When I first discovered Star Trek, the only shows that existed were the original series (1966-1969) and Star Trek: The Next Generation, which was in its second season. When I decided to start a collection to showcase my new obsession, I had a few options: antique fairs, collectible shows that my local mall hosted a few times a year, and mail order/catalog items. However, today's collectors have thousands of items at their fingertips through a multitude of digital shops and sellers. All these choices can overwhelm new collectors, so if you want to avoid the kind of buyer's remorse that Cyrano Jones inspired, check out these 5 tips before you begin shopping.
1. Choose your niche
When I first began collecting Star Trek, I wandered local antique malls and hit thrift shops to snatch up anything I could: old editions of Starlog magazine, coffee mugs, VHS tapes, posters, and toys. As a modern-day collector, you have a huge variety of items to choose from, so choosing a niche may help you narrow your collector's focus. If you're drawn to different starships, for example, consider collecting items with their images or ID numbers. (I personally have an Enterprise mug that features the classic NCC-1701 starship and gives me "captain on the bridge" vibes when I use it in my office.)
2. Choose a shopping platform that suits you
No matter what you choose to collect, finding a shopping platform and a preferred payment method before you buy can give you more confidence as a collector. Online transactions via sites like eBay give you plenty of choices, such as how much you want to pay to ship an item. One-click shopping offers convenience, allowing you to shop from your phone, tablet, or laptop. Bonus tip: no matter where you buy online, ensure each site is secure to keep your financial information safe.
3. Collect your favorite character
No matter which Star Trek shows you enjoy, it's likely you have favorite characters from each. Two of mine that remain consistent favorites are Pavel Chekov from the original series and Captain Jonathan Archer from Star Trek: Enterprise. Posters, autographed photos, and action figures of your favorites look handsome when they're grouped together.
4. Research before you buy
While impulse buys are one of the joys of collecting, especially when you unexpectedly run across that item you've been looking for, researching collectibles and their value can prevent overpaying and wasted money. Use your research to create a budget and stick to it. Once you make a list of items you can afford, research each so you will know a good deal when you see it.
Make collecting an adventure
Building a Star Trek collection with the above tips in mind can help you avoid costly mistakes and frustration. Have fun, connect with your favorite characters, and make the search for your most coveted collectibles an adventure. Happy collecting!