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| Secrets of Successful Collectors
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(ARA) – From Star Wars stamps to Pez dispensers, collectors all over the world scour everything from auctions to antique festivals
searching for pieces equal to the “holy grail’ in their collectible categories. What drives them? For some, it’s the thrill of the hunt.
For others, it’s having the most prized possession in the palm of their hands. For all, however, it’s the camaraderie amongst like
collectors looking for that same big find.
For the avid collector or amateur, the world’s most devout share their secrets to building a
collection that will make your collecting comrades green with envy.
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Determine your goals
There are two goals in collecting: buying what you love and buying what will resell at a higher price. First, determine if you love to collect this item or if you plan to buy, sell or even trade.
Pick your passion
People start collections for as many reasons as there are items to collect — nostalgia, as a means of investment and carrying on a tradition.
Do your homework
If you don’t know much about the category you’re collecting, you might be duped when purchasing a coveted item. Know the value of certain items, how rare they are compared to others and what conditions are acceptable for resale, especially if you plan to sell or trade.
Make friends
What better way to find the latest and greatest information about your collectables than from your peers? Join a club dedicated to your desires. You’ll find everything you want to know about the category and you’ll make friends that share your passion.
Display the prize
Don’t make the mistake of storing items in a cardboard box in the garage. Maintain them by keeping them out where you and others can enjoy them. And what better way to keep inventory of what you have and need? However, be sure to keep fragile and extremely rare items behind glass or in cases to keep them from being broken or soiled.
Display by theme, style or time period
To create an eye-catching display, look for commonalities like color or time period. Collect only vintage pieces and display them While shelving or cabinets are ideal, some collectors designate entire rooms to their collections. It really depends on the size of your items, and overall collection.
Don’t settle
Settling for a specific piece that is less than perfect is a big mistake. For instance, don’t purchase the sugar bowl sans lid, it will surely disappoint. Most collectors buy an item thinking they’ll find the missing lid or accessory, which is rarely the case. Purchase only intact, well-maintained pieces for the best return on investment.
Look for “numbered” items or limited editions
Collect for quality, not quantity. Do Not pick up odds and ends. he says. Buy numbered or special edition items or scarce signed pieces.
Shop “secondary” markets
Look to the Internet, online shopping sites local flea markets, yard/garage sales and even blogs for hard-to-find pieces. Even if you have a limited collection of special interest, it will excite you greatly when you find that elusive addition to your collection.
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Courtesy of ARA content
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