Who wouldn't want to own their own Genie bottle like the one from the famous television sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, especially if it came with its very own Jeannie ala Barbara Eden!! None of the bottle I have collected came with a genie or Jeannie and sad to say most are never as good as their photos make them out to be. Here are a few of the things I think a buyer should look for from any seller:

1. If you want something as close as possible to your childhood memories then buy something painted on a Jim Beam bottle! Do not buy replicated bottles made out of various materials as they are all knockoffs from the real thing.

2. You have to decide which bottle tickles your fancy more, the gold vines bottle or the more recognizable purple bottle. Most people go for the purple bottle but you should expect to pay a bit more for this from a reputable seller as the work involved is far greater.

3. Ask questions of the seller there are too many people who will gladly take your money promising the greatest thing in the world only to render up some mass produced thing with slanting designs and cheap paint.

4. Look at the photos closely. Are the photos stock photos or are they photos of the actual bottle you are bidding on. If the seller can't produce actual photos of the item they are selling then you will not know what you are buying until it is too late.

5. Another good thing to ask the seller is if they paint each bottle themselves or if others paint for them or, sadly, if they are mass produced. Anything other than dealing directly with the artist that paints the bottle you should pass. Ask them if they use paint pens, stencils or other shortcuts if they do then pass on that too.

6. Next ask the seller if they offer a satisfaction guarantee with a full refund, if the seller stands by their artistry this will be gladly given without question.

7. Finally, everyone is on a budget so decide what you can afford and stick to it. Just remember that you get what you pay for. If you want something exact, detailed and brilliantly beautiful that will last for decades then be prepared to bid some serious money. If you can be satisfied with a charming reminder than your budget can be lower to match your expectations.