With the right antiques and collectibles information resources, you can make a lot of money by purchasing and selling antiques. However, a small flaw or a mistake in identity could mean the difference between a priceless antique and a worthless one.

An antiques guide can give you information on antiques, including prices and ways to recognize them, but the value of a piece is often dependent on demand. Some collectibles are easily worth much more than rare antiques, simply because there is greater demand.

You can use antiques information to:

1. Look up the value of your piece. An antiques price guide can act as a reference to find out how much an item is worth. Values update often, so make sure that you are looking at a recent guide.

2. Learn to shop better. Whether you own an antiques shop or simply have an interest in collecting, you need to know how to find a good bargain. An antiques research guide may help you to spot something valuable at a local flea market or garage sale.

3. Find new things to collect. By getting antiques information from a magazine, you may find new things that interest you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the antiques and collectibles information resources that you need

It's a great time to be an antiques collector. The popularity of collecting has made the Internet a great source of information for both novices and experts. You may be able to find the information that you are looking for with the click of a mouse.

I recommend: Kovels.com is an industry powerhouse of information on antiques and collectibles. You can choose between a free and paid membership. Time Publishing's Collecting Network offers a number of antiques collectibles information articles to help you learn more. Use eBay as an antique and collectible pricing guide; the online auctions there are a good read on the general market. For price information on value of antiques at the high end of the market, Sotheby's publishes the results of its antiques and collectibles sales.

Ask an expert for info on antiques

You may be an armchair antiques collector, but you probably don't know everything there is to know. When you find that you don't know much about a piece, or you just want to be sure about something, it's always best to consult with an expert.

I recommend: WhatsItWorthToYou.com offers online appraisals of antiques. This is convenient if there are no dealers in your area or if you want to get an opinion on the authenticity of an online offer. You can also try to find an appraiser in your area through the International Society of Appraisers.

Read magazines to learn the latest information on antiques and collectibles

If you want to get serious about the antiques business, then it's important to stay up to date on current trends. Magazines bring you the latest information to help you learn about the world of antiques and collectibles.

I recommend: Art and Antiques is an excellent resource for collectors. If your interest leans towards modern collectibles, you may be interested in a magazine that caters directly to your favorites. NetMagazines.com lists a number of magazines that specialize in collectibles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you've looked up the value of your piece in an antique price guide and you're confident that the piece is authentic, you may be able to get more for your goods by selling directly to other collectors than by going through an antiques dealer.