I am new to this hobby of collecting postcards and swapping with people from around the globe so I am still learning the ropes but I am getting the hang of it. Here are what I've learned so far so if you want to join Postcrossing and do direct swapping, as well, these are tips that might help you.
On buying postcards
My suggestion is to buy at least three copies of each postcard. If you collect local postcards, one goes to your collection, the two can be for swap or official Postcrossing cards.
Other collectors buy as many as one pack of each postcard but if you don't have a big allowance/allotment for cards, three cards may suffice.
I also think that you should note where you bought the postcards. There are postcards that are more preferred by others so it's good thing to know where you will return to buy more in case you run out of that kind of postcard. In my experience, map cards are requested more often.
On collecting postcards
Some people collect specific cards -- bears, owls, cats, dogs, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, maps, national costumes, places of worship, etc.
I, on the other hand, do not have specific collections. For now I prefer view cards because I love seeing different view of different countries. I'll settle for whatever comes my way. Maybe later when I have enough view cards, I'll think of something specific to collect.
On direct swapping
You may get in touch with people who wants to swap through searching users in the Postcrossing website or you can join its official forum that has a special section for that. At the same time, you may also join Facebook pages of groups open to direct swapping.
In these pages, people post what cards they are looking for and what they have for swap. If you want to swap with them, you have to show them what you offer in return so I also suggest that you
make a swap album. It could be in Facebook, Google+, Flickr or whatever works for you. As for me, I made a Facebook page for all my cards for swap. Here is
my Facebook page.
On tracking your swaps
Once you start swapping with people, record your swaps (in your computer or in a notebook) and keep track of them. In the beginning I do not keep a record because I only swap with one or two persons in a week but when you start swapping more frequently, you will start to get confused so it's better to have an organized list of swaps.
I suggest that you write the name of your swap partner, the day you sent it and what you expect to receive. Take a photo of the back of the card or the envelope with your partner's address before you send it so you have proof that you are giving the card to him/her. This is not always necessary but some swappers ask for it so it's better to be ready.
There! I think I have written all the I can share about swapping postcard. One more thing, always be nice. Of course, people will be more open to swapping with you when you are nice.
