by Danielle B

Created on: May 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 25, 2010

When anyone starts a hobby, the first thing they will want to do is research what they are collecting. You do not want to start collecting blindly especially if they are expensive and not know what you are getting, there are a good amount of people out there wanting to rip off first time collectors . As in any business, antique vendors will charge high prices for reproductions and payout little, unless you know what you are doing. There are several things that a new collector should know and do before they start spending their money.

Get lots of books on the subject and know what you are looking at. You can get books at the library or buy them from a store. The best thing to do is borrow them until you know you are serious about this hobby. You do not want to buy books and then your interest fades right away.

Do not buy items that you cannot see, meaning do not buy items off of websites, such as eBay or from an ad if you cannot go and see them. If you do decide to buy something this way, make sure you talk to the seller and make sure that there is a return policy clearly stated, in case there is any problems.

Tell the seller that you want insurance on the item, if they refuse to insure it, do not buy it. A good seller will do anything to ensure that the item arrives to you safe and sound. Breakables absolutely must be insured when being sent through the mail, you do not want them to crunch after you paid a lot of money for it and then it be on you because you did not insure them. Some times sellers will send you an item that is chipped or cracked and then drop the "No Returns" policy and they now have you money and you have a worthless item that you did not take more time on to research. Remember to ALWAYS ask questions when buying something. If you do not like the pictures and you are a serious buyer and are talking to a serious seller, you can always request more pictures with better detail.

Take someone along with you who knows what they are doing, at least the first couple of time. If you cannot find anyone to go, rely on the books that you borrowed or bought. Just be careful with whatever you decide to do and make sure that the vendors do not take you for granted just because you are a first time collector, but most of all just have fun!

Learn everything you can about the pieces you are collecting, always look for little scratches and makes that could make the price go down. Take family and friends with you to help you look for good bargains and they also help pick out fakes or not up to par pieces. Antique shopping can be so much and you will feel so great when you find those special pieces that you cannot wait to bring home. Enjoy!

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