Many times when starting a new stamp collection, it is hard to decide what stamps to collect. Should I collect mint stamps, mint never hinged stamps, used stamps?

There are many topics you can collect (such as Disney, Trains, Flowers, Horses) or you may collect single countries (England, France, Russia, Poland, Germany, Zambia, Italy etc.) or areas (such as French Colonies, British Colonies, German Colonies etc.).

As you can see the list is endless. However, it boils down to is this a hobby or an investment.

     (1) If this is going to be a hobby .

(a) If this is a hobby, make it fun. Decide what YOU want to collect.

(b) Pick some basics of stamp collecting - an album, stamp tongs, perferation guide, watermark detector, water mark fluid, some good stamp tongs, some stamps hinges, and a catalog.

(c) Go to town (or EBAY,  local stamp dealers, and local and regional stamp shows). Collect what you want and how you want to. Talk to other collectors with your interests.

(d) Subscribe to stamp magazines and newsletters.

(e) Go online and research the different aspects of stamp collecting. Learn about soaking stamps, watermark detecting, perferations, and how to display your stamps. It is fun and not very hard.

    (2) If this is going to be an investment, DO YOUR RESEARCH.

(a) Pick up specialized catalogs that cover your interest. (Such as Scott or Stanly Gibbons stamp catalogs)

(b) Go to the library and check out books on stamp rareties and stamp trends.

(c) Subscribe to Stamp magazines/newsletter. Talk to the stamp dealer and other investment collectors.

(d) Learn about how to get your stamps expertized. To identify the stamps as genuine. 

(e) Then buy on the best stamps you can afford.

(f)  Learn how to care and protect you stamps after you have bought them (it is your investment after all). Don't just throw them in a box in your desk. If you are in the United States you will see better returns on your investments if you buy United States stamps, and if you are in Great Britain consequently you will see better returns if you buy Great Britain stamps. As always there are some exceptions to these rules, but by doing the research you can minimize your risks and maximize your returns.

   Good luck and if it is a hobby make it YOUR hobby and have fun.