Armand Rousso in the Linn's Stamp News

Rousso, sole owner of the ISEC, estimated it would be worth $2 million to $3 million in monthly business at its inception, with sales reaching $100 million after the first year and $200 million to $300 million after three to four years.

One of the most intriguing features of the proposed stamp exchange is the plan to maintain a bid and asked prices for all stamps in which there is interest.
Rousso emphasized the open pricing as an enticement to new buyers. This will “give more confidence to the beginner,” he said, “He will know the stamp market is liquid.”

If the exchange is successful, Rousso’s bid and asked prices could become the worldwide standards for determining stamp value.

To maintain consistency in pricing, Rousso has set up a grading system of eight levels with descriptive standards for each grade. An attempt to set “new standards for stamp quality,” according to Rousso, the grades apply to unused and used stamps wit ha total of 16 condition ratings.

In addition, stamps will be priced in various multiples and forms such as proof, essay and on cover.
Rousso presented the rating system to the board of directors of the American Stamp Dealers’ Association and said he asked the organization to publish it in its newsletter. Dealer input would be used to male refinements, he said.

Rousso also sees the exchange as attractive to children. Many of them, he believes, already have an interest in computers, and the exchange may for the first time give them a meaningful way to explore stamps through computers.

Apparently, Rousso is making an effort to publicize his plan. He said he taped interviews for NBC and CBS television and has talked to USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal and other newspapers.