Why most stamp collecting / inventory software solutions suck?
This week I’ll be dealing with topics related to stamp collecting on “PC / Internet era”. Let’s begin with one of my favourite topic: why most postage stamp collecting / inventory programs suck? This is a rather long rant, so sit back and take a hot cup of your favourite drink while reading 
Update: You might also want to check out Keeping track of stamp collection article for my free stamp inventory tool.
I don’t want to manually enter all basic information
Like most “geeks”, I’m somewhat lazy by nature. I dislike the idea of manually typing details of each stamp to inventory program. I want my inventory program to provide a (preferrably visual) list of (all) issued stamps with basic set of details – leaving me only with the task of selecting what I have or don’t have and providing additional details. It would be also great if I could use any of the major catalogue systems for numbering. Sounds like a GREAT product, but…
In reality, nearly all stamp inventory programs require (huge amounts of) manual data entry for each item. In case of small or single country collections this is not such an obstacle, but for example I would be completely screwed. Try entering details of over 50k+ worldwide stamps manually. If a single item would take 3-4 minutes of time, I’d be done in a 1-2 years or so if I worked with inventory from 9am – 5pm every and each day.
The reason for missing “magic feature” is – believe it or not – stamp catalog publishers. They are very protective with their content: catalogue number systems are protected, item descriptions / background details are also under very strict copyright, heck – even prices/values in catalogues are heavily guarded. For example providing public cross-comparison lists between numbering systems of different catalogues is a big NO-NO.
I do understand the reasons for this behaviour (as I work with content/publishing industry): content is valuable and it should be protected from illegal use. But IMHO the current way is doing more harm than good for the future of stamp collecting.
Notice how I bolded the “nearly all” part few paragraphs above? I think Amos Advantage (publisher of Scott catalogues) is currently the only major publisher, that has “licensed” parts of their data for external software providers as well as providing their own tools. Other catalogue publishers are working solely with their own digital catalogue product lines to compete on this area. Stanley Gibbons MyCollection is a very attractive product, but somewhat limited by details and features. Michel’s online catalogue (basic and premium version available, read the review in tomorrow’s blog post) comes sadly far behind – it’s even worse than the Michel Software CD’s that ship with printed Michel catalogues. I believe that also Yvert & Tellier currently has digital product line too, but I haven’t seen it.
This has created an interesting situation that could shatter the balance of catalogue publishers. Scott has always been strong in US and Canada, Michel is popular in Europe, Stanley Gibbons is de facto in Great Britain and Commonwealth countries. And it’s been like this for 50-100 years… But… Scott seems to be currently the only one actively responding to needs of modern day collectors. So who knows – maybe European collectors will abandon SG/Michel/YT, and shift to Scott…
I want it to be nice and simple
Ever seen a stamp inventory program? Most of the inventory programs are ugly as hell, and a true usability nightmare. Tens of checkboxes, input fields, multiple buttons, scrolling in all directions… ugh… they make you really “sad” if you are experienced with professional looking software. Below is an image of EZ stamps – and yes, this is one of the best pieces of stamp collecting software in early 2009 (update: in 2010 my vote goes to MichelSoft9).
I would prefer the software to look great, be simple and highly customizable. So far all programs I’ve seen lack these simple requirements more or less.
If all existing stamp inventory suck, then what do you use?
It’s not hard to guess… I don’t use an inventory program. I have tried most programs available – some of them more than once (with releases of new versions/updates). But… I find them simply waste of time and money.
I use Microsoft Excel (version 2007 ) to maintain a simple personal inventory, that holds country specific general details: how many stamps do I have, how many stamps are issued in that country, what stockbook are the stamps in etc. I’ve also listed some of the better items in finer detail using Excel.To be honest, Excel is IMO much more flexible, easier-to-use and powerful than any of the available stamp inventory programs.
