Montreal-based City Stamp is the largest philatelic (stamp) dealer in Canada. Founded by Robert Cooperman some 35 years ago when he was a teenager, the company has an office on Ste-Catherine Street W, but today does most of its business online, both buying and selling stamps.
We probably do around 5,000 transactions per year; some with a single stamp for thousands of dollars and some with five stamps for $150, says Cooperman who is now the company president. Overall, we might buy or sell 15,000 items annually. Our business focuses on obtaining and selling the top end of the stamp market.
We offer a unique opportunity to collectors to have a supplier with a vast and second-to-none inventory of the rarest stamps from Canada, North America, the British Commonwealth, and in many cases, the entire world. At the same time, our buying capabilities are equally as strong. No collection is too large for us not to purchase outright with immediate payment. We are always looking to buy the most sought-after rarities from all countries. We are known to offer very fair market value.
Collecting Stamps
Online sales have continued to grow for City Stamp, now representing 70 percent of sales. The Montreal market has shrunk today constituting less than 5 percent of the company’s market where the USA dominates with some 40 percent, followed by 30 percent for Canada, and 30 percent for the rest of the world. This is how City Stamp reaches an estimated 60 million stamp collectors worldwide.
Cooperman also attends philatelic shows in Toronto, Ottawa, and other parts of Canada.
Most clients whom we meet at stamp trade shows are 50-70 years old and almost all male. But online world clients are much younger, between 30-60 years of age. I believe our clientele includes a great many professionals: lawyers, doctors, and tech people. The very expensive material in many cases lands up with wealthier businesses owners, CEOs, etc.
Secured, insured shipping is how City Stamp sends purchased stamps to buyers. This is either by FedEx® overnight to ensure safe arrival or via Xpresspost™ or registered mail for items valued under $250.
Stamp collecting remains a hobby, but if quality stamps are purchased at fair market value, sooner or later they will turn into a worthwhile investment, says Cooperman when we asked about the rate of return on a stamp collection.
Cooperman recommends that novice collectors join clubs, which he says are a great way to get acquainted with the hobby and to meet other collectors.
Unlike some competitors which handle other collectibles, City Stamp deals exclusively with stamps. The company offices are open 11 AM-4 PM Monday to Friday or by appointment; meanwhile the website is open 24/7. Payments can be made with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal.
City Stamp
1134 Ste-Catherine W. #865
Montreal, H3B 1H4
1.800.615.2596
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