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From: John B.
Remote Name: 137.69.85.36
As a beginning collector myself, having just really become serious last year, I've got some recent firsthand experience to draw off of.
The "Collecting Beer Steins" article in the library is a good place for an overview of various stein types.
The best overview material IMO is at beerstein.net, articles such as "The Lure of the Beer Stein" and others in the "Hobby of Beer Stein Collecting" section.
A key phrase to remember is to collect what you like. I think an article with that exact title could be written, if it hasn't been already. Maybe I'll try my hand at it ;o)
Mistakes I've made include casting too wide of a net in what I would initially buy, buying on impulse, etc. Also trying to buy things based on a perceived value or because it is a bargain can be a trap.
At least initially, avoid trying to own everything of a certain style. The desire to own it all can make you lose sight of if you are enjoying yourself in the process or really enjoying what you are acquiring. And I think you don't know enough about what you will really enjoy to focus all of your attention in one area too soon.
I'd mention the two sides of buying damaged steins, either lidless or with cracks, etc. On the one hand these may have zero value to some collectors. On the other hand, it allows you to actually see and touch a piece that you may otherwise not be able to afford getting your hands on. Is it worth $10-15 dollars to own a 100 year old antique but damaged stein? IMO yes, because you can usually turn around and sell it for the same. And you have then determined firsthand what you liked about it or didn't.
The more you get your hands on, the more you determine and refine your taste. Try to drive home the point that new collectors need to see and touch as many steins as they can.
You need to know that your collecting tastes will change as you gain hands-on knowledge of what is out there. Again another reason not to buy too much of one thing too soon.
Even though they command a high price with many collectors, Regimentals and fancy Mettlach steins may really not be your thing. Don't follow the crowd.
A mug that looks boring or ugly in a photo or on a shelf may have a different charm when you actually heft it, and behold! You have found something that you enjoy for it's own sake because it appeals to you.
Once you have given yourself a chance to learn, held at least a hundred or more steins and mugs and looked at photos of hundreds more, you will start to find a focus that is uniquely yours.