But that’s just my 2 cents – for some the existing inventory solutions might be an excellent solution worth a try. The good part is that like with any software, you can usually try the 15-30 day demo/trial editions available on the manufacturers internet site free of charge.
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Hi Keijo, I’ve been using the very basic database program that comes as part of the Microsoft Works suite. Suits me fine as it gives me ample sorting flexibility and is much easier to use than Microsoft’s full-featured database (Access). It’s still a pain to enter all the details, but at least you get to choose which details are important to you!
Hi Larry,
I know entering details is true pain…
Lately I’ve been playing with speech recognition (speech-to-text) software like Windows Vista Speech Recognition and Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking to overcome the boring typing phase. I have to confess that I’m having very mixed feelings if speech could be the “ultimate solution”.
It helps hugely that you don’t have to sit in front of computer to enter information (and both hands can be used to browse catalogues,stamps etc). But there are also severe downsides; like the need to “talk robot english” (which gets very frustrating after 50-100 items).
best,
-keijo-
Thanks for your article! I inherited a rather large US and Canada collection and need to get my arms around it. I’m considering purchasing Liberty Street StampManage S/W. I’m already having trouble identifying many of the stamps and supposedly, this S/W will help. Any comments about StampManage?
Hi Joe,
As a general opinion, I’d say that
1) for general (or new) collector the traditional printed stamp catalogues and other reference books are the best & simplest solution for stamp identification.
2) For advanced (highly specialized) collector a software like StampManage can be a usefull asset (because of high resolution images and few other features included).
My advice for You would be to try the free trial / demo (of Deluxe) version found on Libertystreet website. It will work for 30 days, after which you need to pay for license/registration if interested in using it further. I’d say that in day or two You will notice if the software is any use for you.
-keijo-
Could you send me the excel template you use to catalog your stamps? Thank you
Hi Eric,
email sent few minutes ago.
-keijo-
ello Keijo,
Could you send me the excel template you use to
catalog your stamps? Thank you.
Alex
Hi Alex,
email sent – check your inbox for message with subject “Stamp Collecting Blog / template file”. Hope you’ll like it.
Would greatly appreciate if you could email me a copy of your Excel template, thanks
@Alex Franks… email with template + instructions sent few minutes ago.
hi keijo
a refreshing insight inline with my own experience, could i beg a copy of your excel template to give it a try,thank you ken
Hi Ken,
I have sent a copy of the Excel template to your inbox.
Hi Keijo;
Like you I have decided excel is the way to go. The new databases are so bloated that it is hard getting around them. I would be very grateful for a copy of your template.
Hi Barb,
email with template sent. Please check your inbox.
Keijo:
I have just started to read your blog and find it extremely useful.
I am looking for a stamp software package and have the same concerns expressed by you and other readers.
I would be extremely grateful if you would forward to me your excel template and instructions.
Many thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
and thanks for the compliments
Please check your inbox for template with instructions.
best,
-keijo-
Hi Keijo,
I’m a new subscriber to your weekly newsletter,
I find it very interesting and informative,
I like to read all the blogs from other collectors
I tried to Google for the excel templates for stamp collecting but I’m finding out that it’s easier to
ask you to forward me your excel templates,
Thank You for all you do for all of us collectors.
Hope you had a nice Hallomas
(did I spell that right?)
Jayne
Hi Jayne,
and thanks. It’s good to get some feedback from people using the weekly newsletter.
Template file with instructions sent. Hope You find it usefull / practical.
best,
-keijo-
PS. I did have a nice hallowmass and halloween. Thanks for asking.
Keijo,
I would be grateful for a copy of your excel template.
Thank you,
John
Hi John,
template sent few minutes ago. Please check your email.
Keijo, like you, I have “made” my own Excel spreadsheet for US stamps, but would very much like to see your template, so I can improve my own. Thanks in advance!!!
Hi Dan,
I just sent you email with template file attached. If the message is not visible in your inbox, please take a peek to junkmail folder.
