5 Tips for Collecting Sports Memorabilia
Are you going to buy an autographed hockey uniform of your favorite player? Do you have a collection of old baseball cards you would like to preserve for years to come? Collecting sports memorabilia can be not just a highly enjoyable and relaxing hobby to pursue but also a financially profitable investment. There are a few tips for you to consider if you want to start a comprehensive sports memorabilia collection.
5 tips for collecting sports memorabilia
- Select a collecting theme
Sports memorabilia is anything that bears the memory of specific sports events, individual athletes, or teams. These include photos, jerseys, helmets, signed baseballs, game-used bats, rookie cards, tickets, and many other items, autographed or not. Taking into account the myriad of sports activities and equipment, the first thing you should do is select a collecting theme and stick to it. Even if you have virtually endless financial resources, do not buy just any items. Opt for those that fit into the theme of your collection. Otherwise, you run the risk of becoming a victim of your own greed and ending up with a collection that makes no sense.
- Determine a budget
Figure out your price range. Do not forget that besides sports items, you need to buy other things as well, such as frames or display cases. Having a determined budget allows you to narrow your search. Moreover, it is better to start with a low budget and try to keep to it. There is no use in going crazy from the very beginning. Adding one or two items to your collection per month may be a good start. Remember that collecting is like a journey. You cannot make a meaningful collection in one day, month, or even year; you need time for that.
- Buy authentic items
Just like any other market, the market of sports memorabilia is full of fakes. You need to be very careful and do extensive research before making any purchases. The most efficient way to avoid non-authentic collectibles is to purchase from the official stores and reputable dealers. The best items are usually examined by a specialized company and come with certificates of authenticity. You can also look for auction records and visit online collecting forums to find out more information about the item you are going to buy.
- Find out the story behind the item
Remember that almost every collectible has its own story behind it. Items with an interesting past, as well as those that convey an important message, are especially valuable. Take your time to find out the story behind the piece you are going to buy and people or events it is related to. It will make the purchase much more intimate and special to you.
- Build relationships
It is not a secret that in the world of sport, building relationships really matters. The same is with collecting sports memorabilia. Personal friendships with sportsmen, art advisors, museum curators, art collectors, antique dealers, gallery owners, and professional fine art shippers may offer you unlimited access to the precious information and items that are currently available for sale. If you are new to sports memorabilia collecting, join special forums or blogs related to this topic. This will help you gather insights, communicate with other collectors, and share your passion for collecting as well.
Building your dream collection of sports memorabilia is possible! You just have to start somewhere and constantly develop your tastes, knowledge, relationships, and certainly collection. Good luck with your endeavor!
