Watching The Antique Road Show and other programs that appraise collectibles often gives people the idea that they might have something valuable hidden away in their attic or basement. Others simply want to purchase a specific antique or one with potential for an antique in the future. But what exactly is a good investment when buying a collectible? Costs are intimidating, but the uncertainty of the investment's worth is even scarier. It's so easy to be taken in by an object that looks like the real thing, but unless you know what to look for, you could end up wasting your money. Not every antique dealer is as honest as we'd like them to be. Some just want to make a sale on an easy mark – you. Knowing some basic guidelines can help you make wise purchases and investments in objects with the potential you're looking for.

Know the Basics

Valuable collectibles generally include a few categories – art, fine wines, dolls, rare books, and pop culture memorabilia. When making an investment, look for items in these categories if you plan on selling it for a profit in the future. One-of-a-kind items, such as an original painting or a first edition of a classic piece of literature are sure to appreciate in value. Other things, like an Elvis album or a Rolling Stones t-shirt might be less certain. Consider the market and how many of these items are in circulation before getting too excited.

Find Something You Love

Start collecting with items you enjoy. You'll have more fun and you'll likely find better deals. For instance, if you love 19th Century authors, you will be more inclined to read about their works and educate yourself as to their value. You'll enjoy going to the trade shows and conventions for your particular collectible and meet other like-minded people with the same passion as you for a particular item.

Don't Buy Without Knowing

Before buying any collectible, be sure you have a complete understanding of how to assess its value. Familiarize yourself with the different release dates, characteristic markings or abnormalities in the product before spending your money on it. Study it closely and do your homework to get the most for your money.

Garage Sales are Your Friend

If you enjoy gathering collectibles, garage sales, barn sales, and estate sales are full of opportunities for the serious collector. Most people just want to get rid of stuff that they consider “junk” without bothering to find out if it could be valuable. Lucky for you, these overlooked items are available at a fraction of the cost. Swap meets and flea markets also have a large number of potentially valuable items at bargain rates – if you know what to look for!

Buying and selling collectibles is a fun way to supplement your income, in fact, many people make a living by doing this. The secret is knowing as much as you can about the things you collect. Be thorough in your inspections and try to find items that will only appreciate over the years.