Everyone is a collector

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 People collect all manner of items for many reasons. Some say that people collect because collecting is connected to positive memories and emotions. Whatever the reason, people tend to collect things, and these are often the bread and butter for the reseller. 

shoe collection

Reseller Tip   

Most everything, be it old or new, can become a collectible to someone.   People like their things, whatever those things may be. The saying, that one persons junk is another persons treasure, is the absolute truth. 

Some people don't even realize they collect things. Some may have large collection of tools, most of which they may never use. However they keep adding to that collection of tools. Many people have a giant collection of shoes and clothes, some that will never be worn again, just  piling up in their closets and basements. They may not see it as collecting, but they are in fact  collectors.


 One persons "collection"  may seem to be a heap of old junk to another person.  All those who label your collection(s) as junk, probably have their own collection of  "treasures" which they will never part.  Meanwhile, you probably see their "stuff" as a heap of clutter and junk.  For instance, My wife makes fun of me for keeping my Nikko stereo receiver from 1979. 

Nikko Stereo Tuner

I may elect to part with the old stereo as the old 1970's  stereo equipment are  now somewhat popular resale items. I remain undecided. Over two decades ago I parted with my 1969 Nova Super Sport and I'm still not over it!  Then again, I'm also still not over all my 60's era comics getting the toss by my parents when we moved in the late 1970's! At least I kept my giant collection of baseball cards from the 1960's and 1970's. I'm not parting with them...yet. 

To illustrate my point, go on ahead and give away or toss a bin of whatever you think is a bin of useless junk that has been sitting in your house.  Maybe it is old baby clothes or your kids toys that "Santa" gave your kids and your kids are now in their 30s... Go on ahead and  see what everyone has to say about it after you donate or toss it away! 


 I recall growing up, a number of my aunts and uncles bonded over collecting clocks among other items. They went to estate sales to collect whatever they were collecting at the particular time. They started with antique clocks and next it was plates and then something else.  When I see some of those clocks or plates displayed at their homes, I have fond memories of those outings with them. 

Recently a clerk at one of the electronic stores told me he collected sneakers. He said that he bought one pair to wear and the other to collect. He said he had a display of sneakers that covered an entire wall. That is when I realized that anything is collectible to someone. 

The key that makes a collection look like a collection is displaying the collections in a way that compliments the collection. Some work their collections in to the decor throughout their home, using the pieces as accents. Others may create dedicated display shelves and dedicate sections of their homes to display their collections.

 Disney items from the mid 20th century or earlier are widely collected. Even the more modern Disney Pixar items are popular items.

The cake toppers to the left are from around 2004 and remain popular today with collectors.

 These FINDING  NEMO items sold quickly  - click here to search other items

Mario Brothers items remain very popular as collectible items. Mario Brothers Franchise predates the home gaming console. Mario Brothers was first created for Arcades by Nintendo in 1983. The game was created by developers by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi, two of the lead developers for the video game Donkey Kong.

video game collection

There is a happiness that comes from adding a new find to a collection, there is the excitement of the hunt, the social camaraderie when sharing their collection with other collectors.   Collecting isn't just limited to collecting old toys, signs stamps, trains. Collecting is about fun. So to those who collect, go on ahead and indulge yourself when you can and have fun!

Below are live links to some of my listed finds on eBay a.k.a Mike's General Store and fine goods:  

Check out our Train Collecting blog at:
 mlntrains.blogspot.com


Hope these insights have been helpful, good luck in your reselling! - Stay well, Mike