I have been collecting for almost 30 years, and over that time I have seen many trends and many collectors come and go. I have been in and out of relationships throughout my collecting history and have come to notice a few things about how women react to die-cast collecting. Now I know there are some wives/girlfriends/partners/significant others who buck the trends about what I am writing about or even collect themselves and that’s great; more power to them and their collecting partners. But, more often than not I have seen many a collector fall by the wayside and fade away into oblivion.

With that being said; the below timeline of a “collection” relationship is meant to be humorous but also to teach what might come to be. You’ll see some references that everyone may not get, and I only use the generic HE and SHE titles to personify the most common relationship in the die-cast collecting world. As I mentioned before, there are many other relationship partners who face the collecting world together and maybe can see themselves in the below situations.

Stage 1: The “No need for concern; we just met” stage.

Reality: You just began to date. SHE already has concerns but SHE doesn’t yet understand you let alone the beauty [and the obsession] that is collecting die-cast. HE is still safe.

Stage 2: Still together; “Getting to know you; getting to know all about you.”

Reality: This is where SHE is beginning to let her guard down and the naïveté begins. SHE thinks its great HE likes to shop! But; SHE is still wondering why HE has to hit the toy department first as soon as you enter the store. “What’s the rush?” SHE thinks. Poor thing!

Stage 3: Die-cast 101

Reality: SHE begins to want to know more…HE to SHE; “Honey when you’re in Target without me just look for the [little green strip, green tires, white tires etc etc]; that would really be great!” SHE actively seeks out die-cast related gifts for HE. HE begins to feel like the master from TV’s KUNG-FU; “Try to snatch the treasure hunt from this rack.”

Stage 4: Understanding the Lingo; “OOH The needle…and the spoon, take a trip…‘round the moon.”

Reality: SHE hunts and picks up this stuff so SHE can have more conversations with HE and HE actually pays attention. SHE may even find her first Chase/Hunt piece, which really seals the deal! HE loves all the attention from SHE regarding his hobby. HE feels the student has graduated to the next level.

Stage 5: Getting to know the Natives!

“There is a red one who wont accept the white one who wont help the blue one.”

Reality: HE introduces SHE to the other “collectors” at a local show or store. SHE notices that once HE and SHE are back in the car HE turns and says “OK, Greg is a scalper, Peter is a runner, and Bobby collects Star Wars so no worries about him.” SHE also learns the nicknames for the others. She also wonders why there aren’t many other women! By now HE and SHE are either engaged or just married. If HE and SHE share a home; a die-cast corner begins to develop.

Stage 6: Active partner; “So Happy Together”

Reality: You continue to attend local shows and maybe your first “AWAY” event together. You both have fun. SHE meets some nice people [the ones HE wants her to meet] and SHE sees that there are actually other women around. SHE thinks “This isn’t so bad!” SHE may even begin to form her own nicknames for people other than yours. The die-cast corner begins to develop into a die-cast room.

Stage 7: Complete immersion/involvement

Reality: You visit more “AWAY” shows together.

GOOD: SHE actually begins to be able to hold her own with other collectors and collecting in general. BAD: She actually gets to see the real scope of who collects this stuff and it’s a bit frightening. SHE also accidentally meets some members of the DWA: DIECAST WIDOW”S ASSOCIATION. This isn’t good; a diversion is needed; “Hey SHE; have you met Hans; he’s from Belgium!” Die-cast room becomes more ornate.

Stage 8: Initial pullback; Separate worlds

Reality: SHE doesn’t go to conventions/shows anymore. SHE shops with HE only when the baby needs diapers or clothes but SHE is still interested in any good finds you get. But SHE is still happy he has something HE likes. HE promises to actually shop for other things when HE hits the stores; thinks that helps his cause. Die-cast room becomes less ornate some cars are put away “so the baby won’t get them.” Yeah, that’s it.

Stage 9: Tensions mount; “PRESSURE…Pushing down on me, pushing down on you”

Reality: Cracks in SHE’s die-cast love begin to show. The kid[s] are now a little older or you’ve been blessed with more. SHE’s interest in your finds lessens to an “UH HUH”. Money spent is all of a sudden is a concern. Plus there’s concern over that the big basket of cars for the kids is growing, even though they are girls or can’t even sit up. Die-cast room becomes a die-cast corner again.

Stage 10: Utter disdain. Cracks in SHE’s diecast love are now Grand Canyon chasms.

