How to Buy Science Fiction Collectibles

The world of sci-fi collectibles seems as endless as the alternate universes that these pieces of ephemera and memorabilia represent. Whether it's a "Star Trek" lunch box, a "Star Wars" life-size cutout or a rare costume from "Invasion of the Body Snatcher," sci-fi memorabilia contains worlds of imagination and nostalgia. Follow these steps to get your hands (or claws) on some sci-fi collectibles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Pick a universe. There is so much sci-fi material and collectibles out there that it would be futile to try to collect everything. Start with one genre, or even just one show or movie, to launch your collection. Going for depth rather than breadth of collectibles will score you big points with the collecting communities.
2. Hit the comic cons. Comic conventions are excellent venues to find rare and very special collectibles. Sci-fi devotees descend on these conventions and bring all of their valued stuff with them to sell or trade. Visit major conventions like the San Diego Comic Con to find some first-rate collectibles.
3. Buy groups or "lots" of collectibles. If you really want to launch a collection, the best way is to buy someone else's collection. People sell off entire collections for a number of reasons. Take advantage of opportunities like these, which often appear in newspaper classifieds, Craigslist and on comic book collecting websites.
4. Use the web wisely. EBay, online collectors sites and dedicated sci-fi collectibles sites are great places to find rare collectibles in very good or mint condition. Be sure to authenticate the collectible and its value before you buy, since guru collectors have been known to prey on newbies.