Toy Collector Guidelines

The Toy Collector

Does anyone call you the "toy collector"? Once collecting was done by walking the flea markets and rummaging through thrift stores and antique shops. Today, it is more often done by searching the world wide web. Websites such as eBay offer a number of toys that are for sale from just about every era that had toys and in which the toys are still usable.
 
Buying online makes the search so much easier. You can search in your free time and in your pajamas if you wanted to. However, when searching various websites there are some things that you should keep in mind before sending any money to the seller.
 

• What toys do you want to collect?
• Are you adding to a collection or starting a new one?
• Is the search for self-indulgence or for an investment?
• What are your expectations of the collection?
• What is your budget?

 
Be careful once you start collecting, because one collection can easily turn into two or more. You might find a toy from your childhood and then begin searching for all toys that were part of that collection as well. This can become very time consuming and expensive over time; however, this is what the toy collector does.
 
In addition, you may want to do some research about the items in the collection that you will be searching for to ensure that when you do find a toy you will know if it is authentic or not. What should you consider when finding a toy on your list?
 

• Determine the toys current condition
• Is the asking price reasonable?
• If it originally came with accessories, are they included?
• If it was originally packaged, is the packing included?
• What is the rarity of the toy?

 
It is also good to know the difference between an antique toy and a collectible toy. One that is considered an antique would be over 100 years old and could also be a collectible but not all are. A collectable is under 100 years old and even if it's new, it could still be considered collectable.
The toy collector will always do research first on the items they are looking for to help them understand the difference and if the item is worth your time to investigate more.
 
During research, the toy collector knows that it is wise to know the approximate value in today's market. Knowing how to price them is very helpful as this will help guide the collector in determining the toys value. One way is to search the Internet and see what similar items are going for. Also consider if the toy will be sold later or will be kept for sentimental purposes only. If it's for sentimental purposes, then the value could be priceless.
 
Finding that first toy of the collection is a very exciting step for a new collector or for one who has been collecting for years but has started on a new collection. Having the knowledge, the skills and a passion for the process provides excitement and adventure for the toy collector who is always looking for the next toy to add to their collection.