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Keeping track of stamp collection

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In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes. The idea of stamp inventory program (and other other stamp collecting software) is to be of assistance when either one hits the collector. On simplified level, a stamp inventory solution keeps track of what’s inside the collectors collection, and what it might be worth. In my previous post about stamp collecting software I pretty much axed dedicated software solutions and hailed Microsoft Excel. With this post I’ll show you in more detail how I keep track of my collection.

How my approach works

A blanc mounting piece - you can easily make these any size and shape you wish.

I’ve seen multiple stamp inventory solutions, and most of them try to convert simple inventory keeping to rocket science, when all you need is simple plan and some patience.

1) Build a stamp collection and keep it in order.
I store each country separately on stamp stockbooks and place stamps in chronological order on pages. Keeping stamp id (catalogue number) next to stamp is something I recommend highly, as it will make life much easier on the long run.

Some write id’s on the back of stamp (not preferred, but very common and easy practise), some write id’s on the page under/below the stamp (better and equally easy, but very unpractical if you must shift stamp locations). The preferred solution is a separate mounting piece with details field; this way the information goes with your stamp.

2) Enter details of stamps you have to Excel.
The next step is to enter details of stamps You have to spreadsheet. If you have the ID’s clearly marked next to stamps, this stage will be simple (but boring) typing… Having an extra pair of eyes (like wife/husband) is very usefull at this stage.

I’ve seen several inventory programs that provide tens of fields for data entry. For me three fields is enough: catalogue id, catalogue id prefix and notes.

3) Enter catalogue values
The last step is equally simple (but boring) typing… Just enter catalogue values matching the stamps you have. And once again, having an extra pair of eyes/hands is more than helpfull.

4) Repeat
Repeat steps 1-3 as your collection grows.

What my working space looks like

Here’s what my desktop looks like when I work with my “stamp inventory”.

Working with my stamp inventory... I'm reorganizing my US collection right now, so this picture shows a small set of US stamps information I have.

On the left you can see Excel worksheet containing the items I have, on the right you can see Michel online catalogue… I must stress that this is just one possible example of how to build a personal inventory… If you don’t have access to any online catalogue, then you can simply use a printed catalogue. Or if you don’t like typing, you can always write details by hand on paper first, then scan the paper and finally perform OCR (meaning optical character recognition) on it… The end result would be same in all situations – an electronical documentation of your collection. Level of accuracy and number of information is something each and every collector should judge needwise.

Why to use some kind of inventory solution

Finally there’s the question… why spend time on building this kind of inventory? To be honest, IMO most stamp collectors will do just fine without spending any time or though on inventoring their collection. But IF a stamp collection grows above the limits of “normal”, one should start considering the financial aspects and “what if”-factors like insurance, taxes and even death.

A properly build inventory solves a lot of problems involved.Take for my example my collection of 50k worldwide items…If it is was put on sale (for some reason), would a dealer/auctioneer go trough all my 70+ stockbooks, page by page, stamp by stamp? Heck, no! Most likely the collection would be valued as single gigantic lot with very low price per stamp. Important lesson I have learned from professional stamp dealers is that they are not interested in spending time sorting stamps. They just want to know if there are any goodies available, pick ‘em up and leave the low value stamps as-is… And this is just one situation where a stamp inventory solution can be of great assistance.

PS. If anyone wants to have a copy of my “inventory file”-template (= structure, but no stamp data), feel free to leave a comment. I’ll be more than happy to share it…

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This article is filed under Generally speaking - Deep thoughts about stamps, life and everything, How to collect stamps - guide to stamp collecting basics, Stamp collecting software and online services. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Jonathan wrote (on June 23, 2009) :

Most interesting article giving me plenty of food for thought.

Cheers
Jonathan

Miha wrote (on June 24, 2009) :

Hello,
For some time I read your blog and posts with interest. I tried several different “catalogue” software, freeware or proprietary and there is no “ideal”, especially for Michel number collector inventory. I didn’t know there is Michel online stamp catalogue, is this also to establish your own collection within in?
Yes, and me also, would like to check your template.

Best regards from Slovenia,
Miha

Keijo wrote (on June 25, 2009) :

@Miha… The Michel online catalogue does not have a “my collection” feature. I hope Michel will include it some day, but I dread it’s not going to happen soon… Here’s a link to review of Michel online stamp catalogue I did earlier: http://www.stampcollectingblog.com/a-short-review-of-michel-online-stamp-catalogue.php

Erik Thureson wrote (on September 22, 2009) :

Hi Keijo,
I have tried a few different stamp inventory programs including EzStamp and another called Stamp Organizer Deluxe. Although initially I liked EzStamp I am now favoring Stamp Organizer Deluxe due to its Excel look and “feel”. In the end though something simple is likely best in order avoid a lot of data entry.
Please email me your template that I may try.

Regards,
Erik

Erik Thureson wrote (on September 30, 2009) :

Hi again Keijo,
I would really like to make blank mouinting pieces as shown in your “Keeping track of Stamp Collection” blog. Can you provide some instruction on how to do this or provide a template?

Thanks again,
Erik

Keijo wrote (on September 30, 2009) :

Hi Erik,

I have thought a lot of sharing some template files for blank mounting pieces, but so far haven’t found the time.

Making blank mountain pieces for Yourself is possible and somewhat easy using any text processor (such as Microsoft Word) and a feature known as “text box”. You simply
1. Create a new document
2. draw one larger text box and one smaller text box on the document
3. work with them (size, position etc) untill you are happy
4. and finally create multiple copies of them untill the document area is filled.

That said, it requires some “bit advanced” skills/experience (especially if to make it without raising blood pressure)… Here’s a short visual guide that will help to get started with text boxes on Microsoft Word (version 2003 and older): http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/formattingdocument1/ss/textboxes.htm

But I’ll try to come up with something even simpler (that anyone despite of their pc skills can use) in near future.

PS. I received your cover on monday morning. Thanks. I hope you receive my response cover soon and in good condition.

Maurice L. Malaney wrote (on October 7, 2009) :

Good article. Very thought provoking. I am using (more like, I have) SCDB (Stamp Collectors Database) software. It uses DBASE engine and it very time consuming to use. The biggest problem is the inability to easily write a custom report on what you have or what you don’t have or don’t want. If I could see what your template is, I’d rather use Excel. You’re right, Excel is EXCELlent!!! Thanks

Keijo wrote (on October 8, 2009) :

Hi Maurice,
I agree. Excel is truly excellent tool, especially for building custom reports.
Please check your inbox for template file and instructions.

Petra wrote (on November 10, 2009) :

Hi Keijo,

with great interest I have read your blog, especially the articles on the pros and cons of stamp collecting software. After having tested demo versions of several stamp collecting software I am more and more inclined to use a spreadsheet solution. It would be nice if I could have a look at your Excel template.

Kind regards,
Petra

Gerd wrote (on January 6, 2010) :

I#m keeping my world wide collection in order by a four step solution.

