tips for collecting

[scrub-adub]

so I only have 1 g1 so far (merry treats)
and want tons more!
I know e-bay is a pretty good way to start and so is here but anyone have any tips?
please/thank you
(ps: If you have any up for sale I dont have any money but I am going to start selling pony art/customs )

[MoonStars]

keep an eye on craigslist, check out flea markets and yard sales and thrift stores (although they're not as bountiful anymore in those places; I guess the G3s are more what shows up these days as those 2000's kids "age out" of their toys  )

[QueenStarglow]

You could always start with scouring My Little Wiki to pick out the ponies you want and learn about the different release sets and variants.

[Tiffymh1fan]

Some people don't like to give out tips/advice because that adds to the pool of pony hunters...
My advice is buy off the arena rather than ebay. I only buy on there when its a amazing deal or its hard to find. I learned the hard way.
When going to second hand shops like the goodwill go first thing in the morning before all the good stuff is picked over. And when you go to yard sales even if you don't see any ponys it don't hurt to ask... They may have some they just don't have out. Good luck. 

[achab1984]

I would buy from here unless the seller one ebay has a lot of good feedback.

[Nekronyte]

I've had a lot of luck finding g3s at my local flea market, they aren't always in great condition but learning how to restore them is part of the fun. Also, I agree with Starglow, learning the different releases is a good idea, I have a mylittlewiki tab open all the time. Good luck!

[kiwimlp]

Don't forget the local school fairs! I've found a lot of ponies there over the years

[simplysassy]

I see a lot of G3's in thrift shops and flea markets but rarely G1's. 

[MidnightVelvet]

I've found some pretty great condition G3 's at the thrift store. No G1's though

[hathorcat]

Take a deep breath This pony collecting malarkey is going to be fun! Actually I mean that in all seriousness - there are thousands of different MLP you could purchase for your collection. My initial advice would be to sort yourself out a wish list. As others have mentioned, try sites like Dream Valley, the Wiki, Ponyladypress, Ponytopia, Strawberry Reef, etc in order to work out the ponies which appeal to you most. Its so easy to get sucked into being overwhelmed with the volume of ponies you can purchase but if you have set goals then it means you get the ponies you most want with out running up pony debt

As for actual purchased, try the For Sale forums here to find fellow collectors who are selling or even the For Trade forum. You could also get some of your art/customs posted up and offered in trade for ponies - you never know who may be on the look out and happy to trade with you.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Definitely learn all about them first!  You don't want to come back from the thrift store and find out you left a valuable pony behind because you didn't know who they were.   

[Artemesia's Garden]

Don't forget the local school fairs! I've found a lot of ponies there over the years

Sweet idea! Although going back to my primary school fills me with dread