Building a Stamp Collection

The first step in building a collection is to make sure you have an objective in mind. It needn't be in great detail but decide on what limitations, if any, there are. When new collectors are asked what they collect, many say "stamps I like." This is certainly an acceptable starting point, but, most people focus on a more specific interest soon.

Once you have decided on your objective has been determined, the next step is to fill in the details of what you are going to add to the collection. The catalogue is a good guide to the stamps which can be added. You can also find articles which might spark an interest for a collection. The result of this study is a want list -- either formally written or mentally noted. Once an objective is in mind, it is the time to search for material.

The Stamps & Coins category of eBay auctions is a ready-made marketplace with many thousands of items offered and sold each week. And everything can be done from the home!

One technique which the beginning collector might consider is to buy an entire collection or large packet. Go through the material and select the items which fill spaces in your collection. Then take the rest and sell it as a smaller collection. You can also add your duplicates to make an even larger lot.

One of the joys of stamp collecting is stamp collectors. Good friends can be made and lots of philatelic knowledge gained by membership in a local stamp club. Find out when and where they meet, and drop by for an evening of fun. The clubs welcome newcomers.

Certainly the quickest access to new stamps many collectors will have is to visit a local stamp dealer. Established dealers are fine sources of material and information. It's a great opportunity to spend some time learning about stamps first hand.

These are just a few of the many ways to find material to add to your collection. As time goes on and collecting tastes are refined, collectors find good ways to add the materials of interest. Some items are difficult to find but once found are rewarding to the collector. The pursuit is at least half the fun! Good luck!

The preceding material was written by Jim Watson. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.