Where Can I Buy Postage Stamps and Stamp Collections?

Written by annetteraffan in Collecting Postage Stamps

Mr Men and Little Miss postage stamp set

With the world now online, it has never been easier to buy and sell postage stamps.

Whether you’re a seasoned philatelist or just starting your journey, now you can find stamps and collections from reputable dealers, online marketplaces, local post offices, and specialty shops with ease. Depending on what it is you are looking for – e.g. individual stamps, rummage boxes or large collections – will influence where you might want to look.

Of course, I’d love for you to buy from The Posted Stamp, but I realise your collecting needs go well beyond what I sell, so consider me here to help! Obviously I don’t want to give away all my business secrets but I’m also keen to support the rich variety of businesses in the stamp world.

Therefore today I would like to share a very comprehensive list of places you can go to source tools, accessories and of course postage stamps. I’ve separated them out into the different places, so you can head straight to the section of most relevance to you and your needs.

Here’s the list:

  1. Online marketplaces
  2. Speciality stamp dealers
  3. Local post offices
  4. Official postal services and stamp producers
  5. Stamp shows and exhibitions
  6. Local stamp clubs
  7. Auctions (in-person)
  8. Estate sales
  9. Antiques shops
  10. Approvals
  11. Social media platforms

Please note, just because I have listed a website or dealer here, does not mean I have experience of working with them, nor would necessarily recommend them personally as the best place to go. I’ve tried to keep a neutral opinion and will leave you to do your due diligence on anything I have mentioned.

1. Online marketplaces

Online marketplaces offer a vast selection of stamps and collections for enthusiasts of all levels. These platforms provide convenience, variety, and often competitive pricing. They are good for all sorts of buying options including specific sets, odds and ends, old albums and plenty of options for rummaging.

  • eBay: One of the largest online marketplaces for stamps, sellers on eBay have pretty much everything you would ever need. Be sure to check seller ratings and authenticity guarantees. Also look out for Philatelic Traders Society registered sellers. Many of the main dealers have an eBay outlet.
  • Amazon: While not primarily known for stamps, Amazon does offer a selection of new issues, supplies, and some collectibles. Just watch out because it can be very expensive to buy stamps on here. The advantage is you will likely receive them quickly and it’s easy to sort things out if you have a problem.
  • Etsy: Known for handmade and vintage items, Etsy is also a great place to find unique stamps and curated collections from individual sellers. This is where The Posted Stamp currently resides – please check out my store for a wide range of mint UK stamp editions. If you sign up to my E-Mail newsletter, I’ll give you a 20% discount voucher!
  • HipStamp: A specialized marketplace dedicated to stamps and postal history, offering a wide range of options for collectors. This is a US site, but most dealers will send internationally.
  • Delcampe: Another auction site with a huge range of collectibles, stamps and dealers.

When buying from online marketplaces, always read item descriptions carefully, check seller ratings, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before making a purchase.

Hipstamp
HipStamp
screenshot of etsy webshop The Posted Stamp
My Etsy shop – The Posted Stamp
delcampe shopping site page snip
Delcampe
web snip from ebay shopping site
eBay
screenshot of amazon shopping website
Amazon (UK)

2. Specialty stamp dealers

Specialty stamp dealers are experts in philately and often offer a curated selection of high-quality stamps and ‘bargain-bucket’ collections. They can be an excellent resource for both beginners and advanced collectors.

  • Online stamp shops: Many reputable stamp dealers have their own websites where you can browse and purchase stamps. These sites often offer detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and expert knowledge. They often offer better prices than if you buy through a marketplace above because there are less fees associated with running a website.
  • Brick and mortar stamp shops: While less common nowadays, physical stamp stores can still be found in some cities. These shops offer the advantage of seeing stamps in person before purchasing.
  • Stamp catalogues: Some dealers distribute printed or digital catalogues of their inventory. These can be great for browsing at your leisure and often include informative articles about stamp collecting. When I first collected stamps, the company ‘DJ Hanson’ were still in business, I still have their catalogue and it is my ambition to create something like it one day. I just love how they pack so much information into less than 10 pages. I mean they went bust so it might not be the best business idea I’ve ever had, but hey, I can still try 😉
  • Dealer networks: Organizations like the Philatelic Traders Society (PTS) and American Philatelic Society (APS) maintain directories of approved stamp dealers, which can be a reliable way to find reputable sellers.

