[3] Traditional collectors are aging but the emerging generation of new collectors has yet to place their stamp on the market.  They are in fact all but invisible, acquiring hundreds if not thousands of items, one here and one there, often inexpensively wherever they find them.  They are developing knowledge and expertise but little loyalty to dealers.  In the early acquisition stage they can go it alone but they will someday need dealers' help in acquiring the more complex and expensive material and later in dispersing their collections.  We know it is difficult to efficiently build a collection but it is much more difficult to dispose.

 

So Mr. Gerits has it right  - for the casual collector.   And perhaps he’s hoping that serious collectors will heed the same admonition but not be discouraged from buying.  They won’t be dissuaded.  Serious collectors are smart and strategic.  They remember William Tell and his assistant and the question then and the question now, “what was going through your head.”  They will buy but they will be increasingly disciplined because someday they may sell and want the conversation to be one of praise and satisfaction.  If they have overpaid the buyer or agent will tell them.  The conclusion:  it’s best to be tough today.  Values are falling and caution is required.  Link to ILAB