Step 1: keep the stamps in glassine envelopes
Step 2: put the stamps on cards
Step 3: hinge the stamps in self printed album
Step 4: enter stamps in an inventory program, I choosed MICHELsoft 9

Solution could be seen at: http://briefmarkentauschblog.de/?p=232

Gerd

Keijo wrote (on January 7, 2010) :

Hi Gerd,

that was an excellent article… I loved the images of your self-printed albums. A plastic binding on your stamp albums seems very firm. I wonder is it practical (to flip pages)?

BTW. If you have time to write a review/views of MichelSoft 9 in your blog, I’d love to read it very much. I know it’s supposed to be a whole lot better than previous versions, but I haven’t had a change to try it yet. For what I’ve read on Michel-forum, it has some problems with image quality (similar to online-catalog)

best,
-keijo-

Gerd wrote (on January 7, 2010) :

Keijo,

flipping pages in a plastic binding is much easier than flipping pages housed in a four-ring binder (an other method I tried out). I think it is cheapest and most practical way to make albums yourself.

I’ll will write a short review of MICHELsoft 9 at weekend. Not everything, like image quality, is fine, but it is the cheapest way at moment, less than 100,- Euro, to get a complete actual world wide stamp catalogue, which also can be used as an inventory program.

Regards

Thanks for the fast reply Gerd.

I’ll definitely have to try out the plastic binding some day in future. Do you have recommendations for paper weight (or did I miss that in your original article)? Normally I’ve used 160gms archival quality paper, but I fear it might be a bit thick for that kind of binding.

I’m already looking forward to reading your opinions about the MichelSoft9.

I’m using 100gr premium paper, so a good filled 100 pages album is less than 2 cm high. 100gr paper often is available at discount prices and is ideal for using with standard printers (inkjet, laser). Price for one page premium paper is about 1 Cent or less, binding material is about 1 Euro each 100 pages album + printing costs (?).

For example costs for a complete Austria album, 3 parts, about 300 pages, is less than 10,- Euros. I’ve never seen a cheaper Austria album.

Keijo wrote (on January 8, 2010) :

I can agree that keeping the paper close to “normal weight” helps keeping the costs down. I assume that if the binding is sturdy enough and you don’t overstuff the album with too many pages/items, it doesn’t suffer from natural bending? One of my first attempts (way back) with DIY stamp albums was to print pages on normal 80gms paper and put them on normal 4-ring binder; it failed miserably as the album/pages bended and bulged to all directions due to varying thickness of pages.

AFAIK the printing costs can vary a lot. I think the average cost per sheet is somewhere around 4-5 cents per sheet for inkjet and 2-3 cents for laser.

Gerd wrote (on January 8, 2010) :

calculation of printing costs seems to be a bit too high for me. As you said, costs can vary a lot, depending on for example what kind of ink you use (original, third partie…). Maybe in future I’ll calculate printing costs exactly.

I’m thinking about to send a printed album, so you can test and see what I talk about.

Printing costs suprise many, but they are quite easy to check if you know where to look for details. Almost all printer manufacturers (HP, Epson etc) list the CPP/Cost per Printed Page data on their websites; in addition several PC magazines make annual comparisons (or possibly reality check would be a better word) on the subject… Yes, I’m a geek (and proud of it). LOL.

Gerd wrote (on January 9, 2010) :

Keijo, as promised, a short review of MICHELsoft 9.

http://briefmarkentauschblog.de/?p=328

Keijo wrote (on January 9, 2010) :

Excellent

Dennis Mauk wrote (on April 25, 2010) :

Just started an Excel spreadsheet to enter inventory of many years. After slowly entering 100 or so, became curious about an inventory software program. Googled the topic and your blog came up. Very informative blog. Question – with an inventory program don’t you just retrieve the Scott number sheet and enter the stamp-mint single, used, plate block or whatever and on to the next. Seems faster. Would like to see your template. Thanks, Dennis

Keijo wrote (on April 25, 2010) :

Hi Dennis,

re your answer… If the inventory program has licensed the right to use (Scott or any other) stamp catalog numbers, then it could work like that. BUT…

a) so far only very few stamp inventory products have licensed the right to provide catalog numbers and other details. Meaning most inventory programs don’t do as such.

For Scott numbers there are EzStamps and LibertyStreet/StampsManage (and few smaller ones) – these have limited datasets (meaning they don’t cover true worldwide).

For Michel numbers there is MichelSoft – it provides pretty comprehensive worldwide listings

For Stanley Gibbons numbers there is SG My Collection – it provides simplified worldwide listings

And then there are countless inventory products (such as my humble Excel-template), that provide nothing else than a space for user to enter details. Some of these are very bare bone (like my Excel), some provide tools for adding multiple images etc. information.

b) Pre-entered listings are never comprehensive.
Meaning you still need to enter more or less information by yourself. Clicking the next button (or using autofill) does not simply do all the works – sadly.

c) There are other issues… For example MichelSoft would be somewhat recommendable product IF it provided proper images of the stamps… EzStamps and StampsManage are IMHO user interface nightmares (way too complex for serious use)… SG provides bizarre reports…

I’m quite sure these things will fix up while the softwares mature, but for the time being I see it best not to spend my money on software that is very clearly under construction… And this is serious money we are talking about (a complete set of eZStamps is about 320$, MichelSoft is about 200$)… But that said, it’s just my opinion. I’m sure that for some the existing products suite more than perfectly.

Karen Mason wrote (on June 1, 2010) :

Hello Keijo,
Found your website very interesting and informative. I too am back after many years away from collecting. Must be us baby-boomers have time on our hands.

I am contemplating using my existing ancient H.E. Harris Standard books or going to stockbooks. I would need 20+ years of supplements if they can even be found. Yuck. Books were expensive back in the day. They weigh a ton also. Need to attend weight lifting classes!

I would appreciate seeing your template and instructions also.

Thank you for your website and information.
Karen

Keijo wrote (on June 1, 2010) :

Hi Karen,

Most worldwide collectors (especially outside US) seem to rely to stock books these days. So I’d say they are something You should IMHO at least give a try.

And yes, You too got email

Harvey wrote (on June 7, 2010) :

Hi Keijo,
Just read your fascinating article on stamp inventory software. I collected stamps for many years, American singles, plate blocks & sheets plus some rolls, with the idea that my children might become interested in collecting – never happened – technology happened.

I’m now 74 and find myself with a little time on my hands and the desire to get the small collection organized. I am currently using Excel 2007 and have used it for many years for all kinds of financial record keeping and would very much appreciate a copy of your “inventory file”-template.

I can’t imagine how you can possibly keep up with the requests that must come your way but I appreciate your generous offer.

With kind personal regards,
Harvey

Keijo wrote (on June 7, 2010) :

Hi Harvey,

and thanks for kind words. I must confess that technology helps me a lot in keeping up with all the requests.

