Obstacles to Surmount in Collecting Stamps

Although philately can be infinitely interesting and enjoyable, it is a fact as well that stamp collecting has its own shares of obstacles to challenge its followers. As a beginner, you should be aware beforehand of the kinds of problems that you’ll be facing in the future.

WHERE TO BUY STAMPS
Compared to other “collecting” hobbies, places where you can purchase stamps are not that many. It’s very rare that smaller states and towns would have stores that offer large varieties of stamps for philatelists to choose from. And although the Internet makes it possible for stamp collectors to acquire purchases from all over the world, rising shipping costs can certainly exclude the less financially blessed stamp enthusiasts from fully enjoying this benefit.

LACK OF SUPPLIES
Die cast car enthusiasts can depend on a wide range of tools to help them have more fun with their little toys. Unfortunately, stamp collectors are just not that lucky! There are a lot of problems that could come up when they have to remove stamps from envelopes or when organizing them in an album.

THE PRICE OF STAMPS
Although charm, wit and humor can get you far and help you obtain numerous stamps at no cost at all, there would still come a time that you’d feel the pressure of money digging deep and know that some collectible stamps that you’re dying for to add to your collection are completely out of reach because of the price they’ve fetched in the market.
While there’s always a strong possibility that you’ll be able to chance upon a rare collectible stamp and purchase it for a very low price, there’s also no denying that most of those rare, hard-to-find stamps are being sold in auction houses and priced way out of your league.

LACK OF STAMP ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS
There’s nothing that we love more than having our collections properly appreciated and where else can a stamp collector expect to feel that but in a stamp organization or club – a place where he truly feels he belongs. Unfortunately, there are not that many stamp organizations that have been established in the country. Most stamp clubs that are recognized nationwide – or in different countries in the world – are often located in the big cities like New York and Chicago, making it virtually impossible for stamp lovers of lesser known states to join their groups.

LACK OF STAMP RESOURCES
One of the reasons why that majority of public still views stamp collecting with a lot of misconceptions is mainly because of the lack of resources available even today. There are just too few books that are written about stamp collecting and that could open the world of philately to possible newcomers. What little that’s there are mostly boring and would end up turning off a stranger completely from liking stamps. Because of this, expect yourself to be greeted like a geek or an alien when your “cool” friends learn that you are into stamp collecting!

AUTHENTICITY OF STAMPS
This is surely the worst problem that you’ll ever encounter in the world of stamp collecting. It’s extremely hard for newbies to distinguish authentic stamps from very good duplicates. If you pay a thousand dollars for a rare 1920’s stamp and then end up with a copy instead of the original, you’d no doubt feel like killing someone. Unfortunately, until official stamp organizations make a consolidated move to keep con artists from fooling their fellow enthusiasts, you should never trust anyone who offers to sell you “rare” stamps until you’ve had the item properly certified by an expert.

Our section here on the site will show you how to start stamp collecting so that you will have fun, not pay too much for your stamps (or how to get them free)along with tips for how to know the value of your stamps if you decide to trade and sell stamps.

Stamp collecting is fun and affordable, for you, your kids and your friends. I have had many years of pleasure from my stamp collection.

Do you collect stamps? Would you like to share your story with us here?

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