I have seen a few examples recently of competition for items driving up prices. There were a few good examples in the last Vectis auction, people paying way over what most people would consider reasonable prices to get their hands on an item they needed. This got me thinking about collecting etiquette for my own collection.
I am currently focusing on four main runs. Two of them, I was very late to the party on, I know that. So I have no problem seeing other more 'deserving' collectors getting their hands on things before me, in fact I'm pleased to see them make progress on their runs.
On the other hand, for the other two runs I'm doing, I'm almost certain that I was the first person to try and do them, and I know for a fact that I did the majority of the research for them. The only public information you will find on the internet about them was by me. So for these, I admit I do feel slightly miffed that other people have jumped on the bandwagon and have managed to pick up pieces that I haven't managed to find yet.
Does this make me a bit jealous and even greedy? Yes, probably. However I put all the effort in to doing the research and made it public rather than keeping it to myself, and as above I love seeing colloectors complete runs they have put a lot of effort in to, and this goes for others as well as myself.
So are there any rules when it comes to competing on scarce items that more than one person wants? Do you just throw money at it so you get the item at all costs? Should you have a responsibility to help the person who did all the research you have benefited from complete their set first? Or is all fair in love and Star Wars?
And although I won't go in to specifics or name names, I would like to give a big thanks to the people who have helped me find pieces for these runs. I really appreciate it, and it's something I'm sure other people could vouch I often return the favour for, I think it's very important to collectively help keep an eye out for things others are looking for.
I am currently focusing on four main runs. Two of them, I was very late to the party on, I know that. So I have no problem seeing other more 'deserving' collectors getting their hands on things before me, in fact I'm pleased to see them make progress on their runs.
On the other hand, for the other two runs I'm doing, I'm almost certain that I was the first person to try and do them, and I know for a fact that I did the majority of the research for them. The only public information you will find on the internet about them was by me. So for these, I admit I do feel slightly miffed that other people have jumped on the bandwagon and have managed to pick up pieces that I haven't managed to find yet.
Does this make me a bit jealous and even greedy? Yes, probably. However I put all the effort in to doing the research and made it public rather than keeping it to myself, and as above I love seeing colloectors complete runs they have put a lot of effort in to, and this goes for others as well as myself.
So are there any rules when it comes to competing on scarce items that more than one person wants? Do you just throw money at it so you get the item at all costs? Should you have a responsibility to help the person who did all the research you have benefited from complete their set first? Or is all fair in love and Star Wars?
And although I won't go in to specifics or name names, I would like to give a big thanks to the people who have helped me find pieces for these runs. I really appreciate it, and it's something I'm sure other people could vouch I often return the favour for, I think it's very important to collectively help keep an eye out for things others are looking for.