Art and collectibles don’t have to be expensive
When a lot of people think about art and collectibles it conjures up images of the Mona Lisa, which sits in the Louvre in Paris, protected in a thick steel display case with rear armour-plating, or the Proof 1930 Australian penny, which last sold for $1.15 million dollars. However, the truth is that most art and collectibles isn’t expensive and it is possible to start your Adelaide art and collectibles collection on a shoestring.
Buying art and collectibles on a budget
If you want to start an art collection on a budget or collect stamps, coins, memorabilia or other collectibles, it is possible. However, it will take some good planning and clever purchasing. Here are a few tips:
- No matter what you’re collecting, do your research. The good thing is that unless you’re collecting something out of the ordinary, chances are there will be plenty of places to find out all you need to know. For example, if you’re collecting stamps, there are a whole host of sites that can help guide you. The same goes for coins, watches, vases and pretty much anything else you may collect.
- A word of warning – collecting can become addictive so it pays to have a budget. You might have a budget that you will set aside every year and a maximum you will spend on a single item. Either way, set it and be disciplined.
- There’s a popular saying that ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ and it’s true when it comes to art and collectibles. Chances are you’ll never be able to afford a Picasso or a Monet, a Mauritius Post Office stamp, a Patek Philippe watch or even a signed guernsey of the Adelaide Crows 1997 premiership team. But does that really matter? Buy what you love and what gives you joy and it will be priceless to you.
- Remember, that while you can potentially make money from art and collectibles due to appreciating value, this isn’t always the case. If that’s your aim and you are particularly shrewd and smart, it certainly is possible to make money. For most people, however, getting into art and collectibles isn’t about making money. In fact, many collectors wouldn’t sell their collection for quids!
When it comes to the actual purchases of your art and collectibles on a budget, there are plenty of places you can try. For example, smaller art galleries, exhibitions, graduate art fairs and second hand stores such as Gary’s Bazaar. Don’t forget, also, the humble garage sale. Famous items to be sold for next to nothing at garage sales include an Andy Warhol sketch, a book by Stephen King with a handwritten note by the author inside and ‘costume’ jewellery made from real diamonds.
Buy online or instore at Gary’s Bazaar
Gary’s Bazaar has nearly 250 art and collectibles items for sale online, starting from as little as $3. In fact, there are more than 200 art and collectibles items for less than $100. In our warehouse, you can find even more items.
As we said in the opening paragraph, it is possible to have an art collection or collect other items on a shoestring. All you have to do is start collecting!