An introduction to collecting car brochures - Part 3 - What to look for when buying.

If you have read the previous articles in this5) How will the item be delivered to you? On
series (they can be read on this website or ), youauction sites especially, it is natural to go for the
should now have a clear idea of what brochurescheapest posting method. However, if the item is
you are trying to obtain for your collection.being sent for the cost of the stamp, can you
Now for the fun bit! Starting, maintaining andreally expect anything more than for it to be
increasing your collection.delivered in a flimsy envelope? Probably not. The
As you are collecting second-hand items, theonly way that a collectable paper item should be
condition of an item you are after can varysent is in a card-backed envelope preferably
dramatically. Also, it does not help that sellersmarked "do not bend" with the item wrapped in
regularly either omit or misdescribe items.plastic to prevent water damage and a return
Therefore, it is paramount that you ask the rightaddress inside, just in case the postal system
questions and look for what the seller hasn't saidloses it. I also insist on a proof of posting, again
as much as what he has in his advert description.just in case the item goes missing. For any item
Having been disappointed on more than a fewover a preset limit, in my case £30/$60, I
occasions when a "pristine" item has arrivedoffer to pay extra for recorded delivery. Better
through my letterbox, I have a checklist that Isafe than sorry.
consult before committing to buying. The list is asIf you get a satisfactory answer to the questions
follows:above, you will be as certain as you can be that
1) What is the size of the item in centimetres?you will get the item and that it will be of a
Pictures can be deceptive and what looks like astandard reflecting the price you have paid. The
21cm x 29cm item, may be much smaller in size.list sounds a bit daunting, but essentially it boils
2) How many pages long is it? Beware that ondown to ensuring you know what you are getting
smaller brochures, there can be confusionand making sure it arrives in the same condition
between seller and buyer with what represents awith which it left the seller.
page. My firm only uses the term "pages" forMany is the time that I have received a sodden
items that are 6 pages long or more. Otherwise,envelope that contains a perfectly preserved item
we use the term number of "sides". As abecause I have insisted on it being wrapped in
reputable seller, this avoids any confusion andplastic. If the seller says, he does not normally do
disappointment.this, offer to pay extra for the service or if
3) What is the reference number of thepractical, collect the item. If your seller cannot or
brochure? Most manufacturers have a codewill not take this care, may I suggest that you
system for their brochures that you will becomewalk away and wait for another to turn up.
familiar with very quickly. By keeping a note ofPlease remember that for older brochures
the references, you will avoid duplicates in yourespecially, a bit of fading and foxing and the odd
collection.crease or small tear is perfectly acceptable. In
4) What is the condition of the brochure?fact, I prefer an item with a patina to an "as
Amazingly, very few sellers have a condition scalenew" item as it seems to have more character.
attached to the advert (we do). One person'sFinally, unless it is extremely rare, I would avoid
"pristine" may be fit only for the bin in otherbuying any incomplete, falling apart or badly
collectors eyes! I therefore ignore vague wordsdamaged brochures. On the whole, they have little
like the above and ask direct questions - Has itor no value and it is best to wait for a better one
any creases or tears and if so how many andto be offered for sale.
how bad? Any fading? Any foxing (A term usedNext week, I will be discussing the correct way to
to describe stains, specks, spots and blotches instore your collection.
paper)? Any water or damp damage?