Buying and selling rare teddy bears can be quite profitable if you know what to look for.

Teddy bears are such a joyful thing to collect, whether for fun or investment purposes. If you're wondering where to get started in the wonderful world of teddy bear collecting, this post will cover all the basics.

What you will need to begin collecting teddy bears

You don't need much to start a teddy bear collection, but there are a few things to consider before you begin:

Money

If you're starting from scratch with your collection, you will need a bit of cash to invest in your first teddy bears. While teddy bears are easy to come by, rare and vintage bears do not come cheap. However, don't be deterred if you're on a budget, as you may just need to start small or spend a little time bargain-hunting in the early days. Charity shops and car boot sales can be great places to find hidden gems at little cost.

Research/knowledge 

If you are considering buying bears for investment purposes, you need to know what you're looking for. Do some research online or get specialist books to teach yourself about different bears and bear brands.

Storage space

Unless you're collecting miniature bears, you will need to consider where to store them, as a growing teddy bear collection will take up space. You will need a spacious, clean, dry place to store your bears. Investing in a cabinet to keep your bears safe and preserve their condition is a good idea. This will, in turn, help them hold their value and look good on display.

Record keeping processes

If you're going to take teddy bear collecting seriously, you should consider how you will keep records of your collection. You may want to record where you bought each bear and how much you paid. Some bears may also come with documentation that you want to keep safe.  

What to Collect 

Teddy bear collecting is fun, and it's entirely up to you what you want to collect and where to begin. However, there are so many different bears out there it can be overwhelming in the early days. The following may provide some helpful ideas to guide you.

Limited edition bears

Teddy bear brands are known for creating limited edition bears, which are sold for a short time, with a restricted number of bears being produced. This exclusivity makes limited edition bears sought after and often valuable, making them ideal for a collection focus.

Collecting by brand

Some people like to focus solely on one brand when collecting teddy bears. The benefit of this is that it allows you to narrow your focus and learn a lot about one brand. Over time, you could expand to other brands. You may, for example, begin by focusing on one of the most well-known brands, such as Steiff Teddy bears or Merrythought. These brands are sought-after and renowned.

Collect by style

Some people favour a particular style of teddy. Perhaps you prefer the look of some kinds of bears over others or like bears produced in one specific decade. Teddy bear collecting doesn't have to be reserved just for bears either – if you prefer other stuffed animals, then why not focus your collection here instead?

Essential tips for looking after your teddy bear collection

Taking proper care of your teddy bear collection is extremely important if you want to preserve your bears' condition and value. Teddy bears can become damaged over time due to environmental conditions. These basic care tips will help you prevent this:

• Do not wash your bears in the washing machine
• Store your bears in a cool, dry place
• Keep your bears out of direct sunlight
• If bears are exposed to dust, shake the dust off regularly

Where to buy teddy bears

There are many places you can buy and sell your teddy bears. Here are some familiar places to begin looking for bears to add to your collection:

• Auction houses
• Online auctions
• Online stores
• Private sellers
• Charity shops
• Car boot sales
• Antiques markets
• Antique and vintage stores

Auctions are a great place to hunt for teddy bears. Starting prices are often low, so you might find yourself bagging a bargain bear at auction. If you're looking to buy bears for your collection, check out our upcoming lots here to see what's on offer.