Howdy -

There are plenty of people on here with loads more experience in collecting than I have, but I thought I'd post and give you my thoughts.

First up, Ebay is probably the best place to look. I've bought 99% of my stuff from there.

Second, try to be patient. When I started collecting everytime I saw a module or rulebook, I'd think if I didn't buy it I'd never see another one. No matter how rare something might be, it WILL appear again.

Third, do some reseach before you bid. Make sure you know what a good price is something you're thinking of buying. The Acaeum will tell you this, but also check ebay's history for past sales. Check out what the price range for an item normally goes for, weigh up how that compares to the condition of the item, decide exactly how badly you want it and bid accordingly.

Fourth, condition is important. When I started collecting I didn't pay too much attention to condition - as long as it was complete without any serious damage, I'd buy it. For some of the items I bought then, I look at now and wish I'd held out for one in better condition. Although you can save money by buying items in fair condition only, I would rather have say five excellent items than 10 in average condition.

Fifth, try and buy in lots. If you decide you want all the original D&D books, wait until a complete set comes up rather than buying the books individually. Having the books in the original box is way cooler than buying the three books separately - I don't know why, but I'm much happier with the stuff I've bought that has been complete than putting it together with separate purchases. Also, as a general rule you'll pay less money in the long run if you buy in lots, rather than individual items.

And lastly, I'll repeat that patience is the best thing you can have when it comes to collecting. Research the price, and then wait until an item comes up that you are 100% happy with. Don't be afraid to pass up on stuff, because I guarantee you'll see it again regularly.

Have fun.

Regards

Mike

Anyone got some advice as to what i should start with?

Ask yourself this:  Why am I collecting?

Many of us here were kids when D&D first came out.  We had many of the original items but they were lost or damaged over time.  We got into this hobby to replace items we previously owned.  That process led us to this site and ebay which opened our eyes to all the other D&D/ TSR items that are available.  (That was my story anyways)

Everybody has their own preference on what they like to collect.

Some will only collect mint items still in shrink wrap.  Some want everything ever made by TSR including action figures and other random toys.  Some focus strictly on the most valuable rare items.  Some focus on just 1st Edition D&D.  Some want at least one of every printing of every item including one in shrinkwrap of each, they also tend to want everything made by non-tsr manufacturers.  These people must have lots of storage space.

Personally, I don't want a collection that takes up too much space.  I limit my collection to only one of each item.  I try to limit the number of box sets I buy.  I like modules and books that are easily lined up on a bookshelf in my study.  I want items that are in at least very good condition and avoid shrinkwrap because I want to be able to filp through my entire collection.  I often buy items in lots that contain many items I already own.  I keep the ones in better condition and sell the inferior ones.  I focus on 1st Edition D&D/AD&D but try to complete module sets that started in 1st Edition but ran into 2nd edition, like the WG series.  I am very patient and never pay above Acaeum price guidelines, regardless of how badly I want something.    

mdr003 gave you some good advice.
Here are some of mine.  

1.  Discipline is the key.  Don't get caught in a "feeding frenzy" and bid higher than you originally intended.  A similar item or lot will appear later.

2.  If you find a buy it now auction that was newly listed that is a real bargain, don't think or email the seller a question, buy it immediately!  Someone else will snatch it up if you don't.  Typically these auctions will say something like, "Here is a HUGE box of old D&D items owned by my son.  They are all carefully package in plastci holders.  Too musch to list.  But here's a picture of it all.  We're moving and need to get rid of all his stuff because he hasn't come to pick it up, as promised.  Buy it now for $50.  See my other auctions as I'm selling his HUGE box of baseball cards and classic comic books too."  

3.  Refresh the newly listed items regularly.  It's like fishing!

4.  Since money is an issue for you, reselling can help to finance the hobby.  Only buy things if you think you could sell them for more.  If you make enough lucrative transactions those $100+ items will become affordable and may actually be great investments for future resale, if bought at the right price.

5.  Narrow your focus to a specific set or series of books or modules, sell everything else tokeep cash flowing in.  

6.  If you have the money, buy all exceptional bargains as they expire.  Resell them and roll the profits into future purchases.

7. Snipers will outbid you, so either begin sniping youself or make sure you bid the highest you would pay from the start.  I do a combination of the two depending on my strategy for the particular item.  Sometimes I bid low then snipe items I'm winning as insurance.  Remember step 1!

8.  Keep reading this forum.  Ask more questions.  You will learn a ton.  

9.  Make friends here and trade with them.

BBarsh echoes my philosophy. I do not need "mint" items, but some collectors do. My collection needs to be readable/useable , so I usually go for good/excellent condition. I usually end up selling/trading the better quality items. It's like owning a car. Do you want a pristine, undriven investment that you can look at, or do you want to be able to drive it? Personal preference.
Start with the "common" items and leave the rares for later. You may find that once you have the commons, you are satisfied and don't want to invest in serious collecting.
Unless your wife is blond. Then you have no choice but to become a fanatic.

Thanks for the advice guys , sounds great and really helpfull.I think for now im going to try to get all original AD&D HB's and just go from there . Im sure this will be a long process for me cause i dont have a large cashflow and i jusr bought a new car last week.But i think itll be more fun to do it over time than to get it all over night anyhow.I was bidding on a fighting wheel on ebay though , but im sure ill lose cause im not willing to pay anywhere near the listed value for it ...:p . Again thanks for all your input.

Probably the most inexpensive place to buy stuff is Used bookstores.  Most of my 1100+ piece collection came from Used Book Stores and ads placed in the local Bargain Finder.  Only recently am I looking on Ebay for the elusive items.  I even found a copy of the Jade Hare at a bookstore and a huge amount of MINT items at a store that specilaizes in selling old and new Dinky toys (Fancy that)

Good Luck

I found a run of Australian Realms Magazine 1-28 when I was down under a couple years back. Other than that it was pretty slim pickings, and the used items had pretty hefty price tags.

Brett certainly seems to find quite a few gems though...