Ebay recently conducted a survey of collectors and this is what they found:
Intentional Collectors
Collector Behavior
40% are Serious Collectors
Search for specific items for collection
Accumulate valuable or unique items
Dedicate more space for collection at home
Consider collecting more exciting for their generation than their parents
More like to collect conversation pieces and because of the thrill of the hunt
Moderately emotional about their collections
More likely to keep collections locked away in a safe place display at home for decorative value
Collect because of family traditions or out of nostalgia
Is a Hobby for 15%, sports is the only more frequent hobby.
Collection Habits
Collect pottery/glass/porcelain; dolls, sports memorabilia; animal-themed items
Have more valuable collections
Start collecting earlier: at 18 years
Spend more on collections
Buy additional items in Regular, Specialty stores & Online
Unintentional Collectors
Collection Behavior
Realize that they are collectors only when reminded
22% are serious collectors
Only add to collections when come across new items
Interest in collecting comes and goes
Accumulate valuable or unique items
Collect because of family traditions
Use collections in daily life and often consider it best part of collecting
Only 3% mentioned collecting as a hobby, enjoy sports, reading, arts/craft work, exercise
More likely to perceive collector as a person accumulating sets of items that are alike
Collection Habits
Collect: home decor, books or movies, coins, autographs, paper & writing
Almost 80% have never sold/traded items from their collection
Have less valuable collections
Start collecting at 19 years
More like to buy additional items in Regular & Speciality Stores
For some reason, collectibles have been driven financially into the forefront of investments recently. My guess is that sellers and collectors can deal instantly at Ebay and other sites, as opposed to the days of old when one had to drive downtown or to a nearby city to garage sales, etc. to find their favorite collectible.
I can remember it almost yesterday, that is when I started collecting cartoon products; at least it started as cartoon products and ended up being cow items.
I had attended a Gary Larson Far Side exhibit at the Smithsonian and they were selling art prints at the store; and the cows to me were the funniest. As time went by, and Gary retired, I found myself still interested in cow art and products. At one time, I even thought of launching MOOOOOMA: The Moooseum Of MooooCow Art (but couldn't get enough investors).
Though it did not take off, I did end up finding cow items all over the Internet and places I traveled. I became a cartoonist, and yes, collect some of my own cartoon items, but also collect items, books, calendars, tees, etc. from Gary Larson, Leigh Rubin, Jon McPherson, Dave Coverly and other greats. It's great fun; and enables one life to be more interesting, and actually helps open your heart and mind to a lot of fun in life.
Remember, you are never too old to be a kid, or if you didn't like your childhood, why not start another one? Collect today and watch how much happier you become.
Author: Rick London
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news
