• You can find collectable bargains in supermarkets and departments stores that are free.

• The handbag that you’ve been using could already be a valuable collectable.

• There were fashion items sold for around £10 in 2007, which are worth almost 10 times that now.

• Your children’s toy box could be the home of some collectable treasures.

For those who thought collecting was all about football cards or perma-tanned, bow-tie wearing men of a certain age waxing lyrical on figures that are either ugly or cost the price of a small car – it’s time to think again!  Tracy Martin is smart, sassy, thirty-something and fun and is probably the UK’s only ultra-modern collectable expert.  Tracy’s passions include handbags and fashion items, children’s toys and contemporary ceramics.  She believes that collections should be fun to own, fun to amass and hopefully profitable.

Tracy’s book is destined to become the handbook for all collectors – whatever their budgets.  She offers comprehensive tips on deciding what to collect, spotting a bargain, where to look and which items of today will become the sought after collectables of tomorrow.  Tracy’s advice includes all you need to know for successful shopping at car boot fairs, auctions, collectors’ fairs, online auction sites and charity shops.  She also suggests high street items that are worth investing in for the future – the perfect excuse to buy the celebrity designed ranges sold at H&M.

Tracy writes: “a very common disease called ‘collectavitus’ has been known to attack when you least expect.  Beware – this fascinating new hobby will take over your home, your life and your finances.  On the positive side, however, it will also bring a host of new friends, exciting experiences and adrenaline rushes which are better than any rollercoaster ride.  Sit back and get ready… the collecting bug is about to bite”. 

Tracy lives in Leigh on Sea and is available for interview.

For more information please contact:
Vivienne Pattison on 020 7590 0817 or Suzanne Sangster on 020 7590 0805
or email Vivienne.Pattison@midaspr.co.uk or Suzanne.sangster@midaspr.co.uk