A Look At The Basics Of Stamp Appraisals

By Gary Bailey


If you have a collection of stamps safely stored in your home, you should consider selling it. There are many dealers out there who are willing to pay a fair price once stamp appraisals are finalized. Before estimating the value of your collection, it is important to understand how to go about getting the best deals possible.

To begin with, you should know that the way you store the stamps always affects their value when selling. As such, store them in a room that is free from moisture. Stamps are usually made using paper. When exposed to weather elements, they tend to fade in color. A bright green one for instance may turn to light green. When making an evaluation, a typical dealer will look at the difference in color as compared to when it was originally bought.

Texture is also an important factor in the valuation process. If the stamps you own are several years old, there is a high chance that they have lost the texture they originally had. Sadly, this is something irreversible. The best decision you can make in this case is getting in touch with an experienced dealer to try and find the right price for your possession. Although rare, there are stamps that are made using highly durable materials.

Gum perforation is also a big role player in the evaluation process as dealers usually check whether it is still functional. If the gum in a set of stamps is worn out, simply sell the collection as it is. Avoid the temptation of adding gum bought in retail stores. Experienced dealers can easily tell the originality of the gum used in stamps.

Look for pieces that are stuck to each other if you have a small box filled with several pieces. If you have no clue how to separate stuck pieces, do not proceed without professional assistance. Damaging them in this scenario is very easy. To be safe, enlist the service of a professional. Stuck pieces are highly susceptible to damage if removed by an untrained person.

When looking for a professional to handle your appraisals, ensure you get the right person for the job. You do not want to end up selling your stamps for less than they are worth. There are a number of qualities that an ideal dealer should have.

The most important one is having membership in a professional body in their trade. Being a member of a professional association always guarantees a dealer access to useful information concerning postage stamps. Such professionals always know how to price collections and the best techniques to use to ensure they remain in mint condition.

If you plan on engaging in this type of trade for the long haul, it would be beneficial to study about it in detail. Do whatever it takes to master the different types of stamps available. Rare collections always cost more than those that are common. If you have the right knowledge, you will not have to hire professionals to do your bidding in future. It always feels great to take charge of your business.




About the Author:



Comments