Single Vs Block Vs Sheet Popularity

If a philatelist likes the subject matter of a stamp, is he/she more likely to purchase a single stamp, a block (plate or non-plate block), or a full sheet of that stamp issue? In the aforementioned, I'm referring to a stamp issue where each stamp is the same (e.g. #2721 Elvis).

Which of the above is most popular with the general public?

I am sure those that thought the Elvis issue would be worth something purchased a sheet. Plate block collecting was on the decline even then.

How is a philatelist the general public? The general public does not collect stamps. But among the general public are people that collect things. Sometimes there is an overlap.

I doubt there is much such consideration from a philatelic perspective. Collectors tend to have their area of interest and buy stamps accordingly. I expect thematic collectors will not be much different from non-thematic collectors: some will buy one of each, some will buy a multiple in a certain format, some will buy certain positions from within the sheet. I doubt collectors of all singles issued by one country will buy a sheet of a stamp just because they like it. They may because they are interested in a subject in another way.

Some subjects attract attention from non-philatelists. In the case of Elvis stamps, Elvis fans may buy stamps of Elvis when issued to add to their collection of Elvis memorabilia. I suppose most of those people will just go for one example. However, some stamp issuing entities are coming up with all kinds of stuff to cater for those one-off buyers. The reasons tend to be that people choose electronic mail over letters, fewer people collect stamps, at least on a regular basis, the cost of designing and producing stamps is increasing.

Torin - You can create a Poll.

I collect sheets

"Philatelist" and "general public" are two very different things, so I don't think you've thought your question through very carefully.

But the answer is that both buy singles, not blocks or sheets, for the simple reason that they're much cheaper. It's as simple as that.

There was only one time when the "general public" bought sheets of stamps and did not use them, and that was in the 1950s or so when many people (not just collectors) seemed to think those stamps would surely increase in value. But since the stamps were issued in the millions and since thousands saved sheets of those stamps, that did not work. That time has never returned. Collecting blocks or plate blocks was moderately popular at one time, but has declined very much.

Buying sheets seems to me a relatively modern construct.

Buying used blocks and strips of 19th century material is a different game altogether.

As always of course, different strokes for different folks.

Given the restrictions on purchasing from the Fulfillment Center, I will buy the minimum requirement. Sheets can be bought as single stamp, block of 4, or the intact sheet. Panes must be purchased whole. With single design sheets I purchase a block of 4 because I think it looks nice in the album. The panes I will take the Plate # corner & use the remaining for day to day postage. As far as coils go I purchase the minimum required (with exceptions). Booklets I will purchase the total booklet & depending on design take 4 (usually the cover portion, or the total booklet. The total booklet is usually required for 5+ designs. (I usually am able to get singles (or strip of 5) for coils at stamp shows or stamp vendors via mail). I guess collecting without a little hunting is accumulating so I hunt for those recent issues & when found appreciate more.

Thank you for your comments. I forgot about booklets. It seems like they were more popular/common in the 1980s and early 1990s vs today.