The novice seller of postage stamps should be aware of the following points:

1.   Do not expect to receive catalogue value for your items unless they are very sought-after indeed.    A nice 5/- Sydney Harbour Bridge will do well, last year's definitives may not even receive a bid.

2.   Do not choose a too-high starting price in the hope that someone will be ignorant enough to buy your item at your own valuation.   It is better, and cheaper, to start low.

3.   Old is not the same as valuable.   A Sydney "Views" is worth something, a GB 1d red of the same date is usually worth almost nothing.  

4.   Do not scatter the words "Rare" and "Scarce" like confetti, particularly in your heading.   It only irritates the browser, and discriminating buyers will in any case know without being told.

5.   Condition matters.   The description should include your item's faults.   Your buyer should be given no cause to think you have withheld relevant information.    If your cover is a front only, or has a laundry list on the back, say so.

6.   Be specific.   Your item will be seen by browsers all over the world, therefore the issuing country should be included in your heading and your description should include the catalogue number or the year of issue.   Where relevant, include details of perforations and watermarks.

7.   Use good-quality photographs.   A fuzzy picture taken with an Instamatic will not enhance your listing.   If buyers cannot see any detail they will be much less likely to bid.   In cases where a buyer would be likely to think it important, show the back of the stamp or cover as well as the front.

8.   Your charges for postage should be reasonable.   Charging A$4.00 to send a single stamp across town may catch an unwary buyer once, but he will not buy from you again.

9.   Make sure your packaging is adequate.   The postman, and the weather, can do terrible things to an unsuspecting envelope.

10.   Use courtesy in your dealings with your buyers.   Do As You Would Be Done By.

11.   Be prepared for the unexpected.   A gem Mint treasure may not receive any interest, a perfectly ordinary-looking cover may have buyers falling over themselves to bid.   You never can tell.