About Figurine Collecting: How to Collect Anything for a Hobby

Figurine Collecting

About Figurine Collecting:  How to Collect Anything for a Hobby.

About Figurines asks “what is the difference between a collecting hobby and hoarding”.  Think about the difference in engagement, organization, interaction, and work it takes to have a hobby such as figurine collecting or collecting anything.  When I think of a hobby I think these four points:

1. Hobby:  something you do and enjoy doing on a regular basis
2. Hobby:  something you learn about on your way to becoming a subject expert
3. Hobby:  something you can interact with, join, or develop as a community
4. Hobby:  something you can also read and explore about:  newsletter, club, magazine, internet

All too often collecting turns into hoarding.  You buy a lot of of stamps this week for your new hobby.  You keep them in a draw.  You research the web and buy some more actually a lot more.  They sure are pretty.  Life gets busy and two months later you vow to get them into those collection stamp books you bought.  Another year goes by and you start thinking about collecting coins.  See my point is you have now become a hoarder and not developed your collecting hobby.

My Rules for Figurine Collecting:

• Collect what you can afford
• Collect what you love not for some future monetary gain
• Collect quality:  Condition is the key so learn the difference between mint and good.  Buy the best.  Know how to spot originals from fakes. Learn the manufacturer markings.
• Pick a niche.  You can not collect everything.  Buy what you love.  Lots of niches in figurines:  Partial list ( different manufacturers, animals, flowers, objects, holidays, home decor, office, designers/artists, sports, comics, movie, celebrity, games, crystal, art glass, ceramic, wood, metal, plastic, etc.)

• Where will you buy:  Internet, retail, auctions or estates?
• Display, display, display.  Think about space requirements.  My #1 advice is display what you buy and regularly redisplay, clean and maintain.  Do the weekly work necessary for your hobby to look good.
• Learn, join, interact, find a community of common interests.
• Work to buy, sell, trade, or gift on a regular basis.  Requires keeping up to date on prices and industry changes.
• Safeguard and talk to your insurance agent.  Photograph you hobby, Keep records, receipts, and lists.

Buy what you love and love what you buy are two important steps in collecting anything especially figurines.  Money is only important in measuring the size and scope of your collection.  It does not limit your passion, work, involvement, or growing expertise.