When dealing with specialty stamp dealers, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the stamps’ condition, provenance, or historical significance. Many dealers are passionate about philately and are happy to share their knowledge. Remember to consider factors like dealer reputation, return policies, and authentication services when choosing a specialty dealer. Building a relationship with a trusted dealer can be invaluable as you grow your collection. For better or worse, big multi-corporates have revolutionised the ease and speed at which we can buy and return goods. It’s only when you have issues you realise how easy they make it.

3. Local and regional post offices

Post offices are great for current issues. I’m not sure what the case is in other countries, but here in the UK, the stamps available at the Post Office can be very limited. They may receive small orders of commemoratives and often carry definitives, but I actually find the quality a bit hit and miss so personally I tend to avoid buying. That being said if you aren’t as fussy as me about quality, then you’ll be able to get a few stamps from there when you pop in to post a parcel.

Larger regional post offices in cities tend to have a much better selection and they are a better bet if you want to buy stamps in this way.

4. Official postal services and stamp producers

National postal services and official stamp producers are one of the best sources for new issues, commemorative stamps, and some philatelic products like First Day Covers and commemorative envelopes. They offer the advantage of guaranteed authenticity and often provide detailed information about their current and future releases.

  • Royal Mail (UK): Royal Mail offers a wide range of stamps and philatelic products through their website and physical post offices. They provide stamp issue calendars, first day covers, presentation packs, and even a stamp subscription service.
  • USPS (United States): The United States Postal Service sells stamps and collectibles through their website and local post offices. They offer a diverse range of commemorative stamps, forever stamps, and philatelic products. For the UK they used to sell on eBay, but they don’t seem to any more.
  • Canada Post: Known for their innovative stamp designs, Canada Post offers stamps and collectibles through their website and postal outlets.
  • Australia Post: Provides a variety of stamps and philatelic products, including special issues celebrating Australian culture and history.
  • Other National Postal Services: Many countries have their own postal services that sell stamps directly to collectors. These can be great sources for stamps from specific countries or regions. Just search Google for the country you collect and ‘post’ or ‘buy stamps’ and it’ll come up somewhere.
  • WOPA+ (World Online Philatelic Agency): This is a unique platform that allows collectors to purchase new stamps from multiple postal administrations around the world. WOPA+ represents over 60 postal authorities, making it a convenient one-stop shop for international new issues. They offer stamps at face value and ship worldwide. This site is a hidden gem in my opinion and a credit to philately worldwide!

Buying directly from these official sources ensures you’re getting genuine, new issue stamps. Many offer pre-order services for upcoming releases and provide detailed background information on the stamps they produce. It’s best to bulk buy if you can because international postage charges are often pretty high. And sadly you won’t often get stamps on your package 😢 Remember to check these sources regularly, as they often release limited edition stamps or special commemorative issues that can quickly become collectible.

5. Stamp shows and exhibitions

Stamp shows and exhibitions are exciting events for philatelists, offering a unique opportunity to browse, buy, and learn about collectible postage stamps in a vibrant, community-oriented setting. Here’s what you might find from a stamp show:

  • A wide variety of regional dealers: These events bring together numerous dealers, from local sellers to international traders, offering a wide range of stamps, covers, and philatelic supplies.
  • A chance to chat directly with dealers: You can examine stamps in person and discuss them directly with knowledgeable dealers and fellow collectors.
  • Special releases: Some postal administrations release special stamps or cancellations exclusively at these events. Stampex is a great example of this.
  • Educational opportunities: Many shows feature lectures, workshops, and exhibits that can expand your philatelic knowledge.
  • Networking: These events are great for meeting other collectors, joining clubs, or finding mentors in the hobby.
  • Auctions: Some larger shows include live auctions where you might find unique and rare items. Or get a great deal in more common stamps no-one wants!

Major annual shows include:

Remember to bring a magnifying glass, reference materials, and a serious budget. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement and variety at these events! For larger, multi-day events make sure to take it easy and have plenty of breaks. If you can take food with you as often, food options are somewhat limited.

