Collecting fandom merchandise has become a lifestyle for some avid fans. K-pop fans, in particular, are known for going above and beyond to own every merchandise their idols release. From physical albums to limited-edition photo cards, they can show you every one of those in their massive collection.
But of course, this hobby costs a lot. Apart from the merchandise itself, fans also pay for shipping. It doesn’t matter which artist released the merchandise. Those products are considered fragile, so you’d rarely have them delivered to your doorstep for free. Furthermore, merchandise typically comes from overseas or another state. You can buy them in your area only if there’s an authorized reseller near you.
For these reasons, many people, including fans of an artist or movie themselves, think buying merchandise wastes money. To be fair, they’re correct to a certain extent. Not all types of merchandise are worth the money. Some are overpriced yet lack uniqueness or real value. Perhaps those are the things other fans see, making them unwilling to collect the merchandise.
But if you can’t resist the temptation to collect, set your sights on these products first, because they’re worth the splurge:
1. Apparel
Apparel merchandise is valuable and often made of high-quality fabrics. Plus, almost every artist, movie, or TV show releases them. Taylor Swift, who just launched her new album, has cozy T-shirts and hoodies in her new album merchandise. They can be your perfect outfit for fall and winter.
Rock bands — both mainstream and indie — are also known for selling T-shirts and hoodies. Depending on the band, the products can be cheaper or more expensive. But either way, band T-shirts and hoodies are worth it, and they help support the band financially.
Movie or TV show apparel makes excellent additions to your wardrobe, too. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ve indeed considered donning an outfit with your House name and colors on it. If not an outfit, then perhaps a cover-up, like a scarf. The Hogwarts Houses are instantly distinguishable by scarf colors and designs alone.
2. Rare Concert Tees
When musicians hold a concert, their record label releases merchandise, acting more like an event souvenir. As such, you wouldn’t find them anywhere but the concert venue. Concert tees are more expensive than regular merchandise, but they’re worth the splurge if you’re devoted to the musician. If you outgrow your love for them in the future, you can resell their rare concert tees for a small fortune — bigger if it’s signed.
3. Funko Pop
Funko Pops are toys specifically created for different fandoms. They’re worth the money if you’re serious about collecting. The brand has a wide range of figures; their Harry Potter collection alone seems endless. They’ve made figures of the characters in various scenes, like Harry in his pajamas while in the hospital wing recovering from the rogue bludger in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
You will love collecting Funko Pop figures if you’re an avid fan of Marvel movies, the Harry Potter franchise, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, anime, etc. They also offer limited edition figures. And, most of all, Funko Pop figures don’t decrease in value, even if you took them out of their boxes.
4. Albums
If you’re an avid fan of a specific band, singer, K-pop group, or independent recording artist, the best way to support them is by buying their albums. It helps promote their music and win them awards. Plus, some albums come with exciting add-ons. And if the artist holds a signing event, you can have your albums autographed, boosting their value.
5. Signed Memorabilia
Buying authentic signed memorabilia online or anywhere else won’t just cement your support for a particular artist. It can also turn your home into a museum and earn you a fortune if you resell them. Twenty years from now, memorabilia from these iconic musicians can make you money:
- Michael Jackson
- Led Zeppelin
- Nirvana
- Bob Dylan
- Sex Pistols
- Madonna
- The Rolling Stones
- Elvis Presley
- Jimi Hendrix
- The Beatles
Memorabilia from these musicians are often auctioned on Julien’s Auction’s website. Bidders will offer excessive amounts to get their hands on these rare, unique items. Of course, you don’t have to auction off your memorabilia if you don’t want to. They also have a sentimental value, so it’s reasonable to hold on to them. You can even make them an heirloom, which can benefit your heirs because they can auction them off if they don’t develop an interest in the musician.
Starting your collection with these merchandise items will excite you and let you express your love for the artist or art more. Just be sure that you’ve budgeted your money well. Buying merchandise when you can’t afford them only ends up in disaster.