Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Login to Like
this post
Hi Brad, Sounds like you might be a bit curious....why not give it a try ? I finds quite a difference between the small local shows...the prices are usually better,the large shows for a stamp collector like myself is like attending a major league sporting event...its the atmosphere. If you ever get the chance,attend an APS show..they give incentives to dealers who have "under a dollar" booths for new collectors. I went to an APS show in Hartford i believe and a lady had a booth "everything a dollar" she said she just wanted to unload..by the time i got there she said she had already sold 1200 federal duck stamps !! Its all fun !
Login to Like
this post
Brad, you're getting the full Red Hook opinion, so evaluate it based on its geographic homogeneity.
I've never been to any stamps show except those in NYC, so my experience is limited. And I'm primarily a cover collector, although i dabble in stamps.
First, these shows allow you to explore and buy stuff, including cheap stuff, that catches your eye. No better way to learn about stuff than to buy something you don't know and find out what it is. I trained myself in early US that way. Sometimes just familiarity helps, so, for instance, seeing boxes and boxes of Scott 65 on cover in the 50c bin tells you that the stamp is not as rare as Scott's pricing might lead you to think; it puts the stamp in context; and is a window on the history of America for 20 years.
Second, dealers, IF THEY ARE NOT BUSY, are often happy to chat and talk about their wares. Just remember they are there to sell, and don't monopolize their time.
I've made good friends at shows; Alan, Brian, and the folks at Coverman know my preferences after all these years and occaionally point things out.
and don't forget to chat with the guy next to you; great conversations about stuff you don't collect, so you get to learn neat stuff.
so, i'd never pass up a convenient show.
David
Login to Like
this post
I highly recommend attending stamp shows that include stamp exhibitions. These are displays made by fellow stamp collectors to highlight a certain specific area of philately. By means of exhibits you can learn more about philately, but you can also learn about stamp presentation, and the variety of ways that one can engage in the hobby.
Looking through dealer stock can also be a good exercise. You will learn what is truly scarce and what is simply high-priced (often the two are not the same). Some stamps cataloged under $10 are more scarce than items for which dealers may charge hundreds of dollars.
My last note on stamp shows is that in being exposed to the great variety that there is in philately, you may find a particular area in which you may like to specialize. There is a distinct pleasure in coming to learn and specialize in a particular field. In some years time I may be able to speak authoritatively about the stamps of Panama, and publish my findings, which would be a whole new level of fun.
So yes, going to stamp shows is always worth it, even if you never buy a stamp (though I have never come away from a show without buying anything).
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I approve of this message !
Login to Like
this post
Hi Brad,
I agree with everything said above, but would like to add don't get to overwhelmed by it all. If you have a particular country or topic or whatever is in your mind at the time, then look at that. Ask the dealers about what you are interested in today. Things will change but investigate the the show from what what you are interested in today. There will always be other shows.
Regards ... Tim
Login to Like
this post
Hi Brad--I would echo the comments made earlier by others but emphasize that the larger National shows can be intimidating when you are new to collecting(personal experience)For your info the 3 day Toronto show Sept27-29 is a good show with a nice mix of dealers--there are no exhibits at this show.If you are looking at smaller local shows sponsored by a stamp club perhaps the Kingston ON show on Oct 26th might be of interest--if you live in same city as shown on your father,s profile then you are less than 2 hours away.I will be at that show working at a dealer table--if you make it to this show just look for Roy,s table and I will be there.
Details on the Kingston show can be found on the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association website.(csdaonline.com)This is a small show with 8 dealers and club consignment sales.I believe you would find the dealers to be friendly and willing to take time to answer any question etc etc
If you want more info you can look up my email address in the member area.
Login to Like
this post
Agree,agree, agree at the small shows the dealers would much rather talk to a collector to help them pass the time than twiddle their thumbs. If you purchase something its a plus !
Login to Like
this post
I think stamp shows are great to go to! Like others have said, it is important to not feel intimidated. I usually look at the exhibits first and zero in on those that mirror my interests. At the sign in table, there is usually a list of dealers, sometimes it will list what areas they specialize in. I will tend to walk around a while to go where there might be some stamps I am looking for. I have learned that for the most part, dealers are easy to talk to and are very helpful.