6. Local stamp clubs

While primarily focused on community and education, local stamp clubs can also be excellent places to purchase collectible postage stamps for your collection. You may not even have to exchange cash, with people giving stamps away for free or in return for something they are looking for. These clubs provide plenty of opportunities, whether you are a novice or experienced philatelists, to swap and buy stamps.

  • Regular meetings: Most clubs hold monthly or bi-monthly meetings where the people giving the talk have stamps and supplies to sell.
  • Club auctions: Many clubs host small-scale auctions, allowing members to buy and sell stamps in a friendly, low-pressure environment.
  • Approvals: Sometimes clubs have books of stamps (essentially approvals) which are passed round. You can look at these at your leisure. Often the profits from these stamps go towards the club.
  • Educational programs: Clubs almost always have an extensive collections of talks, workshops, and presentations on various philatelic topics. Some are held online and others in person. These can help you understand more about what to buy and where to buy it from.
  • Access to expertise: More experienced members can offer guidance on stamp identification, valuation, and collection management. Great if you are struggling with buying stamps.
  • Trading opportunities: Club meetings are excellent venues for trading duplicates or unwanted stamps with fellow collectors. You may also be able to discuss a private sale.
  • Group purchases and/or donations: Some clubs organize group buys, allowing members to benefit from bulk discounts on new issues or supplies. They may also get donations which are split into sales lots to raise money for the club.
  • Member Sales: Some clubs allow members to set up small sales tables during meetings, offering stamps and related items for purchase.

To find a local stamp club:

  • Check with your national philatelic society (e.g., the American Philatelic Society in the US or the Philatelic Traders Society in the UK)
  • Look for announcements on social media, in local newspapers or community bulletin boards
  • Search online for “[Your City/Region] Stamp Club”

Remember, while the primary focus of stamp clubs isn’t sales, they can provide unique opportunities to acquire stamps in a community setting, often at favourable prices.

7. Auction houses (online and in-person)

In-person stamp auctions offer an exciting and potentially rewarding way to acquire larger lots or higher value, specific stamps for your collection. Make sure to register with them before you start. Quite often they will accept online bids too, so if you can’t make it this is an option, though the website through which you bid may charge a fee. Many operate internationally but it is worth checking before you bid. Have a good look at the catalogue before you start, or head to the auction house itself to have an in-person peruse. Check all the terms and conditions as there will likely be a buyers premium to pay on top of your bid price. These are usually around 15-20% (plus VAT in UK) of the hammer price. It’s worth factoring this into your budget.

These events can range from small local auctions to large international specialised stamp sales. Some notable auction houses include:

To find local or regional stamp auctions:

  • Check philatelic magazines for auction announcements
  • Look for notices in stamp collecting forums or websites
  • Inquire at local stamp clubs about upcoming auctions in your area
  • Do a google search for auction houses
  • Sign up for their email lists to be notified of new sales

Remember, while auctions can be exciting, they also require careful preparation and self-discipline to create a successful buying strategy. For the first time it may be best going with someone you know who can show you the ropes. Or just observe. Or just go for something not too expensive to see how it all works. Always have a budget and stick to it.

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8. Estate sales

Estate sales can be excellent sources for acquiring stamp collections and there can be quite cool ephemera to be found also. They are kind of an extension of the auction format in the UK, but are focused on one person’s collection or estate. Here’s where to find them:

  • Online estate sale listings:
  • Local newspapers and classified ads
  • Community bulletin boards
  • Estate liquidation companies in your area
  • Auction houses that handle estates e.g. Reeman Dansie and Tennants Auctioneer
  • Real estate agents (they sometimes know about upcoming estate sales)
  • Local stamp clubs (members might have information about collector estates)

Remember that the condition and organization of stamps at estate sales can vary greatly, so careful examination is important. It’s likely things won’t be described as well because they typically don’t specialist in stamps, so it can be a bit hit and miss, and lots will be bigger. That said, it’s likely there will be few other serious stamp bidders there so you may get yourself a bargain.

