TNAG-0718-FCO40-916-Policy-on-issuing-postage-stamps-1978 — Page 89

7

levels towards the end.

There should, however, be a final flurry of sales at the end if the authorities have given due publicity to he forthcoming termination of the issue. Dealers tend to stock up with confidence in the knowledge that the stamps will become scarce after withdrawal and destruction of the old series. mentioned above a withdrawn issue may survive for a time in the form of specimens contained in unsold packs. (sec above). Exhibitions

AS

Sales of a country's postage stamps for philatelic purposes may be enhanced by its representation at philatelic exhibitions. Where a country's philatelic business is handled by an agency, such as the British Crown Agents, the agent may represent the country (along with a number of others) at certain international exhibitions. To decide whether it would be worthwhile for a country to have its own stand involves gai ging whether the not inconsiderable costs of representation will be covered by the profits likely to be obtained by sales at the Exhibition, allowe ing something for the follow-up business likely to be generated.

The best exhibition is the International Philatelic which was held in Amsterdam ("Amphilex") in 1977, is to be held in Can- ada in 1978, and will be held in London in 1980. Smaller annual exhibitions are the British Philatelic and Stampex, and it may serve some purpose for a small country to gain experience at one of those before launching into the major shows. Another alter- native, which is recommended is for small countries to combine and share the expenses of a single stand. There are several points to bear in mind

نا

(a) (b)

(c)

(a)

Reserving a stand has to be done a long time ahead; It is useful if a Minister or official of the country can attend the stand at least part of the time it is open. This calls for long term planning so that the visit can coincide with a time when other overseas business may also be contracted by the person chosen to represent the country;

It is useful if the country concerned can arrange a new stamp issue to be made during the period of the

xhibition. This is not easily done, but if it can be done, the occasion is very popular with those atten- ding the xhibition;

It is essential to have good stocks of materials to take to the Exhibition, i.e., first day covers from current and previous issues, presentation packs, sets of mint stamps, and forms on which those interested may apply to go on the country's mailing list for future issues and order forthcoming issues. There mast also be arrangements for receiving deposits against future deliveries. The stand should also be equipped with informative matter about the country, even including material of a touristic nature. Finally the stand must be equipped with hand-cancelling/postmarking equipment, since those buying stamps at the stand often like their stamps to be freshly "cancelled" with the current date.

Tourism

An important spin-off from philatelic activities is to put the country "on the map" .at least as far as keen philatelists are concerned. This has been done literally in the case, for example, of the Seychelles and St Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, whic issued stamps celebrating the opening of new airports which indicated by simplified miniature maps indicating the position of the country in relation

to other better-known countries.

The stamp designs chosen may themselves indicate the charms of the country for tourists, and the theme may be developed in all advertising material relating to stamp issues, including the printed insets placed in all types of presentation packs.

}

#