Shopping for Character Collectibles

Oh the great items you can find in the stores these days. No longer is character apparel and accessories limited to specialty stores like Disney. You can find your favorite characters in your local Walmart, FYE, and Kohl's store. BUT not all. Merchandise from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harry Potter and Hello Kitty is more limited and more pricey than say, Tinker Bell merchandise.

How can you still buy and enjoy this merchandise when you don't have a budget to accomodate these high prices?

1.) Do your homework: While most merchandise is at full retail price when first released, find what you like and then watch it and wait. Most items are put on sale or clearance after say, a movie finishes its run in theaters. Summer and winter clothing starts discounting only after a month into the season.

2.) Know the stores niche: Every store has its own "character" niche. For example: Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise is best found at Hot Topic, FYE, Claires and Spencer's Gifts. The only problem with these stores are many movie related merchandise is seasonal or only limited to a movies theater run. NMBC merchandise is a seasonal item. From about September thru Christmas and then it's gone til next year. Which brings me to my next point.

3.) Don't underestimate the internet: Let's face it, most character collectibles can really hit you in the pocketbook. And since clearance items are limited and go fast, you may miss out on that item you really wanted. Why not check out the smaller online shopping outlets for some good deals?

4.) How to find these deals: The web is your friend for finding these items. Most times it will be at a reasonable cost as well. Smaller merchants does not neccessarily mean scams or ripoffs. Small business is exploding on the internet especially with more options popping up daily. No longer is the online seller limited to Ebay; other less expensive and sometimes free sites are now available. Check out places like Ecrater, Blujay and Etsy to name a few. Search Google Products and Yahoo Shopping as well.

5.) Sales, Discounts and Coupons: Those Disney snowglobes you fall in love with? Watch the onine sales that stores offer. I bought a Nightmare Before Christmas globe online last year for $45.00 from Disneyshopping. The original price? $150.00. Online codes, special mailings, emails for members only discounts are offered regularly. Always opt-in and register with online merchants.

6.) Post a want ad: There are plenty of forums and message boards where you can post a want ad for what you are looking for. World Collectors Net is one that comes to mind. Also, try joining groups related to your collecting hobby.

7.) Beware of foreign sellers: When it comes to licensed character merchandise, this is a big one. Most items on Ebay for Hello Kitty and NMBC are NOT authentic licensed products. If this is important to you, then proceed with caution.

These are only a few general tips to help you find fun and collectible merchandise that won't make you go broke!