subject: How To Have Fun By Collecting Things [print this page] Are you fascinated by the extent of some of the collections that a person has? Are you always admiring the knick knacks that are on display at your neighbors homes and wonder if you could do the same? It is possible that you might want to begin a collection of your own and need to figure out how to do it. Collecting Frogs - a Fun Hobby for All Ages was an article that got me started in collecting but what you collect is up to you, and what follow are some tips that every new collector should know or follow.
Collect with your heart, but be smart. Research items before you start buying. A collection should call your name. Remember it is not easy to make a fortune by collecting stuff. A collection is what you want it to be, and it could be anything from fine art paintings to collectible frogs, but the one thing collectors all have in common is their passion. Not every collectible requires a large investment from the person, there are many things that can be had that are not very pricey.
Figure out what interest you. Anything can be collected. In the end the important part of a collection is the stories that accompany them. There are no wrong things to collect. The items you choose are not about how much they cost and they can be as inexpensive as you want.
There are two ways to buy, either locally or online at websites like myfrogcollection.com, and although it is easy to jump in and start buying at an auction site online, but first check the stuff out locally and in person so you can learn about the feel and look of an item in person first. Go to garage sales and to local fairs to see what people are selling. Learn more about the characteristics of a piece and problems to look for that might not be evident when purchasing online. Make sure you take into account everything that goes into the cost of a curio before you decide where you can get the best value from. When you learn more about the prices of items, you'll know when something is truly a bargain on online.
Find a book about the collectibles you seek. They may not always have a price that is current or completely accurate, but they can provide a wealth of other information in addition to the price you should pay. Good reference materials will help you know what makes a collectible authentic.
Find a way to record the value of a collectible when you first bought it and update periodically. It is great to have documentation about your collectibles for a variety of reasons. The exact method you use is not that important. Keep a record of what you paid, when you bought and where.
The most fun in collecting is finding like minded folks to share your finds, trade with and learn more about your collections although for me it wasn't easy to find people who were interested in collectible frogs you can find them by looking for an online collectors club or online forums where these collectors gather.
I love my collections and share them at every opportunity. It is also fun to go out and try to discover what has happened to items I have collected in the past and how they have eventually ended up in my hands.
And when it's time to pare down or clean out a few pieces, I do sell stuff at time to time, but I also enjoy giving pieces away to friends and family. Not all of them appreciate them as much as I do. Even though they may not love it like I do, I still let them know the memories associated with the collectible. And hopefully, they enjoy the story too and continue to retell it.
