| One of the most popular hobbies today is | | | | the collector should endeavor to sell or |
| collecting stamps. Being among the simpler of | | | | trade those stamps with another collector |
| the hobbies to take up, it brings enjoyment | | | | (preferably one with unwanted stamps perfect |
| to many. Getting started in stamp collecting | | | | for the new focus). |
| is easy if a few basic guidelines are | | | | |
| followed: | | | | 6. One of the primary benefits of stamp |
| | | | collecting is that the hobby can be done very |
| 1. Consider what topics or focuses within the | | | | inexpensively. The tools and supplies |
| field of collecting stamps would be | | | | necessary can be obtained cheaply and the |
| preferred. For example, a collector could | | | | stamps themselves can be had for free if the |
| decide to specialize in stamps from a | | | | focus of the collection is undemanding |
| particular area, time period, or stamps that | | | | enough. For example, a loose-leaf album (the |
| follow a specific theme such as birds, | | | | basic tool required) can be had for less than |
| political figures, or anything else stamps | | | | most people spend for a single restaurant |
| have featured. It is recommended to begin a | | | | meal. |
| collection with a somewhat more general focus | | | | |
| and allow the collector's interests and | | | | 7. For those opting to collect received |
| development within the hobby to narrow it | | | | stamps through incoming mail it is important |
| naturally. Most stamp collectors report that | | | | to remove them properly. The envelope should |
| it is more interesting to have a specific | | | | be cut around the stamp, leaving a small area |
| theme. | | | | of free space around the stamp's edges. The |
| | | | stamp and envelope piece is then placed |
| 2. A good way to start is by purchasing new | | | | facedown in a bowl of warm water until the |
| stamps from the post office or market. It | | | | gum adhesive on the stamp loosens. The stamp |
| should be possible to find stamps relating to | | | | my then be carefully peeled free using tongs, |
| the focus within the variety offered at most | | | | allowed to air dry, and then placed in an |
| postal counters, and buying a pack will often | | | | album. (Note: this works only with stamps |
| yield different designs, making it easy to | | | | that have water-based adhesives.) |
| build a diverse collection rapidly. | | | | |
| | | | 8. Take advantage of the many resources for |
| 3. Asking friends and relatives to donate | | | | stamps and stamp collecting. The Internet is |
| stamps they don't plan to use and those they | | | | perhaps the most effective way to search for |
| receive on incoming mail can conserve money. | | | | information on stamps. It can also help |
| They can also help by asking their friends to | | | | determine where specific stamps can be |
| donate stamps. When friends and relatives | | | | inexpensively obtained, even rare or hard to |
| donate stamps to a collection the stamps | | | | find stamps. The Internet also provides |
| often carry greater meaning for the | | | | resources to make contacts with other stamp |
| collector. | | | | collectors. This can be an invaluable |
| | | | information base to build knowledge within |
| 4. It is not uncommon for a stamp collector | | | | the hobby as well as point out special deals |
| to begin receiving stamps as gifts from their | | | | or places to find coveted stamps. And of |
| friends and relatives on nearly any occasion. | | | | course any other collector is also a |
| This also can make the building of a | | | | potential trading partner who might just have |
| collection easier. It may become worthwhile | | | | little need for the highly desired stamp to |
| to let others know which stamps or types of | | | | complete another's collection. |
| stamps would be most appreciated. | | | | |
| | | | For the many stamp collectors the best part |
| 5. It's important to begin to determine | | | | of the hobby is displaying their collection |
| whether older stamps or newer stamps will be | | | | to, friends, family, and other collectors. |
| the focus of a collection. While many people | | | | Once a collection is established it can be |
| prefer to collect older stamps due to the | | | | shown or even warrant its own exhibit. A Web |
| increased value, rarity, and prestige of such | | | | site is an excellent way to show a collection |
| a collection, new stamps are more affordable | | | | without risking harm to it. Not only can it |
| and easier to find. If the focus of a growing | | | | generate interest in a collection, it even |
| collection is ever changed or refined to | | | | makes possible the inclusion of each stamp's |
| exclude some or all of the stamps within it, | | | | story and how it found its way into the |
| these stamps should not be discarded. Rather, | | | | collection. |