I have used 3 different programs to inventory my collection. I first tried stamp manage & it was a waste of time and money. ZERO support. Images sucked. Looks like most were ripped from ebay and catalogs. I deleted that crappy software & then bought SCDB – stamp collection data base. Way too primitive, no support & very limited. So, a friend recommended I try ezstamps which I did about a year ago. What a great product and exceptional service. They actually answer their phone. One time they called me. Images are fantastic. They scan all the images for you & you can tell the difference. It is easy to use & suits my needs perfectly. The have over 150 countries & I collect worldwide. I highly recommend this product.
Keijo, Thanks for the info on Excel. I have tried several demo on stamp collecting and have not found one I like. Liberty Street is the best so far. I would like to try Excel would you send the template.
Thanks, Ronn
Hi Richard,
it’s great you have found a product that works for You.
ezStamps may be on the right track (especially with customer service and image quality), but they still have a long way to go before they get my approval. Very likely it is one of the best available stamp inventory products with pre-entered details, but…The sad and undeniable truth is that their databases still lack A HUGE AMOUNT of w/w stamp issues even on simplified level. Buying a product as this would comparible to buying a w/w catalogue that has most of the pages gone; it simply doesn’t justify the cost… But that’s just my opinion.
Hi Ronn,
I will sent template with instructions in no time.
having just returned to stamps after some 40 years away I woulld appreciate a copy of your excel template
Hi Pete,
please check your inbox for template and instructions.
Keijo – I’ve also found excel to be the best way to go. However my approach so far is fairly crude. Can you send me a copy of your template.
THanks
BOb
Hi Bob,
I just sent you email with template and instructions. Hope you find it useful.
Hi Keijo
A very interesting article. Just dug out my GB collection after many years and can’t believe the quantity of stamps accumulated. I would appreciate a copy of your excel template to help me to get them into some sort of order.
Thanks, derek
Hi Keljo,
Thanks for the info on the software. I inherited my dad’s stamp collection and I’m looking for a way to get a grip on it! As a teenager, he had a business selling stamps through magazines and thus I know have stamps from all over the world – mostly 1920’s – 1950’s. LOTS of stamps!
Could you please send me a copy of your template? I’d be ever so grateful!
Hi Derek,
please check your inbox you’ve got mail.
Hi Suzi,
please check your inbox… Getting an understanding of any large collection is a huge task, and the best advice I can give is “give it a lot of time” (weeks, months, possibly years). Read the catalogues, read stamp related literature, educate yourself… Knowledge is power.
Best,
-keijo-
Most of these inventyory program suck becasue they have been made generic under the covers and just have a small “wrapper” on them which addresses the stamp collecint filed. They also can have a “wrapper: for sporots cards, antiques, coins, you name it
Hi Keijo,
Have just found your site while looking for a stamp catalogue database, and am very impressed with your opinions.
Could you please sen me a copy of your excel template and instructions.
Regards, Bill
Hi Bill,
please check your email inbox.
Happy new year!
-keijo-
Hi could you please send me a copy of your template? I’d be ever so grateful! Thank you.
Regards,
Gerard
Hi Gerard,
You’ve got mail.
best,
-keijo-
Hello Keijo
AS one of the last of the all world stamp collecvtors I would appreciate a copy of your EXCEL TEMPLATE SCOTTISH LANGUAGE VERSION
FOR AULD LANG SYNE my friend
Hello Howard,
we worldwide collectors must definitely stick together, so you’ve got mail
Take care, my trusty fiere !
Hi Keijo,
I am new in the stamp-collecting world, but it seems fascinating already. I have inherite some and bought few off ebay, I am currently trying to make sense out of them.
I thought a piece of software would help – this is how I got to your blog. Would it be too much to ask for a copy of your Excel template?
By the way, I found your comments on stamps software really helpful.
Many thanks in advance,
Adrian G.
