Post #61651 by SugarCaddyDaddy on Sun, Nov 23, 2003 12:35 AM

Juno wrote:
...But would it be better to save money if it means buying on Ebay?? Im so confused...

Juno~

I owned and operated an antique & collectibles store for a little over 6 years. Way before that I was, and still am, a collector. I have seen collectors of all types come and go.

What was the difference between the collectors that came and went, and the ones that came and stayed? Well, those that came and went bought anything and everything related to their collectible interest without much thought as to whether or not they REALLY liked the item they were purchasing, rather they purchased based on "what it's worth" or "what's hot" or "what can I get for it in the future" or just trying to "keep up with the Jones'". Those collectors eventually got bored or burned out and fell to the wayside since they really had no interest, other than monetary interest, in their collection.

Those that came and stayed, STAYED because they truly liked what they bought. They learned to appreciate items that came their way, whether at a thrift shop or on-line, but disciplined themselves to only obtain items that would bring them happiness.

I have seen in many collecting forums, even here on TC, where collectors ask "what should I get for my collection". To me, that is one wacky question, since there is really one real answer: Get only what YOU like! I have even seen concerns where some (new and old) TC members say "I bought (xyz item) and it's not really tiki but more Caribbean, or tropical, etc., what do you guys think...". I say it doesn't matter what we think. If it brings you joy to have it, then by all means, go for it!

That doesn't mean that if you buy something now and later decide to sell it that you originally made a bad buying decision. If at the time you bought it, you really wanted it, then that was the right decision for that time. Many collectors collections go through an evolution. In some cases that means they originally buy newer items and then later decide to buy more along the lines of vintage items and sell their newer items to fund the vintage buying. Some just keep everything! Both are fine, as long as you are enjoying yourself and your collection!

The rule of thumb I personally go by is: if I don't feel 100% good about buying something within the first few minutes of seeing something or if I'm having to "talk myself" into buying something, then it's better to leave it behind. It's worked for me and the times I have left something behind, I have felt I made the right decision. Oh, and the items I did buy and keep? Well, I still enjoy them to this day!

I do hope this long-winded response helps you in some way.

Just my 2 coconuts worth.

Enter The SoCal Hoity Toity Schedule

[ Edited by: SugarCaddyDaddy on 2003-11-23 00:39 ]