Template and instructions are in the mail. If you can’t find the message at your inbox, please check the spam / junkmail folder.

Aleksandar Dragićević wrote (on August 5, 2010) :

Hi Keijo

Fantastic blog and good way to gather people of the same interests. Organisation of collection is huge problem.

THX

Tom wrote (on September 16, 2010) :

interesting blog and maybe I’ve missed a comment or two, but what about us Mac users ( and there are becoming more and more of us ). My income is fairly limited. I don’t have the where-withall to but the “parallels” application that will enable me to use a Windows base application for inventorying my collection. Right now I have developed a quasi data base using the “numbers” application for my OSX Mac. But I have noticed a lack of anything like a nice stamp data base available for us Mac users. Any comment? Thanks

Keijo wrote (on September 16, 2010) :

@Tom… I think that the future of stamp inventory applications will be browser based. With current state of technology, it is the most rational way to produce (more or less) cross-platform independent applications.

shirley bernal wrote (on September 22, 2010) :

I have been a stamps collector for 28 years, I started when I was 12, my collection has been growing little by little, I have stamps from all over the world, my preferences are some themes like animals, flowers, space, but I like them all, recently I decide to star sorting my collection , but it is too big, I don’t have any albums just stock books, I was thinking about to organize them by countries, it is complicate to start, I have the Scott online catalog from 2006, most of my stamps are older than 2000, this one works fine for me now. I would be interested in a copy of your template, maybe make my own using yours, I don’t know, I am a bookkeeper and I use excel a lot and I love it.Thanks for your help and I’ll keep reading your interesting articles.
Have a great day!

Shirley

Keijo wrote (on September 22, 2010) :

Hi Shirley,

for what it’s worth, most of the European collectors use stock books instead of albums these days. Even my w/w-collection is these days fully hosted in stock books – no albums, no hinges, no mounts! And I think US collectors are quickly joining the party, LOL.

As for organizing part… If you are trying to get everything under control, then I’d simply put the PC (and anything alike) away for awhile. First I’d pull out the stamps from the stock books and sort them to piles of single countries. Then I’d sort them country by country, year by year, stamp by stamp using a printed catalog until all is done. There is no simple approach to this (thankfully, as this is what makes stamps so fun).

And You definitely need to spread your stamps around to get them properly sorted. Place stamps into piles by decades, years or other sorting criteria – it will help you in the process. And when you are done, place everything to stock books (or albums)….Only after this point, I would consider putting the details to Excel (or any other inventory).

And yes, I will sent you a copy of the template to try out.

paul wrote (on September 23, 2010) :

Hello Keijo,
You have a very nice site!
After taking a 32 year break in collecting US and world wide stamps, I figure, now that I am retired, I can resume collecting.
Your Excel templates look like the simple way to categorize what I have.
I would appreciate if you might send a copy for viewing.
Thank you!

tom wrote (on October 3, 2010) :

Great idea, love the simple spreadsheet method.I’m working with my elderly father on his collection of US and UK, and others. This should work well for him. I would greatly appreciate a spread sheet template. Thanks Tom

David Bushard wrote (on October 25, 2010) :

I have something for you, Keijo! I read with great interest your remarks about inventory software, and i agree with almost every bit of it. My solution is a little different, and sounds rather like what you were wising for.

I have in my posession the entire scott (1998) catalog in Microsoft Excel files, including prices. it is 12 years out of date, so the prices are pretty much worthless, but all stamps of the world, up to 1998, are listed.

from this i have developed a database in Access (i am a programmer by profession), that includes all the stamps, and all i need to when inventorying is check a box to indicate that i have it. the program then produces various reports for me, including the want and offer lists on my website.

it could be that you and I have a lot to discuss, Keijo.

david

Keijo wrote (on October 25, 2010) :

Hi David,

That sounds like a splendid solution for personal inventory; do you have access to images too? Too bad that distributing something as such would be a copyright infringement. So I’m not going to ask you anything more detail about how/where you got the data, as I don’t want Amos’ copyright folks knocking at Your backdoor, LOL… Anyway, I’ll email You so that we can exchange some ideas in private.

PS. You’ve done a marvelous job with Your new site

Tom wrote (on December 4, 2010) :

You used to talk about the pros and cons of various inventory systems available for stamp collections. Alas, nothing is really available for the Macintosh operating systems. Do you have any suggestions?

Keijo wrote (on December 5, 2010) :

Hi Tom,

On the long run (say 4-8 years) I think your best bet is to wait for online/web-based solutions to appear & mature. With these it really doesn’t matter what OS (or device) you are running.

But if you are seeking something sooner, I think you have two options:
a) build it yourself (by using Filemaker, Numbers, Excel etc), or
b) try some of the emulator programs/solutions.
These will allow you to run Windows programs on Mac. But the downside is that these are emulators, not the real thing. You can expect a bumpy ride on some level.

Jim wrote (on December 27, 2010) :

I am glad I found your blog before I purchased ezstamp. I agree with you 100%. Can you please email the template to me.

Thanks

Michael wrote (on January 24, 2011) :

Hi Keijo,
do you think I could get your Excel sheet as well?
I was wondering in which way to create (or to filter) a missing list out of this inventory file. Also a dublicate file/sheet might be interesting for some people for changing or selling these. Just adding some columns to the existing?
Thanks for a short note and greetings from the Netherlands,
Michael

Keijo wrote (on January 26, 2011) :

@Michael…There are several ways You could built a missing/have/exchange etc. lists using the template. The most easiest way is to add a single new column to worksheet, and use that to track status. Creating a filtered (printable) list of specific items is pretty easy – just click the Sort&Filter button on Home tab of the ribbon, and specify the criteria what to show/hide. Step by step instructions for this can be found on Excel’s inbuilt Help/Manual (or on Microsoft’s Office Online Training Center-website)

Dave Williams wrote (on January 29, 2011) :

I collect world wide stamps and am constantly at a loss of what to do when purchasing stamps at a show or club meeting. Short of bringing my book/binder in for each country there seems to be no solution short of an inventory program. Could you please email me a copy of your template.
thanks
Dave

James wrote (on January 30, 2011) :

Thanks for two great articles on stamp inventory software. Being a “geek” as well i want to use a computer based method of keeping track of my collection.

I’ve debated creating my own web-based solution, but time constraints have ruled this out. I’ve looked at eZStamp (interface looks like it’s been ported from Windows 3.2!), StampManage looks interesting but would prefer the use of SG numbering. Lets see what changes they make in version 2011 (out any day now i’m told).

Your Excel approach is appealing as well; simple, super cheap and you can generate all the reports you will ever need, not just pre-defined ones.

Off to check out Stanley Gibbons My Collection, lets see if it’s the golden bullet (always the optimist!).

James

Keijo wrote (on January 30, 2011) :

@James…

I’ve heard some positive rumors about StampManage 2011 too, so it will be interesting to see what’s it like. AFAIK SG MyCollection is also due for complete overhaul later this year.

