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Collecting can be a great hobby for both kids and adults. But more importantly, smart collecting can lead to greater things - keep in mind, eBay got its start because of the founder's collection of Pez candy dispensers.

So how do you go about collecting smart? Here are some suggestions.

1. Choose something that you love. If you love sports, consider collecting sports card. If you love the art of some postage stamps, collecting stamps might be for you. Take some time to look at your interests because smart collecting is collecting that you can stick with.

2. Consider your goals. Is it your intention to build the largest collection possible? Or are you hoping that you can eventually cash in on your collection? When you set out the goals for your collection from the beginning, you will be more likely to achieve them.

3. Do your homework. Smart collectors know that, in order for their collection to be successful, they need to understand the trends. What are other collectors determined to get their hands on? Which items are the most valuable?

4. Be aware of scams that are played on collectors. In the case of coin collectors, these scams sometimes include switching out your valuable coin for a less valuable one. Why is this important? Simply put, you don't want to find yourself paying a lot for something that is not really worth anything.

5. Spend wisely when it comes to building your collection. When you are adding to your collection, it's easy to look at a $200 item and to think "that's too expensive." But if you're looking at that item and that's your thought, make sure that you aren't adding five $40 items. In the end, you're spending the same amount on your collection, but you are probably taking away from the ultimate value of your collection.

Those five tips can get you well on the way to smart collecting, but just for good measure, here's one more suggestion: don't start a collection because it's trendy. Even the biggest, best collecting trends - think Ty Beanie Babies - eventually fizzle out.

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