Like cryptocurrency, not everything goes UP in value. People collect for all kinds of reasons, not just for profit. Here are some important things to consider if you already have collections or plan to create one.
Tips for Collecting Anything
I was going to write about collecting vintage but we collect all sorts of things, old and new.
Even me!
I collect, Game of Thrones Pop Figures, Foo Fighters posters, and Andy Warhol Dunnys. I collect these because they make me happy. I enjoy them above my desk. I've kept their boxes together in another box so they won't get bent up. I've got some that are actually worth more than I paid.
If I decide to part with any, it won't be until right before the final season of Game of Thrones. Buy the build up, sell the show. Huh? Good one eh? Buy the rumor sell the news a bit the same.
BUT one thing to consider. If one of my Pop Figures is really popular they can make more and kill demand. That can happen with anything mass produced today.
Usually, anything made to be collectible isn't. How many of your Mom's or Grandma's had or still have Hummel plates? Norman Rockwell Plates? Companies can sign and number whatever they want. Even 2 MILLION of the same collector plate.
It's like that hot toy at Christmas. Can you sell that $20 for $100 NEXT Christmas? Chances are no. It won't be next years hot toy.
If you are collecting new items, Like action figures. There is no reason to buy a crunched up box. Make sure it's perfect.
Collect paper? Like comic books? IF your goal is to hold them long-term or resell one day, it's important to realize how fragile paper is. Do research on how to store properly. Paper is fragile to light, moisture and other things.
Vintage clothing? It can definitely hold it's value if you treat it right. Made from higher quality materials, just don't spill anything on it :) Google how to store vintage clothes and you'll get all sorts of ideas.
As far as my vintage collecting goes, sunglasses, vintage jewelry, Chicago World's Fair and art is me.
Tips
Collect what you love and enjoy
Wear it, use it, hang it on the wall. Don't put it away unless it's a bar of gold? Enjoy.
Buy the best quality you can afford
What you are willing to pay might not be the price
Condition, condition, condition, did I say condition?
If it's made to be collectible, it's not supply will outweigh demand usually
If it's not right, nagging feeling? Walk. There will be another
Be ready when the right opportunity comes
Price asked on Ebay doesn't mean that's what it's worth
If it sells on 1st Dibs for super high price, doesn't mean that's what it's worth
Google tips on how to store your collection.
Let's say it bores you now and want to sell it. To get the absolute highest prices, it has to be in demand and you have to have patience. Finding the right audience takes work, building a reputation and finding your buyer. Try Ebay. We can discuss selling on Ebay in another post. Basically? Ebay has the numbers no one else has.
What do you collect?
Any tips? Love to hear them! I can always learn something new!
Check out some of my collections below!
Melissa
Vintage Trifari Sunglasses 1960's
Dior Butterfly Sunglasses
Victorian cherry amber pendant with diamond eyed fly! The back is for a memento, usually weaved hair.
Funky Sputnik Silver ring. Eastern European. It's so cool.
1933 Chicago World's Fair Pipe, so cool never have seen one before
Victorian Persian Turquoise Heart Necklace with a space in back for memento.