While other more pressing concerns may need precedence, storing the stamps in your attic or basement is not a good idea. Make sure that you keep the collection in a cool, dry place. Humidity or moisture can destroy the value of a collection. Albums should be stored upright, rather than standing on their side (pressure on an album will sometimes cause the stamps to stick to the page).

The value of the collection probably has the greatest impact on how you should proceed, but how do you determine this?

Things to look for - instructions from the owner, an insurance policy, or an inventory list.These items would definitely help in determining the worth of the collection.

If there was no guidance provided with the collection, GET SOME HELP. Consider contacting an APS Dealer or Local Club near you or attend a nearby stamp show. The collection needs to be viewed in-person. Descriptions on the phone or in emails are not productive.Visit one of the following directories to find connections near you.

A member of a local club may help with determining whether the collection has enough value to warrant the cost of an appraisal. If you take the collection to a dealer, be sure to clarify to the dealer that you are not requesting an official appraisal unless you are prepared to pay a fee - see appraisals below for more information. NOTE: if you ask a dealer to come to your home to review the collection, the dealer may expect to be paid - be sure to discuss this in advance and agree upon an amount.

Many individuals with little knowledge about postage stamps worry that they will not be offered a fair price. The vast majority of dealers are trustworthy but it is a good idea to verify that a dealer is a member of the American Philatelic Society, the American Stamp Dealers Association or the National Stamp Dealers Association as these organizations have established codes of ethics. If you are still concerned about receiving a fair price for your stamps you might consider visiting more than one dealer or attend a nearby stamp show (see our Show Calendar). This would provide you with the opportunity to offer the material to several dealers and compare how much they will pay.

Appraisals

- A formal appraisal may not be needed unless required for legal purposes. A formal appraisal could cost $75 to $250and provides no guarantee that the material can be sold for the valuation provided. Most appraisals are performed by stamp dealers so again feel free to use our Dealer Directory noted above. Before arranging for an appraisal, make sure you agree on the cost of the appraisal and the basis for valuation of the items (resale value or replacement value). Most appraisals do not require development of a complete inventory. The appraiser will focus on the more valuable items in determining the appraisal - so don't be surprised when you do not receive a full inventory or if little time is being paid to relatively common material. Most collections primarily consist of relatively common material and most of the value comes from a small portion of the collection.