Hi Adrian,
and thanks… I’ve said this before, but IMHO software (even at it’s best) is nothing but a sidekick. This is a “paper hobby”, and to get in You must spend some serious time with the “paper”. Read stamp related books and articles, spend time studying stamp catalogs etc. And above all, give it a lot of time. Starting off is always the most difficult part
Anyway, I’ve sent you the template.
best,
-keijo-
Hi Keijo!
I love your website! Very useful to anyone that collects. I’ve been doing this since I was a kid and have tried many(alot) versions of software for stamps. None of which were useful. You couln’t have said it better on your blog “they suck”.
I hate to be the umpteenth person to ask for the Excel template….but could I get a copy? I would be most greatful.
Thanks,
Melissa
keijo
I wonder if you could send me your excel template. I have been looking at the SG inentory. It looks basic but I am tempted but I guess if you don’g resubscribe each year you lose the data
Anyway I would welcome getting a copy of your excel template
Regards
Mike
Hi Melissa, Hi Mike,
@melissa… I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hope that better solutions appear one day. But I fear it is going to be a long wait…
@mike… Sadly that is pretty much how most subscription based online tools work. With SG myCollection you can export your data (as Excel or CSV), but AFAIK there is no simple way to push it all back in at one go if you return at later point.
Anyway, you both got mail including template and instructions.
best,
-keijo-
Hi keijo
Thank you for your response. Im not sure where the email went perhaps you could resend the template and instructions again
Regards
Mike
Hi Mike,
As many ISP’s use a very strict filtering (=all/most email from unaccepted recipients ends up to junk), you might want to check your junk mail / deleted messages folder… Anyway, a new attempt has been sent. Hopefully it arrives safe and sound.
Hello Keijo – We seem to have travelled the same road. I’ve probably wasted $300 trying different pre-packaged software inventory solutions. Like you, I’ve decided that I can do as good a job as they have using Excel and get exactly the data and format I want. I can sort, filter, print want lists and value my collection with ease. It takes a lot of time for basic data entry, but entering data while watching TV makes the job go faster.
Good morning,
I was directed to your blog from another Stamp Forum. I really enjoy the work you are doing, thanks.
Since my collection is currently fairly small I would love a copy of your Excel list so I can get organized now rather then later.
Thanks again.
Hi Drew,
you’ve got mail… I agree that it’s much easier to start building an “inventory” early than at later point.
Please send your MS Excel template…thanks, Dick
Hi Dick,
you’ve got mail.
Keijo,
I tried making my own excel spreadsheet and it was beginning to look pretty good and then I didn’t do what I told my kids to do with their school work – BACK IT UP.
You guessed it – I had a computer crash and lost everything.
I would really appreciate getting a copy of your template as I don’t want to do this from scratch again.
Thanks again for making our hobby a little simpler.
Hi Clayton,
email with the template is on it’s way…
excellent discussion
May I please have a copy of your templates.
Have been looking for years for a good software program. Still looking
Rick R
Hi Keijo,
Could you please send me your excel template, just inherited my grandfathers worldwide stamp collection and I need to start cataloging what I got as he never did.
Thank so much
Richard & Todd,
you both have mail…
Could you please send me a copy of your template? I am debating whether or not to purchase E Z Stamp Software and would like to compare the spreadsheet system with that program. Many thanks. Ruth
Hi Ruth,
I just sent you email containing the template and instructions.
Very interesting notes, I made a pretty basic spreadsheet in Lotus 123, put my entire collecction into it, didn’t back it up and my computer completely died.
I would greatly appreciate a copy of your template so I can spend the next 10 years reentering.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Martin
Hi Martin,
that is a truly sad story. If you still have that PC, it’s possibly worth showing it someone who does computer repairs. These days there are very few cases where hard drive contents can’t be saved. Usually it’s just 10-20 minute operation of hooking up few wires and letting the computers do their work.
Anyway, I have sent you my template with instructions.
