How do you catalog?

[spacelord]

Most of the collectors here seem to have hundreds or even thousands of pieces. What do you all use to keep track of them and what informataion do you keep?

I use M$ Access. I list the name, stamped date, episode, the pack-ins it came with and the pack-ins I still have.

[Dar' Argol]

I use Wizardworld. I use to use a Toyfare (http://www.toyfare.com) magazine until I found an ad for this in there. It takes some time to see up your collection(it took me 4 hrs) but it was worth it. It keeps track of all my figs by collection, gives me current values, and lets me know the changes in those values(- or +). It works for me. I am currently creating a collection for my opened figs so I know what I have and what I don't, incase I want to create another diorama.

Here's the link to Wizardworld (http://www.wizardworld.com)

Enjoy :D

[Dryanta]

I've used the price guide here as a checklist.It's really complete and has always been there when I wanted it.When will it be back up?!!

[stillakid]

Up to this point, I scour the various lists from different fansites, all of which seem to have different information, and manually combine them into a Word document.

For new lines, I'll look for WAVE listings that keep us up to date as to release dates and such. As a "line" of figures is released, I'll edit the list as necessary to keep track of what I have and still need. Once a line is finished, I'll pull all the figures back out to double check the quantities. Then I usually reedit the WAVE list into something more user friendly, like organizing the figures by character or alphabetically or something.

But my newest strategy is to create "drawers" for characters exclusively from each movie. I use the plastic ones available at TARGET. One drawer for ANH figures, another for ESB, and so on. The last drawer is reserved for the "in-progress" line, which happens to be the Power of the Jedi. I still need the last three figures from that, but when they come, the entire POTJ line will be dispersed into the appropriate "movie" drawers leaving the empty drawer for AOTC or whatever the line will be called.

Unfortunately, the drawers I have aren't large enough for all the figures that have been released from each film, so I'm keeping "troop" figures, like Stormtroopers and Rebel soldier-types, in a separate drawer.

Oh, nearly all of my figures are loose, so storing them this way and cataloguing works in this situation. I suppose if I left them on cards I'd have something else going.

[SirSteve]

Sorry for the delay in the Price Guide/Collection Tracker but we are working on it every day to get it perfect! It's nearing though!

[stillakid]

Originally posted by SirSteve
Sorry for the delay in the Price Guide/Collection Tracker but we are working on it every day to get it perfect! It's nearing though!

Probably a little late to ask now, but will it have a Palm Pilot capability so that our lists can "travel" with us on those hunting expeditions to Toys R Us?

[Wolfwood319]

I keep all my figures on a shelf. If I want to know what figure specifically I have, I look at the shelf. I have a shelf for the Cantina, a shelf for Jabba's Throne Room, a shelf for every other POTF2/POTJ and a shelf for vintage.

I don't really care how much any of it is or was worth because I open everything and never had any intention of selling them for profit.

[DarthRune]

i just finished cataloging my collecting on my computer....there are alot of programs out there to help you sort your figures but i chose to just use windows files....i have a file for star wars....in that i have them split by lines ...and then into catagories...ie. 3 3/4 " ...12" playsets...ships.

i get the pictures i need from collection sites...i dont use the pics on a website so i guess its ok...no one sees them but me.

i use toyfare for prices...i just cut out all the star wars listing and staple the pages together to make a small booklet that fits conveiniently into my wifes purse...so i can whip out in TRU....i got the idea about a year ago in a KBtoys...they had hundreds of POTF2 figures for 1.99 a peice...so i ran(not walked) to a waldenbooks in the same mall and got a toyfare and ripped the star wars section out and spent a good 3 hours looking through the huge pile for varients....i walked away that day with 50 figures.

[spacelord]

Originally posted by stillakid


Probably a little late to ask now, but will it have a Palm Pilot capability so that our lists can "travel" with us on those hunting expeditions to Toys R Us?
That is one reason I chose M$. I can export it to my Jornada.

I never bothered keeping track of the price/value either. I may go back and add that for insurance reasons. If my house burned down, I might have a tough time explaining why I need that much money for toys.

[JetsAndHeels]

I have a log of my collection and what I am missing, but usually I just keep a log in my head.
I remember everything I have because I know my collection that well.

[SWAFMAN]

I created a list using Excel. The SSG collectors listings were invaluable as far as providing a complete log of the products, including variations, that I collect.

[Jargo]

I agree wholeheartedly with Wolfwood319. I just open up everything and throw them on a shelf or six. If I want to know what I've got I go and look. I can usually remember what I've got when I go looking for them though. There aren't that many figures to remember. unless you're a variant hunter and then you're just a masochist. :crazed:

Can't see the point of cataloguing anything. It takes too much time. And why would you want to know what your figures are worth? unless it's for insurance purposes.

[stillakid]

Originally posted by EMPEROR JARGO
I agree wholeheartedly with Wolfwood319. I just open up everything and throw them on a shelf or six.

Do you have a problem with everything getting too dusty? I'd love to set things out, but A) I don't have the room to do so at present, and B) I don't want to have to dust 600+ figures.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

Method number 1: In an alphabetized Rolodex (yes, it is that particular brand name). Easy to update.

Method #2: On a disk for my word processor. Easy to update.

Method #3: On paper, printed from the file on the disk for my word processor. Harder to update (it's out of ABC order then) but easily portable.

Method 34: On paper, as the come out in waves and I check them off, plus a column for extras and lesser-condition. Not in ABC but time order.

