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Pony Talk => Pony Corral => Topic started by: Bothvar on September 05, 2015, 08:17:47 AM

Title: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bothvar on September 05, 2015, 08:17:47 AM

Hey guys!

As my collection is growing and growing, i'm looking for a good way to keep track of my Ponies!

Is there perhaps a website? Or do you just keep a list somewhere and how? :)

I'm very curious! I'm getting into the 100+ and I'd love to find a way to keep track to avoid getting doubles~!

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Taffeta on September 05, 2015, 08:26:17 AM

I have begun a database for mine now, but generally I have it all in my head. Never had trouble remembering what I have...at least not g1.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bothvar on September 05, 2015, 08:33:53 AM

Quote from: Taffeta on September 05, 2015, 08:26:17 AM

I have begun a database for mine now, but generally I have it all in my head. Never had trouble remembering what I have...at least not g1.

Really jealous of that! I'm a big forget-a-lot! I know most of my stuff like my favorites, but some I forget :<

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Taffeta on September 05, 2015, 08:35:00 AM

Its not so impressive :) I only remember things which are not useful in normal life XD.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Leave a Whisper on September 05, 2015, 08:58:09 AM

I just have a list on Microsoft Words. What ponies I still need to get on my wishlist, what ponies I own, what sets they're from and the names of the people who created my customs. All of the ones I own have a photo underneath the name and info. I like to keep it simple. I also don't have a lot of ponies at the moment, so it makes it easier to keep track of 32, then it is to keep track of say, 300.  ^.^

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bekuno on September 05, 2015, 09:15:15 AM

I bought a cute G1 TAF pony journal set and painstakingly wrote down every last pony from every generation including variants by order of release. It includes plush, merch, euro exclusives and some nirvanas as well, and I also add G4 releases as they're announced. Then I just go through and cross them out when I get them.

Typing and having a database would be easier I think! But I like my little journal. You may be able to find some kind of checklist template or something that would work well.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: PinkiePosh on September 05, 2015, 09:43:57 AM

I don't!  :shrug:

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Eurocoin on September 05, 2015, 09:54:23 AM

I only have a small collection, so remembering what I have is still easy. That said, I do have a Google Sheets document for my pony collection (not just actual pony toys but it has all the other stuff too) in my Google Drive.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Baby Sugarberry on September 05, 2015, 10:09:49 AM

I keep it all in my head, though at this point it's easier to recall what I don't have rather than what I do.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Kittywhiskers on September 05, 2015, 10:10:42 AM

Quote from: Taffeta on September 05, 2015, 08:35:00 AM

Its not so impressive :) I only remember things which are not useful in normal life XD.

Same here. I can remember which variants of which ponies I have in what condition just fine, but forget actual important things almost instantly.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bothvar on September 05, 2015, 10:17:42 AM

Quote from: Baby Sugarberry on September 05, 2015, 10:09:49 AM

I keep it all in my head, though at this point it's easier to recall what I don't have rather than what I do.

There's so many G3's oh my god, I can't even remember my family's birthdays left alone hundreds of items...
I've just gotten back into G4 (why did I sell my old collection...) and am getting into G1. I really need to write down stuff. Some I have but I want in a better condition ect. Bleh, this is gonna be a lot of work

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: SkyCakes on September 05, 2015, 10:30:01 AM

well I go to Klect.com but I also have printed out checklists. I need something for the ever overwhelming G3s. I have to get one of those G3 collectors books. :/

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: banditpony on September 05, 2015, 10:40:28 AM

Hmm. Honestly, for me, if I'm forgetting who I own, I'd feel like I had too many.
I remember them all in my head.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bibsy on September 05, 2015, 10:45:20 AM

I had to create a database for them.  I could remember the ponies, but not necessarily the accessories. 