I just inherited a stamp collection. I’ve been thinking about doing a excel spreadsheet. But why reinvent the wheel – would really like a copy of your template. Thanks so Much! Floyd
Hi Floyd,
please check your email for template and instructions.
Hi,
Can I get a copy of your template please. Getting back into hobby after several decades but don’t want to go crazy with buying software that may not meet my needs. Interested in seeing what your template has to offer.
Thanks
Hi Kevin,
please check your email.
Keijo!
Me too!
Cheers!
Hi Saurin,
please check your email for template and instructions.
Hello!
I have also been using excel to store information of the stamps, however I am keen to have a copy of your template too. I hope that you can forward it to me too.
Thanks/REgards
Mansoor.B
Hi Mansoor,
just sent you email.
I have a huge number of stamps and postal history items and wish to identify the variations contained in examples of the more interesting/valuable/popular stamps. For example the “standard” catalogues list basic variations, slight differences in shade/colour, and occasional basic flaws in printing. The more “specialized”, and expensive, fully detailed catalogues, list most of the known minor variations, flaws, errors, shifts, omissions, and with many of the most popular postage stamps, which could be in production for 20 or more years, there are often dozens of these errors, variations,flaws etc. So each single QEII red penny postage stamp, of which I have perhaps 500 needs to be examined for twenty or thirty of these distinctions. Far too time consuming.
However, the world’s police forces have a similar problem with fingerprints and their variations. They have cracked this problem by the use of digital scanners and computer technology, so why can’t we use a similar system for our postage stamps?
Yes, the time needed to enter/scan all the variations is very long, but as a scan takes about 15 seconds, and a computer comparision is achieved in the blink of an eye, once someone starts loading the images ( and maybe 30 or more similar stamps could be scanned at the same moment, using a thin perforated “mesh” or “net” ) the computer would start the process of identification and the results would arrive.
So, who out there is computer literate enough to start creating the programme – TIPS – Tunstill’s Identification of Postage Stamps?
Who out there knows someone in the police force who can lead us to the people who created the fingerprint programme and can create TIPS-01?
Who out there wants to become part of this new venture and start to load your collection into a TIPS database?
I’ll be interested to hear from you.
Best wishes
John Tunstill
copyright 2010 John Tunstill
…………and Ive just looked at the ezstamps site, and maybe their programmes, WFID and EzGrader are the first steps in this new direction of TIPS
John Tunstill
John,
Yes, automated stamp identification is possible (as seen by certain products).
And yes, techically speaking it’s even somewhat easy to create a program providing a basic stamp identification for limited set of data.
And yes, as a geek I’ve thought about writing such a program.
BUT going further than basic identification (and large scale) would make it very hard to implement.
At first the program should check the dimensions of stamp (total size and design) and perforation; and find matching stamps (from database) based on these specifications. At basic level this is somewhat trivial task. But if going to exceptions you find in specialized stuff, it would add lots of complexity to it.
Even more daunting mission would be identification of stamp image / design, and especially varieties from them. This would require for example creation a matrix (or similar) containing color samples from predefined positions / areas; and once again finding matching stamps from database. Sounds simple, but is not. I think the image below explains this best:
Above are 3 similar stamps having 3 colors samples taken from each. And there is no single precise match (= horizontal line with same colors)… Of course a program can be written to adhere such variations of input samples, but it adds lots of complexity to it. And the more details you want the program to check, the more difficult it gets to implement.
And finally, the greatest obstacle of all (and this is the reason why I have never even tried to write such a program)… It’s building up the database of items to compare against. A global stamp identification program would require scanning and entering of roughly 600,000 stamps with descriptions etc. Add up varieties, and you are dealing with millions of items…Even on simplest form this task alone would require enormous amounts of time other resources…. But of course there is no need to go world wide or all eras – and this is what for example eZStamps doing.
And finally, there are two very important aspects I think anyone wishing such a program should think carefully. First, a program can do / find only what it’s programmed to look for. For example it will not detect unknown varieties (as they don’t “exist in programs realm”). And secondly, would it not kill the FUN from studying stamps?