Re, Excel… I agree it’s pretty attractive option for all user levels. And with Microsoft Office Live becoming mainstream in near future, it’s becoming even more appealing (device independent access, ease of sharing etc).

Rick Young wrote (on February 1, 2011) :

I am also a worldwide collector, concentrating on Europe. As I add to my collection (that had been untouched for 40 years or so) I have been consolidating from my old Statesman album and another even older album I recently acquired (including some nice older items). I recently discovered an economical source for downloading pre-formatted album pages by country with names and descriptions. It’s taking up lots of space though. I have decided not to deep duplicates unless they are highly valued and also some pairs, etc.

Hi, Gerd. I was interested in your site below, but my German is poor (nonexistent really!). You don’t my any chance have a description in English, do you?

Keijo wrote (on February 2, 2011) :

@Rick… Gerd’s site does have translation tools. The list of translatations (flags of various nations) can be located on the top right of the page.

Mike wrote (on February 3, 2011) :

Hi Keijo
Just read your article in ‘British Philatelic Bulletin’ and found it very interesting. Can you please send me a copy of your Excel template.
Regards
Mike

Keijo wrote (on February 4, 2011) :

Just read your article in ‘British Philatelic Bulletin’ and found it very interesting.

It’s out? I’ll hope the mailman brings a copy of the bulletin to my mailbox soon (I’ve seen only a pre-print PDF-version of the article, but not the actual output).

Albert Mello wrote (on February 19, 2011) :

I found your blog while researching stamp software inventory programs. Your blog was very helpful, although I am still confused by all the different options out there. I was initially looking for stamp grading software or stamp recognition software. Do you use anything like this?

Also can you please email the template to me. It sounds great and very generous of you. I like the idea of using excel to track my stamps, especially since I should be able to use it from both a mac or a pc.

Al Mello

Keijo wrote (on February 20, 2011) :

Hi Alberto,

there are truly plenty of option out there – and I’m not even naming the “thousand and one” truly crappy alternatives that are out just to cash out innocent people.

Re, grading and recognition software… I have tried (have even tried building/coding one), and I believe these will never work satisfactory…. With grading software, the biggest issue is that each country/continent has their own grading rules that look at different factors, but most software simply focus on stamp centering (leaving out other important aspects relating to grading). The best grading tool is to use one’s eyes and those famous “little gray cells”… Stamp recognition software can work, but it will easily go bonkers if it runs to something unexpected (heavily canceled stamps, EFOs etc).

Even on their best this kind of tools are nothing more but useful assets for collectors/philatelists. They can give suggestions to follow, but relying those blindly would be extremely foolish.

PS. And the template has been emailed to You.

Vivin Fernandes wrote (on February 20, 2011) :

hey keijo,
guess what? I just got myself the annual subscription of SGs My collection and Im super excited. Ive already put up my entire India and GB collection on it. I like it except for the fact that like you said its not updated (only until 2007). Best part of the program is that it lets you output the whole thing to excel in a customizable way. Ain’t that great?!!! btw I already have my numbers (prior to the template and the SG program) and Ive got just a lil over 10000 stamps, most of which I will try to put up on my blog. I’ve put up most of my India one’s so far there. Think you checked the blog out, right? And now I got your template plus this one to continue tracking my collection in nos as well as in its SG catalogue worth. COOL!! I

Thanks once again for all the valuable information and guidance.

I like it except for the fact that like you said its not updated (only until 2007).

For more advanced collectors like me, there’s another even more serious limitation… Stamps Of The World omits a huge number (roughly 20-25%) of issues listed in SG single country catalogs (not to mention Michel, Scott, Yvert etc. other catalogs). It’s not a flaw, but more of characteristics that any user of Stamps Of The World product line should be aware.

Best part of the program is that it lets you output the whole thing to excel in a customizable way. Ain’t that great?!!

That’s the way things should be… Most stamp inventory products (MichelSoft, ezStamps etc) have similar features that allow exporting data. I just wish they had import tool too, LOL.

Think you checked the blog out, right?

Yep.

It was my pleasure

John Fellowes wrote (on March 11, 2011) :

I have just read your article in the Febuary BPB very intresting, I have just spent 2 weeks trying to do an Excel spreadsheet for my German collection (What a laugh!!) but for a 70 year old I think I did well, but a blank version of yours sounds 200% better and I would love to have a copy please, I am quite willing to send you a copy of my poor attempt if you wish, in anticipation “Thank You Very Much”

Rick Young wrote (on March 12, 2011) :

Okay, sorry, what is BPB? Thanks!

Keijo wrote (on March 12, 2011) :

@Rick… BPB is the British Philatelic Bulletin, Royal Mail’s monthly magazine for stamp collectors (on UK & commonwealth countries)… I wrote (on request) a short 500 word introductory entry about different stamp inventory solutions to their February issue.

Karl Tillisch wrote (on April 23, 2011) :

Hello Keijo,

Found your website very interesting and informative. I too am back after many years away from collecting.

Do you know if Scott’s has an online Catalog? I am a Worldwide Collector and periodically go to the library to use their books.

I too have been researching various inventory methodologies and found that nothing works for me. I settled for an excel spreadsheet.

I would appreciate seeing your template and instructions.

Thank you for your website and information.
Karl

Keijo wrote (on April 23, 2011) :

Hi Karl,

Scott does not have online catalog, but AFAIK they are working to make one.

There are alternatives too…

Scott does have a CD-version of their catalog. This is basically a copy/password-protected bunch of PDF-files. Personally I haven’t used it, but there are plenty of opinions (mainly negative) of this on various stamp forums. It seems the older version are more “user friendly” than the recent ones.

There are also illegimit PDF-copies of various Scott catalogs (up to very recent editions) on various torrent sites. These of course are a) break of copyrights / illegal and b) can contain viruses etc. “nasty stuff”. So finding /using/owning of these is at everyone’s own responsibility.

PS. And I’ve also emailed you a copy of template & instructions.

Stan Shebs wrote (on May 1, 2011) :

Apropos of the ongoing interest in online catalog/inventory, I’d like to announce my venture StampData (http://stampdata.com), officially launched today.

It includes both an independently-developed stamp catalog, with 150,000 types in it so far, a wiki-style capability for site members to participate in expansion, and the ability to track even very large collections. It’s built from scratch and all very new, so the site is not very polished yet, but as this is how I keep track of my own large-ish worldwide collection, development will be continuing.

Come take a look, and let me know what you think!

Cynthia Dickerson wrote (on May 2, 2011) :

I have been collecting stamps for about 5 years now (U.S. and Worldwide). It began when I was at a thrift shop and I found 3 stamp collection albums in the books section, and all 3 still had stamps in them. They were dirt-cheap so I bought them. I bought new albums and spent months transferring the stamps to the new albums. Then my father-in-law saw how much I was enjoying it and he gave me his mother’s old stamp collection. I surely not doing it for the money. I do it for enjoyment. But I am interested in cataloging my collection should my grandkids choose to take up the hobby once I am gone. I would love a copy of your template. Could you please recommend a good catalogue which gives values, etc? I am still a beginner and have lots to learn.

