"HOW DO I START A STAMP COLLECTION?"

By The Connecticut Stamp Co.

So many people email or write us wondering and asking that one question with many answers: "How do I start a stamp collection?" There are many ways of answering this question, and we would like to help you. We have outlined 5 simple steps.

STEP #1- Have a passion!

You will need much time but little talent and treasure to begin a stamp collection. You will need drive, and a sense of the "thrill of the hunt". Once you have this feeling, and an interest in this world-class hobby, you are on track. Get excited and get ready for fun.

STEP #2- Find a reputable collector or dealer to help!

The biggest help to you, especially if you are beginning a child in collecting, is finding a helpful and reputable stamp dealer or collector to assist and guide. From personal experience, looking at our private collection, we only wish we had a few more guiding hands. Too many people (especially dealers) see "$$$" written on the faces of newcomers. It is wrong. Knowledge is everything. Ask questions. Look for dealers and collectors online or in stamp publications, too.

STEP  #3 ASK QUESTIONS!  

It is very important to understand that no question is silly. This is a broad hobby, filled with many interesting facets and niches. If you don't understanding something, see step #2 and ask away. The more you learn now, the more fun and ease you will have later.

STEP #4 Collect what you like and spend what you can afford!

You DO NOT need lots of extra bills in your pocket. Often pocket change will do. Find a country or topic that you like, and FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS. Don't become an excessive accumulator of extra "stuff" that you will you look one day and say, "Why did I buy this?" When you focus, buy on sale. Never pay full catalog price. And remember every price is negotiable, especially at stamp shows.  If you can't afford a single pricey stamp, don't get discouraged. Have the passion to keep looking, and find it elsewhere. You never know what you may find in a mixture, either. Often a $10 mixture of 1000 stamps will yield a surprise and fill many empty holes in your collection.

STEP #5 Buy a good catalog and album. (and it doesn't have to be new, either!)

Many stamp catalogs and reference guides are absolutely loaded with valuable information about the history of the hobby and especially the stamps you choose to collect. These guides often include the particulars of each stamp and the book value of the stamp. We a Scott Catalog or a catalog with the Scott numbering system. AND, many newcomers believe they have to buy the newest most expensive. We say, "Not true!" Often a catalog from 3 to 4 years ago will serve the purpose nicely and cheaply. Also, public library reference sections can help. Check out used bookstores, too! Stamp albums are an entirely different ball of wax. Again, Scott Co. sells them, but we suggest buying a used one, often containing a few extra stamps. Some dealers or collectors will help a newbie by giving free of charge a used album. Just ask! Many dealers have sparsely filled albums lying around that they cannot "move", so you would be suprised.

We hope you found this guide helpful. There is so much information out there, and sometimes it is good to focus. We hope this helped as you begin and enjoy the "Hobby of Kings".