One piece of advice for shows--SET A BUDGET. It is VERY easy to spend more than you expect. Many dealers at shows do not take cards--I always make sure I have CASH on me, but will bring my checkbook as well. The dealer will let you know what he or she takes and sometimes will offer a discount if you buy a certain amount.
I like to bring a list of specific stamps or countries I am looking for (British Regionals MNH, for example, they are hard to find online)--this helps narrow my search. That's just me, though.
Above all, ENJOY YOURSELF! I am fortunate that I have a number of shows here in Central Florida to go to, and FLOREX is in early December. Some year I will sit in on one of Michael Rogers' auctions that take place every year there. BOB
Login to Like
this post
I have to agree with Bob. Set a budget before you go.
Tim
Login to Like
this post
I have found Stamp Shows both enlightening and disappointing, and frustrating. It depends on who is displaying goods and what they value their goods at. There is certainly variety and as others have warned, have a Budget before going, but more importantly, be wary and do not be a "impulse buyer". The old adage applies, "Too Good to be True" usually means it is not all what it looks like or labeled as. A lot of the dealers are like gypsies and travel from show to show. You may not see them or be able to contact them again for another year until they pass through again and they won't remember the sale. Make sure you know who you are dealing with and that they stand by what they sell. I cannot say that online sources are any better at times, but most sites offer refund policies, but then it is a hassle to go through it. Always better to be "Buyer Beware" up front, but don't forget to enjoy the show. That is why you go and there is often a lot more than just buying.
Login to Like
this post
Gypsies, lol. Too true!
Login to Like
this post
One nice thing about the stamp shows that come through the Orlando area is that I am on a mailing list that lets me know when a show is coming and it lists the dealers who will be there with email addresses and other contact information.
I have not done this yet, but I know many contact the dealer ahead of time with requests and have specific ideas about what he or she will buy.
It's also a chance to check out any of these dealers BEFORE going. A name may be familiar for a good - or not so good - reason.
BOB
Login to Like
this post
I've only been to one stamp show so far, and it was a small local show (in Nashville). I went looking for a few specific items and ended up buying something completely different! My advice (if you are looking to buy) is to set a budget, as suggested, and create a shopping list of potential items you want. Next time I'm going to send an email to the folks running the show to forward my wish list to the vendors. I had more than one say they wish they knew I wanted a particular stamp, they had it back at the shop!
I made the rounds to every table (there were only about 25 or 30), and quickly determined who would be worth following up with. I was looking for 19th Century definitives and officials at that time, so the number of booths that were likely to have what I wanted were quickly narrowed down. I had a printout of what I was looking for and left it with each booth that seemed to have one or more items I wanted. I also had my master list of what I was willing to pay for each item. And I brought a Scott Specialized, just in case.
I had about 3 times as much stuff that I was looking for than I had money to buy, so the hope was to find the best "bang for my buck". It didn't work out that way.
I can't emphasize enough educating yourself about the type differences in early stamps if you try to buy one without a certificate of authenticity. I'm sure my rookie demeanor was obvious to the sellers, and very quickly I was shown an altered stamp to fill one of my needs. When I pointed out that he was offering a Type II as an imperf when only Type I was issued imperf, he said, and I quote: "How did THAT get in there?" Caveat emptor!
I made the rounds a first time to get the lay of the land and let the sellers know what I was shopping for. I found an empty table to sit and make some notes before making a second pass and checking for prices. (If I ever felt overwhelmed, I retreated to the empty tables to look over my notes and plot my next course of action). After my second trip around I knew what I wanted to go after and made a few offers - some accepted, some not - and found myself with a good chunk of funds left. That's OK, and I would have gladly left with my purchases and extra cash but my ride wasn't due back for another hour or so. (My wife was at the mall with our car). I wasn't willing to pay much more than I knew I could get an item on eBay, so I just wandered around to see if I missed anything and saw a US C14 Zep that SEEMED like a really good price and was a PERFECT match to the C13 and C15 I already had. (I had a C14, and wasn't looking for a replacement, but the one I had was significantly inferior to the other two). I wasn't even LOOKING for that stamp, but I was able to check CV in Scott since I had it with me. The catalog value (CV) in Scott isn't the purchase price, but you will fairly quickly get a feel for what percentage of CV is a good deal for the quality you want.