I have a (slightly older) version that you can download from Google Drive via my signature if it helps :)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: buttonso on September 05, 2015, 11:18:54 AM

So far my collection is still small enough I can remember them all but I do have a spreadsheet I update occasionally.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bothvar on September 05, 2015, 11:20:37 AM

Quote from: SkyCakes on September 05, 2015, 10:30:01 AM

well I go to Klect.com but I also have printed out checklists. I need something for the ever overwhelming G3s. I have to get one of those G3 collectors books. :/

Oohh I hadn't heard about Klect (now to figure out how to use) But yeah, a collector book may be in order since there are a (bleep) ton...

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Mirnyj on September 05, 2015, 11:27:16 AM

I have all my ponies out so if I'm unsure of whether I already own something I just get off the couch and check.  :P

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bothvar on September 05, 2015, 11:50:28 AM

Quote from: Mirnyj on September 05, 2015, 11:27:16 AM

I have all my ponies out so if I'm unsure of whether I already own something I just get off the couch and check.  :P

Currently I have 90% of my collection in boxes QoQ! But thank god the bae said I could get a place to display my ponies in the house! So very soon that will help a lot!
Though if i'm out and about visiting thrift shops, that's what I really want it for!

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: otocolobus_manul on September 05, 2015, 12:31:15 PM

I keep lists of which g4s and g3s I have and want, respectively. Since I'm so persnickety about which exact variants from which exact sets I get (for ponies with multiple releases), I have it organized by year, set and wave. Once a pony is obtained, it's removed from the want list and added to a specific spot in the have list. (I have few enough g1s and g2s that I don't need to make lists, haha)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Bothvar on September 05, 2015, 12:36:39 PM

Quote from: Mrbrightsky on September 05, 2015, 12:31:15 PM

I keep lists of which g4s and g3s I have and want, respectively. Since I'm so persnickety about which exact variants from which exact sets I get (for ponies with multiple releases), I have it organized by year, set and wave. Once a pony is obtained, it's removed from the want list and added to a specific spot in the have list. (I have few enough g1s and g2s that I don't need to make lists, haha)

Making a 'want' and 'have' list is a good idea!
I really feel the "I want specific ponies from a specific set" I got so so lucky finding a new G4 Wedding playset in a toy store on discount!

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: moevelvet on September 05, 2015, 12:44:26 PM

My collection is small enough that they all sit on shelves next to my computer, so I can just look around.   :lol:

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Saber-Toothed Crow on September 05, 2015, 12:51:23 PM

I've recently started a spreadsheet for my G1 collection. Nothing too fancy, just a very basic checklist I can use to keep tabs on things.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: gabumon on September 05, 2015, 01:11:53 PM

there's an iPhone app called Toy Collector 2 that I use.  they update their catalog so often.  you can also tag things as Want which is fun!

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Aienhime on September 05, 2015, 01:36:30 PM

I don't. It's a mess, really. But I haven't bought a pony in ages except for a few I've picked up at flea markets, so it's not a big problem ;)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: DazzleKitty on September 05, 2015, 02:26:59 PM

Oh dear, this is a problem I have. Having almost 1,000 ponies, it gets pretty hard to keep track of what I have. I have the most trouble with G3s. There was one time I bought a G1 I already had. I try to remember in my head, but sometimes that just doesn't work. :P

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Taffeta on September 05, 2015, 02:28:28 PM

Quote from: Kittywhiskers on September 05, 2015, 10:10:42 AM

Quote from: Taffeta on September 05, 2015, 08:35:00 AM

Its not so impressive :) I only remember things which are not useful in normal life XD.

Same here. I can remember which variants of which ponies I have in what condition just fine, but forget actual important things almost instantly.

I tend to think that all the ponies are taking up space in my brain meant for boring things like phone numbers, and directions to places...;)

I do have trouble remembering what I have for G2, 3 and 4, mind you. It's only G1 that I know without looking in the cupboard. I also have to keep track of which ponies I have, which my sister has, which we both have and the handful of ponies that to prevent disputes as children we ended up sharing.