“I feel the earth move under my feet; I feel the sky tumbling down”

Reality: HE is losing the battle at this point but doesn’t realize it. HE thinks when SHE leaves the room during a die-cast related phone call at home that she is just giving HE privacy. HE notices SHE’s complete lack of interest in his finds but thinks SHE’s busy with the kids. Die-cast corner becomes a shelf in the garage.

Stage 11: Battle lines are drawn: It’s the cars or ME/US

Reality: What do you think happens? There’s no shame, let it out! Go to your happy place!

“To everything TURN, TURN, TURN, there is a season TURN, TURN, TURN.”

Stage 12: DING! FRIES ARE DONE!

It’s pretty self explanatory. No need to throw salt in anyone’s wound. HE is just happy because HE gets to keep what HE still has. The die-cast shelf is getting really dusty.

But don’t worry, because like the legendary Phoenix, there is…

Stage 13: Collecting 201! “A white lightning amongst the ashes.”

Yes, in this case #13 is lucky because things usually do and will swing back in HE’s favor if both HE and SHE are willing to come to a compromise. It takes a little time so just be patient; good things do come to those who wait. There’s always give and take in every relationship, no matter what the reason; you just have to find the right balance to make things work.

For those of you in a relationship and are/were unaffected by ANY of these tribulations at ANYTIME; good for you and again more power to you! But trust me, you are the minority; whether you believe it or not.

For those of you who recognize if any of these symptoms are happening [or might happen] but thought it was only happening to you; you are not alone; you may still be able to change things for the better. It has been said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

For those of you this has already happened to; all I can say is sorry. There is no judging here; just understanding and realization that #@&% can happen to anyone at anytime for any reason. No one is immune!

I have been lucky to have a very understanding wife. Being out of work for 3 out of the last 8 years had put a strain on my collecting and my wife’s attitude towards it but she still realized what it means to me and has at least encouraged me to keep collecting but modify the way I collect. In that sense I am a realist not an idealist. Some cars are better than none. One or Two “away” trips a year as opposed to none is even better. I still look, I still buy cars and talk about them and she listens and chimes in once in a while. She’s happy to look when I come home with a nice convention piece, RAOK, or a one-off custom. [Shout out to my best bud Bryan Pope!] She even looks for Treasure Hunts if I am not at the store with her. I have never shied away from the fact that I have changed as a collector over the years; and I know it is for the better.

You can take what you want from my relationship versus collecting timeline, ignore it, or just have a laugh. That’s what life should always boil down to: having a good laugh every once in a while. LIVE to COLLECT; COLLECT to LIVE is a motto best served to the insane or very rich. LIVE to LOVE; LOVE to COLLECT is a motto best served to everyone who loves little cars.

As always, let me know what you think. Let it all out, I can take it.

In Part 2 of my series on “Do’s & Don’ts” for convention goers I’ll cover all the things to consider after you arrive at the event and things are underway. Be sure to check out Part 1 of this series if you haven’t done so yet. You’ll find additional tips there to utilize before you even leave your house for the convention. And with that, enjoy Part 2!

AFTER YOU GET THERE TIPS

DO: Always be respectful when walking into someone’s room.

DON’T: be rude.

Even though people open their rooms up for room to room shopping; you are still entering someone else’s private space. Always say “Hi” or “How’s it going?” even if you don’t know the seller. It sets the mood right off that you are going to be respectful of the cars in the room. When leaving always give them a friendly parting phrase like “Take it easy.” Or “Have a good one”; even if you didn’t buy anything; because you never know if you may need to go back to get a car from that room. A little goodbye gesture may go a long way the next time you come around.

DO: Buy it if you like it and the price is good

DON’T: Deny yourself or hesitate and say you’ll think about it or come back…it won’t be there!!!

This is probably my first and foremost tip for anyone, newbie or experienced conventioneer, that is you see a car you want, like, and the price is good, don’t hesitate to buy it because if you hold off, someone else will grab it! Think about it; at any given event there are anywhere from 250 to 1000 people attending, don’t think no one else may want that car no matter how offbeat it may be and especially if you have been looking for it for a long time. Don’t use the excuse that “I just got here and want to look around” or “I need to get money, I’ll be back”.

If you are with a buddy, have him hold onto it while you get your cash or bum it from him if he can afford it. Then go back to your room and quickly settle up. That one find may make your whole trip do let it slip away!

