Face to Face Buying and Selling of Postcards

While we often find articles describing and encouraging the use of the Internet to buy, sell and exchange postcards, the effects on and values of face-to face activities are rarely discussed. In this article we will explore the dynamics of some of the changes taking place and point out some times when face to face works better than using the Internet.

Yes, the Internet is rapidly changing our habits of buying and selling postcards for many people. But there are still many people who persist in their former ways of going to Postcard and Antique Shows, Live Auctions, and Antique Malls to do their postcarding. This writer has recently rediscovered some interesting aspects that speak for face to face postcard activities.

Buying in Bulk

When buying in Bulk, it is usually better for the buyer to see the Lot before making the purchase. This writer recently purchased a Lot over the Internet and received a lot with 15 duplicates of a single card and perhaps 30 cards in duplicate or triplicate numbers. If I had been buying it in person, I probably would have passed on the purchase. I have resolved to be more cautious in the future and will tend to make my bulk purchases face-to face.

Buying Expensive Postcards

There are many low priced to middle range priced postcards on the internet but relatively few high priced items. Consequently, because of the lack of competition on the Internet, many better postcards are costly. On the other hand, it is probably sound advice to make your purchases of Expensive Postcards (referring to cards of $50 to $2000) in face to face transactions. There is a need for the buyer to carefully examine both the front and back of the card and to use the smell test for signs of mildew or mold.

Buying With An Eye On Negotiating

While auctions are prospering and multiplying on the Internet, your bids are matched against other bidders. There are certainly bargains to be had and an unbelievable number of cards to choose from the Internet but consider again the old fashioned face-to-face approach at Postcard Shows or at a Mall. You can make an offer without the interference of other bidders or you can negotiate a discount on your chosen postcards. This can reduce your true cost and there is no added shipping charge for you to pay.

Buying With An Eye On Condition

Every collector has his or her own criteria for condition when buying postcards. Probably the most discerning (fussy) collectors are the Postal Historians who will almost never buy a card unless it is used, cancelled with a readable postal station and date, and an intact stamp. These collectors, as well as ordinary collectors who appreciate pristine like postcards, should restrict their purchases to face-to-face transactions.

Buying With Interaction And Education

Finally, the tradition of buying from a knowledgeable dealer who knows what he is selling, often provides the buyer with the provenance of where the card came from, an understanding of the purpose of the card, and a fair perspective on the rarity of the item. Unfortunately, the Internet has no standards and is filled with misinformation. So, HERE’S TO FACE –TO FACE BUYING AND SELLING OF POSTCARDS!

Collectors seem to be in as much a quandary as the general population concerning this perpetual dilemma. With an economic recession and financial fears still raging in the US, it is a fact that total sales of postcards are down (as reported by dealers across the country. ) This tells us that people are either waiting or that their financial troubles prevent them from buying.

If you are among the fortunate collectors with money to spend, this time is an exceptionally good time to buy. Here’s why:

1.    As the hobby continues to be viable, some of the older collectors are dying and there are good numbers of better postcards being released to the marketplace.

2.    Prices of postcards seem to have hit the bottom and are now just beginning to climb back to earlier levels

3.    Some of the older higher priced categories including Halloween, Blacks, Advertising, and Artist Signed postcards have coasted down in popularity and price. We are already seeing increased interest in Blacks and expect the other named areas to also pick up. This will spawn higher prices in the future.

4.    Postcard sellers have never been more amenable to negotiators than at the present time. There are many bargains out there.

5.    Our final word of advice is to BUY WHEN YOU SEE WHAT YOU WANT, PROVIDING YOU HAVE THE MONEY.

Happy Hunting