Hi,
I would like to receive the excel template that everbody is talking about, will like to try to see if I can organise my collection, would really appreciate.
Thanks,
George
Hi George,
just sent you email with template and instructions.
Hi..i just started collecting entire world.
I am still pondering whether to use a single catalogue system, like SG / Michel / Scotts for the entire world, for consistency, or to use different ones for each country.
The latter would mean more catalogs to buy i guess.
I like your idea of entering data early on, in Excel etc, since it would be a nightmare later on i guess.
Any way i could receive a copy of your Excel file ?
Thanks for your great website. sooo much good information
)
Best Regards
Jens
Hi Jens,
Personally I’d say that it is best to start with a single catalogue system, and then when you have more experience/knowledge (as well as items) to extend it to cover others as well.
Anyway, a template with instructions will be sent shortly.
best,
-keijo-
Hi Keijo. I would love to see your spreadsheet. I inherrited a collection and I need a good way to make sense of it!
Thanks,
Richard
Hi Keijo,
Why am I not surprised that you have thought about a stamp recognition software
I have also thought about this and believe as you that it is quite complex, but not impossible. In fact much of the algorithms needed can be borrowed and modified from facial recognition sytems. Even Picasa has a cool FRS feature one can use to find all photos of a certain person. Some of the weaknesses associated with FRS (profile views, poor lighting) are not present with stamp images.
Working in grayscale (removing the cancel layer first) can simplify things.
Of course there would be limitations to such a software, especially with colors as not everyone uses the same scanner.
Collecting images for a DB can be done automatically by mining appropriate images from the web.
I am currently too busy with other coding, but if I find some time this summer I may play around with the idea.
David
Hi David,
Now we do have a serious problem… Do we try to finalize our stamp exchange next summer, or do we code? LOL
Keijo –Like others, I, too, have inherited alot of stuff from grandparents (they both worked for the USPS during the 30s) and now am trying to figure out what I’ve got.
I’m glad I found your website and would like to receive a copy of your spreadsheet.
Thanks!!
Michele
Hi Keljo!
And stamp inventory programs are non-existant for us Mac users
I inherited a modest collection, primarily US PB’s, and started selective automotive racing stamps a few years ago.
I started Filemaker database, and almost got it to work how I wanted, but kept on getting errors in report generations. One would think this is relatively straightforward, as FM is supposedly coded for ease of creation…Ha!
I then setup a basic spreadsheet, and it works for the information that I think is critical to establish, but I’ll bet I’m overlooking a data-point or two.
I’d very much like to see a copy of your spreadsheet to see how I can enhance what I started.
Cheers!
/eddie
Hi Eddie,
you’ve got mail… My spreadsheet is very simple and basic too; so I don’t believe it will provide you (lots of) enhancement ideas. Instead I use / rely heavily on tools (like Pivot-table, filtering, formulas, VBA-code etc) Excel provides to make most of it.
I would very much appreciate a copy of your excel template. Though i like that stampmanage has images of some of the stamps it’s just too expensive for me at the moment.
Love your site and really appreciate your hard work.
Laura
Hi Laura,
please check your inbox for template and a short how-to.
The Excell spreadsheet sounds like the solution to organizing my collection – long overdue!
Could I please receive the spreadsheet too –
Thank you
Hi Edward,
one spreadsheet coming your way…
Hi:
I have a large world wide collection and no spread sheet program. Could you send me a text version of your template. I am contemplating just using word processing to keep a list of what I have.
thanks
Dave W
And thats the main reason why my stamps are in big box and have been there like 30 years now. Got them from my grandparents and i have added some with all those years, but main reason they are there is lack of nice software for stamp collectors
Hi Dave,
You can create a simple text template yourself by adding 4 columns to text file: cat id, prefix, cat. value and notes – and start entering information. Could not be any simpler IMHO.
