1. Buy what you like. Number one golden rule. Comics are meant to be enjoyed. Back in 1993, I bought this one comic because I loved The Batman Animated Series. I collected about the first 25 issues of Batman Adventures. Loved the cover. It sat in my comic box in my mother's home for another twenty years. When I cleared out the closet, I sold some of my comics at a yard sale. But I kept this one copy because it brought me joy every time I pulled it out to look at it. Turns out my Batman Adventures #12, the first appearance of Harley Quinn, is one of the most popular issues being sought out by comic book fans. I still have it, now slabbed, and it still brings me joy.
2. Research, read, and, um, read as much about the market as possible. Now, comics can get expensive. I sure don't want to overpay what I'd like to have. There are enough websites that you can find and determine for yourself how popular a particular issue is. You can go on eBay, GPA, etc., to find information on recent sales. The questions that I ask myself are: how badly do I want it? Is it within my budget? Is the comic undervalued or overvalued? If it is priced right, should I go ahead with the purchase? If I pass, will I regret my decision fearing that the price will rise beyond what I can afford? If I choose to resell it, what will be my estimated hold time and how much profit am I aiming for? You may have different questions more relevant to your circumstances, and that's cool. I guess what I'm trying to get across is that I take my collecting seriously because it costs money.
3. Have a budget. This is something you should always practice no matter what you do in life. For me, I have a Paypal account funded entirely through sales via eBay. If I can't afford what I want, I will not fund it through a transfer of monies from any of my other financial accounts. I have to sell what I have to buy it. This practice has helped to keep my perspective on this hobby. Hey, it can get addictive, and no one is gonna rein you in except you. A budget helps me to focus on what I truly want. It doesn't mean I haven't made stupid purchases. I have. And those failures remind me of how important every dollar counts.
4. Hit as many yard sales as you can. Comics in comic book stores are not cheap. They have what you want, but they know that and will price accordingly most of the time. Yard sales, tag sales, whatever sales out on the streets...they require you to work the hardest but they can give you an opportunity to find gems that the sellers don't know or don't care about. I once found an X-Men #94 this way. Price: $7. It's not common, but it can happen to you. Accept that you will fail most of the time. But if you enjoy the hunt, then that's important, too. Just remember to do your chores and take care of your family. They should matter most of all.
5. Be nice to comic book store employees and dealers. I bear no grudges against these folks who are in this business. I respect them. I talk to them as a fan. I buy from them when the prices are decent. I don't get into arguments. If the price is too high, I thank them and walk away to deal with them another day. Sometimes, they remember me and they may be nice in return, offering me a lower price.
6. Beware of chasing comics you don't really want. Yeah. Websites today have many folks sharing their thoughts on which comics are expected to rise in demand. I found myself with dozens of comics I didn't really care for nor could I resell them. Remember your core values, your want list, your Grail comics. You'll be happier with comics you really want.
7. Ask yourself: are you going to keep all your comics forever? For me, the answer is no. I live in a small apartment with my family. I can't buy more comics than I have a place for them. So I sell some, give some away, and keep the ones I want to hold onto for a long time. I have fun doing all three. I find no joy in hoarding. But again, that's just me.
So, these are my thoughts on this Sunday evening. Happy collecting!
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