I'm looking forward to the BIG show in 2016, but I'll probably have to do an intermediate one between now and then just to prepare myself for the experience. Good luck!
Login to Like
this post
2016 ! If i am not in an urn.i will be there..we can make arrangements to meet Stamporama folks there Lots of places at the Javits to meet at a coffee shop with tables and chairs in the main aisles...outside the show room of course !!
Login to Like
this post
i could even put someone up if they don't mind a two hour train ride..but i would have to give precedence to the Ottawa gang if they come !!
Login to Like
this post
"2016 ! If i am not in an urn.i will be there..we can make arrangements to meet Stamporama folks there Lots of places at the Javits to meet at a coffee shop with tables and chairs in the main aisles...outside the show room of course !!"
philb,
I think you just signed up to be the official SOR social coordinator for the 2016 show! We just need someone with a little inside knowledge to tell us the best place and time to meet up. I think I speak for everyone in hoping that we don't meet in your urn!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
Phil, can I stay?
Login to Like
this post
Probably, but no pets !!!
Login to Like
this post
Lars, I accept ! I have done it before with pen pal swappers and later internet folks..i have been to the mega shows at Madison Sq. Garden and the Javits Center many times and they are huge(100 plus dealers) But when i saw Washington 2006 it was just overwhelming..you could have put at least two mega shows in that hall !!!
Login to Like
this post
" I think I speak for everyone in hoping that we don't meet in your urn!"
If I'm in an urn, my wife will take me.
Login to Like
this post
I doubt it !!!
Login to Like
this post
I would say that it is safe to say ,that one may purchase stamps for less, online than at shows. There may be some exceptions.
Login to Like
this post
I call myself a stamp collector but at shows i always go for the cover dealers...i have found 30 dollar covers in a dollar box...as for stamps..the dealer may spend 2 thousand dollars for a table..he is going to ask 50 to 80 percent of catalog for the stamps in his red boxes !
Login to Like
this post
07:59:13pm
I have very little experience with stamp shows. However, the few that I have had the opportunity to attend have helped me learn quite a bit about dealers in regards to high value items.
The one year I went my goal was to focus on the pence issues of Nova Scotia. I wanted to see what was available, what "advice" dealers had for me, etc.
I had one fellow who tried to sell me a NS #2 with 2 "margins" (I use that term loosely because they weren't even complete margins) for 75% scv. I thanked him and listened to his "expertise".
I also visited several other dealers and discussed the same issues NS #1, 2 and 3. I received a lot of "advice". However, I came away from that show with the card of a fellow from a nearby town. He had a #2 at the show but he said that since he knew after speaking with me that I had no intention of owning 10 of every pence issue, etc., he would sell that issue for a certain dollar amount (he was honest though that I probably would not be happy at the end of the day with it), however, if I wanted to contact him later, he had others that he thought I would prefer.
Over the years that man has become a very close friend. He has also been the man who has provided me NS #1, 2, 3 and 4. Very nice margins, clean, very honest fellow and at a lot better price over the years than some of those dealers would have like to have sold me that particular day.
I'm not saying that every dealer is just out there to nickel and dime anyone who may look like a newbie, but for the fact that I asked "newbie" questions, I was able to weed out those who I would not wish to ever deal with in the future.
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
Kelly, i am only speaking for myself..but i have found a vast difference between a small show and a large show. I have found at small shows the dealers take the time to educate a newer collector and found the vast majority of small dealers amazingly honest. I wish i could say the same for the larger dealers at the larger shows..they make me feel rushed and uncomfortable..they are there to recoup their table money and make sales. If they are busy they only have time to take the money you hand them.
Login to Like
this post
One can learn a lot from stamp shows. I bought some things there and would always have a list of what I was looking for and what I was willing to pay for those items. I would take along a small US Scott catalogue to make sure I was not overpaying for anything.
