Stamp Exchange Schemes

(Full disclosure: 'schemes' are nothing bad nor nefarious in this context. They merely describe how a given process works.)

About 20 years ago, I joined Stephen Haddock Stamps' approvals. Most stamps were a few cents each, some clearance ones were cheaper, and unwanted stamps would be bought by Stephen for credit.

I wanted to begin trading stamps in a novel way, and found the Forever Stamp Exchange (FSE). Often understood and incorrectly participated in, the premise was fairly simple. As a form of stamp collecting 'chain letter', collectors put willing collectors' names onto an exchange sheet, no more than five collectors per sheet.  The originator was to make ten copies, send them to collectors, along with 50 stamps. IF everyone on the exchange sheet did the same, the originator should soon receive 2,500 stamps, 50 from each of 50 collectors, and the cycle starts again.

In reality, I've only ever received about four such exchanges from any one originator, maximum, not ten. Most collectors just made it into a repeating five collector circuit. And it got expensive, because most of the collectors were overseas. 

But back in 2005, I was keen and I kept track of each state, province or country or continent I'd received an FSE from. I also developed some regular trading partners from the FSE's (top photo).

I've also participated in two out-and-back schemes, one run by a scheme operator in Levignac, France and another in Quebec. A collector enters the scheme, either with cash or stamps, states their preferences, and their name is placed three times on a five-part circuit and they're then 'back' of the out'and back. Then they return the scheme to the scheme operator after the fifth leg of the circuit, and ideally begins again with another circuit. Again, most of these are overseas, and one can be removed from the circuit between forms without knowing. Both of these petered out for me, and I'm not sure why.

This past year, I joined the International Society of Worldwide Stamp Collectors and I'm participating in their ISWSC Swap Circuits. For a few US dollars and the cost of one-way postage, 100 stamps arrive about each month. Each member removes some of the 100 stamps in the envelope, then replaces them with like stamps. Five ISWSC members' names are on each circuit, after which it is returned to a volunteer swap circuit manager. It's been enjoyable, perhaps the most enjoyable yet.