Quite simple really. Take the plunge! You've decided to start or restart your collection. There are several things to consider. First (or second, you can rearrange them all you like), ROOM. My suggestion to you is even if you've always wanted to collect vintage 1950's Chevys, if you live in a townhouse and own a single parking stall, probably not a good idea. Maybe change your focus to the chrome name tags from those same 50's cars. Not nearly so much room and they do look way cool on old fridge or feature wall. If you're stuck for room, allow yourself a small space devoted to your collection. When it's full, reconsider either more space or selling some pieces and changing up the look. Are you trying to build around a theme? If for instance you are collecting Marilyn Monroe, look for varied items, some choice pieces. Instead of collecting every book you can find on Marilyn; of which there are thousands, think maybe about investing in a signed piece and 3 or 4 specific books. Your collection will be more interesting to you and anyone who sees it. You could try to find a few small photos instead of one of the billion run posters. Put them on the shelf with the books and the framed signature and you have the start of a really interesting collection. Try and keep it all together when showing it, not scattered amongst several rooms. Far more impact when your stuff stays together.
The other major hurdle is budget. Everyone's on one so try and stick with it. Your budget may allow you to pick up a dress worn by Marilyn in "Some Like it Hot" for around $100,000 or you may want to select only items that cost under $10. There are literally hundreds of thousands of items available and your collection will never be complete.
OK, number one thing to consider. Condition, condition, condition. If you are buying a piece only to fill in till you can find a better one, good, no problem. But if you have your choice between a 5 and an 8, always try and go for the 8 even if it costs a lot more money. When you go to sell your item (I know, you never will) you will get much, much more for it. Example; Bobby Orr rookie card. You can buy a 2 or 3 graded card for between $500-$1000. There is currently one on Ebay rated 10, mint gem. $250,000. I know, a lot for a card but it proves my point on buying the best possible example you can afford. Especially true for old furniture, unfinished, unrestored, and unrepaired examples can bring 10 and 20 times the price of the redone cousin.
The other major hurdle is budget. Everyone's on one so try and stick with it. Your budget may allow you to pick up a dress worn by Marilyn in "Some Like it Hot" for around $100,000 or you may want to select only items that cost under $10. There are literally hundreds of thousands of items available and your collection will never be complete.
OK, number one thing to consider. Condition, condition, condition. If you are buying a piece only to fill in till you can find a better one, good, no problem. But if you have your choice between a 5 and an 8, always try and go for the 8 even if it costs a lot more money. When you go to sell your item (I know, you never will) you will get much, much more for it. Example; Bobby Orr rookie card. You can buy a 2 or 3 graded card for between $500-$1000. There is currently one on Ebay rated 10, mint gem. $250,000. I know, a lot for a card but it proves my point on buying the best possible example you can afford. Especially true for old furniture, unfinished, unrestored, and unrepaired examples can bring 10 and 20 times the price of the redone cousin.
RSS Feed