DO: Zero in on a car you like

DON’T: Hesitate

This is a tip I have used for a long while and it works well. If you are room to rooming and you see a car your may like but aren’t sure and there are still other things you want to see in the room, just pick up the car and either a] walk around with it in your hand while you shop, or b] tell the room’s owner that you are interested in that car and put in sight of him saying you want to look around more. Even if you don’t eventually buy the car it won’t go anywhere while you’re in the room. Don’t feel bad about this, you got there first. It sounds silly to have to tell a collector this but you’d be surprised how many people wouldn’t think about doing this.

DO: Try to get a better price

DON’T: be afraid to negotiate

Plain and simple, when room to rooming during the convention; no matter what time of day/point in the week of the convention it is; it can’t hurt to ask for a better price. What’s the worse a seller can do; say no? If you really have to have it you are going to buy it anyway but just ask; you may be surprised. But if you don’t want to buy it, don’t flip out if the seller doesn’t meet your price!!! Just say “OK, thanks”, put it down and leave. You may need to go back later. But….

DO: Be wary of un-priced cars

DON’T: be afraid to walk away if you don’t like the price.

If a seller hesitates too long on giving you a price on an un-priced car and you think they’re jerking you around, don’t buy it. You can always go back. A lot of times the seller isn’t in the room and their spouse, buddy, significant other is watching over, you probably won’t get the answer you are looking for on an un-priced car or offer. If the person in the room can’t contact the seller, ask when you can go back. Don’t get angry you can’t get what you want right then. Trust me, if you anger the seller’s wife, he won’t be selling you anything when you come back. I’ve seen it happen.

DO: Take full advantage of a hospitality room

DON’T: Think you’re abusing the privilege.

Some events like Summer Smash have a club sponsored hospitality room that is a great place to grab a soda, snack, food, coffee, or just to talk to people. The whole reason for the hospitality room is to make people feel welcome so don’t be afraid to go. This isn’t to say you should start making long distance phone calls from the room phone or air out your tired, yellow crusted toe-nailed feet; no one wants to see that no matter how friendly the group running the room.

This next tip may only apply to me and usually my roommates; you may feel differently.

DO: Hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign all day/night on your door

DON’T: Take chances if you have any misgivings

At a convention I don’t like the hotel staff coming into the room when I’m not there; especially after I have just spent a good deal of money on something. I don’t care that my room isn’t straightened up everyday so much as I do care something being taken or worse yet scratched or broken! Even if something is put in a drawer or piled in a corner I don’t need anyone thumbing through my stuff. I am sure most hotel staff don’t steal or aren’t reckless….BLAH, BLAH, BLAH…I don’t care. I always put the DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door all day and just ask for towels and other items when I see the staff or put the towels out in hall when I leave in the morning.

I have heard and worse yet SEEN experiences where hotel staff innocently moved things off the bed in someone’s room to change the linens or pick up trash and didn’t realize something valuable was in the bag/box they just moved and PLOP out it came and smashed onto the floor. Nuff said!

DO: Go up to go down.

DON’T: get locked out of the elevator.

What the heck does “GO UP TO GO DOWN MEAN”? It’s simple! There are times at the convention when it seems everyone needs the elevator; after the dinner when everyone wants to change clothes, afternoons when the hustle around the hotel is at its peak, or check in/check out day. “GO UP TO GO DOWN” simply means that if you are on a lower floor [from LOBBY all the way up to 2nd floor [could be mezzanines or ballroom floors in between], or the parking garage elevator, and you need to go up to higher floors and there are big crowds all vying for an elevator ride, sometimes it pays to take the down-going elevator 2 floors and then ride back up headed to your floor. You will be guaranteed a spot and won’t have to stand shoulder to shoulder in the elevator vestibule for a long time.

DO: Expect to be on lines

DON’T: get exasperated.

Lines are part of any convention. There are lines to get into most any event. If you PLAN ahead, they won’t be so much of a headache. There are events like BINGO, POKER, or UNO that is a required ticket event. If you have a ticket to this event at a set time, there is really no need to be first on line unless you are with a large group and want to sit together. Usually at a Poker game you are assigned a seat anyway. You won’t have to rush down to get on line first.

I would suggest you do get down early for a space at the front of the line for DINNER so you can find a good seat or enough seats for your group. AUTOGRAPH sessions are very popular and the line could be cut off before you get there. Even though it says autographs will be from 1:30pm to 2:30pm that is for the convention’s and signer’s benefit not yours. The convention wants to get the signers out by 2:30pm so the line may be cut at 2:10pm to insure the signers are done by 2:30pm. There may be another event happening in that room that needs to be set up or the signer has to be somewhere else.

