Tips for new collectors.

I expect a lot of new collectors read these forums, so a Tips for new collectors thread may help some.

This is for those things you have learn later on, but wished you had known when starting out.

Note to new collectors: This is all personal opinion based and you need to make up your own minds about the follow tips, as they wont suit all types of collectors. Also please note this is aimed at those wanting to collect, not deal.

Here goes:

* Despite people often saying antiques / collectables etc "will never go down in value", this is not true, anything can go down as well as up.

* Buy things you truly like, not just because it's by a famous maker than you have heard of. (Unless your particularity collecting that makers work and it is a rare / academic example etc)

* Don't be in a rush to fill up your collection, it's much better to save and buy one item you love, than spend the same amount on 20 items you think are ok. Before you know it you'll be running out of room anyway!

* Take your time to learn about what you wish to collect before spending too much, knowledge is very important.

* Price Guides: They are exactly that, a guide only, be aware that the prices listed are often far far higher than you could actually sell something for. Also note that while something may seem exactly the same as say something you have seen in a Millers book for a lot of money, it may not actually be the same at all, as guides like that can be very vague on descriptions etc, there are also many good reproductions around.

* Don't let other people put you off something you like, it's you collecting it, not them! Often things that were once considered junk by the masses, becomes a highly prized collectable etc.


That's all I can think of, but hopefully the others will add their views.

Good list, Potty.

I would add:
Don't be afraid to haggle
Get to know dealers and artists, as they will often do you a special deal if you buy off them regularly and if they know you're keen. And ask them where the item came from - something that's been in someone's attic for decades is less likely to be a modern copy.
Search the internet to get to know the items, and check prices on places like ebay (completed listings) and LiveAuctioneer (Sold), rather than rely on the various published Price Guides and Millers Antiques books.

Quality over quantity,if you are presently buying 1 piece per week you could try saving for a month and buying an exceptional piece, this will also mean you are able to display your collection rather than storing it in the loft!

a piece made by a popular maker can still be a poor example so don't buy rubbish just because it's cheap

Once you find a pottery potter or designer etc research research research it will reward you in any purchase in the future , and on the way you will find bargains in time , you dont always have to pay top dollar to get that piece you want if you are prepared to wait .

Visit museums and exhibitions to see great examples of potters work. And don't be afraid to buy a damaged piece as long as it's cheap - there's nothing like handling work to help you learn about a potter

Some good tips added, keep them coming!

P.S. Despite knowing and agreeing with the "don't buy something just because it's cheap" tip, I still do on occasions!

I am in the process of packing and moving half a dozen boxes of cheap stuff into the loft to create more room on the shelves for the better stuff.
As Skip says "there's nothing like handling work to help you learn about a potter", and that usually means spending money putting together a reference collection of the potters' cheaper stuff.

Invest in a Good Library.if the books on your particular interest are available. They might appear expensive,but will save you a lot of money in the long run. The value and interest in a lot of general pottery is in the details.The painter,year of manufacture etc,only books can really give you that information. Similarly with individual potters. A Ceramics library can never be too big!
Value in ceramics is often fashion. As fashion changes so do prices.
If you have a decent Local auction house near you,go along to every possible ceramics auction preview you can get to. Its the prefect chance to actually handle,photograph,look at marks and styles. Something you just won't get elsewhere. 20th century stuff comes up in Modern Design sales a good deal,but also in antiques and collectables ones.
Research prices and pieces from auctioneers websites.A lot of the better auction houses keep online viewable back catalogues.
The more you are spending,the more careful you should be! Especially at auction(including Ebay)it is sooo easy to get carried away.

Always check completed auctions on ebay before bidding. You may find the item has been relisted several times and hasn't sold either because it's over priced or wrongly identified. If it's overpriced contact the seller and make an offer.

Don't eat the yellow snow .