Purchasing and Displaying Your Collection: 5 Steps To Being A Confident and Successful Collector
Amish solid wood bookcases, shelves, corner cabinets and hutches, that themselves are collectible, are the optimal organization center for any collection. Today’s collector knows that the best way to showcase your collection is in a central area, instead of spread throughout the home or office. Collecting is as old a desire as the hunting and gathering but learning how to utilize your collectibles as a decorative feature in your home takes education and practice. Before you add another piece to your curio cabinet fine tune your shopping skills with 5 simple steps that will help you to become a more satisfied and savvy collector.
BOTTOM LINE – WHY DO YOU COLLECT? -
What motivates you to collect what you collect? Some people collect because of nostalgia, some as a way to make a décor statement, some collect in a more calculated way, as an investment. Does your collection trigger emotional responses or are you waiting for the day that you can turn it into cold cash? Understanding this will also help you to understand what triggers the decision to reach for your wallet and to fill that space on those custom shelves with another item. An investor cannot let his sentimental side play in to a decision to purchase while a collector of nostalgia will not really consider resale values if they really want it.
WHEELING AND DEALING -
While it can be a bit wearing for dealers to hear from every customer “Is this the best you can do?” they are aware that it is part of the business. Don’t sell your deal short by not making an inquiry about price, especially if you are buying more than one item or are a regular. The golden rule should apply here as well as common sense. Treat the dealer like you would want to be treated. Learn the rules of shopping etiquette and buyer bewares before shopping.
BUY THE BEST AND LEAVE THE REST -
Beginner mistakes can cost you time, money and valuable shelf space. Examine each purchase well and unless you are certain that there is no other one like it and it’s so rare that damage is not an issue, leave it! We have been in the machine age for 150 years and chances are good that they made one right behind that one and in this internet world things are easier to acquire. Patience, dear collector…patience. On the other hand, don’t be so fearful of mistakes that you miss out on great finds.
EDUCATION PAYS FOR ITSELF-
Whatever you feel is worth collecting should be worth educating yourself on. There are websites, books, clubs and magazines on any subject. Auctions, flea markets and antique malls make great hands-on experience playgrounds. Price guides are great tools but do not rely on them for up to the minute or even regional prices. Instead use them as references.
HAVE FUN WITH IT -
If your collection is something worth spending time and money on then why not enjoy it every day? Investing in a great and very sturdy hardwood bookcase, shelving unit or curio customized for your collection by Amish craftsman will insure that you can.
Tags: Amish, Art, Bookcases, Collecting, corner cabinets, Craftsman, custom shelves, hardwood, Hutch, hutches, investment, Organization, solid wood
