21 Tips for Collecting, Part 2 – The Committed Collector

As promised, here are the rest of my guidelines for building collections in a cost-effective, responsible manner.

Some of these tips I’ve learned the hard way (by making quite a few mistakes, buying lesser pieces, and spending too much on others), and others I’ve admittedly ignored from time to time (like actually having room in our house for new acquisitions).

Nonetheless, the collecting lessons I’ve learned could serve us all well as we build and maintain our collections. If all of us committed collectors (myself included) keep these tips in mind, we’ll not only have fun amassing our collections, but we’ll also be able to enjoy the process and the outcome, which is what collecting is all about after all.

12. Set a limit—for individual items and for each shopping spree—and make every effort to stick to it. As you learn more and shop around, you’ll develop a sense for which pieces are ordinary and what prices are reasonable for them. Then you can not only grab up unusual pieces, especially when prices are low, but you’ll also know to walk away from typical ones that are overpriced.

13. Eventually, shop the Internet if you choose, so you can have access to the largest number of dealers and the greatest range of merchandise. For example, some items are scarce in some parts of the country, but plentiful in others depending on where they were manufactured or distributed, so online shopping brings such items to you. Conversely, collectibles—like vintage souvenirs of Rochester-based companies—might go for higher prices here in Western New York where they are prized than they will be listed for elsewhere in the country.

14. Decide early on if you’re going to be a perfectionist or not. Realize that if you want only first editions, mint quality or best condition, or even NIB (new in box) items, you’re going to pay more and ultimately have fewer items in your collection. If you’re okay with dings and dents, scratches, tears, and other forms of patina, you’ll be able to spend less per item, but you’ll likely have to deal with the greater quantity you’ll get for your money.

15. Consequently, and contrary to popular belief, you should think about where you’re going to put new acquisitions before you acquire them. Will they fit in your vehicle and then in your house? Are you ready to display your new purchases, or will you need to spend more money on things like albums, frames, and curio cabinets? If you’re going to buy it, you should be able to display it or use it as you intended. Otherwise, you’ve just wasted your money.

I hate to say it, since I love finding additions to my collections so much, but we avid collectors really need to follow the old adage: We should have a place for everything, and then put everything in its place. Again, there’s really no point in buying things if we can’t properly display them, actually use them, or reasonably store them.

I should know: I’ve been storing most of my collections for nearly ten years, which has gotten ridiculous. That’s one reason why I want to open The Collectors’ museum where extensive collections like mine and those of other committed collectors can be displayed. Another reason is that collectors like these have put together some amazing things that are truly worthy of being put in the spotlight.

16. Be prepared and take measurements of your walls, doorways, cabinets, and other areas at home, as well as the inside of your vehicle, and then carry that information with you either in a notebook or on a device. There’s really no point in buying something that simple won’t fit. I know—I’ve made that mistake a time or two myself. Once, I was so sure a 1960s’ chaise lounge would fit in my Subaru station wagon that I immediately bought it—and it did fit in the car—after we spent an hour in the parking lot dismantling it.

17. If you’re short on space, or if your home is already full, think about what you will actually do with your new acquisitions. Will you have to spend time rotating out your collectibles? Will you need to pack them and store them away? Will they crowd your space, or will you have to spend money on mini-storage? Will you also need to invest money in packing supplies and time in boxing up the treasures you just bought? In short, think hard before you buy additional pieces for your collection.

18. Realize, too, that collecting involves more than simply shopping. When you buy new pieces, identify and inventory each as you go. In fact, it’s prudent and practical to catalog the collectibles you already own before you bring home any more items. A simple list with categories for your own ID numbers, what the items are, when and where you bought them, how much you paid, and what they’re worth is a good start. In addition, a gallery of photos accessible on your phone helps document your collections and can prevent duplicating purchases in the future.

19. If you’re into pricey collectibles, like original artwork and genuine antiques, have a serious talk with your insurance agent to find out whether your collection is covered by your homeowner’s policy or if you need additional coverage. If you become carried away with this hobby, you might end up investing more into it than you realize, so you might need more coverage than you expect.

20. Regardless of how enamored you are right now about your collection, expect to let go of individual pieces at some point in the future. As your experience and knowledge grow, your taste and style will likely evolve, too. Over time, you may decide to divest yourself of lesser pieces in favor of better ones. Sad as it seems, it’s common practice to eventually break up collections; however, in doing so, you’re then able to let others enjoy what you no longer cherish.

21. In addition, once you have more collectibles than the typical person, start thinking about how you’ll downsize or what you’d like to happen to them when the time comes. Talk to your family and tell them which pieces are important to you, and also find out if anyone wants particular items. Use your inventory to let your family know which pieces are particularly unique or valuable, and give them suggestions for appropriately passing them along. After all, you know your collections better than anyone else.

Gosh. I seem to have ended on a somber note about downsizing and bequeathing. However, I’ll take that as a reminder that I already have many, many beautiful pieces in my collections—including floral teapots, vintage dishes, sparkling glassware, and lovely figurines—yet no one else will want to deal with them when the time comes.

I think I’ll forego the sales and shops this weekend and stay home and work on a collection or two. I’ll be able to enjoy some of my treasures now and work on keeping them organized for the future.

I hope you, too, can enjoy your collections this weekend. After all, that’s why we have them.

Patti
The Committed Collector

So where do you stand on the issue? Should we collect only as much as we can reasonably display in our homes, or is it acceptable to collect so much that a goodly portion needs to be boxed up and put away? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts about the collector’s quandary.