Collecting and collectibles is a huge business, with millions of dollars exchanged every year through shops, Internet transactions, auctions, and other venues. The Internet, particularly auction sites such as eBay and Yahoo! and online storefronts such as Ruby Lane and collectiblestoday.com, has become one of the leading places for collectors to connect with each other, learn about their hobby, and buy and sell. Before the Internet, finding a specific Hot Wheels car, for example, may have required a long odyssey through shops, shows, and publications. Now, collectors can easily search the world for specific collectibles with the click of a mouse. Pictures of items are often included on the Web, so potential buyers can see what they are getting.
Established auction houses, such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, hold in-person auctions for collectibles, and similar live events, such as estate sales and country auctions, often feature collectibles. Buyers bid on items in much the same way they would online, although in-person auctions make it easier to survey the competition and view the items up close.
Shops and malls for collectibles exist in almost every city and small town. Collectibles shows offer dealers and collectors a place to meet face to face, negotiate prices, and share information. A show could be as simple as a small flea market held at a fairgrounds or churchyard every Saturday, or a large organized event where hundreds of dealers rent booth space and buyers pay admission. One of the largest indoor antiques and collectibles shows in the world is Atlantique City, which draws more than 1,000 sellers twice every year in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Large shows such as this may offer free item appraisals and other services for the collector.