Core Insights - The philately market is experiencing unprecedented stagnation, particularly with classic stamp albums seeing a significant drop in sales [1] - The decline in interest among consumers indicates a major challenge for the philately market [1] Market Cooling Reasons - The cooling of the philately market is attributed to multiple intertwined factors, primarily the aging demographic of stamp collectors [2] - Many traditional collectors are older, while younger generations show little interest, leading to a cultural transmission gap [4] Consumer Mindset and Market Changes - Modern consumers increasingly demand immediacy and practicality, making long-term collectibles like stamp albums less appealing due to unpredictable appreciation potential [5] - Economic uncertainty has led consumers to be more cautious, opting for investments with clearer returns and greater liquidity, such as stocks, real estate, or digital currencies [6] Issues in the Stamp Market - The excessive issuance of stamps by postal authorities has contributed to the decline, resulting in oversupply and significant devaluation risks for stamp albums [7] - The themes of newly issued stamps often cater to traditional subjects, failing to attract younger audiences [7] Impact of Emerging Cultural Products - New cultural products and collectibles are more innovative in design and packaging, appealing to modern consumer aesthetics and values [8] - Traditional stamp albums are perceived as bulky and impractical in contemporary lifestyles, further exacerbating market decline [8] Future Outlook - The decline of the philately market reflects broader changes in market environment and social demand, necessitating innovation and adaptation to revive interest [12] - Addressing the challenges of aligning traditional collecting with modern trends will be crucial for the future of philately [13]

Market Overview - The philately market is currently experiencing a downturn, with a significant decline in the number of collectors from tens of millions in the 1990s to less than one million today [1][3] - Strategies such as destroying inventory and reducing new stamp issuance, which were effective in the past, are now inadequate and may further shrink the niche market [3] Challenges in Attracting New Collectors - The decline in the philately market is not solely due to supply-demand imbalance but also stems from the inability to cultivate a new generation of collectors [4] - Current philately activities targeting youth and schools have not yielded significant results, as they fail to meet the broader public's needs [5] Accessibility Issues - Non-collectors face challenges in accessing stamps, with many unaware of online platforms for purchasing new stamps, and existing channels being cumbersome [7] - Events like university stamp releases often focus on selling high-priced gift albums instead of face-value stamps, disappointing the public and missing opportunities to engage new collectors [8] Proposed Solutions - The key to revitalizing the philately market lies in improving access to face-value stamp purchases and increasing public participation [11] - Simplifying the purchasing process and enhancing the visibility of new stamps could lead to a resurgence in interest and engagement in philately [11] Future Outlook - The decline in the philately market is not irreversible, and finding a new balance to rejuvenate interest is crucial for the industry's stakeholders [11]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of the lottery mechanism for stamp sales has led to significant price increases, raising concerns among collectors about fairness and transparency in the process [1][2][4]. Group 1: Issues with the Lottery Mechanism - The original intention of the lottery system was to ensure fair distribution of scarce stamps among collectors, but operational issues have emerged over time [2][4]. - Many collectors have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the lottery process, including the inability to track their lottery numbers and unclear oversight of the execution [4][5]. - The emergence of bulk purchases of lottery stamps by a few individuals has raised suspicions that the system may be exploited by certain interest groups, leaving ordinary collectors at a disadvantage [6][7]. Group 2: Pricing and Distribution Concerns - The pricing of lottery stamps has become a significant issue, with examples showing price premiums as high as 400%, such as the special edition stamp priced at 48 yuan compared to its face value of 9.6 yuan [8][9]. - The limited supply of stamps available through the lottery exacerbates market imbalances, as seen with the example of a commemorative stamp with a distribution of only 10,000 out of 128,000 total issued [11][12]. Group 3: Need for Reform - The filtering mechanism intended to prevent scalping and protect genuine collectors has been criticized for being overly strict, discouraging participation [15][17]. - To address the controversies surrounding the lottery system, it is essential for the postal department to enhance transparency and allow public oversight of the lottery process [18][19]. - Future reforms should focus on improving the transparency of the lottery mechanism and adjusting pricing and distribution strategies to ensure fair access for all collectors [20].