You should get on line early to any MEET & GREET events because tables fill up quickly as do bar/food lines and because the best snacks are usually gone first and you will have to wait longer with no seat. This includes an RLC party especially! A 45 minute wait at the front of the line is better than being stuck 45 minutes in the back of the line. Additionally, if someone is giving a demonstration or lecture about something you paid to see, best seats go fast. As for the vending machine; there are proponents who say the best stuff is in the front, middle, or end of the machine. I usually see the best stuff mid-session thru the end.

The Sunday show is a tricky one to decide if you should go down early. There is no way to tell if any specific convention car will be sold out or limited to buy by the Sunday show. The staff usually doesn’t let on anything throughout the convention so if there is something you really need to get, I would get there early. I usually get up early on Sunday morning to be near the front of the line to insure I will get the extra cars I need for my buddies back home. I am leaving anyway that day and it doesn’t bother me to be up early, especially if the extra casting I need is a HW Drag Bus!

This by no means states you should get to an event after its scheduled start time. No one likes lateness and you may miss out on something good.

DO: Expect people to be holding places in line for their friends and letting said friends in the line when they show up!

DON’T: get annoyed at this.

I’ll let you know straight up that this happens all the time! I have done it and it has been done to me. You can’t be angry about it, it’s not worth it. Usually people ahead of you on a line with give you the courtesy of saying, “I’m holding a place for my buddy, wife, kid, etc. etc.” so when someone shows up you are not upset. This may not always be the case but if you are at an event where you have a ticket already; don’t sweat it.

The only time this becomes an issue is when the line if for a car that is limited in quantity; then the line is usually controlled by the even staff or even the people on line themselves and is monitored for cutters. Most regular convention goers understand these differences about line cutting as well.

If you are on a line by yourself and need to leave to go to the restroom, your room for forgotten cash, or get a drink/smoke just be honest and tell the person behind you that this is the case, they wont mind you coming back into line at all. If you don’t say anything they won’t know to let you back in line; they aren’t mind readers. Just don’t be gone too long; try to get back quickly.

DO: Talk to people you don’t know and get to know a little about them

DON’T: Be a stick in the mud.

When I went to the CA. Strauss convention in October 2001 I didn’t know a soul.

I didn’t know what to expect and I was a little intimidated. Now if you have ever met me you wouldn’t think I’d be saying that; people have told me I can make friends with a tree and the tree would talk back. So the first night I was in CA. there was a meet & greet with snacks and drinks etc. but I had gotten there a little late. It was outside around a small pool area and there didn’t appear to be anyplace to sit. But I noticed a guy sitting by himself on a table and asked if I could sit with him. Needless to say eight years later that guy is still one of my best collecting and real world friends. This has happened to me many times over. At the very least you can make a friend to hang out with at the convention or sit with at dinner or room to room together. No matter what size the convention it can seem like a big place if you just hang out by yourself. This person may not become your bosom buddy and lifelong chum but he may trade/sell you a great car. Sometimes that can make your whole trip!

Ask people you meet if they are on RLC, DCS, MCCH etc. etc. and what their handle is. You may find out you already know them without ever having met them.

DO: Be a little wary of convention t-shirt sizes

DON’T: Feel the squeeze.

Most convention t-shirts will shrink some. Check out the size before you buy, don’t wait until you get home or already rip it out of the bag, you make not be able to exchange. If you take an L, get an XL, if you’re an XL, get a 2x. Most convention t-shirts are pretty high quality and will last a long time if properly washed; you’ll want to wear it again and again so buy a bigger size. You’ll be happier in the long run. Plus most women’s-only convention shirt sizes will probably be too small for the woman in your life; trust me on this one! Just because it’s pink or yellow; it may not fit.

I am sure there are many others who have gone to conventions longer than me or just have some great tips I may have missed. I would love to hear from you via the comments below so I can add them to my list!! Knowledge is power!

Now go get registered for one of the many excellent conventions happening this year, and I hope to see you there!

I love it when our little hobby of die-cast car collecting gets pushed a little further out into the mainstream, and that’s exactly what happened in the latest issue of Car and Driver magazine. Freelance C&D writer, Brett Berk has written a great piece that gives readers a deep dive into what its like to be a hard-core Hot Wheels collector.