Thanks in advance,
Cynthia

Keijo wrote (on May 2, 2011) :

Hi Stan,

I gave it a quick look, and one of those things that I noted quickly was image copyrights. For example with Abu Dhabi there’s an image that clearly has “postbeeld.com watermark”. And I think I can spot some other stamp images too that are definitely not in/from public domain. This is a pretty clear copyright violation I fear.

Otherwise… Way too much missing / inaccurate data to be seriously useful as a stamp catalog right now. Like you write, it’s clearly in very early stage, and I’d give it 2-3 years to mature.

Stan Shebs wrote (on May 2, 2011) :

“Copyright violation”? Use of images in a stamp catalog is pretty clearly fair use, otherwise Scott, Michel, etc would have a serious problem. Wikipedia generally limits itself to PD, but that’s their own arbitrary decision; and in fact it was one of my motivations to build something outside of the Wikimedia organization rather than within it.

@Stan… I was referering to fact that I noticed images that are copyrighted by postbeeld.com/freestampcatalogue.com. Unless you don’t have an special agreement with Postbeeld/freestampcatalogue, you are violating copyrights both by using the entire images as well as cropped portions of those. Here’s an example: http://stampdata.com/images/FSC-awp0001.jpg

Ah those – there are only a couple such images, they were an experiment a while back. I’ve taken them all out of public view, pending feedback from postbeeld.com (I imagine they might like the free publicity, but I don’t know).

Hi Cynthia,

I just emailed you a copy of the template with instructions.

Re, the catalog question… Please see this earlier response for (more or less) complete response on this subject. As a general advice, most collectors will do more than fine by acquiring a set of used (2-5 years old) catalogs – they cost only a portion of new catalog prices, and the differences are usually very small to latest catalog editions.

ram wrote (on May 6, 2011) :

Can I please have a copy of the template you have talking about? Not sure if I will have the time to sort but still

Also, how many stamps would you consider ‘above normal’ to make it necessary to sort?

The website just started & am still working on it. I’ve seen some pages where they put (like a stock card) the name of the country, its flag & map. Do you know if I can such a template?

Regards
Ram

Keijo wrote (on May 6, 2011) :

Hi Ram,
I just sen you a copy of the template with simple usage instructions.

Re, when to sort… I think it’s up to individual. If you don’t feel any kind of need to build up an index / summary of what you have, then don’t do it. It would definitely spoil the fun. If you on the other hand enjoy counting, sorting etc., then it might be an activity you like.

Re, pages with country name, flag, map etc. I think they are custom made – possibly fully digital (like these pages of my Finnish stamp collection).

best wishes,
-keijo-

Rick Young wrote (on May 16, 2011) :

Keijo, what does the statement below mean (I took the quote from the top of this page)? Are you referring to something you do within a stockbook?

“. . . The preferred solution is a separate mounting piece with details field; this way the information goes with your stamp.”

Keijo wrote (on May 17, 2011) :

Actually this method can be used with stockbooks as well as with traditional (hingable) stamp albums. My Finland collection was mounted this way in self made album pages; and most of my classic Hungary is like this in a stock book.

I’ve also tried the “vice versa” approach by marking empty spaces with small placeholders.

And then I’ve also done some digital mounting…

Not sure if any of these are progress compared to my regular stockbooks only method, but they sure take me out of the comfort zone

Rick Young wrote (on May 17, 2011) :

Interesting, Keijo. I have two old WW albums, one more complete but pre-1956 or so, the other goes up to 1968 but is not as complete on the older items. My solution once I started getting a significant collection of European countries was to print my own album pages using Bill Steiner’s pages. This has been great fun but is not practical for too many countries. So my plan is to shift the “rest of the world” to stockbooks, and am looking to do a nice job with it if possible right from the beginning. Thanks for the ideas.

Keijo wrote (on May 18, 2011) :

@Rick… Happy to hear you like them.

Rick Young wrote (on June 2, 2011) :

Keijo, I have a question or two about how to best make use of your template. I notice you have drop-down menus for the headings, but did not know whether they could somehow be exploited. Also, I notice you do not have a column for year and wondered how you decided what to include and what not. Finally, I see you have a suffix column, but was wondering why scott’s has both ###A and ###a catelog numbers. Thanks!

Keijo wrote (on June 2, 2011) :

@Rick…

The dropdowns are part of so called Excel-tables, and they are automatic. Once you have typed in some information, clicking on any of the dropdowns gives you column specific tools to filter the visible information. For example if you want to see then top10 most valued items you have entered, click the dropdown in ‘Cat.Value’ column, pick ‘Number filters’, and finally ‘Top10′. And presto. Once you want to return back to normal viewing mode, click on the specific dropdown arrow, and select option ‘Clear filter’. These are very easy and powerful tools for making any kind of basic reports.

Re, the absence of year information… I wanted to avoid unnecessary entry of information. After all, I’m not trying to copy/re-create a stamp catalog – I just want to record what I have/missing, and what it’s worth. The first part is easy to tell by catalog numbers (and additional notes if required), and second part is simply a catalog value. Entering any other piece of information is pretty unnecessary IMHO, as the information can be found on catalogs based on catalog number.

And the question about suffix field… Basically anything can go into that field. On some versions of the template, the column was titled as ‘Prefix / suffix’, but I found out that there are some stamps (even in Michel) that have both prefix and suffix, so I renamed as plain ‘Suffix’ (as most stamps have suffix – at least in Michel & SG & YT universe). If I someday need to enter catalog number with prefix, then I’ll add it to ‘Cat. number’ column with numeric data… But true, the numbering system Scott uses is ‘a terrible mess’ on this part.

Let’s take for example US Scott #2624-2629 (the 1992 Columbus sheets). These have 6 main numbers, but 16 stamps. If I had complete sheets, I’d add 2624,2625 on Cat.number column, and leave the suffix data empty. If I had single stamps of these, I’d add 2624a,2624b,2624c, 2625a etc. num Cat.number column, and leave the suffix data empty. So I’d use ’suffix’ information only to record pieces of catalog number that separate it from main design (perforation, watermark position, printing etc. identifier).

But that’s just how I enter the information. Nothing stops you from putting everything into single column (catalog number), and never using the ‘Suffix field’. Or doing something totally different and custom made… That’s the beauty of having an Excel worksheet as stamp inventory solution. It’s much more flexible than any other system (and it goes nicely with your mobile too).

Thanks, Keijo.
I also ran into a situation where excel did not like me (accidentally) trying to edit a “table”. I didn’t even know what that meant! I use excel at work a lot but have never encountered “excel tables” or worked with “pivot tables.”

