Beginning as a collector can be a satisfying and profitable hobby once you find the niche that you are interested in. How to find what you want and collect them.
So you've decided that you want to be a collector, but aren't quite sure where to start? It's easy. Look within yourself and ask yourself the following questions:
1) What hobbies do I enjoy?
2) What clubs/organizations do I belong to?
3) What is my heritage and what history do I find interesting and valuable?
Once you have answered some or all of these questions, you are on the way to becoming a collector of antiques, memorabilia and souvenirs. Be warned that this can be an addictive hobby, as once you start out in a field of collecting you find that it as as wide open as can be with loads of opportunities!
Collectors usually refer to certain items as their tool of the trades. These items include: newspaper ads reflecting auctions or trade shows, road shows, and collecting clubs and message board areas where birds of a feather can flock together to discuss their similar joys and bounties!
The first thing you want to decide is a) approximately how much time do I have to collect and b) approximately how much money am I willing to spend? You also want to make a personal decision as to whether or not you are collecting for the sure joy of the art, or whether you ultimately wish to make a profit at what you are doing. If you wish to collect for profit, where you will be buying and selling your artifacts, you may want to invest a bit more in inventory, advertisment space and travel and bidding alottments for your treasures. If you are interested in collecting strictly for the pleasure, you can allot yourself a certain amount of money per month and vow never to go above that amount.
For instance, if you are a bear lover, you can decide to start collecting Boyd Bears, one of the most lovable and valued collecter items in the bear industry! The price of Boyd Bears can range anywhere from $10 a bear upwards to $150 a bear, depending on the a) year b) style c) event (Christmas bear, etc.)
Finding trade shows, garage sales, auctions and websites for your particular love is very easy as well. Collectors tend to move in packs and in the same circles, so don't be surprised if you see the same name popping up over and over again.
This can certainly work to your advantage. If you have had success buying your treasure from a particular seller, you can return to the same place and know that your quality and happiness is guaranteed. In the same vein, if you get a bad experience from a seller, you will know not to return to the same person and look for other avenues to seek our your memorabilia.
Remember that pricing is never an exact science when collecting, so don't be mystified by it and don't try to form a logical pattern. The price is always going to fluctuate based on the year, the particular artifact the current value in the market for the whatever you are collecting. Beanie Babies were running very hot in the beginning of the 1900's but tended to slow down a bit as the millenium approached. Some beanies retained their original value, while others, such as the Princess Diane Bear, can be valued as high as $200 by some collectors.
Remember that price is necessitated by desire as well. You may have a 1950's doll that is currently worth $50 in the seller's market. However, you may find a buyer who must have that doll to finish a collection, and he may end up offering you three or four times the current value.
Collecting is a homework business as well. Do your homework well, studying current market values and keeping in touch with other collectors who will fill you in on current market values. Enjoy your new hobby and make some money while doing it!
