Swap list strategy

My swap list is pathetic and gets worse each time I make a swap. The problem is the high international postal rates. Most of the swap offers have been from overseas {a few from the U S A , hardly any from Canada}. I enjoy these swaps but the postage often exceeds the value of the coins that change hands and I can't afford to do too many. The coins I offer don't appeal to other Canadian collectors as they can get them too easily.
Any thoughts on how to improve my swapping coins without taking a second mortgage on my home?

Bulk buying but not on eBay.

Find something that appeals to others and try to pick them up cheaply, or buy bulk lots as Phil suggested.  I've found that most people are interested in Pacific Islands coins so I keep my swaps supplied with them and I'm never short of people wanting to swap.

I like sending within Canada, if and when I get a response to a friendly email or an interested party comes forth. I can send a bunch of coins, paying Canada Post only a dollar or two. That is what I call a fun and inexpensive swap.

As far as the strategy... "If you build it, they will come." I try to build up my swap list. In my travels or at home, I stop by a bank or dealer and pick up a roll of something interesting and UNC, 50 cent pieces, Sacagawea/Presidential dollars (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln) €1, €2, Kennedy half dollars, etc. Having a few uncirculated positions always strengthens the swap list and gives people a base for making a couple of selections.

When it comes to silver, I latch on to one or two members with a huge inventory and offer them my silver finds via Private Message. You'd be surprised how well that works and without getting hundreds of rookie offers. I believe this is called networking or building rapport.

For me, Numista is a tool used to build a base of contacts and then not need Numista or rely on Numista for new swaps. Once you make a few friends and build some trust, your time ends up being filled looking for something that might interest them. They, in return, look for coins that might interest you. Next thing I know, I have 14 ratings and am looking to the unavailable button because I'm in the process of assembling 4 to 5 private swaps.

That is how I do it.

Quote: CecBendleMy swap list is pathetic and gets worse each time I make a swap. The problem is the high international postal rates. Most of the swap offers have been from overseas {a few from the U S A , hardly any from Canada}. I enjoy these swaps but the postage often exceeds the value of the coins that change hands and I can't afford to do too many. The coins I offer don't appeal to other Canadian collectors as they can get them too easily.
Any thoughts on how to improve my swapping coins without taking a second mortgage on my home?

Thanks guys - you have some ideas I'm going to use.