Trading stamps

Q: I have several books of Top Value trading stamps and would like to redeem them. Any suggestions? — Eva, Palmetto, Fla.

A: Most trading stamps are difficult — if not impossible — to redeem because many of the premiums originally offered no longer exist. With that said, I suggest you contact S&H Greenpoints Customer Care Center, P.O. Box 4000, Fenton, MO 63099, 1-800-435-5674.

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Q: I have accumulated many old items from my parents. How can I get the best price for them? — Marge, Albuquerque, N.M.

A: Collectibles and antiques are only worth what someone is willing to plunk down in cold hard cash when purchasing. Aunt Susie’s scrapbook, for example, might be worth a fortune to you sentimentally, but only a few dollars if sold at a public auction or sale.

I think the best route is marking items on eBay since that is, indeed, the Great American Auction House. If you have Internet service, click on eBay and check out the activity. If you don’t want to auction items yourself, contact the nearest I SOLD IT store, which will list the items, sell them, deduct a commission and then send what’s left to you. The national toll-free number is 1-877-476-5348.

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Q: I have a large collection of Christmas catalogs from Sears and Montgomery Ward, all published before 1960. Where can I sell them? — Steve, Pueblo West, Colo.

A: Judith Hesson is a collector and is especially interested in mail-order catalogs, including Penny, Aldens, Spiegel and the two companies you mentioned. Her address is Hesson Collectibles, 1261 S. Lloyd, Lombard, IL 60148. You might also market your catalogs on eBay for a national exposure.

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Q: Where can I sell my Playboy magazine collection? — J.D., Crossville, Tenn.

A: Two sources, Passaic Books, 267 Passaic St., Passaic, NJ 07055, and Douglas Tracy, The Centerfold Shop, 1220 23rd St., Suite 2M, San Diego, CA 92102.