How To Invest In Collectibles

You will want to start with a collectible you already have a passion about or one that you feel you can grow to love.  It could be vinyl records, stamps, toys, action figures, video games, sports cards, trading cards, artwork, or whatever.  Keep to what you know and what has been consistently rare, sought after, and has grown in value in the market for years if not decades. 
Maybe you still have what you collected in your youth.  Nostalgia is a great place to start.  Stay away from bulk or large collections of lower-end items.  You want value not quantity.   Bulk is harder to sell because they are not desired and the volume takes more effort to liquidate.  A higher-end collectible could be sold in a single transaction and earn as much as selling loads of low end collectibles.  When buying a collectible from any source make sure you are comfortable with the price you are paying and not overpaying market value.  Learn, research, know, and love what you want to put your time and money into.  Read articles and blogs.  Watch YouTube videos from other collectors and collectible investors.  Most of all have fun doing it. 
Go to online markets like eBay or sellers on Facebook to find inventory or get an idea on values.  Sold listings on eBay is the best place to find current values of what you are looking for and if there is a buyers market.   Check out the Classic Collectibles Capital for sale inventory to add to your portfolio as well.
There is the old method of going to the brick and mortar collectible store.  They usually base their prices on eBay values minus shipping and fees.  There are sales taxes.  Stores are not normally up for negotiating price but you are buying from a known vendor and  have the item in hand to look over prior to purchasing.
EBay is the primary source for people to buy and sell collectibles.  They have easy listing tools, built in financial transaction safeguards, and intermediary means to settle transaction disputes.  Their market is diverse and worldwide. 
When purchasing online with eBay you can either go with an auction-style where the buyer.  dictates the value.  This is used to buy on the lower end but no guarantee you will be the winning bidder.  You have to make sure to be logged in to bid prior to auction end.  If the auction gets too rich for your blood then stop bidding.  Buy It Now type listings you will probably pay more but will guarantee an instant purchase.  Do not be afraid to send offers and negotiate with sellers.  EBay does charge buyers a sales tax.  
Facebook has its Marketplace and various buy, sell, and trade groups of people who share a collecting passion.  You can search for and join a group to see what is for sale or post to the group what you are on the hunt for.  When buying from a Facebook seller we recommend using PayPal with the Goods and Services option when sending funds.  This option allows you a recourse to get funds back.  Some sellers may ask you to pay an additional 4% because they are charged a fee. 
There are counterfeits and scammers out there.  Be cautious and careful of any transactions with those you do not know.  Examine pictures (or the actual potential purchase), read the complete description, and ask the seller questions, and do your research.  Opt for a public location if meeting face to face for a cash transaction. If something does not feel right about the purchase do not go through with it.  Warning signs are the seller is pushy, evasive when it comes to questions, asks you to use a purchase method you are not comfortable with, or not willing to show more pictures on demand. 
  Be patient as a collectible investor and put your purchases to the side to liquidate at a later date.  You are playing the long game.  It is tangible so physical damage, theft, or loss could happen.  Put those valuable possessions in a safe and secure location.  For collectibles that may not be covered under a homeowners insurance policy there are specializes insurance providers.  Here is a link to Collectibles Insurance Services (CIS) who is one such company link.  Keep a written inventory of your collectibles with the purchase price.  Include sections in the inventory for an updateable current market value, grading fees and the eventual sale price.  At least once a year go through your inventory to research and update the current market value.  It is fun to see how much the value of your collectibles have grown.