Being A Collector
Collectors have different points of view. Some collectors collect the things they love and are interested in building a collection so they can enjoy the items they collected and display them so others can enjoy as well. Some collectors see collecting as an investment and they want to buy low and sell high. If you are the first kind of collector, part of what you want to have is the “story” behind the collection. The story can be about the items, your pursuit or hunt for the item, or how it makes you feel now that you have the item. The story probably will have aspects of all of these elements.
When collecting, whether for “story” or sale, you should consider three things. The first two are very practical. “What is your budget”? and “Where will you store the collection”? Set your budget, small or substantial, and stick to it. If you want to purchase more expensive items, you may need to save your budget for several months. If you want to purchase someone’s collection, even though only about 20% of the collection is something you are going to collect, be sure you have a plan for selling the other 80% BEFORE you buy it. You will need to decide if you want fewer and more expensive items, or more mid-range items. Either way, make a decision and stick to that so your budget will serve you well.
Storing your collection is another thing to consider prior to purchasing items. You will need a way to both protect and display your collection. Plan ahead. Not only do you want a storage case, you will also want a place to show off your collectibles case. You don’t want to hide your collection in a box if you can avoid it.
The third thing you need to consider is the focus of your collection. Are you going to collect baseball cards from 1956-1984? Are you going to collect first editions of your favorite author? Are you going to collect only packaged action figures? I’m sure you get the idea. Know what you are looking for in particular. Really consider what excites you and what you find interesting. This can become your niche.
Below you will find a list of commonly collected things. You may find an interest in one of the areas listed, you may not. Remember, the list contains items that are in demand because they are the ones most folks are interested in. Instead of these items, if you are interested in owl, jewelry, or vintage clothing, then go for it.
Trading Cards: consider a sports trading card collection of your favorite sport. There are several major publishers of these cards, so look to the ones which meet your specifications.
Sports Memorabilia: What is your favorite sports team? Do you have more than one, based on the season? Dow you have favorite players? Game-used jerseys, autographed equipment, pennants, and more. Find your niche.
Coin Collections: general, error-based collection, mint-perfect, precious metals
Antique or Vintage Toys: While antique toys may be from many years ago, vintage toys are also the rage. Whether those are action figures, Hot Wheels, classic Barbie and other dolls, and more. You might also want to focus on more modern toys which are electronic in nature.
Stamps: consider collecting first-class postage when it is a new line of postage. Perhaps you want to collect Christmas designs, famous people or Presidents. You might also collect tax stamps and other forms of stamps.
Currency Collections: consider collections of bills which are actually redeemable for silver or gold, old bills which are no longer in distribution, mint-perfect, and more
Comic Books: Another nostalgic item to collect which is still currently available are comic books. Comics, especially those which are on good condition, are quite valuable.