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1. Where to get Stamps

Of greatest importance to the beginning stamp collector is finding a source of collectible postage stamps at little or no cost. Saving used stamps us a good idea for the beginner. Used stamps are easily available and can provide an inexpensive way to begin your collection. They can also provide a learning experience in the "how to" of proper care and handling of stamps.

Stamps can be obtained from any sources. First of all save them from your own incoming mail, and have your friends, relatives, and business acquaintances do the same.If you know an adult stamp collector, tell him or her of your new interest in stamps. Most stamp collectors enjoy sharing their hobby with others, and many adult collectors will probably give you stamps for your collection. Or you could go to the "free stamps" section of our site by clicking here. Business mail may be another good source for stamps -- particularly if the company does a lot of correspondence with foreign countries. Almost everyone knows someone who works for a company receiving large volumes of mail. You can usually obtain the used stamps by just asking that they be saved for you. Servicemen and others visiting foreign countries can bring back many interesting stamps. Or you can visit the post office of every country you visit to buy stamps (I still do this). You can swap stamps with friends or "pen pals", exchanging your duplicates for others that you don't have.

To get your collection started, you might also wish to investigate purchasing packets of stamps from a variety, hobby, or stamp store. Unless you have a use for duplicate stamps, you may want to look for the words "all different" on the stamp packet. Mixtures, although less expensive, contain many duplicates. But duplicate stamps can be used for trading with your friends. Many stamp stores have large assortments of stamps at a penny or two   which can be fun to look through and add to your collection.
        Stamps may also be purchased through the mail. Many newspapers and magazines carry advertisements offering free or inexpensive stamps. Careful reading of the ad will usually show that the company will also send out stamps on approval, which they hope you will purchase. Approval services are often more expensive than some other ways of obtaining stamps, but they allow you the opportunity to select stamps you want without leaving home. Care must be taken to read and follow the approval company's sales conditions, paying for those you keep and returning the others promptly. (Don't send cash through the mail- use a check or money order.)
        After you have collected for a while, you may want to begin a collection of mint (unused) stamps. Current issues of stamps for your own country can be purchased at your local post office. Older issues and other countries' stamps can usually be obtained from stamp stores or by mail order.

Next: 2.What to collect

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This page was last updated on 10/06/2006

This website was created on 19th June 2005

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