Most consumers have a strategy. I'm sure you do, too.
There tend to be two.
One: Buy the cheapest. If you lose it or it breaks down it won't matter so much.
Two: Buy the best you can afford.
We've all learned from experience that the cheaper products perform poorly, wear out faster and, in the end, cost us more.
Who hasn't bought a cheap washing machine at some point and then spent the next few years gathering the cash for a better replacement?
It's the same with vehicles.
We all know the drill. Compare offers, negotiate the asking price, don't be bewildered by the over zealous sales patter.
But is it more important to save a few dollars or have the right car?
The cheapest car isn't always the least expensive one over the long term.
You've heard the saying "penny-wise, pound-foolish"? This old English phrase means that scrimping on a small expense often leads to a much bigger one.
That's exactly what will happen if you wait too long to change your oil, swap your filters or investigate that weird grinding noise.
Quality, quality, quality...
The quality aspect is all consuming with rare stamps and autographs... as with all types of antiques.
After all, you wouldn't invest in an antique Chippendale chair that only had 3½ legs.
Quality is key.
When people ask me what stamps to buy, what autographs to buy, my answer sounds a little flippant, but I'm dead serious.
"Buy the best stamps, buy the best autographs."
As simple as this sounds there are always a few investors who ignore it.
They buy common stamps they consider cheap. They think stamps with Princess Diana pictured must be worth money as she's deceased.
They consider a current 'average' sportsman a good bet for the future.
They might consider Tiger Woods overpriced, ignoring the fact he's the second most difficult living signature to obtain.
'Quality remains long after price is forgotten'.
It's one of the best quotes I have heard on the subject.
If you have the 'best known' example of anything there will always be a market for it.
There will always be someone below you with aspirations to own what you have. It's the best, they want it.
A good example was Bill Gross's recent stamp trade. Reminiscent of two schoolboys, Bill traded a $3m block of four inverted Jenny stamps (the famous upside down bi-plane) for the unique US Z grill stamp.
No money changed hands, Bill simply wanted what the other guy had and agreed a trade.
"Four times profit, it's better than
the stock market"
Bill famously stated "Four times profit, it's better than the stock market" after he sold part of his rare stamp collection a year ago.
Bill achieved spectacular returns by focusing on quality.
If you're still reading then I'm going to reward you by showing you the best items Stanley Gibbons and Fraser's have to offer today.
Look around, check other websites, you won't find better than this anywhere in the world today.
If you are looking to build an investment portfolio then these are the items to consider.
They are on the following links:
Call me if you see anything of interest, I'll let you know what investment options are available.
Call on +44 (0)1481 708 277
Email aroose@stanleygibbons.co.uk
Toll Free from the USA 1 866 644 6146
Regards
Adrian Roose