Let’s face it – we live in a digital age where everything is done online. There are millions of websites and bloggers who speak their mind regarding every and anything in order to gain readers and build traffic. This is a very simple definition of a “digital” collection. Bloggers “collect” readers and traffic. In return this traffic should help generate some sort of an income – which is a nice but what if you prefer something concrete that gains value in time? Then you have come to the right place!
What To Collect?
I strongly believe that everyone should have some type of a collection. I’m also sure that 99% of you already have a collection and dont even know it. Do you have movies, video games, brand name clothes, etc? Well then – there you go! You already have a collection and might not even know about it! However the question I am trying to help you answer is this:
- How do you start a collection that will give you extra money?
I have been buying/selling/collecting for years and want to provide you with a tutorial on how to start a collection of your own that can generate some very nice income. The most important question is:
What should I collect?
Personally I suggest collecting something that has a history, is old, has a market, and can easily be resold. The first thing that comes to my mind is collectibles such as stamps, dolls, toys, cars, beer cans, and coins.
Collect Something Valuable
Why did I choose those specific items to collect as an example? Not only are these items small in size but every single thing I mentioned has a HUGE following and has MANY high priced items! This is the key when finding something to collect. stamps, coins, and toys are loved by many people.
For example, many people played and destroyed every toy they had as a child and now want to buy them again to keep. Since nearly everyone did the same thing (play with toys and destroy them) most are impossible to find in great condition – which is why they become so valuable. Personally I collect vintage hot wheel redlines. These were made in the late 60′s to early 70′s and have a huge market. I have easily made a few thousand dollars buying and selling these toy cars and I made $650 profit from one single car.
Buy a Collecting Book
After you have picked something you want to collect it is now time to start a long and enjoyable learning process. You want to learn everything you possibly can about your “niche” in order to spot rare and hard to find items that will give you an easy way to make money. I suggest buying a few updated collecting books about your niche, joining forums, reading articles, and looking at completed items on ebay. Using ebay has been a great tool for me over the years and has taught me real market pricing.
I also recommend these methods as a way to find collections and easy ways to make money: POST and SEARCH with craigslist, kijiji, and auctionzip. Also look in your newspaper for local estate sales and go to your local flea markets with a list of items you are looking for. I have made a few hundred dollars everytime I go to the flea markets because I find something valuable being sold for a cheap price.
Collect For Fun!
It is extremely important to have fun with your collection. Collect something you like and is enjoyable. Don’t think it is all about making money. It will help you learn something new and you might even become a pro – then you can create a blog about it and create another “digital” collection! If you are interested in reading more about what I collect and ways to make money from actual products, then please check out my blog!.
I am looking forward to reading what items you collect or want to collect. Feel free to write anything that will add to this discussion!
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Twitter: lavenderuses
says:
Hi Zoopco
Sounds like you have the true entrepreneurial spirit. I have collected Spode blue & white china when I was living and working in the UK. Now I am back home in Australia, couldn’t afford what the shops or antiques markets are asking for it!
If I need extra cash, I will now know where to sell it. Very interesting post and another income stream for me to look at. Thanks for sharing. I am now going to check out your blog.
Patricia Perth Australia
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Twitter: ditesco
says:
You are right, almost everyone has a collection of some sort. For example I received from an inheritance a collection of Canes or walking sticks. I have tried selling them on eBay and some other online auction sites but with not much success. Maybe its the item or the title was not compelling enough. Will keep trying..
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I would also suggest trying: kijiji as well as craigslist to help sell your items. You can also search for forums and try selling them there – I’ms sure there is a market. Good luck and thanks for the comment!
zoopco recently posted..Buy Sold Out Xbox Kinect At Retail Price
Twitter: craftybegonia
says:
Very interesting article. Thanks you!
craftybegonia recently posted..Knitsy Puffy Stitch
Twitter: dgupta5150
says:
I’ve run across persons wanting to sell off a model train collection from a relative that passed on. I know what the market prices are and have been offered to take it from them – but that’s not right. So I tell people to eBay their stuff and let supply and demand work its magic.
Deepak Gupta recently posted..Lead Generation- Facebook Ads vs Google PPC
How is this not right? Nowhere in this article do I condone ripping people off. If you found a collection that you like and know the market value then you should have offered them market price for the trains and both parties would be happy
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Twitter: JoiTaniaSigers
says:
In this day and age, having multiple streams of income isn’t just smart, it’s thisclose to necessary. You’ve definitely come up with an excellent extra stream – and a fun one. Personally, I collect dolls, toys, bears, brass candlestick holders, and Presidential campaign buttons (thank God for a big house or there wouldn’t be any room for me!).
My only problem is that I’m not sure I could part with any of my doll or toy collectibles – it seems like each one has a story behind it and/or an emotional attachment! Gotta learn to keep my heart out of it!
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I could not agree with you more! You have a very nice collection of great things! I do agree with you – alot of the stuff I collect does have a story of its own! There are some items that i own that I am not able to sell. Anytime I find a collection of toys there are always a couple that I cant let go and need to hold onto!
What types of toys do you collect?
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Twitter: Andre_Kalis
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I was more interested in the link to your blog and enjoyed your article on Google Adwords vis-a-vis Facebook ads. Great info, thank you.
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After so many years of collecting (mine are lighters) there’s no way I will think to make money on it…I mean you don’t sell your collections, It’s your collection…Or if you’re just collecting to make money out of it, well, that’s business in my opinion… But hey, it’s just me and no disrespect to others…
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I buy big collections, keep what i want, and sell the rest. So I still collect but I gain nearly all of my initial investment back making the items I keep basically free. I would also suggest collecting something that has a big following and has some high priced items. People can collect anything they please, I was just telling people that if they want to make some money out of it and collect then they should find something profitable.
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We took the decision to live on one income when our eldest child was born ten years ago. It’s been, and still is, a struggle sometimes as the cost of living sky rockets, but the benefit of knowing that the kids have our attention and are not being cared for by strangers makes up for it for us.
I wonder if advice about love can be collected? if it can be, then I’ll be earning a lot of money cause a lot of my friends need one every now and then.
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