Download this report as an MP3 sound file.

Moving on up.

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.

For nine years, Dave Failor ran the U-S stamp program. Then he retired, and now he's chief 
of the entire United Nations Postal Administration.

"There's something about being challenged and learning all brand new things that is very 
exciting."  :05

Failor worked his way up over 29 years in the U-S Postal Service, from clerk and carrier 
to public relations to executive, so he pretty much knew the system there. He's only been 
at the U-N since February first, and is now getting a crash course.

"I've worked the counter, yesterday ... I was down in one of our storerooms counting stock 
and returning it to the shelves, I've worked in our personalized stamp booth, I've filled 
orders and done all of that kind of stuff" :12

The U-S Postal Service sells stamps in  37-thousand post offices and another 30-thousand 
retail outlets, and offers far more services.

"The real focus was on the commodity of stamps, and making sure that we printed up enough 
and that people had enough stamps to do business with the U-S Postal Service." :08

The U-N Postal Administration only has THREE locations, in New York, Vienna and Geneva. 
The U-N also issues stamps for far fewer subjects.

"So the mindset for me is changing to one of more 'What do we do to make sure the 
collectors appreciate the program and support the program,' not so much 'How do I make 
sure I have enough stamps so people can mail?'" :13

U-S postal clerks have much more on their minds that just stamps. The U-N Postal 
Administration, on the other hand, doesn't move the mail very far, doesn't sell money 
orders, but selling stamps that promote U-N causes to collectors IS a priority.	

I'm Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamp collecting, 
visit Virtual-Stamp-Club-dot-com.

----------------------------------------------------------
Go to Previous Report
Go to Next Report 

Go to Report Index