My stamp exchange begins for 2012
I’ve been receiving quite a many questions regarding the state of my stamp exchange, so I decided to deal with the issue before things get too heated. So yes, it’s now officially back!!! Before you jump out to sent me a big pile of stamps for exchange, I’d like to again highlight few minor changes in exchange rules for this season.
First, the information sheet (PDF or handwritten) has changed slightly from last year. I wish all would take advantage of this slightly enhanced sheet, but if you have printed out a pile of last years sheets and want to use them, go ahead. It’s not a matter of life and death.
Second, I’d like to (again) ask participants put extra care on quality of stamps sent for exchange. Like said on the exchange rules, I will return any faulty items back “as is”. They are dead weight, so please try not not include damaged stamps to exchange lots.
Third, another favor to ask… I have never specified the number of stamps that can be put into single exchange lot/cover, but… I wish if all participants would keep the number of stamps between 50 and 500 stamps per sending. Anything with fewer stamps can get quite expensive (sending a cover from Finland is hugely expensive, and I like to keep the cost per stamp as low as possible); and anything larger will easily result in damaged goods (as thick covers easily bulge/torn/fall apart on mail).
Finally, my stock of mint duplicates has gotten so low that I’ve decided to drop the option “mint stamps only” from list of available return stamp alternatives. You can still choose between used stamps, or mixed (containing both used and mint) stamps.
Other than these minor changes, it’s the same old and familiar exchange. Bigger, bolder and better than ever before 
Let’s make this one fun winter season filled with stamp exchanges.
Happy collecting!
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Hi Keijo,
I am really hoping I can send some stamps this go around.
@Erik… Sounds great
How are you feeling? I haven’t been able to get online much in the last month or so to check the blog.
@Erik… I’m somewhat better for the time being, thanks for asking. I’m still (and will be for next few weeks) on enhanced meds, so it’s still way too early to tell if my condition has gotten truly better or is it just the meds keeping inflammation under control. Either way, all I can do is try to live & work as normally as possible (and wait for colonoscopy scheduled late spring/early summer).
(And for those new to my blog, here’s some background for this health-related discussion: Slow posting ahead)
The type of exchanges described sound wonderful for beginner and medium level collectors, but what about advanced collectors like myself? I have a fairly large stock of better material, items with Scott cv’s $5.00 and up.
These are all Fine or better, all good collectable copies without faults. No thins, no missing perfs, no heavy cancels, etc.
Right now I am seeking to expand my collection of pre-1904 British Pacifc collection. Would you be up for that kind of exchange?
Glorian
@Glorian… Simple and short answer: no. I have pretty good reasons why the rules of this exchange are the way they are, and I’m not interested in bargaining on them.
I am new to this pretty kewl blog — How do I get involved in the “stamp exchange”? Intermediate 55 year old collector here– worldwide with a little more focus on germany austria bavaria — YEP BAVARIA! lol
@terelli… Just head on to my stamp exchange page – and read/follow the instructions on the page.
Bavaria matches very well with Germany and Austria; I’ve got some very beautiful stamps from there in my collection.