Caring for Your Collection

By Arno Lippassaar

The following information is provided to educate and inform. eBay™ is not liable or responsible for any type of damage or loss caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by the information below.

Caring for your toys is important in retaining their value to you, and for their future value. The less a toy is handled, the less likely it will get damaged. Your skin can also have dirt, chemicals, or oils that may harm the finish of a toy. Some collectors recommend using cotton gloves to handle especially prized pieces.

Storing your toys in a dust-free environment is very advisable. Dust is essentially tiny dirt particles. When a buildup of dust occurs and then gets wiped off, it has the potential over time to lightly scratch or damage the toy's finish.

Each type of toy has different types of characteristics. These characteristics are specific to the toy, as well as to the material from which the toy is made. Consult other collectors before attempting to clean an item.

If you're going to attempt a repair on a toy, be aware that you may ruin the value of that toy. Sometimes, a toy left alone will be worth more that a repaired one.

The preceding material was written by Arno Lippassaar. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.