Whether it involves
celebrity autographs, movie posters, fine art prints, baseball
cards, postcards or antique figurines, collecting can be good
clean fun for boys and girls of all ages. However, all areas
of collecting have fakes, reprints and scams.
The following is a brief but important list of tips that the
beginner should read before jumping into the hobby with open
pocketbook.
1) Start by knowing that there are reprints, counterfeits,
fakes and scams out there. If you start by knowing you should
be doing your homework, having healthy skepticism of sellers
grand claims and getting second opinions, you will be infinitely
better off than the beginner who assumes everythings authentic
and all sellers are honest.
2) Learn all you can about material you wish to collect
and the hobby in general. The more you learn and more experience
you have, the better off you are. Most forgers arent trying
to fool experts. Theyre trying to fool the ignorant.
3) Realize that novices in any area of collecting are more
likely to overestimate, rather than underestimate, the value
of items they own or are about to buy.
4) Get second opinions and seek advice when needed. This
can range from a formal opinion from a top expert to input from
a collecting friend. Collectors who seek advice and input are
almost always better off than those who are too proud or embarrassed
to ask questions.
5) Start by buying inexpensive items. Put off the thousands
dollar Babe Ruth baseball cards and Elvis Presley autographed
photos for another day.
Without exception, all beginners make mistakes. From paying
too much to misjudging rarity to buying fakes. It only makes
sense that a collector should want to make the inevitable beginners
mistakes on $10 rather that $1,000 purchases.
6) Gather a list of good sellers. A good seller is
someone who is knowledgeable and trustworthy. A good seller fixes
a legitimate problem when it arises, and has a good authenticity
guarantee and return policy.
Its best to buy real expensive items online from good
sellers, including those you have dealt with or those who otherwise
have strong reputations.
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