Starting a postcard collection can be a fun and rewarding hobby, whether you’re interested in vintage postcards or more modern designs. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Choose a focus for your collection
Postcards come in a wide range of themes and styles, so it can be helpful to choose a specific focus for your collection. For example, you might decide to collect postcards from a particular time period, such as the 1920s or 1950s, or you might choose to collect postcards with a specific theme, such as holiday postcards or postcards featuring animals. This will help you narrow your search and make it easier to find postcards that fit your collection.
Look for postcards at antique shops and flea markets
One of the best places to find vintage postcards is at antique shops and flea markets. These types of markets often have a wide selection of postcards for sale, and you can often find postcards for a reasonable price. Just be sure to carefully inspect any postcards you’re considering buying, as some may be in poor condition.
Join a postcard club or online group
If you’re serious about starting a postcard collection, you may want to consider joining a postcard club or online group. These types of groups can provide you with access to a wide range of postcards and allow you to connect with other collectors who share your interests.
Learn about grading and condition
Postcard collectors often graded based on their condition. It’s important to learn about the different grading systems and understand what factors determine the condition of a postcard. This will help you determine the value of a postcard and make informed buying decisions.
Store your postcards properly
Proper storage is important to help preserve your postcards and keep them in good condition. You should avoid storing postcards in direct sunlight or in humid areas, and use acid-free storage materials whenever possible. For even better protection, consider purchasing acid free postcard sleeves.
Jumpstart your Collection
If you’re still not sure where to start, buying a random set of postcards can be a great way to start a postcard collection. For one, it allows you to quickly and easily build up a diverse collection of postcards. Rather than spending time searching for individual postcards, you can simply receive a variety of postcards all at once. Easy!