Stamp collecting doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You
can enjoy collecting stamps with limited financial resources. Here are 10
really low-cost ways to start stamp collecting.
1. Ask your friends to use commemorative stamps on their
mail when they write to you. Commemorative stamps are generally larger than
regular stamps and are issued to honours famous people, places, or events.
Because commemorative stamps are usually issued in lesser quantities than
common smaller stamps, they are of much more interest to collectors. Tell your
friends that you are a stamp collector and ask them to request commemorative
stamps at the post office.
2. When you send away for offers that require postage or
self-addressed, stamped envelopes, use commemorative stamps. You’ll get them
back when the envelopes are returned to you.
3. Ask your neighbours, friends, and relatives to save their
used stamps for you. You’ll find that most people will be happy to save their
stamps for you when they learn that you are a collector.
4. If you know someone who gets letters from other
countries, ask them to save those stamps. Always be on the lookout for
potentially good stamp contacts, and don't be afraid to ask them to go through
their mail for you before they throw away all the envelopes.
5. Ask friends and family to save the envelopes from their
office mail for you. Many businesses get a lot of foreign mail and regularly
throw away stamps that have interest and value to a collector.
6. Ask your parents if they have any old letters with stamps
on the envelopes. Don’t peel the stamp off the envelope. This will cause thin
spots or tears, both of which ruin a stamp's appearance and lessen its value to
collectors. Always tear off the envelope corner so that there is paper all
around the stamp, and make sure that all of the perforations are undamaged.
7. If you know other stamp collectors, ask them if they have
duplicates that they are willing to give or sell to you. Many collectors have
thousands of duplicates and they are often willing to help get new philatelists
get started by giving them stamps or by selling them packets of stamps much
more cheaply than can be purchased in stores or by mail.
8. Look for free stamps advertised by stamp companies. Free
stamps are often offered along with “approvals,” an assortment of other stamps
that you must either buy or return. This can be a convenient way to buy stamps.
Note, however, that you usually have to pay the return postage if you return
the approval stamps.
9. Check out stamp clubs in your area. Clubs may offer
stamps as prizes or have inexpensive stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp
clubs sponsor junior clubs the local community centre, YMCA, or schools.
10. Consider starting a stamp club if one doesn’t already
exist in your area. It only takes four or five other stamp collectors who are
interested in getting together to learn about and trade stamps and ideas.
With free stamps and a few inexpensive accessories, such as
a small album and a package of stamp hinges, even collectors with little money
can have a great time.
So, what are you waiting for? Start collecting stamps today!
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