Method #5: Memory. VERY portable! :p

Bel-Cam Jos, Master Craftsman of Lists, Inc. :rolleyes:

[Jargo]

Originally posted by stillakid


Do you have a problem with everything getting too dusty? I'd love to set things out, but A) I don't have the room to do so at present, and B) I don't want to have to dust 600+ figures. Umm, it can be a problem. Depends where you keep them. I've got about the same number of items on display and I rotate which ones get cleaned. I guess the hardest thing is to keep the white ones clean. I've got thirty commtech stormies who are in danger of getting yellowed. So i clean them once in a while with washing up detergent (mild solution) as it's the best cleanser for that sort of thing. Heat from radiators is the worst enemy of the white or pale blue figures like Lyn Me from the jabbas dancers cinema scene. The vinyl used in arms and legs and heads is the worst affected.

But dusting is a chore I endure to appreciate the figures in all their glory on a daily basis. Picking them up and taking them to another room to play with or siting with one at the PC is a great way to casually dust them. It's the ships and beasties that gather most though.

(Sorry this is off topic but he did ask.)

I only have a list of stuff I want scribbled down on rough bits of paper while I decide what to buy next. Then I shred the paper and recycle it. I really do keep everything in my head. I did once try to run a database on the PC but it was such a hassle trying to fit in items I'd forgotten or added that I just deleted the whole file in a fit of annoyance. You can become addicted to lists.......

[Jedibill]

I use ablesoft Comic Collector its easy too use and i just deleted all the comic names and made titles like STAR WARS: POTJ 3" figures and form there the issue number becomes a figure such has 1 = luke Bespin 2 luke jedi and so on.also lets me make numbers like 1A luke bespin (blue hat) and 1B luke bespin (red hat) great for variations.program runs in dos or dos window its very small and easy too move.

[derek]

i use numerous cardboard boxes.

[Dar' Argol]

Originally posted by EMPEROR JARGO

Can't see the point of cataloguing anything. It takes too much time. And why would you want to know what your figures are worth? unless it's for insurance purposes.

The reason I cataloge all my unopened figs is b/c
1. So I know all that I have b/c I don't have enough room right now to display everything. I have about 3 boxes under my bed with no where to go. At least until I build my room on the house.

2. I want the value so I can show my wife why I should be buying all these figs. "Look hon, in 20 years I can sell all this and send our daughter to college:D " It sorta works. Plus, I'm kinda scared until I can get the wiring replaced in my house. Its the old cloth covered wires(that are still safe but makes me nervous). If the house burned down(God forbid!!) and I had my list on my Computer, it would get lost too. That's why I use wizarworld. Its not saved here, its saved on the net.

And I do have a lot of figs opened too. I am not just a carded collector. I truely believe that toys were ment for kids and should be opened. Out of my collection of about 300+ I'd say that at least 75-90 of them are opened. I buy 2 of the ones I really like and open one when I get home.:D

[stillakid]

I just upgraded my phone to a Samsung i700 (http://www.samsungusa.com/cgi-bin/nabc/prod/hhcommerce/telecommunications/sph_i700_features_verizon.jsp) which has the PocketPC built in. (yeah for me). Anyhow, as I get up to speed on how to use the thing, I was again wondering if there are any types of inventory programs built specifically for this platform and/or something that would be updatable through the desktop computer. Thanks!

[master jedi]

I use a notepad that came with windows to just keep an inventory of what I have. I just use it to keep from buying doubles of SW things I already have. Other than that I just keep my stuff in cardboard boxes in my closet.

[Lowly Bantha Cleaner]

I use MS Excel to catalog all of my Star Wars figures that include both action figures, Micro Machines/Action Fleet, and even SW fast food collectables. I have a column for the item name, quanitity I have, whether they are loose or carded, the condition of each, the store I bought them at, and the price I paid for them. At the end of the spreadsheet I have a box that has a formula built-in that tabulates the amount I have spent on my collection. I don't include every SW stuff I have like video games or assorted trinkets. It would just take too long for that.

[thespar]

I us i a comb of Acess, Lotus 123, and when i am looking memory.

[plo koon 200]

I have used SSG's Collectors Database since day one and I think it is by far the best Star Wars tracking software out there. It could use more capabilities but it is an awesome program. All of you should try it.

[stillakid]

I have used SSG's Collectors Database since day one and I think it is by far the best Star Wars tracking software out there. It could use more capabilities but it is an awesome program. All of you should try it.


I use it as well, but primarily just to keep track of the most recent acquisitions. The problem is that once you have your information in there, there is no way to really summarize it all or reorganize the categories. For instance, I actually store my figures according to the films they were in. "Waves" and "lines" are meaningless once the toys are out of their packages. To be able to click a button on the Database and resort my HAVE list or my WANT list into a variety of categories would be invaluable.

I like that the Database automatically updates new releases (it's strongest point), but because of it's limited summarizing ability, it doesn't go far beyond that.

[plo koon 200]

They have recently as far as I remember catagorized all the toys into their perspective films. Perhaps SirSteve can make the program work out so you can view the toys according to the movies they are in as well, or what they are exclusive to as well (hint hint SirSteve).

[plo koon 200]

PS the thing I like the most about the program is that it allows me to keep track of how much I spend on everything and I can make notes about the product if I ever wish so. I have not really used that option yet but I'm thinking that may be wise for when I become senile and forget everything about Star Wars. Of course by that time I will have forgotten about this website unfortunately.

[stillakid]

Of course by that time I will have forgotten about this website unfortunately.


By that time, media outlets and websites will be beamed directly into our heads so we won't be able to forget. :eek:

[plo koon 200]

Don't forget everyone's elses thougts wil also be beamed to our heads and ala Borg as we welcome in the Singularity (not the Black Hole Singularity, but the technological).

[stillakid]

Don't forget everyone's elses thougts wil also be beamed to our heads and ala Borg as we welcome in the Singularity (not the Black Hole Singularity, but the technological).


On the day we welcome the Black Hole singularity, cataloguing will become immensely simplier:

"Where is your collection?"
"Right here!"