While the article mainly focuses on the collectors and experience of the 23rd-annual Hot Wheels Collectors Convention, I did have the opportunity to meet Brett last summer when he attended the Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels 6 convention in Connecticut while doing research. The article shares perspectives from many different Hot Wheels collectors and gives readers a nice broad view of the hobby. And if “viewing the hobby” is what you like, then be sure to browse through the 60+ photos (captured by Ted Soqui) that captured the Hot Wheels collecting experience.

Subscribers of the print magazine got an advanced look at the article. Fortunately for the non-subscribers, the article is now available for viewing online at the Car & Driver website.

Click here to jump over to the article on the Car & Driver website.

With the new year well underway, I wanted to focus on something that might be especially helpful to collectors in 2010. This year is ushering in the greatest number of diecast conventions in a long time with Diecastspace.com sponsoring the Super Convention this month in Las Vegas, The Magical Weekend of Cars in June in Orlando, FL and the first ever Canadian convention in September. Hot Wheels focused collectors will attend the Strauss Nationals in St. Louis MO. this April, the Strauss main convention in CA. in the fall and Summer Smash III coming this August in RI. There’s also JL Fest, Autofest, and the Gathering of Friends for Matchbox collectors in New Mexico. International collectors can look forward to Hot Wheels conventions in Japan, Brazil, and Mexico. Add on all the growing number of various other smaller events all around the U.S. (and the rest of the world) and collectors will have more choices than ever to experience a convention first hand.

And yet I am sure it is may be an intimidating task to actually go to one of these small, medium, or especially large events without trepidation or fear of not knowing how to plan ahead or what to do while you’re there. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you my DO’s and DON’Ts list of convention happenings based upon my 8 years of convention going experience. Some of these may seem simple enough that you would think everyone should know it already; but it can take just one thing that you didn’t think of to affect your good time.

There’s a lot to digest, so I’ll be breaking up this advice into a multi-part series. I hope there is something on this list will make even the seasoned convention-goer go “HMMMM” I never thought of that!

BEFORE YOU GET THERE TIPS

DO: PLAN, PLAN, and PLAN ahead.

DON’T: Wait until the last minute.

This applies not only to the individual events at a convention but to any outside events you may want to attend or transportation needed to get to those events. Popular convention events or even popular event times sell out quickly; you may be left out in the cold. This is especially true if you are going with others; it’s great to be at the same event together and not get split up. Also, if you are flying seriously consider renting a car if the venue the convention is at is off the beaten track like an airport hotel If you are going to travel or room with others, the cost will be greatly be deferred. Plus you may want to look up what restaurants/bars may be in the area, most hotels don’t have a great variety of cuisine or price ranges you may like. Once you get to the hotel, the front desk can tell you areas to avoid. I didn’t head the desk clerk’s warning once in Ohio and almost got mugged!

DO: Every event that interests you or you can afford to do

DON’T: Deny yourself or hesitate.

If it’s your first time going to any convention; events are a great way to meet people and feel part of the collective festive atmosphere. Don’t let anyone talk you out of something; see for yourself. Plus don’t forget the price to an event where the event is run for a charitable organization or usually the convention auction bids can be tax deductible!

If it’s not your first time going to a convention; continue to go to events you like rather than backing off since no two events will ever be alike from convention to convention. You may miss out on a great car you want.

This leads me too….

DO: Bring LOTS of CASH and in various denominations.

DON’T: Rely on an ATM.

Even though you more than likely can buy convention cars with a credit/debit card when you register at a convention; 99% of room to room vendors take only cash. Plus any raffles the convention holds; usually for some great stuff; or cars for charity cars are cash only. Going to the hotel ATM [and most hotels don’t have many] can get expensive with fees or quickly runs out of cash. More than likely, your bank is not in the area of the convention and the nearest ATM may be a long walk/drive away with a high fee [especially if the hotel is near the airport; you’re kind of isolated.]

I remember a couple of years ago; the hotel ATM ran out of cash by 1PM on a busy Saturday and the hotel wasn’t prepped to have it refilled until the next day; people were frantic! The hotel was off the beaten path and walking to an ATM wasn’t really an option.

DO: Ask for payment before you leave home from friends for cars you bring back

DON’T: feel bad about it.

Not asking for the cash up front will only cut into your funds while you’re there and make you have to either go to the ATM more often [and we already discussed those pitfalls] or go without. All the prices for the convention cars should be in your pre-received convention packet so you know how much to charge. Whether you add tax or a small profit is up to you. The price of things adds up quickly!

DO: Be realistic if you’re going to be flipping convention/event cars whether it’s back home or at the event.

