starting out

[sczim2]

Just starting out with patch collecting. I would like to collect patches from all 50 states. I am especially interested in DOC patches. If anyone with any idea of how to start collecting these, please let me know.
Thanks in advance,
Scottie Z

[JimSpoor]

Or maybe it is knowing when to quit. When you are just starting out it is often hard to acquire patches. There are a few solutions:

1) Contact agencies you are interested in and see if they will sell and/or give you a patch or two. Nothing wrong with this approach. It is an honest approach. This approach can also work if you have friends or family that can get patches for you. Sometimes it can be a little demeaning though.

2) If you belong to an agency or agencies get as many of your own patches as you can and offer to trade for what you desire. This is probably the "purest" form of patch trading but it can be a slow road in the beginning.

3) Some large emblem companies have traders' batches that you can buy. This may be 25-100 different patches for a set price. The big negative here is that you have NO control over what type of patches you will get. It does give you a place to start however. You may even find a few you won't part with.

Personally, I try not to buy or sell patches and memorbilia. I prefer to trade. My collection is not large yet and is somewhat limited because I have several patches that I do not want to part with. That being said it is growing steadily. Do not hesitate to purchase items that you truly desire for your collection, however. Sometimes it is the only way to get that one piece you want.

If you have any more questions, just ask.

Good Luck.

BTW: Be sure to let your friends, family, and coworkers about your interest in collecting. Occasionally these people will get stuff you would have never found otherwise.

[sczim2]

Thanks for the info. The first step I am taking is contacting the agencies. I hope to be able to get enough to start trading. Thanks again
Scottie