The Price of stamps - got you licked, yet?

[20sent06]

A question aimed at Stamp sellers mostly: is there a rule of thumb guide as to what price to ask for a stamp?

- there seems to be such disparity on prices, not sure what governs it...

be interested to hear comments/views please

[FirstGreenIsGold]

I don't know how to price the stamps that I list. I agree that it is a confusing business for someone like me, who is not a collector and who is just trying to clear out an accumulation of stamps.

[NuttyKrafts]

am also not a collector so I look for similar stamps then price mine a bit less.

[JDStamps]

When selling stamps for a collector, there are lots of factors to take into consideration - condition is the primary factor, although this can be mitigated somewhat by rarity. Cheapest is not always best, sometimes collectors look for a particular type of cancel, and are willing to pay more for exactly what they want rather than a spacefiller. With mint stamps, a full set never hinged will always sell for a premium over previously hinged single examples.
Pricing is a very tricky business, too high and no one will buy, too low and your lots may be cherry picked by other sellers/ dealers, and then sold on (all part of the business). It also depends what market you sell to, and demand and supply. Currently stamps from the Far East - China, Hong Kong and Malaysia, etc - seem to be rising in value, whereas GB mint stamps are lucky to sell for face value!
Gone are the days of paying anything close to catalogue value, except for really scarce items in pristine condition. Stamp shops are disappearing fast, stamp fair attendance can be very poor; traditional methods of buying stamps are fading out, more and more sellers, including some of the very big dealers, no longer have a physical outlet, and rely on internet sales for the bulk of their income- this has given the buyers much more choice, and prices have dropped a lot. I remember my late father selling part of his collection in the late 70's and getting about 75% of cat value for them - if they were sold now 25-35% would be nearer the mark, and much lower returns can be expected for more common, poorer condition lots - I often see auction lots going unsold at 10% of cat value!
There are lots of other factors too - it really can be a question of trial and error , not to mention perseverance!

All the best
John

[FirstGreenIsGold]

That makes sense to me, John.

[20sent06]

Thanks to all for helpful comments and suggestions.

I am thinking of selling stamps as well as postcards as I have quite an accumulation and it's hard to know where to start.

I have had some French stamps listed for quite some time now and not sold any yet!

[gonzo45]

Lots of stamps around on the web for 20% of Cat value or less..
Of course if you don't have a Catalogue the "on line" listings of stamps in the larger shops are a good guide.
Steve.