DON’T: Think every convention/event car is a money maker.

Don’t think that just because a car is from a convention event that it will be a moneymaker if you try to flip it. Some cars aren’t worth the price of admission to an event. If you aren’t a flipper then you’ll be fine and collect the car because of you enjoyed your experience. If you are a flipper be forewarned…you may get burned. Plus there are many more people than just you trying to flip the same car. I don’t flip, I just buy for people back home but I have seen how people have triumphed with flipping and where they have crashed and burned. It’s not pretty.

DO: Bring a diecast price guide like Tomart’s or the very least Lee’s.

DON’T: Think everyone is honest in their valuations.

No matter what anyone selling a car tells you; just have the guide with you to get a good idea of its value. It will give you piece of mind.

DO: Bring good walking shoes!!! Especially the ladies!!!

DON’T: and you’ll be sorry!

You are on you feet from the minute you leave you hotel room in the morning to the minute you head hits the pillow at 1:30am that night, [yes rooms are open that late].

You will be standing in lines for events, walking the floors room to rooming, going to eat either inside/outside the hotel, even sightseeing if you plan to, it all goes back to planning.

DO: Pack accordingly.

DON’T: Overpack; especially if you are flying.

You won’t need to bring a lot of different clothes to a convention. The majority of the time you will see most people in T-Shirts, shorts, and jeans. [Check the future weather cast re jackets/coats]. You may want to bring a polo or buttoned down shirt [especially if it’s a cool diecast or automotive themed one] to wear to the dinner but otherwise don’t load up on clothes. Take it from a confirmed over-packer; you may not use half the stuff you bring. Also, don’t forget to pack your camera/video camera. You won’t regret it later. I’ve forgotten my camera already and I have regretted what I didn’t get a picture of to this day.

Plus, you’ll need the space for cars which brings me to…

DO: Pack a bag in your bag

DON’T: Bring small suitcases

My buddy Mike from NH taught me this trick back in 2001. I went to my first CA Strauss convention and got short on my luggage space. It was just after 9-11 and restriction abounded regarding size/shape of bags and I was scared to bring a really big suitcase, plus I under estimated what I would buy once I was there. If you are a first time conventioneer you will be tempted to buy a lot!!!!! I had to go to Wal-Mart and buy a small suitcase to accommodate what I bought. Most convention cars are in there own protecto paks and are bulky to pack in a suitcase and you don’t want to pack fragile blistercards or loose cars wrapped in toilet paper in a regular case for fear of damage.

Bring one large suitcase with a rolled up duffel bag inside. It won’t take up a lot of space and you won’t be charged for 2 suitcases when you fly out and if you don’t need it, back it goes rolled up. It’ll save you a lot of grief. Now this brings me too…..

DO: Bring a variety of Protecto Paks.

DON’T: Rely on vendors at the convention.

Many of the fragile treasures you buy may not have protectos and can’t be packed by themselves. Some older blisters don’t fit into newer protectos so plan accordingly. I have found that the older full front protectos are great for a carrying a couple of cars in baggies and header cards [like ROAKs]! Protecto pak vendors may not be there or run out of popular sizes early. Most people can sell you a few but its better to prepare beforehand.

Think about bringing a pair of scissors [in your checked bag only please] and a couple of sheets of bubble wrap for cars in acrylic case; DOLLAR TREE stores offer small rolls that work great. My buddy Bryan has shown me that blue painters tape is a better alternative to any other tape in wrapping cars up since it is designed to come off easily from what it is stuck too without damaging the car, plus its strong while its in use. But this brings me too….

DO: Invest in a HOT-CASE.

DON’T: Think it won’t help.

This is not a shameless plug for HOT-CASES but an actual testimonial. They help you out a lot! The 24 cars carry case for loose cars is great to carry around if you plan to buy loose cars for it protects them as you go rooming. Believe me, toilet paper, tissue, or paper towel wrapping quickly shred or unravel and plastic shopping bags get banged up and torn in elevators and doorways faster than you think. The carry case fits into any carry on or checked bag. Invest in an actual HOT CASE box and carry bag for that HOT CASE. It fits into any airplane overhead compartment or under the airline seat in front of you and can hold a lot of convention cars. You can carry it on the plane as a carry-on. I usually have my backpack and the HOT CASE bag as carry-ons or the case will fit flat into most 30-32” suitcases.

DO: Invest in a good, compact, multiple bulb LED flashlight.

