I have dug out Robert van der Veur's golden advice
Important facts for new ebay collectors
Collecting, especially in regards to valuable objects, should be based on knowledge. To that end, these ten golden rules about chess collecting serve as a guide:
1. Knowledge is power!
As a beginning collector, you should spend at least 15% to 25% per cent of the amount you are planning to invest in your collection in literature. The more you know about your collecting field, the less your collection will cost you in the long term. Join an association that is related to your hobby like CCI; buy special magazines and books. Books and articles that are out of print can be copied from other collectors.
Old auction catalogs are especially interesting since they often show pictures, designer information, age, manufacturer data and materials used, which can be useful for comparison.
2. Specialize!
Few people can afford to collect everything. As a new collector, therefore, you should specialize early. Decide what you want to collect. There are many possibilities. Specialize, for example, in a topic like tournement chess sets, Plastic chess sets, Glass chess sets or Vintage German chess sets.
3. Collect from above downward!
Do not buy 20 chess sets at $50 each, but rather one for $1,000. The less a chess sets costs, the more common it is, and the simpler to buy it. Rare sets, however, come up infrequently. If you have the opportunity to buy a rare set, give preference to it instead of buying several cheap and common sets. That rare chess set may never again be offered to you. Ask yourself, in this context, how much you want to spend on your hobby each year.
4. Examine each chess set carefully!
At collectors’ meetings and fairs, you should examine each set that might be connected to your field of collection. Try to remember style peculiarities of the different chess sets; note the differences of the pieces.
5. Keep in contact with collector colleagues!
There are many other collectors who collect the same as you. Many of them are trustworthy and already have some experience in their area of expertise. Meet them and try to benefit from their knowledge.
6. Speak to visitors at chess collecting meetings !
You might get the best things for your collection from your collecting colleagues. Many collectors bring their duplicates to collectors’ meetings – you chance to get something you may have been looking for for a long time. Furthermore, the meetings give you the chance to meet more experienced collectors.
7. Do not believe everything someone tells you!
For most chess sets, particularly rare ones, a history is given, which makes doubtful sets better for sale. Trust only your own knowledge. A history may be fast invented for each chess set.
8. Study, study and study some more!
Never stop studying. The most experienced collector learns constantly. Talk with chess collector colleagues, and look at everything in their collection that you can.
9. Be careful with every purchase!
If you see something you absolutely have to have – something you’ve been looking for for eternity – be extra careful. You will fool yourself more thoroughly than any dealer, right after the phrase “greed makes blind.”
Always keep in mind that as long as something is collected, fakes will be made.
10. The Chess Collectors.
Fortunately, a world of information is available here at The Chess Collectors. So, read old threads give your comments or ask your questions!
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Edited by cpe1991 at 01/02/2008 1:22 PM
