Stamp collecting, or philately, is a popular hobby with a long history, and there are numerous avenues through which collectors, particularly those in the early stages of building a collection, can acquire stamps without cost. The provided source material outlines several methods and specific programmes for obtaining free stamps, ranging from printable digital albums to direct mail requests and community-based exchanges. This article synthesises this information to provide a guide for UK-based consumers interested in acquiring stamps for their collections at no charge.
Printable Stamp Albums
A primary method for acquiring a foundational set of stamps involves digital resources that allow for the creation of a physical collection at minimal expense. One notable resource is The Philosateleian U.S. Stamp Album, a collection of printable album pages. This album is designed to accommodate all but the rarest United States postage and revenue stamps. It is available for free download in two formats: PDF files for direct printing and ODT files for customisation using software such as Apache OpenOffice or LibreOffice. The service is updated four times a year with pages for newly-issued U.S. stamps, eliminating the need for costly supplements. Users are only responsible for the cost of printing the pages they require.
Direct Mail and International Programmes
Several organisations and individuals offer free stamps via postal requests, often requiring the sender to cover return postage or provide a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). These programmes can be a valuable source of specific stamps for collectors.
- Between the Perfs / Peter Elias: This programme, run by philately enthusiast Peter Elias, offers free stamps to collectors both in the United States and internationally. U.S. residents are instructed to send a request in a SASE envelope containing a Forever stamp or 73 cents worth of U.S. stamps to a P.O. Box in Plano, Texas. International requests require an International Reply Coupon, mint USA stamps worth $1.65, €2.00, sFr 2.00, or $2.00. The programme is specific to two sets: Free USA Stamp Set #16 for U.S. requests and Free Worldwide Stamp Set #17 for international requests. Status updates on stamp availability are posted by Elias.
- International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors (ISWSC): This organisation provides free stamps to children’s stamp clubs without requiring membership. Group leaders can mail or email a request, along with details about the number of children, their interests, and ages, to the ISWSC Internet Offer address in Gaithersburg, Maryland, or via the provided email address.
- St. Vincent Stamps: This website offers a random selection of stamps for free. To receive them, interested parties must send a self-addressed envelope. The specific details and request process are available on their website.
- StampEd / Michael Lynn: An associate of the online magazine StampEd, Michael Lynn, gives away free starter kits to new philatelists. Requests can be made by emailing a request and shipping address to [email protected].
- Vista Stamps: Vista Stamps operates a Stamp Approval Club where members receive a customised selection of stamps based on their interests. While members have 20 days to examine the stamps and only pay for those they wish to keep (returning the rest at their own expense), the club also provides a free stamp gift upon sign-up. There are no club or membership fees.
Community and Local Exchange Methods
Beyond formal programmes, stamps can often be acquired through local community interactions, online forums, and physical events.
- Craigslist and Freecycle: Both Craigslist (under its "For Sale" category's free section) and Freecycle are platforms where individuals may post advertisements for or offer free stamps, including vintage or collectible items. Users can create their own requests or scan existing posts.
- Stamp Community Forums: Online forums dedicated to stamp collecting, such as Stamp Community, often have members willing to give stamps to new collectors. However, sources note that participation is key; users are typically expected to become established members with a history of posting before making requests for stamps.
- Local Stamp Clubs and Shows: Joining a local stamp club, which can be searched for via the American Philatelic Society website, can provide access to free stamps from experienced members. Similarly, attending stamp shows is recommended, as many attendees are willing to give stamps to beginners.
- Office Supply Stores and Charity Shops: Some office supply stores may have leftover stamps in their possession and can be approached directly. Charities and community programmes with donation collections may also have unused stamps available.
- Family, Friends, and Personal Collections: A straightforward method is to ask family and friends, who may have spare stamps stored away. Individuals are also advised to check their own personal belongings, such as dressers, for stamps that may have been collected over time. A critical note from the sources emphasises that reusing stamps from old mail is a federal crime.
- Newspaper Advertisements: Placing a small advertisement in a local newspaper stating an interest in acquiring stamps from others' mail can yield results, with some individuals willing to donate stamps for free.
Digital and Online Earning Methods
Some online platforms offer a method to acquire stamps indirectly. Survey sites such as Swagbucks and InboxDollars allow users to earn points, cash, or gift cards. These earnings can then be used to purchase stamps, which is described as technically receiving free stamps. Additionally, some websites, like Earn Haus or KingOpinion, are mentioned in the context of earning cash through surveys, which could theoretically be allocated towards purchasing stamps, though this is not a direct method of acquiring free stamps.
Important Considerations and Legalities
When seeking free stamps, collectors must be mindful of several important points. First, the legality of stamp reuse is a serious matter; sources explicitly state that reusing postage from old mail is a federal crime. Second, when participating in direct mail programmes, the cost of return postage (such as SASE envelopes or International Reply Coupons) is typically borne by the requester. Third, online forums require respectful participation; simply signing up and asking for stamps is discouraged. Building a reputation within the community is a more effective approach.
Conclusion
The sources provide a variety of legitimate methods for obtaining free stamps, catering to different preferences, from digital downloads and direct mail programmes to community-based exchanges and local events. For UK-based collectors, while some programmes like The Philosateleian album are universally accessible, others are U.S.-centric. However, international options, such as those offered by Peter Elias and St. Vincent Stamps, along with general methods like using online forums, Freecycle, and local clubs, provide viable pathways. As with any hobby, diligence, patience, and adherence to legal and community guidelines are essential for successfully building a stamp collection without significant financial outlay.