DON’T: Think it won’t help.

Again a learned tip from my NJ collector buddies Kenny and Carl. A nice, compact LED flashlight with multiple bulbs can assist greatly in determining the condition of loose cars especially REDLINES!!! Hotel room lighting is awful and don’t rely on vendors to bring a good light either. First ask permission to examine the car you are looking at, find a shadowed part of the room [or even hunch over with the car in you palm], and shine the flashlight over every nook and cranny of that car because every flaw, toning, chip, etc., etc., will immediately pop out. It can save you the annoyance of realizing later you bought a dud.

DO: Create a floor list to write down what rooms you’ve been in or where contacts are staying.

DON’T: Rely on your memory.

Simply put; it gets overwhelming. Even in a small convention, you will never remember all the rooms you have been in, want to go back to, or have no need to see again.

I’ll give a great example. Three years ago the Strauss west coast convention was held in Garden Grove CA in a hotel that had two towers. The North tower was where the official convention room block [cheaper rooms] were which stretched from between floors 4 thru 8. There were a lot of seller’s rooms on floors 3 and 9 as well as a smattering of rooms on higher floors. So you figure 7 floors [3 thru 9] with approximately 20 [conservatively] rooms open on each floor; that makes 140 rooms just in the North Tower. Plus the South towers had at least 60 rooms open as well so add those together you get 200 rooms of Hot Wheels. Unless you have a documented photographic memory; you won’t remember everything/everyone you saw/met and where it/they were! Some conventions now give you a small pad with your welcome package to help you navigate the hotel; but I have attached a floor sheet spreadsheet [at the end of this article] that really works. My wife came up with it in 2002 in Irvine CA after she couldn’t stand walking into the same room over and over again and hear me and my buddy say “Oh we’ve seen this before, nothing here”. Plus I have tinkered with it over the years. Use it, learn it, live it, know it, it works! It’s best to 3-hole punch the floor sheets I have provided and put them in a binder. The binder will give you a strong base to write on, those little pads won’t.

Well, that’s it for now. Like I said, its a lot to digest, but I hope you’ve enjoyed them so far. Join me next time in Part 2 where I’ll reveal all my DO and DON’T tips for after you arrive at the convention.

Got a tip of your own to add? I encourage you to share them wit the rest of the readers via the comments section below.

Download the Floor Sheet file here [Microsoft Excel Format]

First, I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Joe Altieri, and I live in Northern New Jersey.  I truly consider myself a die-cast ”collector” and not a hoarder, scalper, or flipper!  Jeff Glasson has asked me to write some columns on the life of a typical die-cast collector and get your feedback on the hobby through my articles. I hope that once you read this article you’ll continue to read future ones to come. Thanks for reading “Diecast Stories from the Average Joe Collector.”

In recent years I’ve noticed something interesting happening to me every time I attend a die-cast show or convention; I am approached by a fellow collectors [whether I know actually know them or they are brought over to me by a friend] to either take me over to a vendor’s table or room to get my opinion on an impending sale, to show me a just purchased treasure to get my opinion on the condition or price paid, or to ask a question about products from any of the many 1:64 scale manufacturers of die-cast. I have been frequently told that I was the deciding factor either for or against a particular purchase. I am not trying to “toot my own horn” or boast about what I do or do not know about die-cast, but it always gets me thinking about how and what I collect now as opposed to when I began collecting and throughout the interim years.

It has been almost 26 years since I began collecting die-cast and over 19 years since I truly caught the die-cast collecting “bug” and met my first Hot Wheels collecting comrade, my great friend Bill, who was and is my mentor of all things Hot Wheels. So I guess I have seen a lot of collectors, trends, and die-cast companies come and go, wither and resurrect, or completely change themselves altogether. I have always been a history buff; whether it’s the real life history of the world around us or the history of the cars I love to collect. I love to absorb this knowledge as much as I can, but find myself having to omit a lot of information for lack of brain space or for want on that knowledge.

I can’t be a variation almanac like so many of today’s collectors are [God bless your memories] with all the wheels changes, window colors changes, body color changes chassis color/material changes and point of origin as I would like to be.

I don’t seek out variations for my collection unless they are physically pointed out to me while standing at the rack or at a show, and I can’t rattle off things like “the Muscle Madness ’68 Nova comes in all small wheels, all big wheels, and large front wheels/small rear wheels” or vice versa. But, I can pretty much rattle off every ’57 Chevy variation since 1977 or what each Dream Halloween or Toy Fair car has been or how much I did or didn’t pay for a particular car.