Hi Dilbert,
to me that sounds very illogical; seriously. The reason I use/build an inventory in digital format is mainly because of insurance etc. reasons. I don’t “need” a software to collect stamps; nor do I feel that any software would help me to do or enjoy about that. After all, software is nothing more but a tool … But that’s just my opinion. LOL.
Hi Keijo
I too have recently inherited a stamp collection & would appreciate a copy of the Excel spreadsheet. Many thanks
Tony
Tony and Karen,
Just sent you both email containing template and instructions. Hope you find it useful.
Can you please send me a copy of your spreadsheet template? I am just introducing my son to stamp collecting with a collection I inheirited from my father. Thanks!
Sure. Email with template + instructions will be soon it’s way.
Hallo Keijo,
I have, like many of your other writers, also inherited my Father’s massive South African stamp collection. He collected for most of his life and did it big, he did 100 of each 1 st day cover and then 100 mint blocks of each.
I was wondering if your template would be of any help to me in an effort to sort the collection? I would like to add Photo’s of each cover, will your template allow that?
Would also like to send you some picks, maybe you have so other idea how I could catalog the collection.
Your Blog is beautifully !!
Hi Johan,
By default the template allows same features as normal Excel workbook, so inclusion of photos / image data is possible but very awkward / clumsy (as You can’t embed or attach images to specific cells). But by using a custom VBA-code or external (commercial) add-on Excel’s built-in image functionality can be enhanced a lot. But this is something for each template user to built and decide on their own.
As for cataloging the collection… I have no other advice than do it one item at a time. The order in which you type in the details has very little meaning, as you can later on use Excel’s built-in filtering and sorting tools etc. to re-arrange information.
I’ve sent my template for you to try out.
Hi Keijo
I’ve read many of the comments here and it seems a lot of us have our grandparents to thank for keeping us out of trouble and enrichening our minds. While my grandparents never had Excel to help organize their collection, or a computer of any kind, I think I’d like to give it a try. Could you please send me your template. Thanks in advance. Ken
Hi Ken,
just sent you email with template + instructions.
Agree with Ken above. All the grandparents who are long gone, are still affecting our lives. I’ve spent many hours pouring over my grandfather’s collection, thoroughly enjoying each minute. If you could send the template, it would be much appreciated. Thanks, Norm
Hi Keijo
I’m back in the hobby after 20 years, and I’m a Mexico collector. I have already download the Ezstamps trial, but as you say its very complicate, I really appreciate if you can send me your Excel template, hope can work for me
Thanks, great blog
Raymundo
Hi Norm and Raymundo,
just sent you both email. I hope you find the Excel-template useful.
Just discovered your blog. Terrific! Have been researching software and finally found you. The Excel template may be the answer, but I’m more interested in the directions. Everything seems so complicated (I’m…ahem…mature) and I just want to list and track a small collection of cinderella’s in a way that will allow easy additions and updates of listings. Could it really be as easy as you say? I hope so.
Congratulations on a superb blog…do you really have a job as well as this labor of love?
Wolf Berry
Hi Wolf,
I fear anything related to computers will not be as easy (or comfortable) to use as pen & paper. But of the available alternatives, I think that simple spreadsheets do offer most flexibility and ease-of-use. So I’ll be sending you email with instructions and template to try out.
And yes, I do have a real daily job (and family life) besides this blog. I own/run a small business that is specialized in providing professional solutions (consulting,training, subcontracting etc) mainly for ICT and marketing industry… And yes, sometimes my job does distract my collecting activities, LOL.
Hi Keijo,
I would like to receive your excel template. Many thanks.
Victor
Hi Victor,
you (too) got mail…
Keijo, I came across your site when searching for a good stamp software program.
Could I get your excel sheet template ? I’ve been hacking away at my own with different degrees of satisfaction.
Thanks, if you can.
Kenny
Hi Kenny,
just sent you email.
