Postcard from the 2006 Torino Olympic Games to the USA. The correct rate was 0.65 euros; the overfranking by 0.03 euros is perfectly acceptable as this permitted use of two different Olympic stamps.

Tip #3: How to send it – Why spend more than you have to?

Remember the old adage “a penny saved is a penny earned”? Well, it applies to philately too. It used to be that collectors would plaster every Olympic stamp available on an envelope with the assumption that “more is better.” That’s no longer true. Today’s Olympic collector desires BOTH attractively created AND correctly franked mail (meaning that the stamps affixed pay as close to the correct postal rate as possible). There is no advantage to sticking on more stamps than necessary.

Here’s what you need to know about Canada’s postal rates during the Games. Postcards and letters (up to 1 ounce) travel at the same rate. Within Canada it’s 57 cents. To the U.S. the price is an even $1. The rest of the world runs you $1.70 for a first class letter or card.

Now if you’re feeling REALLY creative (or those “Loonies” are burning a hole in your pocket) you can try sending a letter via registered mail. This isn’t for the faint of heart as the additional charge is $7.95 for a Canadian address or a whopping $12.95 extra for U.S. or international destinations. My advice? Save your money.

Tomorrow: #2, what stamps to use.

As we approach the Games, it’s time to think about how to enhance your collection with items mailed from the Games using the special event cancels available from the 5 post offices in Vancouver and Whistler. For those lucky folks that will actually be attending the Games, I’ve prepared 5 tips for creating some eye-popping Olympic philately for your collection. And don’t forget to make a few extras to sell in the SPI Auction where you’ll find plenty of eager buyers.

Tip #5: What to send – Mix it up with covers, postcards and ephemera.

One rule about Olympic philately: there is no hard and fast rule about what looks best or is most collectible. For envelopes, I like to use either #6 or #6-3/4. Both are about 6-1/2″ wide with one a bit taller than the other. Why shorter envelopes? Easy answer … because you can mount them easily on a standard size (8-1/2″ wide) sheet without having to turn the envelope sideways.

Salt Lake City Olympic Opening Ceremony postcard provides a colorful vehicle for the Biathlon event postmark.

For something different – and more colorful – think “postcards”. Try finding official Olympic postcards that display Olympic scenes or sports. The official postcard licensee is National Color Productions. At last count, they had some 51 postcards in 3 different sizes and are great for matching up with the event postmarks.

Finally, don’t overlook interesting advertising cards or other paper products that you encounter along the way. Businesses all over Vancouver will be promoting themselves or their events during the Games. Anyone of these, with a stamp applied, can make a unique item. Let your imagination run wild!

Tomorrow: #4: Where to send it.