



This should be read, and then read again. As should the introduction section of any given seller's favorite catalogue. Scott, Unitrade and SG all have great information in the introductions. Memorize it, and revisit it.
Edited: I received an email from someone I used to correspond with back in the earlier days, and there was a perception that my message was personal. I didn't intend to offend, so I'll just leave it with the first paragraph. Roy covered the matter.
Cheers.
For those venturing into selling stamps to collectors, a common pitfall lies in pricing. It’s not unusual for newcomers to set their prices far too high, often guided by catalog values that don’t reflect the realities of the market. The vast majority of stamps trade at a fraction of their catalog value, and ignoring this can lead to frustration for both sellers and buyers.
This overvaluation stems from relying too heavily on catalogs while neglecting the importance of research. Catalogs serve as useful reference tools, but they don’t account for market nuances like condition, demand, and availability. Sellers who take the time to study actual sales—by observing online marketplaces, auction results, and dealer pricing—develop a clearer sense of a stamp's real-world value.
Another consideration is the condition of your stamps. Imperfections such as heavy cancels, creases, or missing perforations can dramatically lower a stamp’s desirability, regardless of its catalog rarity. A well-presented lot, with honest descriptions and quality images, is more likely to attract serious buyers.
Successful sellers understand that knowledge and preparation are key. Before diving in, spend time learning the market’s rhythms and trends. The effort will pay off in credibility, customer trust, and ultimately, better sales.
Roy

re: Some unsolicited advice for new sellers in the stamp market
This should be read, and then read again. As should the introduction section of any given seller's favorite catalogue. Scott, Unitrade and SG all have great information in the introductions. Memorize it, and revisit it.
Edited: I received an email from someone I used to correspond with back in the earlier days, and there was a perception that my message was personal. I didn't intend to offend, so I'll just leave it with the first paragraph. Roy covered the matter.
Cheers.