Login to Like
this post
Hi, I'm Brad; Stampman27's son, Since his accident in April I have taken an interest in Stamp Collecting and doing postings for dad while he is recovering. I would like to thank everyone who has been so kind and helpful. I do have a question: The Stamp Shows like the Big one in Toronto at the end of Sept, or even the small one put on by clubs in eastern Ont. or Northern New York are they a waste of time for someone like me or would I learn anything? I am learning a lot from the site but not sure what to do about the shows. Thanks for any insight. Brad
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Hi Brad, Sounds like you might be a bit curious....why not give it a try ? I finds quite a difference between the small local shows...the prices are usually better,the large shows for a stamp collector like myself is like attending a major league sporting event...its the atmosphere. If you ever get the chance,attend an APS show..they give incentives to dealers who have "under a dollar" booths for new collectors. I went to an APS show in Hartford i believe and a lady had a booth "everything a dollar" she said she just wanted to unload..by the time i got there she said she had already sold 1200 federal duck stamps !! Its all fun !
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Brad, you're getting the full Red Hook opinion, so evaluate it based on its geographic homogeneity.
I've never been to any stamps show except those in NYC, so my experience is limited. And I'm primarily a cover collector, although i dabble in stamps.
First, these shows allow you to explore and buy stuff, including cheap stuff, that catches your eye. No better way to learn about stuff than to buy something you don't know and find out what it is. I trained myself in early US that way. Sometimes just familiarity helps, so, for instance, seeing boxes and boxes of Scott 65 on cover in the 50c bin tells you that the stamp is not as rare as Scott's pricing might lead you to think; it puts the stamp in context; and is a window on the history of America for 20 years.
Second, dealers, IF THEY ARE NOT BUSY, are often happy to chat and talk about their wares. Just remember they are there to sell, and don't monopolize their time.
I've made good friends at shows; Alan, Brian, and the folks at Coverman know my preferences after all these years and occaionally point things out.
and don't forget to chat with the guy next to you; great conversations about stuff you don't collect, so you get to learn neat stuff.
so, i'd never pass up a convenient show.
David
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
I highly recommend attending stamp shows that include stamp exhibitions. These are displays made by fellow stamp collectors to highlight a certain specific area of philately. By means of exhibits you can learn more about philately, but you can also learn about stamp presentation, and the variety of ways that one can engage in the hobby.
Looking through dealer stock can also be a good exercise. You will learn what is truly scarce and what is simply high-priced (often the two are not the same). Some stamps cataloged under $10 are more scarce than items for which dealers may charge hundreds of dollars.
My last note on stamp shows is that in being exposed to the great variety that there is in philately, you may find a particular area in which you may like to specialize. There is a distinct pleasure in coming to learn and specialize in a particular field. In some years time I may be able to speak authoritatively about the stamps of Panama, and publish my findings, which would be a whole new level of fun.
So yes, going to stamp shows is always worth it, even if you never buy a stamp (though I have never come away from a show without buying anything).
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Stamp shows?
I approve of this message !
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Hi Brad,
I agree with everything said above, but would like to add don't get to overwhelmed by it all. If you have a particular country or topic or whatever is in your mind at the time, then look at that. Ask the dealers about what you are interested in today. Things will change but investigate the the show from what what you are interested in today. There will always be other shows.
Regards ... Tim
Login to Like
this post
08:41:55pm
re: Stamp shows?
Hi Brad--I would echo the comments made earlier by others but emphasize that the larger National shows can be intimidating when you are new to collecting(personal experience)For your info the 3 day Toronto show Sept27-29 is a good show with a nice mix of dealers--there are no exhibits at this show.If you are looking at smaller local shows sponsored by a stamp club perhaps the Kingston ON show on Oct 26th might be of interest--if you live in same city as shown on your father,s profile then you are less than 2 hours away.I will be at that show working at a dealer table--if you make it to this show just look for Roy,s table and I will be there.
Details on the Kingston show can be found on the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association website.(csdaonline.com)This is a small show with 8 dealers and club consignment sales.I believe you would find the dealers to be friendly and willing to take time to answer any question etc etc
If you want more info you can look up my email address in the member area.
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Agree,agree, agree at the small shows the dealers would much rather talk to a collector to help them pass the time than twiddle their thumbs. If you purchase something its a plus !
