Welcome to the Stamp Collectors Buyers Guide

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Everything you need to know about building your collection brought together in this one issue of the American Philatelist. We interviewed 16 stamp experts, exhibitors, dealers, writers, and other professional philatelists. These eight articles tell you what you need to know!

• How I Collect with Wayne Youngblood, Carol Bommarito, John Hotchner and Kris McIntosh. Four great collectors you have all met before, each with their own collecting styles. You will learn many new ways to collect. Some may be just what you were looking for.
• Moving from Intermediate to Advanced Collecting with Victoria Lajer and Charles Shreve. Did you know that 54% of APS members self-identify as intermediate collectors and another 42% consider themselves advanced? This is the first article designed to enable you to progress to the advanced level.
• Buying Online with Wendy Masorti. Learn online buying tips, tricks, and traps from our own former director of sales and current director of membership. You will have more fun and reduce anxiety if you follow Wendy’s advice.
• About Circuit Sales with Carol Hoffman and Bill Dixon. You grew up with approvals. Circuit Sales is another vehicle to build your collection. Beginner or advanced, you can find some great buys from the comfort of your home. Customized circuits can be tailored to your specifications.
• How to Start a New Collection with Jay Smith. Sometimes you just have that urge to add another specialization to your collecting. Respected dealer and philatelist Jay Smith shows you the ropes and helps you avoid the pitfalls when venturing into new philatelic territory.
• Collecting New Issues with John Stefanek and Bill Silvester. It is impossible to keep up with the flood of new issues. Buying them can also be daunting. Our two experts show you how to find and source new issues in your areas of interest.
• Albums and Supplies with Jay Bigalke and Paul Bartolomei. Come on, admit it! You either need a new album or you want a new album. Two of the most knowledgeable producers and sellers of stamp albums and supplies give you the lowdown on finding what is best for your specific needs.
• Establishing Good Dealer Relationships with Liliana Rosende and Stanley Piller. The most successful collectors get that way by nurturing trusted, long term relationships with stamp dealers. Two great dealers offer advice on building your own network of reliable sources for exactly the stamps you are seeking.

We have also included a very important update to Dick Colberg’s May 2020 article on "Appraising A Stamp Collection." Tax laws changed and we keep you up to date. Also in the March issue, you can read Ron Lesher’s latest installment of “The Collector of Revenue.” And, of course, there are Letters to the Editor, a book review, and the regular columns from our directors.

You will want to keep this issue as a sourcebook for building your collection.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced philatelist, membership in the APS will help you grow your knowledge and your enjoyment of the hobby.The APS focuses on making stamp collecting an experience to be savored by all collectors. Membership in the Society is an easy and certain way to enhance your philatelic experience.