Keijo wrote (on June 3, 2011) :

@Rick… You might want to look this tutorial video by Microsoft: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/demo-organize-your-data-by-using-an-excel-table-HA010237617.aspx
It gives a pretty good overview of Excel tables (how to create, use and modify).

Rick Young wrote (on June 4, 2011) :

Keijo, I will definitely do that — thanks!

Randy C wrote (on July 15, 2011) :

can you sort with your spreadsheet ?
thanks Randy

Keijo wrote (on July 16, 2011) :

@Randy… Yes, even on multiple ways / criterias. It’s an inbuilt feature with Excel (and likely every other spreadsheet software). More information can be found on Microsoft Excel online help:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel-help/sort-data-in-a-range-or-table-HP010073947.aspx

Andy McKee wrote (on August 26, 2011) :

This is a very interesting topic. In my case I find that I spend as much time on the spreadsheet aspect as on the mounting; but here is a question to ponder. It is a big issue for us hobbyists but what tools do the professional stamp dealers use? They have much more complex issues of inventory control, buying and selling accounts etc. You are a software guy Keijo, have you any comments on what the pros use?

Keijo wrote (on August 26, 2011) :

@Andy McKee… I fear that most dealers don’t have any kind of inventory system. I know that quite a many dealers who sell online spent some of their “waste time” (=no clients in store) typing their stock into online store/auctions (which is essentially the same task as building an inventory). But besides this, I’m not aware any other solutions dealers would use. I have a feeling quite a many rely on their memory of what they have/don’t have … I do know for a fact that quite a many dealers use Excel for building and maintaining pricelists.

And in a way I can relate to their approach. Trying to input tens, if not hundreds of thousands of items to database afterwards would be pretty much waste of time, as the dealers goal is to keep things rolling, not to build a permanent stock / collection (like collectors do). If they would try to build a complete inventory, oh boy… They would face all the same problems as collectors, but in much larger scale (due to higher volume and more specialized material).

Mike W wrote (on August 29, 2011) :

Very interesting article. My wife is showing interest in starting stamp collecting as a hobby. I know nothing about it but would like to help get started if possible. Would appreciate a copy of your Excel template.

Many thanks!

Keijo wrote (on August 29, 2011) :

@Mike W… I’ve sent you email with template and short how-to.

Second… As Your wife is just starting out the hobby, it might be very much worthwhile just to focus the “fun & beauty of the stamps”, and leave out any kind of inventorying solutions for later years to come (even if then).

Tom C. wrote (on September 17, 2011) :

I have also just inherited a quite large seriously unorganized amount of very old stamps from my uncle who was a retired postal worker. I already had a few hundred loosly kept stamps i obtained when I was growing up which also included about 10yrs of US mint sets. I am not a collector per say but I do have plenty of home alone time & would like to begin the process of “identifying” which ones may be rare or extreme in value. Besides the software programs that are inventory based (such as EZ or MICHEL) is there any modern way of scanning each stamp I have & have a software program digitally match the stamp (like they have for facial recognition)?
I would also appreciate a copy of your templete, for that would assist me in getting started logging information for stamps that I identify. Thank You in advance!

Keijo wrote (on September 19, 2011) :

@Tom C ….

Besides the software programs that are inventory based (such as EZ or MICHEL) is there any modern way of scanning each stamp I have & have a software program digitally match the stamp (like they have for facial recognition)?

Nope… Some common graphics / photo editing programs (such as Photoshop or GIMP) can be used for autoextracting single stamps from scans with multiple stamps (in order to save time). But this is so complex and error prone approach, I would recommend it only for highly advanced computer users.

DRH wrote (on September 21, 2011) :

Hi -love your site and your philosophy on collecting! I am returning to the pursuit after 25 years or so – could I please have a copy of your spreadsheet?

Keijo wrote (on September 22, 2011) :

@DRH…. Of course. Email including a copy of template & instructions coming right up your way.

Danny wrote (on September 26, 2011) :

I recently found a stamp collection that my dad (who passed away) must have started when he was in Europe in WW II. I’d like to try to inventory the stamps. Please forward your spreadsheet, and also please recommend the best place for me to attempt to identify what these stamps are. Thanks so much!

Keijo wrote (on September 26, 2011) :

@Danny… For identification you need to have access to some(worldwide) stamp catalog. Likely some other “basic” stamp related literature would be highly useful too (especially if You have zero previous experience with stamps). Most public libraries should be able to provide these somewhat easily.

Michael wrote (on September 28, 2011) :

I have been collecting Australian stamps/fdc/stamp packs for the past 30years and very much need to inventory them properly.I have recently retired and would be grateful to receive a copy of your excel template to help me get my collection in order as I should have more time to devote to my hobby. Thanking you in anticipation. Michael.

Keijo wrote (on September 28, 2011) :

@Michael… One copy coming right up your way. Please check your inbox.

André Ruz Neves wrote (on October 1, 2011) :

Keijo Hello,
Congratulations for the excellent content of your blog. One of the most wonderful things of the Internet is that it can bring people from as far and as diverse as Finland (you) and Brazil (me). His example encouraged me and I’m creating a blog about stamp collecting in Brazil.
If you can send, please send me your “inventory file”-template.

Keijo wrote (on October 1, 2011) :

@Andre… Thanks
I definitely want to visit your blog once it comes alive. Reading other peoples opinions and views on “real world” collecting is much more refreshing than magazines filled with high end auction results (they do have their place though, but less would be enough IMHO).

Yvonne wrote (on October 11, 2011) :

Hello Keijo,
I have read with great interest your blog on stamp collecting software, and have a mac. For the last two years I have been searching for a program that will allow me to keep track of my collection. I also want the system to show my want list, as well as what I have. I would also like to list the two catalogue (Scott & Stanley Gibbons) numbers as I am in Australia and both are used. I have been using Bento which is a good system but very labour intensive, as each field needs to be entered. I would be interested in looking at your excel spread sheet as I have been playing around with one for the last month but have not been happy with what I have done so far.
Thanks for your blogs and I would be interested to see a program when it comes on line .
Regards Yvonne

Keijo wrote (on October 11, 2011) :

@Yvonne… I’d say that Excel is likely the best alternative to what Your looking for. Databases (like Filemaker Bento) are pure overkill for such simple task as this.

Lasse wrote (on November 2, 2011) :

I have collected stamps for at least 40 year. My big problem has been and is still the same that I’ve tried lot of different solutions to sort my stamps.
I’m very interested in your template. Can you send me the Excel template?

Keijo wrote (on November 2, 2011) :

@Lasse… I’ve sent you email, but I must confess that I’m not quite sure if the template will be of useful to You… The template is one purpose tool only: it assists in keeping track of what You have / don’t have in your collections. So I’m having a hardi time figuring how it could help You in sorting (or identifying) stamps… But maybe I’m just not understanding what you wrote (after all, English is not my native language)
all the best,
-keijo-

Dennis wrote (on November 3, 2011) :

I enjoyed the article, I would love to see the template

Keijo wrote (on November 5, 2011) :

@Dennis… Sure. Please check your email for template & instructions.