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
I think stamp shows are great to go to! Like others have said, it is important to not feel intimidated. I usually look at the exhibits first and zero in on those that mirror my interests. At the sign in table, there is usually a list of dealers, sometimes it will list what areas they specialize in. I will tend to walk around a while to go where there might be some stamps I am looking for. I have learned that for the most part, dealers are easy to talk to and are very helpful.
One piece of advice for shows--SET A BUDGET. It is VERY easy to spend more than you expect. Many dealers at shows do not take cards--I always make sure I have CASH on me, but will bring my checkbook as well. The dealer will let you know what he or she takes and sometimes will offer a discount if you buy a certain amount.
I like to bring a list of specific stamps or countries I am looking for (British Regionals MNH, for example, they are hard to find online)--this helps narrow my search. That's just me, though.
Above all, ENJOY YOURSELF! I am fortunate that I have a number of shows here in Central Florida to go to, and FLOREX is in early December. Some year I will sit in on one of Michael Rogers' auctions that take place every year there. BOB
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
I have to agree with Bob. Set a budget before you go.
Tim
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
I have found Stamp Shows both enlightening and disappointing, and frustrating. It depends on who is displaying goods and what they value their goods at. There is certainly variety and as others have warned, have a Budget before going, but more importantly, be wary and do not be a "impulse buyer". The old adage applies, "Too Good to be True" usually means it is not all what it looks like or labeled as. A lot of the dealers are like gypsies and travel from show to show. You may not see them or be able to contact them again for another year until they pass through again and they won't remember the sale. Make sure you know who you are dealing with and that they stand by what they sell. I cannot say that online sources are any better at times, but most sites offer refund policies, but then it is a hassle to go through it. Always better to be "Buyer Beware" up front, but don't forget to enjoy the show. That is why you go and there is often a lot more than just buying.
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
One nice thing about the stamp shows that come through the Orlando area is that I am on a mailing list that lets me know when a show is coming and it lists the dealers who will be there with email addresses and other contact information.
I have not done this yet, but I know many contact the dealer ahead of time with requests and have specific ideas about what he or she will buy.
It's also a chance to check out any of these dealers BEFORE going. A name may be familiar for a good - or not so good - reason.
BOB
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
I've only been to one stamp show so far, and it was a small local show (in Nashville). I went looking for a few specific items and ended up buying something completely different! My advice (if you are looking to buy) is to set a budget, as suggested, and create a shopping list of potential items you want. Next time I'm going to send an email to the folks running the show to forward my wish list to the vendors. I had more than one say they wish they knew I wanted a particular stamp, they had it back at the shop!
I made the rounds to every table (there were only about 25 or 30), and quickly determined who would be worth following up with. I was looking for 19th Century definitives and officials at that time, so the number of booths that were likely to have what I wanted were quickly narrowed down. I had a printout of what I was looking for and left it with each booth that seemed to have one or more items I wanted. I also had my master list of what I was willing to pay for each item. And I brought a Scott Specialized, just in case.
I had about 3 times as much stuff that I was looking for than I had money to buy, so the hope was to find the best "bang for my buck". It didn't work out that way.
I can't emphasize enough educating yourself about the type differences in early stamps if you try to buy one without a certificate of authenticity. I'm sure my rookie demeanor was obvious to the sellers, and very quickly I was shown an altered stamp to fill one of my needs. When I pointed out that he was offering a Type II as an imperf when only Type I was issued imperf, he said, and I quote: "How did THAT get in there?" Caveat emptor!
I made the rounds a first time to get the lay of the land and let the sellers know what I was shopping for. I found an empty table to sit and make some notes before making a second pass and checking for prices. (If I ever felt overwhelmed, I retreated to the empty tables to look over my notes and plot my next course of action). After my second trip around I knew what I wanted to go after and made a few offers - some accepted, some not - and found myself with a good chunk of funds left. That's OK, and I would have gladly left with my purchases and extra cash but my ride wasn't due back for another hour or so. (My wife was at the mall with our car). I wasn't willing to pay much more than I knew I could get an item on eBay, so I just wandered around to see if I missed anything and saw a US C14 Zep that SEEMED like a really good price and was a PERFECT match to the C13 and C15 I already had. (I had a C14, and wasn't looking for a replacement, but the one I had was significantly inferior to the other two). I wasn't even LOOKING for that stamp, but I was able to check CV in Scott since I had it with me. The catalog value (CV) in Scott isn't the purchase price, but you will fairly quickly get a feel for what percentage of CV is a good deal for the quality you want.