I have more G1 than anything, tho, so I think I maxed out the space already. I'm still cataloguing but I'm predicting somewhere around 1500 G1 when I'm done, so...no room in the brain for any others.

I thought I had 15 G4 and when I counted, discovered it was about 28 so..;)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: LunaDehligt on September 05, 2015, 02:41:20 PM

when i was new to collecting i took photos of all my ponys and like write there name and when i bought them but then i stopt and now i have to do it all again xD

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Kiwi on September 05, 2015, 04:06:22 PM

I have an Excel spreadsheet now - a separate tab for each gen, with columns for ponies, other (McD, PoP, etc), playsets, and merch. Top section of each is what I have, below is what other releases I know are out (basically a want list, even though I may not actively seek all releases, just wanted a complete list).

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: BuckinghamAlice on September 05, 2015, 05:19:28 PM

My collection is quite small, so it's been easy so far to keep track in my head.  I do have a list in a Word doc though.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Honeycomb on September 05, 2015, 11:33:27 PM

I'm not really keeping, but rather losing track of my collection. I should become more organized.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Juliepants on September 06, 2015, 12:21:27 AM

My friend bought me a G1 style MLP notebook, so I've written out a list of all my ponies and what accessories they have. (I've got about 130 ponies total). Then at the back of the notebook is a list of the accessories I still need. And on another page near the back a list of the ponies I want to get. So, it's old fashioned cos it's handwritten, but I find it quite therapeutic doing it :)

Jules x

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Tulips on September 06, 2015, 12:30:01 AM

Quote from: Mirnyj on September 05, 2015, 11:27:16 AM

I have all my ponies out so if I'm unsure of whether I already own something I just get off the couch and check.  :P

Same here. My bedroom is my pony room and everyone is on display. It's been a while since I counted, and frankly I'm too scared the number will depress me to do so, but there's definitely hundreds. I don't keep a list and don't aim for 100% completion either, but I probably should record the more expensive ones for insurance purposes.  :huh:

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Lady.Arachnia on September 06, 2015, 12:50:34 AM

Quote from: SkyCakes on September 05, 2015, 10:30:01 AM

well I go to Klect.com /

I didn't know a site like this existed! I browsed around and I open an account and I think it is a helpful website! Only the marketplace is very outdated.....

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Beldarna on September 06, 2015, 01:23:22 AM

I have it in my head.. and if I ever forget I have the Collector's Inventory for G1 and for the ponies that isn't in there I have a printed out spreadsheat where I write down who I have.. been long since I updated it tho.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Sea_Breeze on September 06, 2015, 02:38:11 AM

Excel plus I also list how much I paid, when/who  I bought/sold .. It tallies automatically as I add and delete, pretty scary how much one can spend in 10 years

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Haruna on September 06, 2015, 09:27:04 AM

I use Dream Valley's free checklist to keep track of my U.S. release G1s. I don't have a huge amount of ponies from other countries, so I mostly keep track of those in my head. However, my Excel-loving accountant sister has made us a collection checklist spreadsheet, so if I ever needed to I can check it and see if I have the pony. (It's more for my mom, since she buys ponies for birthdays and Christmas.)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: BethyVic on September 06, 2015, 01:49:28 PM

There are some great ideas here that I might use.  I used to use Microsoft and just listed each pony by year and country.  Unfortunately, Microsoft Word stopped working so I am trying to find an alternative. 