Hi Keijo: I am going to try to reserect my mess of a stamp collection. I have tried a couple of stamp software programs, but as you say, the stink! My pc is running Vista. Could I beg for a copy of template? And will EXCEL work with Vista?
Hi John,
You need to have Microsoft Excel 2007 (or newer) installed on your computer. Otherwise the template will not work. These version of Excel work very well with Windows Vista.
Hi all, just wanted to share my experiences with stamp software as of late. About 4 months ago I purchased stamp manage & i must say i was not impressed. Zero support, bad images, wrong data etc etc. I decided i would call up ezstamps & see what hey had to offer. I spoke to someone there ( mario I think ) & we spoke at length. To make a long story short, I am super happy. I bought his DVD edition & the Stamp recognition stuff. Works fantastic. When varieties exist for a stamp ( ie perf or watermark ), the program obviously cant determine which it is, but it was smart enough to pull them all up and let me decide which one it is. The inventory program is very complete, accurate and super easy to use. I recommend this to any collector. The support behind the products is also AWESOME.
Super timely responses and very nice people. if you need or want software to track your stamps, it is a great system to use.
Cheng
Thanks for the comment, Cheng.
It is interesting to see that the discussion is gathering comments both in favor and against of eZStamps and StampManage. It just shows that one shoe does not fit all.
I wonder when somebody starts to praise / criticize MichelSoft9 (which is something I personally consider the best commercial stamp inventory program in 2010AD), LOL.
-keijo-
Hi Keijo,
I’d really appreciate you sending me your excel template.
Just as everybody else here, looking for a pretty simple way to keep up with the inventory…Thanks in advance!
Fredy
Hi Freddy,
just sent you email with template and instructions. It should be waiting at your inbox (and if not, then please check the junk mail folder).
-keijo-
Like many of the collectors, I have tried SCDB and Ezstamp, and am not completely satisfied with reports, screen, etc. If you would share your spreadsheet with me, I would be most grateful.
Hi Dorinda,
And thanks for sharing your opinion about SCDB and EZStamp… One email on it’s way to Your inbox.
Sir could you please send me your excel template. Thank you.
Hey! what about me?… Keijo let’s see your wonderful template!
cause, later or sooner we all are going bananas trying to do something nice and easy to handle…
Cheers!!
Holla!…are you sure it will be OK with windows 7?… LOL!!
Gesundheit!
@Therman and Fred… Email with template and simple instructions sent to both.
Hi K,
Have been tinkering since my Commodore 64 days with stamp inventorying but never found something I really liked. Still tweaking a FileMaker Pro project. But I’d love to see your Excel template.
Thanks and regards
Hi Joel,
As written several times on the comments, the Excel template is nothing more than few columns where folks need to type the details. Very simple and plain – and surprisingly efficient…. But as requested, I’m sending you email with template + instructions.
I can honestly say that if you have FileMaker db for stamp inventory, then Your solution likely outperforms mine in number of advanced features
Would greatly appreciate if you could email me a copy of your Excel template, thanks
@bobby… You’ve got mail.
I have been using 3d stamp inventory program for about 4 years, a lot better than ez or stamp manage
Would greatly appreciate if you could email me a copy of your Excel template, thanks
@dgn_man… I’ve heard about 3D few times, but never tried it in practise. And their website, http://www.pozarevac.com/3dstamp/3dstamp.htm, does leave lots of open issues.
Am I correct to assume that 3D doesn’t come with any pre-included data (stamp images, descriptions etc)? The installation requirements would seem to suggest this. If so, then it would IMHO fall flat if compared to MichelSoft,eZStamps etc. Though they are miles away from being perfect (or usable in the long run), they at least provide some (or in MichelSofts case a lot more) pre-entered data in return for the money.
(And yes, I know… I’m being very critical / skeptical here. But I’ve simply seen a one too many misc stamp inventory solutions that promises a lot, but in the end they provide nothing that I’d consider truly worth their selling price…)
@Robert… Will send template and instructions soon.