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Postage Stamp Club Programs

Joining a local postage stamp club is one way to meet others with similar interests, expand your collection and gain valuable knowledge. They implement buying and selling programs, as well as stamp networking.
By joining the national American Philatelic Society (APS), you'll receive a handbook with local stamp clubs. Visit stamps.org to become a member.

Trading
- Trading postage stamps doesn't cost money.
  
  Stamp collecting is a popular hobby worldwide because it reveals the history and geography of a country. Local postage stamp clubs encourage trading by allowing its members to bring their stamps to meetings so they can be traded amongst themselves.
  For example, you may have more than one of the same stamps, and your collection is lacking one from a particular country or subject matter. What a wonderful opportunity to converse with fellow club members, obtain pertinent information, and make an intelligent decision without costing you a cent (or a one cent stamp).
  You can join as many postage stamp clubs are you want. Just attend the meetings, where you'll hear a guest speaker, and mingle with the other collectors. You'll learn about proofs, errors in stamps, fakes and forgeries, also basic tips on what types of stamps to collect and gain help in selecting an album to display your collection.
  The website stamptraders.org is primarily for the trading of postage stamps.
Selling
- Selling postage stamps can be profitable.
  
  Maybe one day you'll decide that you want to sell all your postage stamps, or maybe you've inherited them. You could spend the time it takes to sell each one individually, in sets, or as an entire collection, online or face-to-face with a buyer.
  You would have had to research the stamp catalogue for stamp identification, decide the condition and grade of the stamps and attempt to determine their market value on your own, or you can ask the Rasdale Stamp Co. to give you an estimated price for your postage stamps. They will even make a cash offer after seeing your stamps firsthand.
  
  Rasdale Stamp Co.
  35 Chestnut Ave.
  Westmont, IL 60559
  630-794-9900
  rasdalestamps.com
Networking
- Networking at club meetings is valuable in making new contacts.
  
  By attending local postage stamp clubs, you will be able to network with others who are eager to share their stories and experiences.
  For example, a contact in the club may advise you as to what types of postage stamps are popular and most sought after, resulting in your buying or selling.
  Following today's technology is always important. There's even a stamp club on the Internet.
  Virtual Stamp Club (virtualstampclub.com) provides useful information to its members for free and encourages chat rooms, access to article archives and the opportunity to e-mail the staff or post on their message boards.
  Enjoy the virtual refreshments!

Stamp Collecting