Collecting Depression Glass,
Bringing Resources Together
Hi,
here is part 5 of 'The Five Essential Steps To Becoming A Depression Glass Collector'
Part 5 --Where to Start?--
You've made it this far...
You've decided what your goals are, what you want to purchse, how much you want to invest and put yourself on track to becoming more knowledgable about Depression Glass collecting. Now all that's left is to...
Go For It!
If you’ve noticed a store with a piece within your Depression glass values budget in the window that catches your eye and you can't wait any longer..
Go get it!
Enjoy!
Truly there is no reason to agonize and hesitate about buying yourself a nice little gift. Once its in your hands you will understand the excitment of owning a new piece of Depression Glass.
Knowledge Gives Confidence
On the other hand, if you want to get a little more confidence and knowledge before you start buying pieces, especially if you have your eye on investing in more expensive patterns, we have already listed places to learn more:
· Books (Depression Glass Secrets, price guides, history, catalogs, etc.) · Online (auction, articles, discussion forums, mailing lists) · Other collectors · Dealers · Clubs · Conventions · Museums · Magazines
You’ve done your homework on the Depression glass patterns you’re interested in. Perhaps you’ve participated in some online discussions. Now you’re eager to get out there and buy some glass!
Start Buying In Person If Possible
If you live in a larger city, there are probably a fair number of dealers and perhaps even clubs to go visit in person. Ways to find them include the phone book, advertisements in local newspapers and magazines, online search, and talking to other collectors.
Meeting with other collectors is great fun and an excellent way to rapidly grow your expertise since you can talk with other people and see the Depression glassware first-hand.
You'd be surprised at how much some serious collectors know about Depression Glass!
If you are nervous about purchasing antiques, remember that a lot of Depression Glass is really quite reasonably priced, sometimes even cheaper than modern counterparts (but it is becoming relatively more expensive).
You certainly don’t need to start off buying expensive items (and probably shouldn’t!) But if you’re feeling uncertain, it could be helpful to invite a friend you trust along, because they can give a second opinion about the items you are considering purchasing, help with Depression glass identification or about whether they think the seller seems fair and honest.
Remember to bring a good resource guide with you, don’t depend on the dealer to give you the correct information.
Otherwise Try Online
If shopping in person is not an option, then begin by purchasing online, e.g. via an online auction site like eBay.
Be sure to pay attention to seller ratings and customer reports – if someone has complaints from unsatisfied customers, you probably wish to avoid them!
Or you may use http://google.com to search for a specific pattern, finding various online dealers who sell it. At this point, you may want to check back to online forums and mailing lists to see if there is any advice (pro or con) about the dealers. One of the bonus books included with Depression Glass Secrets, The Essential Depression Glass Resource Guide lists virtually every online and offline resource there is (if there are more, I couldn't find them!).
You can also minimize risk by starting off with some smaller purchases, so that in the unlikely event something does go wrong between you and the seller, you will not have lost much. The dealers who give you good helpful friendly service will become the ones you order more expensive items from.
Alternatively, you could travel to a nearby area where dealers exist, or make a special trip to a regional or even national convention hosted by the NDGA every year.
Have Fun!
The final thing to remember is that Depression Glass is a fun hobby filled with intriguing history! Ultimately it’s up to you to decide how you enjoy it best.
If you want to make a serious business of it, you’ll need to treat it seriously. If you want to have fun collecting some wonderful pieces of glass for pleasure, then you can do as much or little additional work as you like.
But most importantly, I want you to remember this very important point..
Have fun!
Whether you are a serious or casual collector of Depression Glass, you need a good library of books - one is not enough.
Also included are 3 additional books to improve your skills and expertise as a buyer and seller of glass.
And I don't want you to keep Depression Glass SecretsTM if you are not completely satisfied for any reason (you don't have to tell me why). So just let me know if you didn't like it and I'll return 100% of your money ASAP..
and let you keep the bonuses.
Check it out now: Depression Glass Secrets
Its not the last you will here from me. I like to write and weekly I will be sending new articles and information about Depression Glass collecting so keep an eye out for me in your email box.
Have Fun and Keep Collecting
Murray
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