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Prepared For Postmarks

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm LdeV.

The Postal Service offers many special postmarks, which stamp collectors also call 
"cancellations" or "cancels." Some of these postmarks commemorate a new postage stamp; 
others the re-naming of a post office or another community event, or an anniversary.

There's no charge for these postmarks; all you have to buy are the stamps.

While you can send for these in the mail, it's often more fun to attend these events 
and obtain the cancels in person, as I'm doing here at this stamp ceremony. Advance 
planning is always good; here's what to bring on your postmark pursuit:

Your own envelopes or cards on which to place a stamp and cancel. While some may be sold 
on the spot, it's best to be safe and bring your own. 

Bring extras. Some may not turn out well...and you may run into other collectors you 
want to trade with.

It may take a few minutes for the ink of the cancellation to dry, so bring some post-it 
notes to put over the cancels, <and be careful not to put the adhesive part over the 
ink.>

Bring some cash or checks. Sometimes the postal stations accept credit cards, but not 
always. 

I'm Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamp collecting, 
visit virtual-stamp-club-dot-com.

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