The hobby of collecting includes seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloging, displaying, storing, and maintaining whatever items are of interest to the individual collector. Some collectors are generalists, accumulating Star Trek merchandise, or stamps from all countries of the world. Others focus on a subtopic within their area of interest, perhaps 19th Century postage stamps, milk bottle labels from Sussex, or Mongolian harnesses and tack.

The items collectors collect may be antique, or simply collectible. Antiques are collectible items at least 100 years old; collectibles are less than antique, and may even be new. Collectors and dealers may use the word vintage to describe older collectibles. Most collectibles are man-made commercial items, but some private collectors collect natural objects such as birds' eggs, butterflies, rocks, and seashells.

Beginning a collection

Some novice collectors jump right in and start purchasing items that appeal to them, and then slowly work at acquiring knowledge that will help them develop a well-rounded collection as time goes on. Others (more cautious or studious types) want to develop some background in the field before starting to buy.

As mentioned above, the term antique generally refers to items which were made at least 100 years ago or more. In some fields, such as antique cars, the time frame is less stringent — 25 years or so being considered enough time to make a car a "classic" if not an antique. In the area of furniture, some experts claim that a true antique must be 150 years old or more.

In general, then, items of significance, beauty, values or interest that are "too young" to be considered antiques, fall into the realm of collectibles. But not all collectibles are limited editions, and many of them have been around for decades: for example, the popular turn-of-the-century posters, Art Deco and Art Nouveau items, Carnival and Depression era glass, etc.

In addition, there exists the "contemporary collectibles" category, featuring items like plates, figurines, bells, graphics, steins, and dolls.

Many collectors enjoy making a plan for their collections, combining education, stimulation and experimentation to develop a personal collecting style. And even those who reject the notion of "planned collecting" can refine their "selection skills" with some background information on the how-to's of collecting.

Strategies for beginning a collection

A collector may read up on his or her field of interest. Collectors' magazines are one of the most popular means that a collector may use to learn more about the field. These include titles such as Collectors News or Antiques & Collecting for general antiques and nostalgic collectibles coverage; M.I. Hummel Insights, Village D-Lights, and Precious Moments for specialized coverage on a single collectable brand; and Collector Editions for a roundup of news on modern collectibles.

Attending conventions and collectibles shows is another way for a collector to familiarize him or herself with the possibilities. These shows will often include seminars on a variety of subjects such as artists, companies, decorating with collectibles or how to insure a collection. For example, the NCC (National Council of 56 Clubs) has individual member clubs that host regional Gatherings each year for collectors of Department 56 lighted villages.

A collector may find and join a local club for people who collect plates or other limited edition items. Collector publications frequently list the location, date and time of club meetings as a service to new collectors. Collectors who have already narrowed their collecting horizons to the creations of a particular producer may want to join a club that focuses on this producer's work.

Learning from retailers and direct marketers is considered a great way to gain an education in collecting. Collectors may establish a relationship with a retailer that specializes in limited editions. Those on direct mail literature mailing lists can learn a great deal from the support that many dealers supply.

Narrowing a collection into one particular field

Typically, experts say that a collector should decide when she/he will "zero in" on a specific collecting area rather than buying appealing items of all types. Collecting is considered to be very personal. Other experts believe that some type of limitation is a natural part of an individual's selection process.