subject: 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Memorabilia Online [print this page] 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Memorabilia Online
Buying memorabilia online seems to be the easiest way to find rare items these days. And while there are thousands of websites offering music memorabilia, sport memorabilia, movie memorabilia and more, you should be extremely cautious when paying for collectible products. Here are three mistakes to avoid when buying rare items online.
1. Avoid Auctions before Doing Research
Many new collectors are tempted to jump in and start bidding on auctions such as eBay. The truth is many auctions end up being way overpriced... especially for celebrity autographs and other memorabilia. Do your research before placing a bid so you'll know what the going price is at other websites. Read the auction description thoroughly, view all photos, and notice the seller's eBay rating from past sales. Is the feedback mostly positive? If not, you'll want to find another seller or buy somewhere else. If you do decide to bid on an item, don't get carried away. Think about every bid before placing it and make sure you can afford the bidding price based on the value of the collectible item and your budget.
2. Failing to Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity
A certificate showing the item is authentic should be shown to you somehow before a big purchase. Ask if a scanned copy can be sent by email or placed on a web page temporarily. The certificate proves that you are getting an actual collectible item, not a replica. It should show the history of the collectible, proof of ownership, and the appraiser's signature. This is extremely important for buying higher priced items such as autographed guitars, signed wall art and decor and other signed collectibles. If a dealer is trustworthy, he should have no problem getting this to you before your purchase. Most reputable memorabilia websites put forth their best up front and might even show the certificates online with the product descriptions.
3. Haggling Too Much with Dealers
Whether you collect movie, sports, horse racing or music memorabilia, it's not wise to haggle too much with online dealers. They can become your best resource or your worst enemy, depending on how you handle your purchases. Take a moment to do a price comparison online before offering an amount. This will give you an idea of the usual going price of an item. Make your offer in a friendly manner and don't insult the dealer. Once a dealer realizes you are serious about purchasing rare items, he might keep your name and number to call when other similar items arrive. This can help you build a great collection in a hurry!
Avoid these mistakes for smooth collecting on the web. Find several reliable sources that offer the types of collectibles you're seeking. Then visit their web stores often to search for new items. Doing so will help you build an awesome memorabilia collection you can be proud of!
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