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: brighteyes on September 06, 2015, 02:35:29 PM

I have an Microsoft OneNote binder for my collection.  I love that this program has checkmark box bullets that get a check in them when you click on them.  It's so satisfying to check ponies and accessories off my list :D

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Wind~Whistler on September 06, 2015, 03:07:35 PM

I use KLECT.com only for G1 and sometimes G2/G3. For G4, I just count them since most are rereleases :P

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: summerday on September 06, 2015, 06:58:28 PM

I'm working on a database using FileMaker Pro. I'm entering all G1s right now. I have MOC pictures and pictures of my own loose. I can mark which ones I have. Then I can click a tab to see the accessories for each. I can then put checks by what I have. I'm still trying to decide how to handle non-US ponies and variants.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: mlp4me on September 07, 2015, 07:21:30 AM

I made a list off of Kimsites info; then I made a want list here. That's how I keep track.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: PeachyPie on September 14, 2015, 06:05:34 PM

I was having the same problem just this week. I think I might start an excel database and then just colour the ones I have off. I'm an accountant though so spreadsheets are my thing.  :silly:

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Prideth on September 15, 2015, 07:08:34 AM

I have a spreadsheet that doubles as my wishlist.  Basically, I just made a big list of allll the ponies I want (and somehow it still keeps growing...) and crossed off the ones I have.  So I know exactly who I have, and who I'm missing.  I have columns for their ribbons, brushes, and accessories too!  I have pictures for everything so that I know what I'm looking for.  It helps keep me organized and prevents me from buying doubles or anything.  It's a nice way to keep my wishlist and inventory all together as one!

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: nessa16 on September 15, 2015, 07:40:07 AM

I bought all of Summer's inventory books and use those.  I call the G1 book the Pony Bible  :lol: .  I also have a fairly detailed wishlist for all gens that I go off of for buying.  The only thing I don't have as well covered is the Nirvana/international ponies which I kind of use Debra's first international pony book for but it's kind of outdated.  I've tried checklists and spreadsheets but find that I don't ever finish them or keep them updated.  I usually cross reference my books and wishlist if I really need to know.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: TornadoTwist on September 15, 2015, 07:44:37 AM

For the G4 ponies I use the checklist function of MLP Merch :)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Rainbowrific Renia on September 15, 2015, 08:23:23 AM

Thanks to the new MLP Merch checklist function, I use that for my G4s.

I also have a spreadsheet for both my G1s and G4s.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Taxel on September 15, 2015, 09:01:42 AM

I have a Shutterfly site for my collections. I post a photo whenever I get a new pony, with their name and the date I got them.

In theory I'm supposed to edit the descriptions when I trade/sell/gift away a pony but I'm very bad about keeping up with that.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: wizzer218 on September 15, 2015, 10:20:56 AM

Quote from: Baby Sugarberry on September 05, 2015, 10:09:49 AM

I keep it all in my head, though at this point it's easier to recall what I don't have rather than what I do.

this....lol.....I have thousands...only G1 though...its more of the accessories that I need a checklist for...LOL

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Kyubey on September 15, 2015, 02:40:05 PM

Currently I'm listing my ponies in a Word document: I just add a picture of the pony with his/her name underneath it. Planning on switching to excel soon, seems easier to keep track off.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: NoPonySpecial on September 16, 2015, 04:57:18 PM

First I make a detailed list, then I forget about it for a year.
Then I make a detailed spreadsheet, then forget about that one for a year.
So far it's not a very efficient method.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Shy Violet on September 16, 2015, 10:58:07 PM

For G4's I have all the current releases so I just need to keep an eye out for new releases, that's easy.

For G3's I keep finding them at thrift stores so I made a list in my "Notes" app as I bought them. Then each time I can check my list while I'm in store before buying. I got so many now and I don't really collect them, they were more for my daughter. I don't bother buying them anymore when I see them, not super interested.

For G1's I know for the most part which ponies I have. I have made a list in my "Notes" app again but this time the lists are ponies that I'm actively looking for and I can check them off as I buy them (mostly ebay). I do find ponies in the wild and pretty much if it's a G1 I buy it regardless of if I already have it or not. I'm mostly looking to complete certain sets so my list isn't overwhelming. I'll add to it as I complete sets.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Teddy on September 17, 2015, 07:58:59 AM

I just keep track in my head. I know who I have and who I don't in my 300+ collection. Just comes from acquiring them slowly over many years I guess. 

