How to Trade Postcards

One of the most interesting aspects of postcard collecting is the chance to trade postcards with other collectors in a private group or at postcard shows. Since there are literally millions of different postcards available from across the country and around the world, trading gives you the opportunity to add some spice to your collection by letting go of some of your beloved cards in order to add new ones from the collection of another postcard lover.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Trade Up to a Better Collection

1. Determine the value of your collection before you begin to trade with others. There is nothing worse than finding out you have traded away a rare card in exchange for one that is worth significantly less.

2. Keep your collection in tip-top form by using archival storage holders (those that prevent acidic damage to your postcards). You should also protect your cards from excessive creasing and bent corners, which will reduce their value. You improve your trading position when your cards are in prime condition.

3. Organize your postcards systematically so that you can easily access them by subject matter, or color and size. The easier the cards are to get to, the smoother and more efficient your trading experience will be.

4. Don't be badgered into trading away a favorite card by a pushy trader. If you know that you don't want to part with a card, don't even present it to others, unless trading is not in issue.

5. List postcards you are interested in acquiring or trading away on Internet postcard trading pages, such as Bobcardography (see Resources below). This greatly enlarges your target audience--but it also increases the likelihood that you may meet people who are not honest. Use great caution when transacting business outside of a monitored environment.

6. Catalogue the postcards that you are taking with you to a trading event by taking quick digital pictures of the cards. This gives you a record of what you left with and what you should return with after the event--unless, of course, you are able to make a successful trade or two!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you keep a close eye on your postcards during busy collectors' shows or trade gatherings. A dishonest person can quickly relieve you of several precious cards in the blink of an eye.

Resources

• Bobcardography to trade postcards