Jimmy wrote (on November 9, 2011) :

Hello Keijo!

I stumbled upon this blog while actually searching for Excel templates for Stamps! I’ve already made my own template for sorting my coin collection, but I this time I think I will try to look at a few templates and pick up some ideas that would fit my collection. So I’d gladly see your template if you could send it to me.

Thanks in advance.

Take care.

Jimmy.

Keijo wrote (on November 10, 2011) :

@Jimmy… Of course. Please check your email.

I’ve seen quite a many Excel templates made by other collectors, and I think one of the main differences between them and my template is the number of columns. A lot of collectors try to type in everything catalog holds; and they can spend a lifetime on doing that. My approach is much more minimalistic; which is why the template feels and is much more easier to look IMHO.

ed davis wrote (on November 13, 2011) :

am acquiring extensive us stamp collection from relative and would like to record and value it. I would appreciate receiving a copy of your excel template.
thanks Ed

Laurence wrote (on November 13, 2011) :

Using your template as a guide I have started to create one in Excel which I think will satisfy my future needs irrespective of where I decide to go with my collecting:
• cat id
• stamp face value
• description (detail about what it shows eg flower-rose-species)
• cat cost (eg 10p)
• my stockbook no
• stockbook page no – the last two are the assumption that the collection expands over numerous stockbooks.

It may seem like retyping a catalogue but by starting now when the collection is only a few thousand stamps in number, future additions should be less onerous. And I should be able to do searches quite easily to find items within the database and the stockbooks (I hope).

I can see me avoiding TV at night once the kids are in bed!

Laurence

Keijo wrote (on November 14, 2011) :

@Ed Davis… I just sent you email with template & instructions.

@Laurence…. Watching telly is definitely overrated. Looking at stamps on the otherhand…

Antoni wrote (on November 14, 2011) :

Just found your site a couple of days ago and find it very interesting, especially the topics stamp catalogues and collecting software.
I will not be the last to ask you this, but could you send me your template please. I am interested to see whether it is useful for my thematic collections.
Thanks Antoni

Keijo wrote (on November 15, 2011) :

@Antoni… Happy to hear You are finding the site interesting. As you may guess, I’m very much in love with stamp catalogues too
Re, template… Just sent you email.

Sanjay Ahuja wrote (on November 17, 2011) :

@Keijo. Lovely website. My compliments

As like the others would request a copy of the template. Am going nuts trying to classify my collection.

S Ahuja

Keijo wrote (on November 18, 2011) :

@Sanjay… Thank You
Email with template & instructions sent.

Just a quick note to inform that I’m cleaning up the comments on this post. Right now this page is approx. 300 comments long; many of these are requests to get a copy of template. As these have no “real input/value” to subject of this page, I’m deleting most of them in order to “promote the good stuff”

Dennis Martin wrote (on November 21, 2011) :

I would appreciate receiving your excel template. Hate to bother you but it seems like this is the way you prefer people to request it (rather than some feature elsewhere on your blog).

I do worldwide collecting up to about 1950, having returned at age 53 after decades away. I have about 15,000 stamps acquired but only 3,000 catalogued, so I’m at a stage where I could shift from a simply running list in word processing form to a spreadsheet that would do the counting and updating for me.

You are amazing! I cannot imagine how you are able to work so thoroughly and carefully with stamps yet also run a business and raise a family.

Dennis

Keijo wrote (on November 21, 2011) :

…it seems like this is the way you prefer people to request it (rather than some feature elsewhere on your blog).

True… If there was a possibility to download the template & instructions anonymously, I fear this page would have much less comments/stories/feedback. It’s the nature of Internet. Sometimes going the “old school” and being social is much more rewarding

I cannot imagine how you are able to work so thoroughly and carefully with stamps yet also run a business and raise a family.

A lot of modern lifestyle is fueling a rush to nowhere. It honestly doesn’t have to be like that… If I recall some statistics properly, average people spend roughly 100 hours each month watching TV & updating their Facebook status. I don’t. I spent most of that time for stamps

tikithindi wrote (on November 21, 2011) :

I follow your blog regularly and with all honesty I love
getting lot of information and Idea to build or refine collection.

Excel Template of yours made adopting to my need am using
and for that many many thanks.( still making out some automation in excel for Detail Data entry)

At the same time I have made Access database which is
though not complete but is near complete.
If you permit than I can attach screen shot of Entry form.
Also Database. Database is not complete but Beginner
Level helpful.

Cheers
tikithindi

Dennis Martin wrote (on November 22, 2011) :

Thanks for the kind reply. But did you perhaps forget to send the template? I checked both inbox and spambox and don’t see anything, and you didn’t specifically write that you did send it. Just checking

Keijo wrote (on November 22, 2011) :

If you permit than I can attach screen shot of Entry form.

@tikithindi…Please do. I’ve seen & built a lot of Access-based applications, but some other readers of the blog might be interested of seeing what Access forms look like (similar type of forms can be created for Excel and Word too; in case somebody fancies instead of traditional user interface).

But did you perhaps forget to send the template?

@Dennis… It was sent. Likely Your ISP has blocked it… I’m doing another attempt from alternative email.

Dennis Martin wrote (on November 23, 2011) :

Keijo, Nothing has come through so far. I put a different email address in the box this time. I could give you a gmail address if you think gmail is more porous.

Keijo wrote (on November 24, 2011) :

@Dennis… Email sent. Hopefully this attempt comes through. If not, then Gmail should work.

Dennis Martin wrote (on November 25, 2011) :

Yes, it came through this time. You are a very patient and generous soul.

Ken Wyant wrote (on December 2, 2011) :

First time reader of your blog. Just starting to get back into my collection, while cataloging my late father’s collection. Look forward to working with your template.

aaaditya wrote (on December 5, 2011) :

Hi. My collection is starting to grow, would you mind sending me your template? I collect topical too, but my record keeping is very clumsy. Maybe your template could help. Thank you very much. Greetings from Singapur

Mark Dyck wrote (on December 11, 2011) :

I’ve decided to give your stockbook collecting method a try, which is pushing me toward needing an inventory system too (I usually just circled the stamps I had in my catalogue.)

Would you mind sending me a copy of your Excel template to use as a guide?

Thanks!

Mark in Saskatchewan

Keijo wrote (on December 11, 2011) :

@Mark… Email coming your way.

Barry Brown wrote (on December 13, 2011) :

I too would like to give your Excel template a go.
Your website is very informative.
Thank you much

Barry in Olympia,Wa.

Mel Currier wrote (on December 13, 2011) :

I would also appreciate receiving your Excel template.

Thank you!