I'm looking forward to the BIG show in 2016, but I'll probably have to do an intermediate one between now and then just to prepare myself for the experience. Good luck!
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
2016 ! If i am not in an urn.i will be there..we can make arrangements to meet Stamporama folks there Lots of places at the Javits to meet at a coffee shop with tables and chairs in the main aisles...outside the show room of course !!
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
i could even put someone up if they don't mind a two hour train ride..but i would have to give precedence to the Ottawa gang if they come !!
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
"2016 ! If i am not in an urn.i will be there..we can make arrangements to meet Stamporama folks there Lots of places at the Javits to meet at a coffee shop with tables and chairs in the main aisles...outside the show room of course !!"
philb,
I think you just signed up to be the official SOR social coordinator for the 2016 show! We just need someone with a little inside knowledge to tell us the best place and time to meet up. I think I speak for everyone in hoping that we don't meet in your urn!
Lars
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Phil, can I stay?
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Probably, but no pets !!!
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Lars, I accept ! I have done it before with pen pal swappers and later internet folks..i have been to the mega shows at Madison Sq. Garden and the Javits Center many times and they are huge(100 plus dealers) But when i saw Washington 2006 it was just overwhelming..you could have put at least two mega shows in that hall !!!
Login to Like
this post
11:04:20am
re: Stamp shows?
" I think I speak for everyone in hoping that we don't meet in your urn!"
If I'm in an urn, my wife will take me.
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
I doubt it !!!
Login to Like
this post
03:23:14pm
re: Stamp shows?
I would say that it is safe to say ,that one may purchase stamps for less, online than at shows. There may be some exceptions.
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
I call myself a stamp collector but at shows i always go for the cover dealers...i have found 30 dollar covers in a dollar box...as for stamps..the dealer may spend 2 thousand dollars for a table..he is going to ask 50 to 80 percent of catalog for the stamps in his red boxes !
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
31 Aug 2013
07:59:13pm
re: Stamp shows?
I have very little experience with stamp shows. However, the few that I have had the opportunity to attend have helped me learn quite a bit about dealers in regards to high value items.
The one year I went my goal was to focus on the pence issues of Nova Scotia. I wanted to see what was available, what "advice" dealers had for me, etc.
I had one fellow who tried to sell me a NS #2 with 2 "margins" (I use that term loosely because they weren't even complete margins) for 75% scv. I thanked him and listened to his "expertise".
I also visited several other dealers and discussed the same issues NS #1, 2 and 3. I received a lot of "advice". However, I came away from that show with the card of a fellow from a nearby town. He had a #2 at the show but he said that since he knew after speaking with me that I had no intention of owning 10 of every pence issue, etc., he would sell that issue for a certain dollar amount (he was honest though that I probably would not be happy at the end of the day with it), however, if I wanted to contact him later, he had others that he thought I would prefer.
Over the years that man has become a very close friend. He has also been the man who has provided me NS #1, 2, 3 and 4. Very nice margins, clean, very honest fellow and at a lot better price over the years than some of those dealers would have like to have sold me that particular day.
I'm not saying that every dealer is just out there to nickel and dime anyone who may look like a newbie, but for the fact that I asked "newbie" questions, I was able to weed out those who I would not wish to ever deal with in the future.
Kelly
Login to Like
this post
re: Stamp shows?
Kelly, i am only speaking for myself..but i have found a vast difference between a small show and a large show. I have found at small shows the dealers take the time to educate a newer collector and found the vast majority of small dealers amazingly honest. I wish i could say the same for the larger dealers at the larger shows..they make me feel rushed and uncomfortable..they are there to recoup their table money and make sales. If they are busy they only have time to take the money you hand them.
Login to Like
this post
11:52:57pm
re: Stamp shows?
One can learn a lot from stamp shows. I bought some things there and would always have a list of what I was looking for and what I was willing to pay for those items. I would take along a small US Scott catalogue to make sure I was not overpaying for anything.
Login to Like
this post