| Whether you are just starting to collect or you are an | | | | Tongs |
| avid stamp collector, you know that there are a few | | | | Tongs can be very important for stamp collecting. |
| essential stamp collecting supplies no collector should | | | | Most tongs are used when someone is trying to soak |
| do without. Although stamp collecting is an inexpensive | | | | the paper off the back of a stamp. Tongs offer a |
| hobby for most, you will need to invest a small amount | | | | more gentle touch than the human hand. They can |
| on these necessary supplies in order to collect | | | | handle stamps without getting the stamps dirty and |
| properly. Take a look at these items to help you get | | | | without harming the stamps. You can get a great pair |
| an idea of what you need before beginning a | | | | of tongs for less than $5 each. They come in various |
| collection. | | | | sizes. You can experiment to find out which size you |
| Albums | | | | like the best. |
| Before you begin collecting stamps, it is important that | | | | Books |
| you find a stamp album that works well for you. You | | | | If you want to know more about collecting stamps, |
| can get stock books that allow you to slip your | | | | you should certainly consider purchasing a general |
| stamps into tiny clear pockets. These are typically | | | | stamp collecting book. A great instructional book can |
| what the professional sellers use because they do not | | | | be very informing and helpful to any collector. You can |
| damage the stamps in any way. You can also | | | | find these books at bookstores as well as at hobby |
| purchase a stamp album where you actually mount | | | | stores, trade shows, and online. |
| the stamps to each page. This can take a little more | | | | When it comes to purchasing stamp collecting supplies, |
| time but the stamps look great once they are | | | | there are several options on where to shop. First, you |
| mounted. | | | | can start by visiting your local hobby shops. Hobby |
| Corner Mounts | | | | shops will likely carry at least one type of album, tongs, |
| When mounting your stamps, you will need an | | | | mounts, and possibly a book. Shopping online is another |
| abundance of corner mounts. Some professionals like | | | | great way to purchase supplies. Be sure when you |
| to use corner hinges instead. The choice is really up to | | | | are shopping online that you understand the terms for |
| each collector. These items are very inexpensive and | | | | each purchase. Be aware of shipping costs and return |
| typically come in packs of 1000 that can be bought for | | | | policies before making a purchase. |
| under $3 per pack. | | | | |