A collector is a person who brings items together and organises them into a group. People collect many different things -- from stamps and coins to more unusual objects such as surgical instruments! People collect things for a variety of reasons -- they may have a passion or an academic interest in the objects. Some may have started collecting as children and just carried this hobby into adult life. Many relish the idea of hunting down a specific item and watching their collection develop. Collecting is a great hobby because it is unique for each individual collector. Each item that is found carries its own history. Many collectors enjoy what their collection teaches them. Some collectors even earn their living by collecting and selling items to fellow-collectors or other interested parties.

Understanding Collectors Clubs and Associations
For collectors all over the world, joining a collectors club or association is a fun way of sharing their hobby with others who have the same interest and passion. The internet has enabled many of these clubs and associations to develop websites with international members. If you log onto the internet, you will come across literally thousands of collectors clubs. These online clubs provide a useful service to their members. They organise forums or chat rooms where members can discuss issues, swap ideas and ask questions. Some publish regular newsletters with stories and features. Some have online stores which allow members to sell and buy items. They inform members of any auctions or antique markets that may be taking place near them. All things considered, they offer an invaluable support for encouraging these various collectors to carry on collecting and to keep their hobby alive!

What kind of things do people collect?
Collectors really do collect all sorts of things. To illustrate this point, here is just a small selection of the things which have formed parts of people's collections. Some such as fossils are considered quite normal, while may be a little more eccentric. The majority of these objects are vintage or even antiques, while others are good quality modern reproductions.

Action Figures
Animal Skulls
Barbies, Paper Dolls and other Dolls
Beanies
Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Journals
Coins and Paper Money
Costume Jewellery
Cereal Box Characters:
Comic Art and Comic Books
Vintage Computer and Video and Arcade Games
Die Cast Cars & Matchbox Cars
Fossils
Leaves
License Plates
Marbles
Minerals and Rocks
Pencils and Pens
Pins
Pok�mon, Nintendo, Star Wars, Lego, Disney figures
Shells
Sports Cards
Stamps
Yo Yos

Where to look for collectibles?
Apart from online collectors clubs as described above, there are many places you can visit, both online and offline, to find items to add to your collection:

Auctions
Auctions, both online and land-based, are popular places to find rare and interesting collectibles. Antique auctions and road shows are great options. However, consider visiting specific online auction websites specialising in the items which you are collecting, whether it is dolls or jam jars. Register online and visit these websites often to take part in these auctions -- you may be lucky and find what you are searching for instantly! Besides these niche auction websites, you can also try the more better-known auction sites.

Individual Websites and Online Shops
Individual websites offering all types of collectibles are plentiful on the internet. They are generally managed by private entrepreneurs -- these are usually people who started out as collectors but have developed their hobby into a business. These online shops are based all over the world, many in America, They offer collectors a simple no-hassle way to browse and buy items they want. Buying from overseas means that you will probably have to wait longer for the item to be despatched and pay the extra shipping costs. When buying from overseas, make sure you have appropriate insurance to cover loss or damage and that if the item is of considerable value, any import duties are paid.

Collectors' Fairs, Markets and Garage Sales
There are numerous collectors' fairs, flea markets, antiques markets, garage sales and conventions held around the UK and abroad. Some of these events are sponsored and organised by collectors clubs and associations. Some are organised by antique traders. These places have hundreds of stalls set up for general browsing. They are ideal places for finding specific items. What's more, they present a great opportunity to socialise and share ideas with like-minded collectors.

Collectors Publications
There are dozens of niche titles dedicated to the collecting of a particular item. Use the internet to shortlist magazines or newsletters which would be helpful to you. Some of these titles include:

Die cast Collector
Model Collector
Gibbons Stamp Monthly

Alternatively, there are more general antique and collecting titles, both online and printed, that may feature advertisements selling collectibles such as:

Antiques & Collectibles
Antiques Dealer
Collectables Gazette

Online Classifieds and Directories
It is also possible to find the objects you are looking for simply using the services of an online or printed classifieds or directory such as Classifieds. Online resources are particularly useful as they are able to provide more than just a listing -- they also give tips and advice as well as a host of other useful links to relevant articles and news about buying and collecting any category of memorabilia.

How to purchase collectibles safely
When buying antiques, it is important to know that you are buying the genuine article. You may be able to verify the authenticity of the item by asking an expert for advice. If appropriate, it is a good idea to obtain certification. When buying from a private seller, make sure you read the product description and photographs provided carefully before you go ahead with the purchase. If necessary, you can contact the seller directly by telephone or email to resolve any questions you may have.

Many antique collectibles may be delicate or easily breakable. In these cases, agree with the seller in advance as to action to be taken should any of the items arrive damaged. Equally, if the item is large and bulky, make sure you are capable of arranging its safe collection and delivery. Although convenient, shopping online has a few dangers. If you buy an item online, choose a safe website with SSL technology. This will minimise the risks of your financial details being passed on to the wrong hands! Remember that all traders must act responsibly. They can be fined or prosecuted if they sell unsafe or incorrectly labelled goods. This may be more tricky to redress with private sellers.

Some information on Genuine and Fake Collectibles
For most collectors, acquiring a genuine item is of the utmost importance. Many have high standards and do not want to contaminate their precious collection with a fake object. However, there are some collectors would actually choose to buy a reproduction item instead of the real thing. This could be based on the fact that reproductions are usually cheaper and a lot easier to find than the real thing. To these collectors, they do not mind owning a reproduction as long as they have not been fooled into thinking that it is the genuine article. The provenance of items will depend upon their category and will require considerable research on your behalf and an in-depth understanding of the subject.
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