Collector's Clubs: What's Been Your Experience?

(Sorry Lora if this is in the wrong spot - I wasn't sure where it would go . . . )

I was curious to know your experiences with Collector's Clubs. I know they are all over the place for virtually every kind of collectible - there are often local groups, state and national groups and beyond. I personally haven't had a lot of experience with them just yet.

Now I am a member of the CJCI (Costume Jewelry Collectors International) and a local jewelry buff and I have been trying to get a local chapter up-and-running but there appear to be many that are very well established.

Please share your experiences with clubs - from what services they provide you with (e.g. national conventions, local networking or educational events, magazines or newsletters, etc.). Thanks!

Tags: , , collect, collections", collector, collector's club

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Permalink Reply by ElsiesAttic ~ CEO on January 10, 2012 at 3:01pm

Great topic.... :) I often wonder how many people are involved in clubs or groups that are not all online like conventions... :)

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on January 10, 2012 at 3:57pm

I would love to be a part of a collector club but never seem to have one nearby. I have groups online I enjoy for specifice categories though.

It has always been I will say in my experience that collectors of specific items know more about these items and I will tap into them if I run into a wall.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Law on January 10, 2012 at 6:10pm

Since we've started this estate sale business, I'm finding that many of my clients are (or were) members of local collector's clubs - they subscribe to magazines and have regular meetings. How do you find collector's clubs? Seems like somewhere online there was a list but I 'm not sure where . . . I have such diverse interests, I'd probably have to join 50 different clubs! BUT that seems to be the most effective way to learn about the items your collecting so it's probably very worthwhile.

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on January 10, 2012 at 7:30pm

I have a book with the clubs listed. An old one.

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Permalink Reply by Purple Cow Antiques on January 12, 2012 at 10:14pm

My sister Jackie is a Wade Pottery (specifically the figures) collector. She has attended several Wade Fairs in the Pac. Northwest and has greatly enjoyed the chance to network with others and see in person many of the rare or hard to find pieces she had only seen in books that were on display at the convention market.

I've tapped members of different groups, especially the local Fenton and Heisey collectors, for help identifying items. The members are always informed and enthusiastic about sharing info.

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Permalink Reply by Julie Law on January 13, 2012 at 6:57am

@Purple Cow - That sounds great! I think that seems to be one of the biggest perks of joining is to see in person those pieces that are incredibly rare and special. It also seems that a lot of collectors will go to each other to buy and sell because they are aware that they share the same interest and often know the contents of each other's collections. For instance, this large sale we're preparing with all of the dolls - we will be specially inviting all members of the local collector's club because many of them want a shot at some of these one-of-a-kind dolls in mint condition!

When you say "tapped members," how did you go about finding them? How did you approach them? What would you recommend to others who may not have the time / money / opportunity / level of committment to actually join a group but would still like to have local resources with such a knowledge base?

Purple Cow Antiques said:

My sister Jackie is a Wade Pottery (specifically the figures) collector. She has attended several Wade Fairs in the Pac. Northwest and has greatly enjoyed the chance to network with others and see in person many of the rare or hard to find pieces she had only seen in books that were on display at the convention market.

I've tapped members of different groups, especially the local Fenton and Heisey collectors, for help identifying items. The members are always informed and enthusiastic about sharing info.

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Permalink Reply by Graceful Antiques on January 13, 2012 at 11:13am

Julie, your post reminded me of one of the most hilarious conversations since doing business from 1996.

I started collecting dolls and winning ribbons with my dolls in the 1980s. I was doing a general antiques show once and a Barbie dealer came to my booth and tried to buy a head off of my Bubble cut Barbie. I asked her where would I find another doll.

Anyhow, she immediately told me the Barbie dealers even have a secret knock they use before a show to meet up at a certain place the night before to swap and swap their inventory.

( I have always said if I could start over I would of collected Barbie shoes and tiny items as I could carry my inventory in a few suitcases.)

This person had me ROFLMHO with the tales of these collectors.

I imagine this may go on in some sense for most of the collector clubs.

My best to you on your doll show. I love dolls and had many but have sold many.

I found doll collectors very passionate as a whole and willing to help others. Find a doll hospital or contact doll dealers specifically in your area or a club just contact them.

I know one of the best dealer of dolls and doll hospital in Texas. I am sure she is probably connected with doll lovers world wide.

Sandy

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Permalink Reply by ElsiesAttic ~ CEO on January 13, 2012 at 4:52pm

Sandy what a funny story!!! Now THAT is extreme collecting having a secret knock!!!

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Permalink Reply by Julie Law on January 13, 2012 at 6:09pm

That's hilarious! One of the collections we are planning to sell is Barbies so I'll have to tell my client that story. She'll be tickled! (Or maybe she'll show me the local secret handshake - LOL!)

BTW Sandy - thanks for all of the tips as well!