Retro investments can provide the nostalgic bliss you seek, but it’s important to remember that not all retro products will increase in value over time.
Rare video games, in particular, are highly sought after due to their scarcity. As such, their prices tend to skyrocket. Other factors which influence game prices include name recognition and popularity.
Investing in Vintage Books
Book collecting can be an enjoyable hobby and investment opportunity all in one. First editions by authors with large followings may fetch thousands of dollars when first released; to protect this investment it should be stored safely away from dusty environments; dedicated book slipcases can provide further protection, while more fragile tomes should be rebounded by a specialist in order to prevent damage.
Collectors often specialize in one area of interest to them, which can increase both the value of their collection as well as their investment value. For instance, collecting novels by Bronte sisters would likely fetch much greater returns than collecting general historical herbals. When purchasing rare books it’s also important to look out for first edition copies as these typically carry the highest value.
Investing in Vintage Movies
Are your VHS tapes collecting dust in your attic or storage space? They could be worth quite a lot. Once a popular medium until DVD became more prevalent, iconic titles like Back to the Future, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Ghostbusters could fetch upwards of $25k on auction sites.
As with anything, its value depends on its condition and status as either classic or cult hit film. Restoring doesn’t make a poster more valuable; restoration doesn’t translate to higher values either way.
Keep this in mind when investing in retro movies and posters: nostalgia has an unpredictable 20- to 30-year cycle, meaning what might seem trendy now may become mainstream again when Gen Zers are in their 30s or 40s and start craving all things vintage again. So by investing now you could potentially capitalize on Gen Z’s cravings.
Investing in Vintage Music
Collecting guitars is an enjoyable hobby for many people. Their instruments may hang as pieces of wall art or they might play them to relive happy memories and emulate musical heroes they admire. But for investors looking to diversify their portfolio and protect against market volatility, guitars may provide a means of protecting against volatility; historically speaking they have appreciated faster than the stock market in value terms, providing an attractive investment alternative.
Investing in vintage guitars can be challenging, as their prices fluctuate more rapidly than the stock market and an extensive research process must take place before buying one. As with investing in other vintage musical items like studio equipment and artwork, royalty-backed bonds have even been sold on the investment market to allow investors to gain exposure to musical creators’ back catalogs.
Investing in Vintage Video Games
Vintage video games are making a comeback as an investment opportunity, becoming more expensive as collectors demand them and becoming collectors themselves. Some even pay thousands of dollars for sealed copies of Super Mario Bros. on NES due to their memories associated with childhood playtime. This trend stems from how these classic titles remain nostalgic items from their youths’ memories.
Many factors can impact the price and value of retro games, including rarity, condition, and popularity with gamers. To help determine whether a particular game is worth purchasing, some general guidelines can be followed to help make that determination. It is important to keep in mind that older video games tend to be harder for newer users due to being designed for cathode ray tube television sets rather than modern flat-screen TVs; thus before purchasing one make sure it is in good condition first.