If you've read the other articles in this series, you should now know what brochures you want to add to your collection.
Here comes the fun part! Starting a collection, keeping it up, and adding to it.
When you buy used things to add to your collection, the condition of the things you want can vary a lot. Also, it doesn't help that sellers often leave things out or give wrong information about them.
So, it's very important to ask the right questions and look at what the seller hasn't said in his ad description as much as what he has.
I've been disappointed more than once when a "perfect" item showed up in my mailbox, so I now use a checklist to make sure I'm ready to buy something. Here's what's on the list:
- What does the brochure look like? Surprisingly, very few sellers list the item's condition on the ad (we do). When it comes to collecting, what one person thinks is "perfect" may be trash to another. So, I don't pay attention to vague phrases like the ones above and instead ask direct questions like, "Does it have creases or tears, and if so, how many and how bad are they?" Any fading? Any foxing, which is a term for stains, spots, and blotches on paper? Any water or damp damage?
- What is the brochure's reference number? Most companies have a code system for their brochures that you will quickly get used to. By writing down the references, you can make sure that you don't have duplicates in your collection.
- How are you going to get the item? Especially on auction sites, it makes sense to choose the cheapest way to ship. But if the item is being sent for the price of a stamp, can you really expect it to come in anything other than a thin envelope? Most likely not. A collectible piece of paper should only be sent in a card-backed envelope that says "do not bend" and has the item wrapped in plastic to protect it from water damage. The envelope should also have a return address in case the postal service loses it. I also want proof that the item was sent, just in case the item gets lost. I offer to pay extra for recorded delivery on items that cost more than a certain amount, which for me is GBP30/$60. Be safe instead of sorry.
- How big is the thing in centimetres? Things that look like they are 21cm x 29cm in a picture may be much smaller than that.
- How many pages long is it? Be aware that on smaller brochures, both the seller and the buyer might not agree on what a page is. My company only says "pages" for things that are 6 pages or longer. If not, we say the number of "sides." As a trustworthy seller, this keeps any confusion and disappointment from happening.
If you get good answers to the above questions, you can be sure that you will get the item and that it will be of a quality that matches the price you paid for it. The list seems long, but all you really need to do is make sure you know what you're getting and that it gets to you in the same shape it left the seller in.
Many times, I've gotten a wet envelope with a perfectly good item inside because I insisted that it be wrapped in plastic. If the seller says that he doesn't usually do this, offer to pay more or, if possible, pick up the item. If your seller can't or won't do this, you might want to walk away and wait for someone else to come along.
Please keep in mind that fading, foxing, and the odd crease or small tear are all fine, especially on older brochures. In fact, I think something with a patina has more character than something that looks brand new.
Lastly, unless it is very rare, I wouldn't buy any brochures that are missing parts, falling apart, or are badly damaged, unless they are very rare. Overall, they aren't worth much or anything, so it's best to wait until a better one comes up for sale.
Next week, I'll talk about how to store your collection the right way.
