Sports memorabilia is a profitable investment, one that can almost ensure a profit, especially if you keep the items for a long time. If you display your jerseys or balls in your facility, showcase them for special occasions or house autographed sports memorabilia in your office, you need properly maintain their appearance and value.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Even if you're looking to invest in sports memorabilia and don't own a single item yet, don't worry. If you consider the following while shopping for sports memorabilia, you should be well on your way to owning your private collection in no time:

1. Find sports memorabilia companies that are reputable, and invest in their products.

2. Search out Internet auction sites to find sports memorabilia to purchase.

3. Buy insurance to protect your sports memorabilia investment.

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

Locate a quality sports memorabilia provider, and purchase your items there

When purchasing sports memorabilia, it's best to find a company that offers a quality product. Nowadays you don't need to see sports products in person; you can be guaranteed the items are certifiable. Obtain a certificate of authenticity (COA) when buying the memorabilia. This ensures the item you have is legitimate, which helps with insuring your item as well as appraising and reselling.

I recommend: As its name implies, SportsMemorabilia.com is one of the top places to check out any type of sports memorabilia information. Featuring thousands of items, some autographed and some unsigned, it offers low-priced shipping no matter what size order you place. If it's an athlete's autograph that you desire, look into Steiner Sports. On its site, you can find a sports memorabilia list of upcoming autograph sessions open to the public at its New Jersey location, or you can prepay for autographs held at its private sessions. At Pro Sports Memorabilia, you can find many high-priced items such as autographed football jerseys and helmets.

Scour specialized Internet auction sites to purchase sports memorabilia

If you want to purchase your sports memorabilia at an auction, there are numerous options available. You can capitalize on sellers who might put an item up for sale at a minimal price. You might end up picking up a bargain.

I recommend: Founded in the 1980s, Hall of Fame Auctions allows both sellers and collectors the ability to peruse sports items for auction. Featuring items such as game-worn jerseys, signed or unsigned athletic balls and even Olympic gear, American Memorabilia prides itself as selling Mickey Mantle's 500th home run ball.

Secure your sports memorabilia by purchasing insurance on the items

With any large purchase, you should insure it against damages. Although you could add these items to a policy you already own, it's best to file a separate policy with an insurance provider who specializes in sports memorabilia. Such specialized providers know how much the policy should be written for, what type of coverage to assign and can answer any questions or concerns you may have. Do an assessment of your sports memorabilia annually or whenever you make a large purchase since your insurance should grow with the quality and quantity of your collection.

I recommend: Cornell & Finkelmeier pride itself on being the largest insurer of sports memorabilia for dealers and collectors. Collectibles Insurance Services offers answers to many types of sports memorabilia insurance information. You can obtain an online estimate at its site as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're searching for local sellers, you can do a search on a sports memorabilia directory, specifying your location and what type of items you want to add to your collection.