I’ve come through a succession of models that I’ve focused all of my attention on as well. First, it was old and new Matchbox. Then I added old and new Hot Wheels and new Johnny Lightnings when they were reintroduced in the 1990’s. All the while I kept up with new and old Majorette and Tomica models thrown in for good measure. It all became maddening! Yet, I would still buy any model, old or new, from any manufacturer that caught my eye. I was a full “completist” and had to have every model I could afford from those aforementioned manufacturers. During that time I was able to keep every model I had in my head as well as on ancient Apple computer spreadsheet. At times I thought my head would explode or at the very least brain matter would start to ooze from my ears!

In 2001 I attended my first Hot Wheels convention – the Wild Weekend of Hot Wheels 2 in Connecticut – and my mind was blown wide open!  There were so many people collecting what I did all together in the same place, with special events and best of all; the room to room trading!!!  That was something I had never experienced before. I was then completely hooked on conventions from that point forward.

While at WWHW2 I heard about larger convention that meets every year in California run buy a guy named Mike Strauss. I got some info while in CT and hurriedly sent in my application to the event as soon as I got home. Unfortunately 9/11 happened that September, and I thought I may never be able to go to this Hot Wheels Mecca I had begun to believe in. Fortunately, the restrictions were lifted and off I flew to Irvine California, all by myself; intimidated, but ready to learn!  During the convention I was lucky enough to meet my buddy Mike from NH – someone who is still one of my best friends in the Hot Wheel and real world.

Mike had been going to Strauss conventions since 1998 and knew all the in, outs, and quirks associated with them. We became fast friends and my feet were set upon the path of convention knowledge. Needless to say, the rest is history for I have attended every east and west coast Strauss event since Irvine 2001 (save for Dallas 2004 when my son had just been born). After Irvine 2001 I attended the Wild Weekend of Hot wheels 3 in 2002 where I got to know another best friend of mine, Bryan from NC. I have also attended the Wicked Weekend of Hot Wheels 1 and 2, the annual Macungie PA outdoor toy event, as well as more recently introduced conventions like Summer Smash in Rhode Island, the Mexico City Hot Wheelers convention, and the DiecastSpace.com Super Convention in Las Vegas and Atlanta.

When I was still a completist, conventions were all about “the hunt” for everything I didn’t have.  But since having divested myself of over 3000+ pieces of Matchbox and over 1000+ pieces of Johnny Lightning I have been able to enjoy collecting even more. I no longer need to have every mainline Hot Wheels. I now prefer nice redlines or special limited cars like convention and toy fair pieces. I also have grown very fond of collecting discontinued “orphan makes.” Those include the cars I had as a kid like Playart, Zylmex, and Corgi Junior, as well as makes with limited availability in the U.S. like Tomica, Majorette, and Siku. Likewise, convention-going has changed from hunting for everything I can get my hands on, to meeting up with old and new friends and talking about the state of collecting, about other collectors who have come and gone or just sitting around eating, drinking and making each other laugh!

Many things affect the way we collect. The economy, die-cast companies’ fortunes and product decisions, to the size of our own wallets change the way we collect; and that’s not a bad thing. Any changes should be accepted and embraced if you want to keep on doing and collecting whatever you love.

So have I changed as collector? That answer would have to be a resounding YES!  I’m glad I have changed, evolved, backed off or whatever you want to call it. Its made me a happier collector and a more grateful one at that.

How have/haven’t you changed as collector since you started out in this great hobby? Let’s hear you story via the comments section below.

Two years ago I wrote a post about my fortunate experience of finding a Hot Wheels Treasure Hunt at a local Walgreens in my hometown during my traditional Christmas visit. Finding a Treasure Hunt at the same location on Christmas Eve two years in a row was quite a thrill.

In 2007 I was hoping to repeat the find for a third year in a row, but unfortunately I came up empty handed. However, to my surprise this past Christmas brought the magic back. While passing through the checkout I happened to glance down and see a single peg of Hot Wheels with a hint of green sticking out on a card in the middle! As many collectors will agree, the rush of excitement you get when finding a t-hunt just cant be beat.

Finds like this really help to keep the spirit of collecting alive, and I’m still amazed that I’ve managed to find 3 t-hunts in 4 years on the same day in the same location each year. Check back after Christmas this year to see if my luck continues!

Do you have a similar Treasure Hunt story? Please share it with the readers via the comments section below!