What do you plan on collecting?
Coins, letters, books, records, and even old toys; over our lifetimes, we accumulate a lot of belongings. You may already be a bit of an amateur collector. Whether you’d like to go wild with something you already started or are looking for something fresh, there are some things to consider when choosing what to collect.
Collecting as a hobby can be an incredibly enriching experience. For one thing, you are teaching yourself to be an expert on a new topic. For that reason, it’s important that you find your collection fascinating. If you aren’t curious about the topic, you won’t have the motivation to do your research or keep it going.
Before you dive in head first, also consider the logistics. Is the item something fairly easy to locate? How much space do you have for your collection? And, of course, it’s a good idea to consider what you are willing to spend to get your collection started. Not all collectibles need to cost money. For example, a nature-based collection can be a great way to get outdoors, and it doesn’t have to cost you a penny.
Doing the Research
Once you know what you want to collect, it’s time to start researching. Search online to find information on the history of items you already own or ones you’d like to. In general, if there is a story attached or sentimental value, the object will be worth more. It would help if you also learned tricks to date the items and grade their condition. Knowing this will assist you in making on-the-fly decisions about what something should cost and prevent any scammers from pulling the wool over your eyes.
Another great way to find information is to join online forums and go to expos to speak with other collectors in your field. It isn’t too difficult to find out through online research which pieces are rare and which are more common, but talking to other collectors will allow you to know which items are the most sought-after. You don’t need to get or even want every rare piece. Your collection should be tailored to your taste, but knowing what’s rare and what other collectors want can help you to make better trades down the road.
During this process, start to make a list of your dream pieces because the next step is to start working to acquire them.
Finding Pieces
Where to find pieces is going to largely depend on what you’re collecting, but there are some universal truths. Firstly, use your forums to find connections. It isn’t uncommon for people to downsize their collection or clear out some things to make room for even better pieces. Similarly, online auction sites like eBay can be a treasure trove for new collectors.
When purchasing online, you will want to be careful. Be sure to check the seller’s reviews. Do any reviews mention the product not being as listed or not arriving at all? Look closely at the photos of the object. Is there some kind of authentication? Does it look to be in good condition? If you are dealing with someone familiar with the field, and the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. The same goes for in-person shopping if you are dealing with a professional (like at a specialty shop or expo).
Thrift stores, second-hand shops, garage sales, and estate sales are another story entirely. You aren’t necessarily dealing with an expert, so while worthwhile pieces are substantially harder to find, they can be at a significantly lower price. If you plan on shopping at garage and estate sales, try to get there as early as possible so they aren’t picked over.
Remember, your first few collectibles do not need to be your dream pieces. Expanding on your collection and improving it over time is all part of the fun.
Maintaining and Expanding Your Collection
You’ve read it above, and I’ll repeat it now: replacing old pieces with new ones is a large part of collecting. You can do this through trades or by selling old pieces and buying new ones. This will not only save space but also money. If you do decide to trade, do it in stages. Don’t expect to be able to jump from a common item to an extremely rare one, but rather from a common piece to an uncommon one, then one slightly rarer than that. Keep in mind the resale value of each piece in the chain. Will you be able to find someone else to trade with or sell to?
Don’t forget to take care of your pieces while they are in your collection, particularly if you are collecting older items like antique books or instruments that degrade when unused. It’s essential to know how to upkeep your collection, and it will be different for each type. Consider what causes long-term damage and whether it is better to restore or leave it in its original condition. At the end of the day, you should do what makes you happy, but it is good to know where the resale value lies, especially as you grow your collection. Another crucial step is to insure it. Homeowner (or renter’s) insurance will cover smaller pieces, but larger ones will need a separate collectibles insurance policy to properly protect them. Good collectibles insurance should protect against theft, fire, national disasters, and even loss in the mail.
Once you’ve built and protected your collection, it’s time for the best part…Show off your collection! You worked hard to curate it, and it deserves some recognition. Tell us about yours below.