9. Antiques shops and antiques dealers

Antiques shops and second hand barns are great for a rummage. I’ve found a shoe box full of cigarette cards, prestige booklets, sheets of modern issue stamps, stamp books and plenty of fun crafty material too. Here’s where you might stumble upon some stampy gems:

  • Local antiques shops – just watch the stamps aren’t over-priced
  • Antiques centres – great for books and old collections. There is unlikely to be anything of value, but they can be good for general stamp finding
  • Charity shops – anything you buy will go towards the charity which is great! I got some brand new stock books in a charity shop for just a couple of pounds each. Oxfam have a whole online shop dedicated to selling stamps.
  • Car boot sales – go early and rummage and be prepared to haggle for your stamps. Could be hit or miss on the value for money aspect. Most likely to be low value collections, but the owner may demand a higher price than they are worth. Bargains also abound though.
  • Antiques fairs – similar to collectors fairs and shows as mentioned above. More general antiques fairs often have a stamp seller or two.

Keep your eyes peeled for:

  • Old albums tucked away on shelves or underneath other books
  • Boxes of postcards (might have some cracking stamps on them)
  • Vintage suitcases (sometimes they’re full of surprises)
  • Old letters or documents (could have some interesting stamps)

Make friends with the shop owners. Let them know you’re into stamps – they might give you a bell when something interesting comes in.

10. Approvals

Right, let’s chat about approvals as a fun way to buy collectible postage stamps. This is a bit of an old-school way of buying stamps, but it’s still kicking around and is a really relaxing way of buying! Approvals are getting stamps on a try-before-you-buy basis. Many moons ago when I started stamp collecting, I used to get approvals from a company called DJ Hanson. They have since gone bust, but I still remember the excitement of getting a new selection of stamps through the door each month.

Approvals are great if you are trying to fill holes in your collection with specific stamps, you like to see what you are buying before, well, buying, or you are just looking for some inspiring new stamps to add to your collection.

Here’s how it usually works:

  • You sign up with an approvals dealer
  • They send you a bunch of stamps to look at
  • You keep (and pay for) the ones you like
  • You send back the rest

Where can you find approvals services?

Just remember to read the small print and stick to reputable dealers. You don’t want to end up with a stamp subscription you can’t cancel! I would suggest trying a few out. I got approvals for a period of time from one of the companies above – not naming names – and I was not impressed with the quality of the stamps. Many were dirty and had poor cancellations. Not great in my eye! I ended up not buying much and cancelling them.

11. Social media platforms

Selling through social media platforms may seem like a slightly odd place to sell stamps, but seek and ye might find! But, and there is a big but.

I’m going to keep this section suitably vague for the time being because the online media platforms are vast, and quite frankly pretty over-whelming. If you are looking to buy stamps through these I would advertise caution in the first instance. They have a very much higher than average number of people who know nothing about stamps other than their stamps are of course worth a lot of money…

I would, personally, use social media platforms as a facilitator for buying and figuring out authenticity, rather than buying stamps directly through them. There are a very few exceptions.

  • Facebook marketplace and groups – be wary of over-priced items on Facebook marketplace, but you never know what you might find. Sometimes there are curiosities. There are plenty of Facebook groups out there. I don’t personally use Facebook so I find it difficult to pinpoint what might be useful groups. I would stick to ones from stamp clubs local to you if you are buying. Socialising about stamps of course is an entirely different matter, and an entirely different post.
  • Reddit – e.g. r/philately; there are plenty of discussions here, but again I wouldn’t recommend buying directly. You may be able to get recommendations of places to buy, especially if multiple users feel the same way about a business.
  • Instagram – dealers and other sellers will have links to their shops on their home feed. I don’t find it overly useful for stamp selling people or businesses, but its amazing for inspiration and craft supplies. Though check out these two sellers who are both legit, modern, female-led(!!), stampy businesses, a bit like mine:
  • X – best for updates on auctions and sellers from the relevant feeds
  • YouTube – sometimes live auctions are broadcast through YouTube e.g. Spink; also check out Exploring Stamps. Graham hasn’t posted in a while, but there is a treasure trove of previous videos to help you figure out your collection and what you might want to buy.

If you do buy something through the socials, do your due diligence and only buy from someone you fully trust.

Well that was a long list, and one to which I will add new places as I discover them! From dusty old antique shops to modern online stores, there’s no shortage of places to buy new or old collectible postage stamps.

I hope you have found this list helpful. Do you have any recommendations for places to buy stamps and stamp collections?

Happy hunting!

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