Mel

Patrick wrote (on December 17, 2011) :

was searching on google for excel templates to keep track of stamp collections. I’m interested in the template you made aswell, like many before me.

Thanks in advance,
Greetings from Amsterdam area

Rick Ladd wrote (on December 19, 2011) :

I have inherited a modest older stamp collection and need to get a handle on it, and would also appreciate receiving your Excel template.

Thanks so much! That will save me at least a few hours figuring out things.

Rick

Vicki Hunter wrote (on December 22, 2011) :

Hi
I have just started stamp collecting, so would like to start my database from the beginning. Would you please be able to send me your template?
Thank you and Merry Christmas from Sydney, Aust

Keijo wrote (on December 22, 2011) :

@Vicki… Sure. Merry Christmas to You and Yours.

David wrote (on December 24, 2011) :

Dear Keijo,
I, like many commenting here, am helping my father organize his collection. If you have time to send out yet another copy of your template it would be greatly appreciated. I am quite good with Excel but would much rather spend the holiday going through his collection with him than working on a new spreadsheet.

Thanks, best regards, and happy holiday!

Howard wrote (on December 27, 2011) :

Firstly I congratulate and thank you for this most informative and useful web site. I wonder at your patience and the time you must put into the site.
I too would appreciate a copy of your template.
My interest is in the stamps of France together with postal history. I have quite a few covers/ sheets etc which I need to keep track of as well as the stamps; does your template adapt to allow for these as well as the stamps.
I keep most of my items in stock-books but need pages to display at the Philatelic Society of which I am a member but, sadly, cannot print my own from the site you mention as I am another of the Mac users although I have Microsoft Office for Mac which should run your template without a problem.
Many thanks for everything.

Keijo wrote (on December 28, 2011) :

@Howard… Thanks
Re, use of time & devotion for the keeping up the blog… When your having fun, it really doesn’t matter.

I have quite a few covers/ sheets etc which I need to keep track of as well as the stamps; does your template adapt to allow for these as well as the stamps.

If you can apply some sort of numbering system / identifier to these, then I see no problem why not.

Brian Joseph wrote (on December 30, 2011) :

I inherited my Great Grandmother’s collection a few years ago, about 7 apple boxes full of blocks and first day covers . Since I am “actively seeking employment” these days I might as well make cataloging this collection my job. Please send me your template.

Thanks I look forward to learning more from your blog.

Brian

Robert wrote (on January 1, 2012) :

I just stumbled across your blog and have spent the past two hours reading through your posts. Thank you for providing such a useful source of information on the hobby. I am currently debating how to keep track of my growing collection and would love to see a copy of your template if possible.

Alyn Lunt wrote (on January 2, 2012) :

Good evening Keijo,

I am interested in seeing your template, could you please email me a copy. Many thanks.

Alyn

Keijo wrote (on January 2, 2012) :

@Robert… Nice to hear you’re having good time with my writings

Copy of template mailed to both You and Alyn.

Mark Shields wrote (on January 3, 2012) :

I am interested in using your excel template if you are willing to share it. Better than starting from scratch. Thanks!

Mark

daniel wrote (on January 5, 2012) :

Could you please send your excel template – thanks!

Just inherited a big bag of worldwide stamps from my grandfather – it appears I have just been infected with a new hobby

Thanks
Dan

Keijo wrote (on January 5, 2012) :

@Daniel… Sure. Please check your inbox for template & instructions.

Domingo Hernandez wrote (on January 11, 2012) :

I am interested in using your excel template if you are willing to share it.

Paul Sattler wrote (on January 14, 2012) :

Hi Keijo
I’m needing to inventory a worldwide collection. I would like to try your excel template, thanks for the opportunity to try it if still available. Thanks

Dan wrote (on January 16, 2012) :

Hi – I am a new stamp collector (actually my grandmother got some stamps for me many years ago and I am now back in the hobby!).

I very much enjoyed your article on how to keep track of my collection.

Will you please send me your Excel spreadsheet template for keeping track of my stamps.

Thank you!
-Dan

Peter Wootton wrote (on January 22, 2012) :

I have started to take new interest in the collection I inherited from my father in my retirement and have got the bug! Really enjoying researching and looked for some software to start cataloging the collection which became very complicated as I had nothing to base my decisions on. I came across your template which looked exactly like what I was looking for so would very much appreciate a copy.

Keijo wrote (on January 22, 2012) :

@Peter… Happy to hear you’ve caught the stamp bug This is a hobby to last a lifetime.

Just sent you email with template and short instructions – hopefully you’ll find it useful.

Dick wrote (on January 23, 2012) :

I would like your MS Excel template for stamp inventory.
Thanks!

Alfred Schoepke wrote (on January 23, 2012) :

I have been having difficulty finding inventory software for a Mac. Your template in Excel sounds great. I would like to try it. Thank you.

Orville Chapman wrote (on January 25, 2012) :

Hello Keijo,
I have been collecting stamps for many year, mostly from Africa where i was a missionary teacher I am very interested in putting together an inventory of my stamps. I am using Excel 2010 and would be interested in receiving your excel template.

Thanks for the well organized web site you have.

Orville Chapman

Don wrote (on January 27, 2012) :

Useful article. I have been trying to sort a collection my grandmother began in the 50s, mostly US, but some foreign. Your Excel spreadsheet appears to be a rather useful tool for what I am trying to do. I would be very appreciative if you are still willing to share this with me. Thanks!

–Don

Eddie V wrote (on January 28, 2012) :

Please send me your Excel spreadsheet template. You are so kind to do this!

Best Regards,

Eddie V

Geoff wrote (on January 29, 2012) :

Congratulations on your web site – a very useful source of information. Like so many before me I would appreciate a copy of your template.

Many thanks,

Geoff

Mel T wrote (on February 2, 2012) :

Hi Keijo,
I have been checking out inventory software and came across your blog in my web travels. A very interesting read on what you and others have said on different inventory software packages. I am now thinking of going down the path of using excel. Would love a copy of your excel template to get me started.

Keep up the good work!

Nick wrote (on February 3, 2012) :

Hello Keijo,
Found your website about a week ago and isvery interesting and informative.

I too also back to stamp collecting after many years.

I will like to start keeping track of my old stamps and saw that you have created a excel sheet. I would interested in a copy.

Currently stamps are on paper and in glassine envelops so I have plenty of work to catch up.

great site. keep up the great work.
Thanks and have a nice day.
Nick

John Prince wrote (on February 4, 2012) :

I really enjoy your Blog and I am amazed at how much you cover. Way more energy (and dedication) than I have. I would really appreciate a copy of your Excel templates for all the reasons you mention. I have been using another inventory program and it takes way too much time to enter stamps. I am coming back to the hobby after quite a few years and I have a lot of stamps to enter so I think your solution makes the most sense. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

Keijo wrote (on February 4, 2012) :

@Nick & John… Thanks
I’ve sent both of You email; please check your inbox for template and instructions.