Getting the maximum amount of money for Stamps is the wish of every philatelist. It is usually possible to get maximum prices for your stamps if you follow certain rules. It is not difficult to follow these rules. However, remember that by following these or any other rules, you do not have a guarantee of a maximum price for your stamps. But, it will give you a guide line that if followed, may help you to get better value for your stamps or collection than if you hadn’t followed the guidelines. The values of stamps are greatly dependent on who buys your stamps or stamps collection.
Finding buyers for your stamps is not as difficult as in the past, thanks to advances in communication and technology. First, find out if the market exists for your particular stamps. You can go to a stamp shop, auctioneer or even stamp dealer to sell your stamps. They will be very happy to sell your stamps, and will charge you with their expenses. If you don’t know how much the dealer will pay you for your collectible, then visit a dealer and ask. Typically stamp dealers or auctioneers will pay you 30% to 40% of the retail price of your stamps if you want cash immediately. But, if you are willing to wait until your collectible is sold, then you may be able to get maximum of the retail price.
Another alternative is to auction your stamps. Here also the rules vary with different countries. Typically you may receive a maximum of 70 to 80% of the sale value after fees and taxes. The one important thing about auctions is that you are dealing with many strangers. Choosing the auctioneer is also very important. Select the auctioneer that has a good record for selling the stamps that you want to sell. Try to observe the auctioneer for 3 or 4 times. This will give you a feel for how much cash your stamps will be sold for in your auction.
After seeing the exorbitant fee charged by the stamp dealers, auctioneer, or reseller, you may be thinking of selling your stamps on your own. If so, then you should consider that carefully before you make up your mind. The average person has very limited resources. You may be able to get an advertisement in a local newspaper, or sell your collectibles at exhibitions by renting a stall. Again in one or two days there is a very remote chance that you can sell your stamps from your stall at the prices you are expecting. If you add all the expenses than you will realize that it is better to give 25-30% to professionals for selling your stamps.
One good practice is to set a minimum price for your collectible before you even consider selling it. Think of how valuable the stamps are to you, and vow not to part with it for less than a certain amount. Then when you start getting offers from prospective buyers, you will know exactly where to draw the line. Much of the time, a seller will get offered an amount of money that is less than ideal, but will be so excited by the prospect that he will take the first offer to come. Avoid making this mistake, as you will surely regret it.
Selling stamps is very different than buying stamps. Selling your stamp collection requires some homework and research. As selling stamps is not an exact science, there are no standard rules to follow but the one important thing that will help you to get maximum amount for your stamps: research. Do as much research as possible on your stamps, their markets, their prices, and so on. To find out present market value for your stamps, check latest standard stamp catalogs like Stanley Gibbons or Scott and watch auctions held by various stamp auction dealers. Of you are thorough and cautious when selling; you could find that your collection hobby is very profitable in the end. Having more knowledge on yours Stamps should give you more money for your collection.
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