Investing in Stamps

Alternative Investments

Alternative investment's are one of those subjects which many people may find intimidating. Investments provided by the bank or other financial authority may be sufficient for most peoples needs. For those who like to take more of an interest in their investments then stamps may provide an interesting alternative.

People have been investing in stamps since their use began. The price of each stamp is cataloged each year by Stanley Gibbon's and these catalogs printed off yearly. This provides a benchmark from which a collector can estimate the price. Over the last 20 years stamps have continued to rise in price and the rough estimate is that a stamps price will triple over the course of 10 years.

The key point in purchasing stamps is understanding what defines quality in a stamp. In simplistic terms, a fine stamp is one that looks like it has been taken straight from the post office. It should be flawless for all intents and purposes. This is clearly impractical for 125 year old stamps, but it indicates where the highest value is and what a potential investor should be looking for.

There are many pitfalls in collecting stamps for investment but talking to an expert can help you understand the dangers. Indeed, in any venture with which you are unfamiliar you should seek an experienced authority on the subject.

One such authority is Gordon Carrol, owner of Buchanan Street Stamps. His is the only stamp shop still in operation in Glasgow, out of another four which have all shut down. He provides an honest service and unlike some, will give a true evaluation of how the stamp market is progressing. For example in the last 2 years the stamp prices have slowed somewhat due to problems with the recession. Gordon would be the first person to admit to that, with no false claims of huge profits made overnight.

A typical portfolio which Gordon can help you put together would involve an initial investment of £5000, which would purchase 2-3 stamps which have shown to have traded well over the long term. By 'traded well' I am referring to stamps which collector's have been purchasing for their collections, but are rare enough not to be easily found in fine condition. Like many collectibles, it is possible to purchase expensive stamps very cheaply, but their condition will be mediocre at best, and certainly not likely to increase in value by more than 1% over a year.

Hopefully this article has given a brief insight into investing in stamps and should it be something you wish to investigate further, Gordon can be contacted directly at 0141 333 9724. Normal business hours are 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday.

David Debalm is a writer on various subjects. His specialties include Alternative Investments, Gemstones, World of Warcraft and Poker/Gambling. All articles are guaranteed original and accurate, and can be provided as required by any client.

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Date Stamp Prices

Date stamps are primarily an animated version of the rubber stamp category. The use of date rubber stamps extends very widely in offices, business homes and government offices and as an art form. The craft makes use of ink that is applied to an image or pattern that has been engraved, molded, or vulcanized onto a sheet of rubber. The date stamp is one of the most convenient and efficient methods of officiating administrative procedure in a business environment. It is widely used to keep a constant check on documents that have been received, sent, signed for, documented and reviewed.

Many companies manufacture date stamps across America. Their popularity and demand has grown tremendously since this dormant technology has been accepted. The manufacturing process of date stamps is a completely mechanized and automated process. Ink coated date stamp is pressed onto any type of medium such that the colored image is transferred onto the medium. The medium is generally some type of fabric or paper. Other mediums used are wood, metal, glass, plastic, or rocks. High volume batik uses liquid wax instead of ink on a metal stamp.

Rubber stamp prices are determined by the style. Date stamps can be personalized by adding company name, logos, contact details or other required details. Date stamps are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and styles, from the traditional date stamps that require a stamp pad, to the heavy duty, metal framed, self-inking date stamps. Options for date stamps include time and date stamps, numbering stamps and automatic numbering stamps.

The two main categories of commercially available date stamps are the ones used for office purpose and the ones used for decorating objects such as children's toys. The prices of the date stamps vary according to their various styles and designs. A complete list of the price lists and different stamps available in the markets can be viewed on the Internet. The customers can also contemplate their own rubber stamps and design varying templates on the surface. The site provides with the charges for such customized stamps and guarantees delivery in almost 24 hrs of ordering it.

Date Stamps provides detailed information on Date Stamps, Date Stamp Kits, Custom Date Stamps, Electronic Date Stamps and more. Date Stamps is affiliated with Email Stationery.

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