source. I can modify it to do what I want, the way I want. The included stamp database model was pretty basic but after an evening's tinkering I had it much more to my liking. You don't have to change anything - but you can. And for me, that's a huge plus.

The database is a plain XML text file. You could, quite literally, load it in a text editor and look at it. And change it too!

And in the vein of turning a downside into an upside... even though the original developer has moved on, the program is still being actively maintained (and upgraded) by the community.

I use Stamp Mate 2015 and find it very flexible to use and modify to suit your inventory needs.

It also has a relation to one of the online stamp identification sites so you can download base information including images and then modify the listings, add to your own listings as you see fit.

Only issue that some may have is that it does not include any sort of catalog values. For me that is not an issue, I'd rather do that for myself, but for others that may be a dealbreaker.

Here is an example from my collection, listing issues for Australia from 1963, sorted by release date order. Items lacking pictures are my additions to the data for varieties listed in the Australian Commonwealth Stamp Collectors Catalog that are not listed in Gibbons, Scott or Michel



It costs about 40 Euros (about US$50) but its a very stable program that lets you do a lot of customization.

My programme -

The Luddite stamp catalog



Don

There you go

I purchased the Deluxe World Wide Edition StampManage from Liberty Street software. It works pretty well but found one inconvenient bug that I reported to Paul. I like the fact it has all Scott numbers and the database is open so you could use it other ways. I like to use it as an identifier since it has images for many issues (quality varies but mostly better than a printed version which is not 100% illustrated) and Scott numbers.

I have yet to see a software program that has a true image of every Scott or Unitrade #

René

"Every" can mean 100% complete (all, major and minor) to some. Stamp Manage has a substantial number of images. At this point, I would say it has more than enough to be very useful.

Angore

I was speaking in "general" terms and since I cannot name my software.......
René

PAP4,

Try googling " stamp collecting software" and you'll see the one I use for my USA collection. Its not Stamp Manage and I am very happy with it.

Jack Kelley

Okay, based on 51Studabaker's endorsement, I download the demo version of Stamp Mange USA 2018. It IS a very nice product, so I ordered and paid for the key code to unlock my demo version. The notice said I should receive the code with 3 hours.

I admit that 51Studabaker warned their support was somewhat lacking.

Subsequently I did (have) not recive(d) a key code for the product. I check my span according to StampManager's instructions, but no luck.

I have sent 4 emails over the last several days requesting the key code (both to sales@libertystreet.c which is their support site for sales and to libertyst@gmail.c) with no response. Their 'online' live support isn't .. best I can tell it's always 'off line'. Maybe there is another in with StampManager to which the normal customer doesn't have access. Who knows?

Potentially, nice product, very weak customer support. I'm working with PayPal to get a refund. Purchase at your own risk is my experience.

I suspect that the stamp management software that I use is the "he who shall not be named" one and I like it tremendously. Does that mean that I cannot even mention their name in this forum to help out all of the forum readers who (like myself) flock to topic titles such as this eager to learn the latest on how to most efficiently manage their collection for personal reasons as well for purposes such as insurance? Not sure I understand how such a drastic rule serves the membership. It's one thing to sanction the offender by not allowing them to post or actively publicize their services; it's another thing to deprive the members of potentially useful information. I've looked through the rules and am still confused - could someone clarify the particulars of whatever rule carries this "punishment" and the rationale behind it? Thanks.

They spammed the snot out of our forum with many different IDs. Even had multiple IDs at the same time going, replying to themselves, pretending to be customers recommending the software. We don't reward that kind of deceit with any type of with promotion. They will forever not be mentioned here.

Thanks, bobby.

Now I'm beginning to wonder whether indeed I'm using the software being referenced, since my dealings with them has always been very professional and the owner's behavior has never given any hint that he would be inclined to undertake the cited actions.

Would someone in the know be willing to PM me to confirm the identity? I would like to know if I am involved with this person.