A QUICK HOW-TO GUIDE TO COLLECTIBLES ON EBAY

Disney Collectibles Equals Smart Choices

Disney Antiques have always been highly sought after, even new and fresh from the factory. One must be very cautious as there are many fake Disney's in the marketplace. I know, as I got pinched once by an illegal copy of a 1940"s Mickey Mouse doll. The appraiser found the tack in the seam Made In Japan. I felt pretty foolish but a lot smarter.
We all know how Disney Movies started to become so collectible...Disney announced they were not gonna make copies of certain ones and the rush was on.
In a nutshell, anything Disney is worth collecting. It is so important to take extra pre-cautions in keeping the item in as best condition as possible...
When it comes to Disney, like any collectible, just apply some common sense in looking out for fakes.

Antique Toys, Cars, Trucks, Airplanes

Ebay has hundreds of auctions daily of Antique toys. I caution you to always pay close attention to the dimensions. I was disappointed once when I bought an Antique Greyhound Bus that turned out to be a matchbox series. Collectible, yes, but not for what I paid for it. By looking at the pictures it looked like a regular sized toy bus.
Another good rule of thumb also is to find out if it has the original paint, and rubber tires. Ask if the item has ever been repaired as (Original condition) is very important...
Antique toys, especially automobiles, tractors, airplanes, are like money in the bank and also make grand displays on mantels...

Coins, Money Best Spent Carefully

Coins are a major seller on Ebay. I can't stress this enough, start small when dealing with a seller you have never dealt with. Also no matter what, people have differing opinions of grading. Its wise to get a feel for your seller's grading practices. Your idea of (Mint Condition) may be a much higher, or lower, standard from your sellers point of view.
There are many books and price guides to coin collecting. Its fun and rewarding if coin collecting knowledge  is put forth first.
I also stress to inventory your collection with video and pictures. My first collection was stolen in a burglary around 1978. I was only 18 and had collected all my life. I had made no inventory so I was up mud creek without a paddle...

Star Wars, McDonalds N More

Star Wars anything, now is bringing in big bucks for collectors. Don't convince yourself you have missed the flight, jump aboard as Star Wars collectibles is gonna be around forever.
Also you know the Happy Meal toys at McDonalds. Yep-Highly collectible. The Shrek series is now hitting the collectibles market, its amazing how fast these move!!!

Autographs, Elvis Presley and Other Celebrity Goodies.

I have collected Autographs all my life, from 1970 when my Dad introduced me to David Houston and Merle Haggard in 1972.
Then when I moved to Nashvlle I was getting Autographs all the time and before I knew it
I had a bono-fide dynomite Collection!!! Now I have learned allot of these are like money in the bank.
Since Steve Irwin's death, of whom I had already obtained several autographs a couple years ago, I now see some questionable ones on Ebay at times. Its Very important to make sure your not getting a copy of an Autographed Picure, so I advise asking questions.

Anything Elvis will always be highly collectible. I have been a huge fan of his since 1964 when I was old enough to dance around the house to Hound Dog.
From time to time I will go on Ebay and type in his name and, let me tell you, sometimes I am shocked at what people try to pass off. On the other hand, just surfing Ebay can be fun in searching for authentic Elvis artifacts.

Arrowhead Collecting and Gemstones

There is a massive amount of good Arrowheads to buy on Ebay. Again, as with any collectible theres gonna be fakes. Never buy an Arrowhead that doesn't have a COA, thats a Certificate Of Authentication. If they don't have a COA then atleast carefully review their feedback and follow the trails from high dollar buyers that have bought from that seller. Check and see if they have bout COA arrowheads that can tell you alot. If the Seller had a fairly good rating you may never have a problem.
Rock, I.E. Agates, Jaspers etc... thats our main specialty. Please take the time to read that guide it has allot of useful information.

In Closing

All in all it boils down to using your best judgment in buying any collectible. I also always encourage family and friends to try and foresee what could turn out to be a hot collectible...Remember Tickle Me Elmo??? Mercy!!!
One thing that will always be in demand is good entertainment so in Disney, Movies, Celebrities there will always be a market.
In closing I want to say that Rarity, Quality over Quantity is the best route any day!!!
Best Wishes and Happy Ebaying.
-Dale Rhode aka rhodescabbin