When it comes to collecting spoons there is a plethora of catagories of spoons. Most collectors collect souvenir spoons.  These are spoons from different cities and countries or states etc.  The number of these spoons is almost limitless and the materials are numerous.  Many are silver plate some sterling others stainless steel and some are just metal with a shiny coating.  The best thing when deciding to collect this type of spoon is to decide what area you want to collect. Sterling or plate or stainless or any combination, do you want to collect from places you have been or want to go or just any place in a given area.  Having guidelines will help you to control what you get and make you happier with your purchases.

These guidelines are also important for a person collecting other types of spoons.  You can collect only sterling or only plate.  You can collect from one maker or many. Another catagory to collect is a particular theme, I have noticed a lot of spoons with American Indians and there are spoons with a particular flower like roses.  For instance I collect only sterling (with one or two exceptions for unusual makers) and I collect the type of spoon that is tableware.  I do not collect spoons that have a city name on them ( exception if it is a rare pattern that I can only find with a city name inscribed on it).  I have a couple of sub catagories that I include in my collection one is of a particular pattern that has multi motifs so that there are a dozen different spoons in that pattern, I also collect different sizes of that pattern.  Another sub catagory is spoons with names on them, these were gifts to babies or grads or Mothers or even Fathers.  Some were Christmas or Birthday presents some have dates some don't one even says Don't.

Once you decide what your want to collect stick to that area and get books about the type of items you are interested in and learn about them. Next be careful about bidding , make sure you read all the information and know what you are getting.  Be aware of the shipping costs and know that most people will not charge a handeling fee those who do usually add a dollar or two the the cost but I have seen some outrageous prices for shipping so I stay away form those items unless they are something I really want and the purchase price is low enough to make it worth while. If you are not sure about an Item contact the seller and ask for more information or a better picture.  If you have information about an item that might help the seller, contact them and let them know most appreciate the help. The more you know about your subject the less likley you are to waste money on something you didn't really want.  I have a couple of those in my possession.

The most important thing it to become familiar with the products and the going price for each. Books help and web sites that sell these products help. Not Just Spoons but everything you buy you should have a good feeling for the price. Decide on a price you are willing to pay and stick to it, sometimes we can get carried away on wanting something and really pay too much.  We often find things at other places at better prices. Some sellers have an inflated idea of the value of  the Item they are selling. Finally check feedback on the seller, I sometimes forget to do this and have had some problems as a result.  Most feedback is good but if there are more than 1 negative in a given time period read them and see what the problems are.  Everyone gets a negative once in a while, you just can't please all of the people all of the time.

Above all, have fun! Searching eBay for spoons and contacting sellers or even other collectors can be a lot of fun and an interesting way of reaching out to others.