Pay for next Christmas with a spot of savvy sales shopping

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by: MarkeD
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Date: Sat, 24 Apr 2010 Time: 4:36 AM
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"A Wallis Charity Charm bracelet I bought for £15 in 2005 is now worth £60," laughs ultra-modern collectibles consultant, Tracy Martin. "Anyone can buy items today that will become profitable tomorrow."

Always on the hunt for a bargain with investment potential, Tracy says there's no better time to look for collectors' items. "The January sales are a great time to start. And you don't have to wait a lifetime to see a return. The Lego Star Wars Death Star now makes £350-£400, almost twice the price it retailed for in September 2008. And remember if you can't make it to the high street, they may be sold in shops online."

So, if you spot a great deal on the high street, be a savvy shopper. By selling items on when the time's right, you could pocket enough profit to pay for Christmas 2009. And if you've spent too much this festive season, make sure you're getting the best deal on your credit card.

Handbags

Department stores such as John Lewis, House of Fraser and Harrods all sell designer handbags. At the top end, look for Lulu Guinness, Anya Hindmarch and Jimmy Choo. Seek out less expensive bags by Matthew Williamson, Radley and Julien Macdonald at Debenhams. The Anya Hindmarch 'I'm Not a Plastic Bag' which cost £5 from selected Sainsbury's stores in 2007, is now worth £90-£100.

Jewellery

Dip into your savings and buy up pieces by designer names. Items by Vivienne Westwood, Erickson Beaumon and Butler & Wilson are highly sought by collectors but can be purchased at a fraction of the price in the sales.

Clothes

Many high street stores such as H&M, TopShop and Gap have produced ranges in collaboration with celebrities or designers. Sienna Miller's own label twenty8twelve retailed the 'Brittany' dress for £65 in November/December 2008 and it's already increased in value, while the £100 Kate Moss 'Panther' Topshop dress, which sold out in October last year, is now selling for up to £300.

Check out special designer fashion websites like www.dressrail.com and www.net-a-porter.com, says Tracy. That way you can be a canny collector without leaving the comfort of your armchair!

Toys

Look for toys associated with classic television programmes such as Dr. Who or anything associated with blockbuster movies like The Golden Compass, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Special edition games like the Pink Scrabble and limited edition Lego sets, plus Christmas inspired teddy bears and dolls, also have collectable status.

Tracy's top tip is Barbie, which celebrates 50 years in 2009. Buy the dolls in the Christmas sales, especially special editions, and sell later in the year, when the media focus is on this iconic toy.

Ceramics and glass

Check out department stores and small giftware shops for bargains. Look for names such as Royal Doulton, Portmeirion, Robert Harrop and Jim Shore.

Kitchenalia

Alessi is one of the most collected names when it comes to novelty kitchen items and this brand is often on sale. Also, look for items designed by Michael Graves and Stefano Pirovano.

Name your price

Tracy says that the best forum for selling all your goodies is on internet auction site www.ebay.co.uk. Follow her advice and boost your savings…

* Make sure you list your item as ‘worldwide' so it's available to all buyers.

* List items to finish on a Sunday night between 8pm-10pm as most people are at home and this also allows worldwide bidders to be in with a chance.

* Ensure you place your item in the correct category.

* Make sure you describe the item properly and place all key words into the title.

* Start your item at the price you are willing to sell it so that you don't lose money.

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