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: JamieDey5 on September 17, 2015, 05:40:48 PM

I have two methods to my pony madness... first a good suggestion is to buy a collectors book it usually has boxes you can check next to each pony as you get/buy them. I have mine on display in a cabinet and keep them sorted according to their set so i can see who i am missing in each one. I also only collect a few sets at a time and when those few sets are completed i move to few more sets. :)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Flitter on September 17, 2015, 06:43:15 PM

I keep a running list on google docs. I used to take photos and add them to an album on my flickr as soon as I got a pony but that got confusing as I started selling off accessories or parts of sets later. Right now I'm working om converting my list to a chart I can eventually add a photo of each individual pony/item to.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: moonflower on September 19, 2015, 03:06:46 AM

I used to use a spreadsheet but now I use an app called Collectors by Sort It! and I absolutely love it!
The only collection you get for free is "books" but it is not that expensive to unlock "action figures" and well worth it.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: hathorcat on September 20, 2015, 02:22:52 PM

Spreadsheet :P

It started as a nice simple spreadsheet and then it grew arms and legs and worksheets.

I also created my own picture check list which is rather cumbersome but works great.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: TickleMePink on September 22, 2015, 02:43:14 AM

I have a humble but growing collections of G1s. For them I have a notebook where I write down when I bought them and for how  much.

I also have two pinboards on Pinterest; MLPs I have and MLPs I want. That way I can just switch the pony from one board to the other once I´ve gotten it. It also makes it easy for my wife to see which ponies I want for christmas :-)

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Prince_Sunbeam on September 22, 2015, 07:35:19 AM

For G1s and G3s I keep a word document with a table of the ponies name, what I paid, as well as other pertinent information. I also started using klect.com but I dont feel like that will stick with me.
For G4 I'm hooked on the mlpmerch checklist&Wishlist! I primarily use the wishlist function since its easier to list what I want than what I have, but I do keep the checklist for blindbags to avoid doubles.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: misskindle on September 23, 2015, 12:44:11 AM

So many ways.
First there's spreadsheets, divided by generation and type of merchandise (brushables, playsets, etc.) with information on name, condition, flaws, year, release, value, where it was bought, and how much I paid.
Basic checklists for each generation.
Finally, I have a website where I take pics of all my ponies after their spa day, and throw it up with a short backstory, value, and origin. That's also divided by generation/years.
I'm kind of analysis about keeping track of my toys. I do the same for dolls.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Aflame on September 23, 2015, 03:02:32 PM

i have 360+ ponies all in boxes at the mo but i have photos of them and the photos are stickered with whitch box they are in so i know where to find them xaflame

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Artemesia's Garden on September 23, 2015, 04:36:44 PM

I'm doing an average to bad job.  I did have a spreadsheet but it's really out of date.  I wish I had kept track of individuals and who I bought them from since it's a great way to get to know people!

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: poshmonsters on September 23, 2015, 07:01:32 PM

I bought the inventory guides for my G3's and I just cross new additions out when I get them. Anything that isn't in the inventory guide is in a G4 pony journal I bought. G1's I keep well enough track of/don't buy enough of to warrant doing inventory and G4 I don't care enough to inventory.

Title: Re: How do YOU keep track of your collection?
Post by: Elfpony on September 26, 2015, 04:19:50 PM

I also have an excel sheet. Although I've never had trouble remembering which ponies I have, it's the accessories where I can get confused. The excel sheet has a tab for each gen, another for play sets, and another for my want list. All the ponies on the want list are already listed in their respective gen, but are marked in a colour so I know I don't have them. Then I just change the colour any time I add a new piece to the collection. I also mark down the pony's condition, and any special info (like if she was a gift from a friend or something). It's about my third iteration of a list, but this one seems to work for me.

Elf