10 Tips to Cheaper Comic Collecting

We all love comics, but the reality of the industry is that they are expensive.  With cover prices now starting at $2.99 and skyrocketing upwards, there is no denying the financial toll that this hobby takes on a collector.  So I put together a quick list of tips to help with the financial burden while you are trying to fill out the gaps in your collection.

1. eBay.  This is the first and best tip I can give you, and here are a few ways to cash in: 
• Lots - On eBay (and similar sites) you can buy your back issues in group or clump of issues.  A lot of seller will sell a specific run of comics or all the issues of a crossover or (as in my case, see my Buying/Selling page) just a random grouping of issues for a set price.  Now here is where a bit of math comes in.  You have to figure out the price per issue to determine if the deal is worth it.  Do this by dividing the total price by the # of issues WARNING: DO NOT FORGET THE SHIPPING!  Some of your trickier sellers will offer you items at an insanely low price and then gouge you with an exorbitant shipping fee.  Do not fall for this, take the extra time to do the math and get the best deal.
• Big stores - A lot of your larger eBay stores (i.e. Mile High Comics, My Comic Shop) will sell a large bulk of their back issue for $1-$1.50 with flat rate shipping regardless of the size of your order.  If you are buying one specific issues, this might not be your best bet but if you are ordering 10-20 issues or more at a time then the savings really add up!
• Don't Buy the First Thing You See - Don't buy an issue the first time you find it. Utilize the Watch and Compare features of your eBay account and take the time to research your product.  Make sure you are getting the best deal possible especially if you aren't dealing in the $1 comics.  You can find some really amazing deals on old and rare issue if you're patient.
2.  Cheap Boxes - Some, not all, comic stores will have several large bins labeled "50 cents" or "$1".  THESE ARE TREASURE TROVES and not to be underestimated.  These boxes are typically FULL of issues that most readers don't want and aren't looking for, but they are also home to that one part of a crossover you missed.  And that last part of the limited series that sold out 5 years ago.  Not to mention all kinds of cool stuff you don't even know you were missing until you see it there.  Definitely worth a look through!
3. Back Issue Boxes - On the saving hierarchy, these rank relatively low, but for the more advanced and experienced collector, who knows what to looks for, this is where you will find most of your issues in the store.
4. Comic Shows - If you have the luxury of living near one of the larger comic book conventions in the world then you know this is the home of deals everywhere!  Here you will find everything I've already listed and more!  50 cent, $1, discounted lots, and 25-80% of issues everywhere.  Its hard to move and not trip over a bargain here.  Spend with caution.
5. No Subscriptions - For some people this is unavoidable, but if you have access to a living breathing comic store then GO THERE.  Mail ordering comics my be convenient but many subscription services do not offer flat rate shipping. So the amount you save on the issues by ordering  through the mail does not cover what you end up spending on the shipping.
6. Buy Supplies in Bulk - This one also requires a bit of math.  When buying your bags and boards (assuming, of course, you as a collector USE bags and boards) buy the packages of 100.  It may cost more at the moment but in the long run you save a good amount and if you are purchasing 8-10 or more issues in a week, these costs add up.
7. Trade with Friends - You will be amazed how many people have comic books just laying around.  Most of your friends probably have comics that were left/given to them or they bought out of boredom, and chances are they don't want them or care about them that much.  Make them an offer!  Most friends, unless its a particularly expensive or rare issue or they are still a collector themselves, will be more then willing to part with it for reasonably cheap (and in some cases free).
8. Know Your Stores - If you're really serious about filling out your collection then knwo the comic book stores in your area.  Know what they have so that you know where to go when you're looking for something.  If you know one store has is more reliable for pulling new issues but another has a better back issue selection then by all means go to both!  There's no law that says you have to stick to one store.
9. Sell! - If you use all the tips above then inevitably you will probably end up with some doubles.  Whether you went nutty at a 50 cent bin (trust me it will seem worth it to spend the 2 quarters rather then miss an issue you aren't sure if you have) or you bought a lot and already had some issues, you will amass a doubles collection.  Sell them!! You don't needs them or they are probably starting to take up space.  Post on eBay, offer them in trades to friends or even (as a last resort) sell them to the local comic store.  You won't get great deals (especially at the comics store, simple fact not opinion) but keep in mind that at a certain point they are just collecting dust.
10. Know What You Are Buying - Be smart!  If you are going to seriously get into collecting know what you are talking about.  Understand about grading, at least the basics.  Know what things are supposed to cost as opposed to what you are paying.  Take the time to do the math on your purchases, you'll be really glad you did.