I have been toying with the idea of setting up some approvals so I can sell off some of my extra stamps and maybe help my fellow collectors round out their collections. I'm nervous to set it up though. Any advice for someone who is very new to the group and has never taken part in either the auctions or approvals on Stamporama?
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re: Tentatively Considering Making an Approval Book
Meghan
The first step would be to read the USER GUIDE. Then look over some of the books that have been posted for ideas. And next, get your feet wet - publish a book! It is really that simple.
Bobby
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A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent). 16 Apr 2014 09:52:12pm
re: Tentatively Considering Making an Approval Book
Best advice - just jump right in. Grab what you want to put up, scan them, set a price and voila. Make sure the stamps can be clearly seen. Depending on the size of the stamps, my pages generally include 2 lines of a stock page. That way the stamps can be clearly seen, easily numbered - this usually amounts to 10-20 stamps depending on size.
It's all trial and error when you start putting them up
Kelly
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re: Tentatively Considering Making an Approval Book
My advice would be what was previously given, and add that you can start your book in inactive status. Then you can tweak how the images appear, write any notes (catalogue numbers, condition, shipping terms, etc.) at your leisure, and when you're happy with it, launch it.
Just remember the spirit of these books is to sell lower-CV items or, put differently, sell items at rock bottom prices. It isn't a store replacement, so your full pane of Penny Blacks probably wouldn't be appropriate (then again, if you do put something like that up for 10c, email me first!)
re: Tentatively Considering Making an Approval Book
Yeah I definitely don't have anything expensive. I was looking through some of the approvals that are currently available and it got me thinking that if I could sell my doubles I could use that money to buy from others
re: Tentatively Considering Making an Approval Book
Another question for you all regarding these books. Those of you who do approvals, do you also like to do trades.
What guidelines do you use to decide which stamps go in the approval book and which ones you trade.
I'm excited about selling stamps to buy specific ones I need but I love the thrill of trading and don't want to put every single stamp in the approval book. Ideas?
re: Tentatively Considering Making an Approval Book
Just like with the approval books, gather some stamps and post them in the trade section and see if anyone wants to do a trade with you.
Don't over-think this. It's a hobby where you're supposed to be resting your brain and having fun. Try things out and see how they go. No harm, no foul.
re: Tentatively Considering Making an Approval Book
Hi Meghan,
Scan your pages at 100dpi. That should make the pages about the right size and keep the image at an acceptable size. Also, setup your Paypal option in the Members Area so that the "No Paypal" icon doesn't display.