Stamp Collecting Software Options

Stamp collecting software is essential among the 20 Million American stamp collectors. Instead of browsing for hours on the internet to find statistics and values, why not try this easy-to-navigate compendium of information to figure out what your stamps are worth? Before you can begin trading, you'll need to catalog your collection to show traders what their options are.

The SCOTT catalog is like the holy grail among stamp collectors. If you plan to sell or trade stamps, you'll need to know the corresponding catalog numbers. For instance, some traders and buyers only know "the inverted Jenny" stamp as a "C3a." Therefore, it's advantageous to obtain either detailed software for purchase or simple freeware to organize and properly catalog your collection and make it suitable for trade.

You can find a SCOTT-licensed software program at EZstamp.com for $80/CD. This huge database contains 36,700 stamps and contains a search tool to allow you to find individual stamps quickly if needed. You'll enjoy the EZstamp color guides, slide shows, watermark guide, and magnifier and thumbnail viewer. Valuing and inventorying is made easy with this software. Yet, also be aware that the main CD only covers US and US territories. If you'd like European stamp information and databases, for example, you'd have to buy one of the other CDs at $49.99 a piece. You can however, have the entire collection, which is comprised of nine CDs, for $314.

Ok, so you're into stamp collecting but you're not prepared to spend a fortune on stamps and you want to be able to collect, catalog and trade easily. You'll be happy to know that stamp collecting software doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, you can download freeware like: StampCAT, StampManage, Stamp Collector Professional (for Windows Vista users only) and Stamp Organizer Deluxe. Most software allows a free trial, so you can see if the format is fun and easy-to-use before you make a commitment. Before you buy, also consider the catalog type used, if the software is just for US postage stamps or if there are drop-down menus to include foreign stamps too, whether or not you can print reports and any additional functions that make the program unique from its competitors.

Stamp collecting software takes the headache out of an otherwise enjoyable hobby. Why sit there individually looking up each and every stamp on the internet when you could be reaping the benefits and merely daydreaming which stamp you'll own next?