Let's just start by bursting a common bubble; If you found a collection of coins or stamps in a loft or a basement, it is (figuratively speaking) 97,5% chance the value are way lower than you hope. Yes, it IS a chance of a high value, but it's highly unlikely. In many cases, the album itself is more value than the stamps inside the album.
Some products, like LEGO, old computers and game related items, are very popular. Popularity doesn't always mean a massive value, even if popularity adds a bit of value. If you are going to buy or sell collectables, do some research on prices and if you can, ask for advice from someone who have some knowledge.
The tips
- Find your theme(s). You may start with a theme you already have a relation to.
- You can find and use forums for collectors on the internet.
- Do research. That's half the fun.
- Find a nice way to present and preserve your collection.
- Be careful and don't be gullible.
- Keep lists of what you have and what you want.
- Collect for the joy of it - not for the value of it.
- If an item doesn't give you joy, you don't need it.
- The value of your collection doesn't matter.
- The size of your collection doesn't matter.
- Keep the collection small, but with high sentimental value.
- It's not always important to have a complete collection.
- Have goals.
- Ideas for what to collect.