subject: Where To Start Your Collection [print this page] If the idea of starting a collection intrigues you, how can you begin one? Starting one is not difficult. There are a few things to consider. Is there an area of interest that I have? Do I have any friends or associates that are collectors? Is there something in my family that would be a good start for my collection that piques my curiosity.
That is the way to start collecting if you can find something positive in the above questions. Be warned that this can be an addictive hobby, as once you start out in a field of collecting you find that it as wide open as can be with loads of opportunities so take the time to find something that stirs your passion; for me it was Collecting Frogs - a Fun Hobby for All Ages, but for each person it is going to be something different and unique.
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 websites like myfrogcollection.com where people can get together to discuss their similar joys and bounties.
The first thing you want to decide is approximately how much time do I have to collect. The second thing is approximately how much money am I willing to spend? Another consideration a person needs to make is what is the reason for collection and whether it is something that you hope will make you money in the long run. 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, advertisement space and travel and bidding allotments for your treasures and you might what to stay away from things such as collectible frogs which probably have more sentimental value than cash value. For someone who is doing it for fun, don't turn it into something that you feel you have to do by budgeting your time and money properly and make sure you stick to it.
With a little effort a person can find resources for anything that they want to collect whether it be through stores or online or through clubs. 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. Once you find a way to get the collectibles that you enjoy and have a good experience, return to that place to find even more collectibles. When someone treats you in a negative way you can avoid them in the future and let others know that they may not be a reputable dealer to work with.
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 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 millennium approached. There are some things that lose their value once you buy them, while others become worth more and more with the passage of time.
There is no replacement for good research. Do your homework well, studying current market values and keeping in touch with other collectors who will fill you in on current market values. Remember to have fun with your collection.
