Raving Toy Maniac

- THE X-FILE - Version 1.0

Before beginning the tedious process of packing and storing your toys, it's a good idea to catalogue your figures and accessories in some manner. The reasons are simple, really. By keeping a log of your toys you will always know what you have and what you don't. It will also aid you in keeping up with the current value of your collection and most importantly, if you invest in homeowners insurance, you will have an updated list of your collection to give to the insurance company in case of a fire, flood or theft. There are many ways to construct a list of your collection It can be done with photographs, a computer or by using the old fashioned way with a pencil and paper. Since all of these methods are very reliable, pick the one that is the most comfortable and affordable to you.

The Computer We will start with this method since it is the one I use and is rather appropriate for a web site (don't cha' think?). The key here is to have something that is updatable, editable and easy to use. There are many software programs currently available for setting up a database of this kind. I prefer a simple word processing program with a spreadsheet feature. Here is how I constructed my spreadsheet using Claris Works 2.0 (o.k. so the image is a little blurry, but you get the idea):

1. I set up the page using five columns with a header for each column consisting of: (a) The quantity of each item. (b) A description of the item (i.e. name and variation). (c) The condition of the figure and packaging. (d) The price I paid for the item. (e) The current value (according to a price guide) 2. Then, under the "Description" label, I made a header (in red) for the general toy line and a subhead (in bold) for the assortments and accessories which fall under that particular toy line. I found it most helpful to also include the date when the toy was issued in these subheads. 3. Next, I typed in the information accordingly and sorted it alphabetically. 4. At the bottom of the page, I set up a running total under the "Price Paid" column (so I knew where all of my money went for the year) and under the "Value" column (so I'd feel better knowing what my collection was potentially worth... yeah, right).

Other Software Michael Crawford (founder of A.T.O.M.) has come up with a nifty little program specifically designed for toy tracking called the Toy Librarian v3.0. The program works for all kinds of toys - fast food, action figures, cars, dolls, etc. NOTE: There is no Macintosh version to date, that I know of. So I guess us "point & clickers" will have to do without. But then again, we're use to it, eh? To obtain a registered copy of Michael's creation, visit the A.T.O.M. (Action Toy Organization of Michigan) web site by CLICKING HERE and then click on the Software button when you get there.

Photographs Keeping a photo-index can be rigorous if you already have a large collection and possibly expensive depending on the way you choose to archive the photos. But, if you must, here a few ideas I'm sure you will find acceptable: Photos Upon receiving your developed photos, label the back of them with the name, description and price you paid for the item using a permanent marker. Also include any other information you deem relevant if you desire a more detailed inventory (see above). Place your photos in a translucent-pocketed plastic sleeve made for binders.   Just as a suggestion, you may want to use the kind of sleeves made for holding sports cards. The pockets are smaller so you can have more photos per page and you can reduce your cost of film by taking a wide shot of two figures and cutting the photo in half.   Once inside the binder, just find a shelf or bookcase to store your hard work. To learn more about taking good shots of your collection, please see the Photo Tips page.   Slides The best way to go if you're worried about saving space! However, on the downside, a slide's frame doesn't allow much room for the information you need to write on it. Other than that, the same rules apply here as for photographs concerning how to go about storing them (see above).

Paper Grab yourself a pencil or pen and a notebook of paper... need I say more?

SUBMIT UNTO ME ! As always, I'm open to any intuitive and resourceful ideas. If one happens to pop into your head, and you feel it should be included on this page, jot it down and send it to me. Credit is given where credit is due! Pristine Plastic | Keeping Track | Loose Figures | Display Cases & Shells Packing | Storage Back to the Beginner's Guide To Collecting Action Figures