by Sarah Belle

Created on: March 22, 2007   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

To get started with any kind of collecting does not require too much forethought or self analysis. Just as writers are advised to "write about what they know", so too is collecting as much about your personal interests and experience as it is about skill.

The best collectors are those that are passionate about their subject, so the most important thing is pick something that you are willing to spend a lot of time on.

Like many things in life, it is prudent to START SMALL. Whether you are interested in antiques, coins, stamps, records or anything else, it pays to purchase inexpensive items at first, allowing you to gradually build your level of confidence and understanding of the industry.

TIP #1. KNOW THE MARKET
Obviously this is the golden rule of collecting.

Everyone is keen to dive straight in but you really need to do your research to avoid:
(a) paying to too much for an item
(b) accidentally buying a replica (i.e. a fake)
(c) purchasing an item based on an inaccurate description.

Particularly with items such as coins and antiques, one tiny detail could signal the difference between a $1 and a $100,000 value item.

Immerse yourself in the industry. Read widely on your chosen field of collecting, check prices and news in industry publications. Use the "Watchlist" on your E-bay account to keep an eye on trading prices. Attend auctions and trade shows even if you're not ready to buy just yet.

TIP #2. STORAGE MATTERS
The better the condition of the item, the higher the value - we all know that Mint Condition items are the most valuable, right? So it makes sense to store your collectables correctly.

Websites and industry publications will thoroughly cover this area. If maintenance is required (e.g dusting records, cleaning antiques), take the time to follow correct procedure and clean the items regularly using only the right sort of cloths and chemicals.

Handling is important too. For example, if you're collecting stamps you will want to handle them with a blunt pair of tweezers to avoid finger-marks ruining the stamps' surface.

TIP #3. SPECIALIZE
It helps to select "themes" of interest to you or to specialise in a particular area of collecting. This is optional of course, but it can make your experience as a collector a lot more rewarding.

For example, as a stamp collector you could specialise in "The British Royal Family" and the various commemorative stamps issued in their honour around the world.

A great side to this is that you can cross over to other types of collecting .e.g. purchasing the Royal Family coins or pins that commemorate that same events as the stamp issues.

This can also make your early research much easier. You can't become an expert on everything overnight, but with a theme you will have a specific focus and direction it's quite motivating!

The great thing about collecting is that you can collect anything; you can be as involved or uninvolved in your collection as you wish; and it's totally up to you how much time you spend on it and where your collection takes you.

In summary do it any way that suits you! Select a subject you enjoy and get to it.

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