Buying Collectibles On The Internet

The great thing about buying on the internet is that you can sit at your computer in the comfort and privacy of your own home and browse, and browse, and browse..But, what you can't do is hold the item in your hand, inspect it with your own eyes (or someone else's) and get a feel for the item's qualities. There is definitely good and bad about buying on-line. Let's talk about both sides of this issue.

The GOOD about shopping for collectibles on the internet:

1. WWW means Worldwide Wide Web and that is just what it is. There are people literally all over the world selling everything and it is right at your finger tips.

2. Selection is great on the internet. If you are into numerous collectible areas this is a huge time saver. Use anyone of the search engines, type in your key word(s) and you are off shopping.

3. Price comparisons can be instantly done with internet shopping. Bookmark an item and continue shopping the internet until you find another comparable item. Bring up the bookmarked site and you can compare side by side without ever leaving your chair.

4. Internet shopping is a savings in many areas. It can save you time, money, and gas. With the price of gasoline in the U.S., folks are not leaving home as much and discretionary income is dwindling. If you don't want to totally give up your collectible habit, then buying on line can help salvage this. Your time is also money as they say, and with the internet open 24/7, whenever the mood strikes you can shop.

5. Convenience has played a role in all of the above and it is the utmost in this - a delivery of your item right to your door. Yes, we all know postage has gone up, but if you roll all of the other conveniences together with delivery to your door, the postage paid is well worth it. Most likely, you would have paid more in gas and time had you search your local buying area and may have come home empty handed to boot.



The Bad about shopping for collectibles on the internet:


1. As mentioned above, you do not get the thrill of holding your would be collectible in your hand when cyber shopping. This is a drawback. BUT, after the first few purchases on line, you will enjoy the anticipation of receiving your item which will outweigh the instant gratification.

2. Security has (and is at times) been a problem with purchasing on line. It still holds many people back from taking the plunge. Because of this, there are other options rather than giving away your credit card information. Many on-line merchants understand this and will wait to receive a money order or check should you wish to pay that way. If you really want to use the convenience of a charge card, PayPal and Google Checkout are set up so you can use them as a go between for payment of your recent find. No credit card information is given to the merchant directly. Payment is made to them with only a verification of your shipping address. Just make sure that you are buying from a merchant that can offer this, and your apprehension will quickly ease away.

3. Fakes and Forgeries - Alas, this is a huge concern for those that collect "signed" items. There are a great many forgeries and you as a consumer need to understand what to look for concerning your particular area of collectibles. If you are suspicious of an item, as many questions of the seller. Should they hem, haw and hedge no doubt your suspicions are right and you should avoid the transaction.

I guess in my book, the internet really is a great place to shop. Of course I'm a seller too, so I'm going to be a bit biased. But, I hope that what we have discussed here has put your mind at ease about shopping on the World Wide Web. It is a very fun, interesting, and surprising market place. You may not always find a particular item you are looking for right at that moment. But keep trying. I'm sure at some point you'll be surprised and elated that someone has found your treasure. I am also a source of collectibles and let my customers know to contact me if they are looking for something specific. I do their shopping for them as I attend many estate sales and auctions. So let your fingers do the work and enjoy the leisure of internet collectible shopping.

Until next time...

My Best,
Vicki
Victoria's Curio

Visit our store for more details and to shop our unique selection of antique and vintage items.


Visit Victoria's Curio on Squidoo