• Introduction
• Need Help?
• Want to Help?
• Program
• Discussion Forums
• Program Advisory Group
• Reference Archive
• Resources

Reference Archive

• Coin Collectors World Apart. Editorial
• How One Organization Assists New Collectors
• 200 Million Collectors in America. Part 1 of a series.
• 200 Million Collectors in America. Part 2 of a series.
• Kennedy Collecting and the Aging Process
• Getting Younger People to Collect
• Memories Made in Adolescence Fuel Collecting

200 Million Collectors in America. Part 2 of a series.

Today we have the largest number of people "experimenting" with collectibles than in any other period of our history. We say 200 million Americans are collectors in the first article of this series. Although it might appear logical to assume such an expansion - such exposure to the masses - would be a major `boom' for the antiques and collectibles industry, appearances indicate the vast majority of the industry is content to move along totally oblivious to the opportunities, the responsibilities, that are before them.

From the first article, note the emphasis on collectors. The word "antiques" was barely mentioned. Some of the traditional antique and collecting areas are, in fact, dropping measurably in numbers. Many clubs and societies serving these collecting areas are "level" in membership, at best.

A glimpse at some collecting conventions or gatherings show a serious aging affect, with difficulty finding participants under the age of 50 or 60.

It appears that in the antiques & collectibles industry we are at a serious crossroads. A multi-billion dollar industry, running more media and public exposure, offered the opportunities of Internet communication, large `big business" malls and shows and auction houses, for the most part is sitting on its hands. Millions of new collectors, "experimenting" with the state quarter series, fast food toys and other "now" collectibles, are at our door. We have an obligation to insure they have a satisfactory collecting experience and instill in them a desire to want more. As we know, for many of us, collecting can be a satisfying, quality of life experience.

It seems perfectly logical that a person who enjoys watching "The Antiques Roadshow" or who is collecting state quarters, should be exposed to other collecting venues...including antiques. They may be a prime candidate for collecting vintage postcards or Fiesta, Victorian haircombs, Structo toys or Roseville pottery. The point is, they have taken the personal first step as a `budding' collector, and many have a desire for more.

Operating the Collectors.Org information website for collecting clubs for the past four years, it is not uncommon to get the query, "I would like to collect something. I just don't know what. Can you help me."

The American Numismatic Association, the nation's largest organization of coin collectors, sees the opportunity that 125 million collectors of state quarters is presenting them. How do they retain at least a small portion of this mass as collectors in other areas of numismatics? This past year the ANA committed $380,289 of its $5.3 million approved budget to be spent during the 2002 year to recruit new members. In addition, the ANA Board of Governors voted to study offering a new class of membership designed to attract those new to coin collecting. It includes tailored services designed for new members at a reduced annual dues.

How many other collecting clubs and societies have a sizeable portion of their annual budget specifically targeted to new members recruitment? Forget the $5.3 million (we know most clubs work with hundreds, or thousands at best), we are talking commitment here.)

How many antique malls offer a display, a showcase or any type of structured advise to their visitors exploring options of "What should I collect?" The same question could be asked of antiques and collectibles shows.

Are the dozens of antiques & collectibles publications doing an adequate job of educating new collectors seeking assistance that may help them continue to collect for a lifetime?

Let us hear your opinions. What your club, your mall or shop, your show or publication or auction house is doing...or could be doing....to assist the new collectors to have a satisfactory experience and to educate them about other collecting areas. What new and creative approaches should be instituted? (by Larry Krug, National Association of Collectors)

Send us your comments. E-Mail: info@collectors.org or write to: Collectors.Org, 18222 Flower Hill Way #299, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 200203