Workshop on Collecting with Harry Rinker: TV's "Collector Inspector" Aug.29

[carly@ebay.com]

Please join us for a workshop on collecting!

Date: Monday, August 29

Time: 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET

Where: Right here on Canada Town Square!

Host: Harry Rinker, HGTV’s Collector Inspector and author of How to Think Like a Collector will be available to answer your questions. Harry can demystify the often emotional, competitive and confusing world of collecting and wants to teach Canadians how to think like a bona fide collector.

Here are some of the topics Harry will be covering:

What’s it worth? – Appraisals of your collections

Is it antique, collectable or junk? How to judge an item's value while learning to get the best price when selling

The collecting personality – What your collection says about you.

“Collectiquette” – The etiquette and protocol of collectors

Rinker’s Rule of Ten - How many is too many?


Hope you can join us!

Carly

[weaversofspeech]

I have never agreed with that line of thinking ebay has affected prices. It is a different venue that allows a broader way of collecting and is a welcome addition. like anywhere offline and on factors play into prices I can sell some items here for more than offline and vica versa.

Ebay has helped me I cant find alot of these items here unbelievable I know for the main category of card I collect they should be readily avaliable. its a U.S city and the further you are away the easier it should be to find them since cards were mailed. Doesn't happen much here finding them

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If We Could See Through The Eyes Of A Child Imagine Where We Could Go

[thefinger]

My life's a hoot.

This past weekend I was in East Aurora, NY, for a personal appearance. Some know East Aurora as the home of Roycroft, the Arts and Crafts group. It also is the home of Fisher Price.

This year is the 75th anniversary of Fisher Price.

I was in East Aurora for Toy Fest, an annual celebratio of toy, sponsored by the Toy Museum. Was the grand marshall in the parade.

[weaversofspeech]

I get some puzzles but have not recently. I have had some great early wooden advertising jigsaw puzzles etc over the years

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If We Could See Through The Eyes Of A Child Imagine Where We Could Go

[nostalgia*nook]

Hello Harry just wanted to say how much I enjoy your show when I can find it on in Canada. Always nice to see their are other obsessed collectors, I will be sure to check our your website, nostalgia*nook

[thefinger]

weaverofspeech,

Not certain I agree with you about eBay "never" affecting prices.

In the US, I teach the only price that counts any longer is the price an item will bring on eBay.

It appears to be that what eBay did for postcards is allow private individuals from communities to find postcards quickly and easily and purchase them. Many would not have even thought to hunt had it not been for eBay.

I grew up in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. There always are a number of Hellertown cards on eBay every month.

Still have some trouble dealing with the prices for real photo cards. Lost a Hellertown card featuring a hearst in front of a hotel Bidding went over $100.00.

[weaversofspeech]

Harry do you have a favorite piece I know with many items in your collection it can be hard but is there something that you just stand back at and go WoW!!!

I know I do I have an item right now I can lose time just looking at it Sort of like going on a trip without leaving my seat

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If We Could See Through The Eyes Of A Child Imagine Where We Could Go

[thefinger]

nostalgia*nook,

Loved doing COLLECTOR INSPECTOR. Who gets a national televsion show in their sixties. I was 61 when the show first premiered. I was also batching it at the time. Show was sure good for my love life.

[thefinger]

weaverofspeech,

I always tell people my favorite piece is the next one I buy.

I fall in love with all my stuff.

This is why I am not a dealer. I can sell my things. I'd sell my children into slavery before I sell one of my goodies.

[mapleleafgrl]

Hello Harry,

Nice to have you visit us. I was never a big collector until my grandparents died and left us thier "Hoard" it was difficult to figure out what was worth keeping and what wasn't out of all the stuff they had. I did get a big blue jewlery box full of stamps and envelopes from 60 years or so of correspondence between the two of them when they were apart and when they recieved letters from friends. It was a great insight into thier love story.

something that would probably only be of value in the family, but a wonderful find for us.

anyway my question is, when you come into a "hoard" like my Mom and I did what would you suggest someone do to determine if any of it has value as a collectable?

[thefinger]

weaverofspeech,

I love to buy. This is why I try to start a new collection every month.

People ask: where do you keep it all? Why do you think I keep divorcing my wives. I need their room.

Actually, I live in a 14,000 square foot school building.

[weaversofspeech]

Your right should not have written it referring to never but I have heard to many say ebay has affected items prices to much offline. I dont agree with that

I have items that I can get much more for offline and vica versa. I just have to know which items they are

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If We Could See Through The Eyes Of A Child Imagine Where We Could Go

[thefinger]

kathy,

I offer a service called a verbal walk through appraisal for those faced with estate issue.

I start in the attic and go to the basement simply appraising things off the top of my head. The executor either video tapes it, records it, or takes note. I usually can do a house in an hour to two hours. When I am done, we sit down and talk about sale options.

Don't always find things of great value. Tell the person I actually am selling peace of mind.

Beware of antiques dealers and auctioneers who disguise themselves as appraisers to get into estates.

The ethics of a true appraiser make it impossible for him to buy anything he appraises.

[weaversofspeech]

being a dealer can be deadly at times But I have balanced it out I collect items within postcards that I dont usually sell and have a demand for

I stay awy from collecting toys because I know that would be it I would never want to part with them

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If We Could See Through The Eyes Of A Child Imagine Where We Could Go

[thefinger]

weaverofspeech,

It's hard for people to understand that there are no fixed prices in the antiques and collectibles field.

An object is worth only what someone will pay for it at that specific moment of time.

Scarcity does effect value. This is an area where eBay has influenced the market. EBay has demonstrated that there is far more stuff out there than any of us thought.

[thefinger]

weaverofspeech,

I have a problem buying from someone who sells what they collect.

If they get a great piece, it goes into their collection rather than mine.

Either collect it or sell it -- you cannot serve two masters.

[thefinger]

Let's face it. Collecting is an addiction.

A lot of people sell to support their collecting habit.

Not on my money if I can help it.

[nostalgia*nook]

Hello Harry: Do you have duplicate items in your collections or do you sell when you get a piece in better condition??nostalgia*nook

[mapleleafgrl]

Thanks for your answer Harry.

and Weavers... I can get you a good deal on some "distressed" toys that the tiny terrorists are through with... ;-)

[thefinger]

Nostalgia*hook,

Of course I have duplicates in my collection. Who doesn't need three and four examples of something?

Ever hear of the phrase - he who dies with the biggest pile wins?

I plan to win.

[weaversofspeech]

Very true I agree there is nothing more fustrating then going somewhere where everything that is great is not for sale

My customers know what I collect but they stay at home they are not brought out to tempt them when there is no chance of me selling them

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If We Could See Through The Eyes Of A Child Imagine Where We Could Go