How to Become a Professional Stamp Collector?
Discover the most helpful guide to becoming a well-qualified stamp dealer in your area.
Are you someone who wants to turn their hobby passion into a career? Are you looking for a way to make money through stamp collecting? Here, we’ve brought you some of the best-ever ways to enter the world of trading rare stamps. However, to do something, it requires strength and interest so that you won’t get bored easily and start searching for anything else.
Although the collection of different types of imprints is definitely addictive and fun. Most people collect such items as a hobby; a few do so for financial gain; and some collect them topically. So, the first question is, who are you? A hobbyist, profit-maker, or topical collector. Whoever you are, this article is for everyone.
Now take a deep breath, comfortably sit on the chair with a cup of hot tea, and enjoy reading this comprehensive blog post.
How do I get started?
To get started, you need to keep an eye on the market trends. For example, antique stamps are trending among collectors. You need to know about every type of imprint known to date. Gather some useful information about stamps, like the historical story, origin, craftsmanship, purpose of invention, etc., through books, the internet, or by meeting a philatelist. Such steps can boost your knowledge and make it easier for you to become a professional stamp dealer. Now, the next steps are:
What do you need to learn about stamps?
- Perforations: It means holes that are pierced on every side of a stamp to separate it from the other imprints.
- Cancellation: Identifying the cancellation marks, which mean the stamp is used and can be less valuable as compared to the unused and without cancellation marks.
- Mint: Exclusively new, i.e., mint stamps are unused ones that are highly valuable.
- Types of Stamps: Learn about the different types of stamps that were and still are used for postage or for different purposes. Such imprints are categorized into mail-purpose, commemorative, and semi-postal. Such pieces can be US, British, international, antique, vintage, and individual as well.
What do you need to have?
- Stamp catalogue
- Guidebook
- Magnifying glass
- Stamp hinges, mounts, and tweezers
- Album book
These are “must-have” items for beginners to start their profession. A stamp catalogue and guidebook can help you find instant answers for your questions and those of your clients as well. A magnifying glass to determine its characteristics, such as origin, condition, history, etc. Hinges and tweezers used for picking up the pieces to avoid any damage. And last, an album book to collect and store your purchased stamps safely and securely.
Where can I buy stamps?
There are several options out there to purchase such rare pieces. Some of the most ideal and safe options we’ve penned down for you to check them out:
1. Stamp dealers
You can visit the dealers who are also specialists in old stamps for sale. They also sell such pieces and can be an ideal choice to have the safest deal ever.
2. Auction
The other place can be auction houses. Here, you can bid for a higher value and be lucky to have rare stamps that are enormously highly rated. Luckily, you can get something unique you’ve never imagined.
3. Internet
You can also land on websites such as eBay and Etsy. Such websites are for antique collectors and individuals who are searching for the items you’re looking for. EBay and Etsy list a number of old, vintage imprints for sale. You can also buy from these platforms.
4. Social platforms
Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube have also become sources for getting in direct contact with sellers. Reels and short stories are used by the collectors to advertise their old stamps for sale. You can easily get in touch with them and directly crack a deal.
In conclusion, these were the most useful ways to become a professional stamp collector. You can try out the aforementioned steps and transform your dream into reality. Moreover, you can also go to a stamp fair and talk to dealers and other collectors, & uncover incredible stamp collections. These are also the answers to the question, "Where to sell old stamps?" Such options are also suitable for selling antique stamps.
Therefore, we’re shining off, and we hope you find this article helpful and make your research end right here.
Wish you Best of Luck!
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