Stamp Collecting & The Golden Rule

The hobby of stamp collecting is one of the greatest hobbies in the world. It brings together people from all nationalities, professions or jobs, and ages. It teaches them much about history, geography, and world cultures. Many events and famous personalities are the subjects of stamps issued by countries from all over the world.

In order for collectors to expand their collections they must contact fellow collectors and stamp dealers. This allows them to acquire more material by either purchase or trading with fellow collectors. These relationships are very important and can provide rewards which surpass just the ability to gain more material to add to a collection. Not only can they form lifelong friendships and acquaintances but they may also gain a lot of knowledge from these contacts about their collecting interests.

However, over the years I have heard many stories told about how a very good relationship with either a collector of stamp dealer eventually took a turn for the worst and ended in leaving a "bitter taste" in the mouths and minds of both individuals. This fact prompted me to remember a phrase that was taught to me early in my life --- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Of course, this phrase is known as The Golden Rule.

James Cash Penney, who was later known as J.C. Penney named his first store the Golden Rule in 1902. This step and the manner in which he treated customers set his store apart from most of his competitors and developed a thriving business which still continues today. Mr. Penney was raised on a farm outside of Hamilton, MO by his parents. His father was a minister who had taught his son to believe in the practical application of the Golden Rule.

For more than thirty years, I have heard stories about how some dealers have failed to treat collectors in a fair manner and I have also heard storeis about how some collectors have taken advantage of a stamp dealer. Other cases of the same type have occurred between collectors themselves. Of course, there are situations in which the individuals involved are attempting to be dishonest or are just plainly dishonest. My experience has been that these situations occur less frequently than those of a satisfactory nature and outcome.

How does one as a collector apply the Golden Rule?

• Provide your dealer with want lists for material that you intend to purchase and can afford
• Develop an open line of communication with your dealer
• Promptly return material to the dealer that does not meet your needs
• Promptly pay for material that you purchase.
• Compliment your dealer on his service if he deserves it
  

How does a dealer apply the Golden Rule?

• Promptly ship orders upon receipt of payment
• Ship only material that you know or believe will meet the collector's requirements
• Look for additional ways to be of service to your customer
• Always treat customers as if they are right even thou they may not be.
• Always say "thank you" to your customer
  

Today, there is a lot of buying and selling activity among collectors and dealers done on the internet. These activities can provide a lot of value to both, however they also leave the "personal" nature of the business behind. So no matter whether you are at a stamp bourse, stamp club meeting, active on the internet, or doing business by mail, pause a moment and ask yourself - "Are my comments or actions one's which I would like to receive in a similar situation?"

You will find that the Golden Rule will work for you just as it did for J.C. Penney.

Be sure to visit me at www.curtisgiddingstampstore.com