What the PTS stands for...
The Philatelic Traders’ Society is also known as The PTS.
The PTS was formed in 1928 by a group of established stamp dealers who wished to found a society which would act for, and on behalf of its members, for the greater good of philately.
As we approach 100 years of serving the trade and hobby, this article aims to share who we are today, what we do, and why.
The PTS serves every aspect of the trade and the hobby
This includes dealers, auction houses, postal administrators, publishers, philatelic software providers, shops, accessories, online stores and more!
This includes everything from a £1 cover to a $10m lot.
The PTS recognises, and through its diverse and strong membership portfolio, aims to, support all collectors as they develop in their own personal philatelic journey.
PTS Members contribute towards the strength of the PTS Shield not just through their professionalism and integrity, but also through their commitment to investing in the “bigger picture” beyond their own individual businesses.
The PTS’s focus is on philately and postal history.
The PTS ensures the integrity of the PTS Shield
To protect the collector, the PTS references every new Member who applies to the PTS and consults all Members before approving an applicant.
The PTS focusses on the quality of its Membership rather than the quantity.
Whilst the diversity of the Membership limits the PTS’s ability to formalise a certification of professional philatelic competence, the PTS Code of Conduct, recommendations, society and network contact points, and public campaigns provide a transparent and fair way of holding PTS Members to account.
The PTS has a robust complaints process should there be an issue with a PTS Member and provides a mediation service.
The PTS is global
Whilst founded in the UK and previously recognised as the UK national philatelic trade society, the PTS has evolved to become the International Society for Philatelic Professionals, representing businesses and connecting with collectors all around the world.
Wherever a collector is in the world, they can use the PTS Member Directory to look for an assured philatelic business. PTS Members can also reach a wider audience by being listed on the PTS Member Directory and being part of the PTS Community.
Stampex is the PTS’s World Class Flagship Events Brand
Stampex is critical to the philatelic ecosystem.
The PTS runs one in-person Stampex per year in the heart of London, and one Virtual Stampex per year online. This bi-annual rhythm keeps the Stampex brand in collector’s minds and allows collectors and PTS Members to take advantage of one or both platforms.
Through Stand Holder Hire, Advertising, Sponsorship, Stampex Patronage, and other funding models, the PTS seeks to ensure Stampex, which is free to visit, includes a Bourse, displays and exhibits including a Court of Honour, Society Meetings, Talks/ Seminars, Networking Events, and inclusive events such as Youth activities, Postcrossing, and competitions.
The PTS supports events around the world
To support PTS Members around the world, and across all aspects of the trade, the PTS promotes shows and exhibitions where our Members are present.
The PTS connects with collectors at events in person and in online forums and on social media to promote the Shield, our Members, and build relationships across the ecosystem. The PTS is always open to ideas on how the society can better support the trade and hobby.
The PTS has the experience, skills, Member relationships, and marketing reach to support event organisers if there is a shared vision for the value collaboration can generate for the greater good of philately.
The PTS embraces the digital world
The PTS uses technology to improve how the society and our Members reach, serve, and satisfy collectors.
The PTS uses online tools such as its Online Membership Directory, online Blog, email Newsletters, and social media to share its own message including Member promotion.
The PTS works with the Philatelic Press to further share its own message and Member promotion in hard copy magazines.
Promotional leaflets, Stampex show guide, Proud PTS Member stickers, and a one-off publication to celebrate the PTS’s Centenary are offered as both digital and hard-copy formats.
The PTS collaborates to boost the hobby
Collaboration with societies and key philatelic institutions is key to delivering a holistic and impactful approach to boosting the hobby and safeguarding its future.
The PTS collaborates with like-minded organisations – who act professionally, with delivery, innovation, and tangible results at the core of their mission.
The PTS develops relationships direct with the collector
In order for the trade to be strong, the ecosystem must be strong.
The PTS therefore takes a role in stimulating buying, selling and research activity through marketing philately, generating excitement about the hobby, educating the collector, and enabling paths for developing collector journeys.
The PTS seeks to further develop its quality distribution list and followership to not just allow members to reach new clients, but to create a powerful community of collectors who share our passion for philately.
The PTS seeks opportunities for societies and philatelists to connect at events it runs, online and in person.
PTS membership types support both investment and inclusion
The PTS aims to keep Full Membership at an affordable level for any professional business. This ensures inclusion from every aspect of the trade and helps the PTS serve all types of collectors.
Gold PTS Membership allows the PTS to invest in projects and initiatives aimed at further stimulating collector activity, and future-proofing the trade and hobby.
The PTS provides a small number of youth organisations with free Membership so that their valuable activities can be endorsed and supported.
PTS Membership is granted at the company level not the individual level although a minimum of one named Rep per company is required.
The PTS manages its activities professionally, with full funding and resource plans
The PTS Council and Team manage activities in a professional manner, with clear and transparent decision making.
Projects and activities are carried out by Council volunteers, PTS Members, paid PTS Staff, paid professional contractors, and collaborative teams.
Whilst the PTS continually assesses projects and new opportunities to deliver for the trade and hobby, team capacity is our greatest constraint. There is always more to do!
We therefore encourage our Members and supporters to become Gold Members if they have not already done so, take advantage of additional paid promotional space, become a Patron or a Platinum Patron, share our content, work with us on creating new, exciting content, visit our Stampex events, connect with our Members, and come to us with ideas and collaborative opportunities.
The philatelic future is in our hands, and the PTS takes its responsibilities seriously. We are working together for a stronger future for philately.
How do you see or feel the impact of the PTS's activities on your own philatelic endeavours?
What do you most value from the PTS's activities?
What areas do you feel the PTS needs to take more action in?
What do you believe the main differences are in the PTS's role today versus 98 years ago?
Let us know in the comments below.
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