TNAG-0718-FCO40-916-Policy-on-issuing-postage-stamps-1978 — Page 59

IN CONFIDENCE

16.

Long experience has shown that unwarranted increases in the cost of collecting a country's stamps will evenutally turn away the regular collector who will be unable to afford the stamps or will resent being

exploited. Undue concentration on thematic markets without due regard to traditional markets is also likely to alienate regular collectors. It cannot be emphasised too strongly that once a philatelist stops collecting the stamps of a particular country he will very rarely

return.

17. We commend to those looking for agents to manage their postage stamp affairs the services of the Crown Agents. The Crown Agents have no interest in the commercial exploitation of the stamp market. Their only interest is in retaining the long-term business of their

customers, which means in practice that their interest is identical with that of the countries they represent, ie to develop and maintain the highest possible reputation for their stamps.

18. It is the responsibility of the Crown Agents, when acting for a government to organise sales outside the country concerned in such a manner as to produce the optimum revenue consistent with securing and retaining the goodwill of collectors and dealers. In many cases there may be advantage in setting up a Stamp Bureau to stimulate local philatelic sales and provide services for overseas collectors. The

Bureau should be staffed and managed by the postal administration and in its simplest form may only require the part-time attendance of a postal clerk. The Crown Agents are prepared to offer advice on the operation of such a Bureau. Internal sales can be increased by expanding the market among local residents but this is a long-term affair. Quicker results may be obtained by interesting tourists in stamps as souvenirs. For this purpose attractive packaging and pres- sentation are necessary and stamps must be placed on sale at key points. The Crown Agents are prepared to advise on methods of pres-

entation. Those countries already possessing established Philatelic Bureaux should consider the possibility of expanding in order to take advantage of sales potential.

IN CONFIDENCE

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