Welcome Back to Guided Collectibles!

Hello, and welcome (or welcome back!) to Guided Collectibles! If you’ve been here before, you might notice things look a little different. That’s because we’ve completely redesigned our website, GuidedCollectibles.com, to make it easier for you to browse, shop, and explore. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, we want this to feel like home.For those who don’t know us yet, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Michael, and I’m a retired veteran. My wife and I have been married for nearly 20 years, and she’s my right-hand partner in running this shop. Together, we’ve spent nearly 16 years attending auctions and estate sales, both stateside and while living in Europe. Over time, we’ve built an amazing network that helps us find unique treasures—and we’re excited to share them with you!

How It All Started

Guided Collectibles was born out of an unexpected turn in life: a layoff over the summer. After years working as a trained aircraft electrician, earning my MBA in Project Management, and spending time in the corporate world, I decided it was time to take a leap. I’ve also had the unique experience of working with a prominent podcaster, where I wore many hats—designing merchandise, managing a YouTube channel, navigating the financial regulatory world, and even organizing gala-sized events in the middle of nowhere. Those experiences gave me the confidence to start something of my own.Guided Collectibles isn’t just a shop. It’s a passion project and a way to help others. We started with collectible bullion, but our inventory is growing to include everything from eBooks to collectible toys, and even a category for cozy finds like throws and unique household items. Our mission? To help you find what you need—whether it’s completing a collection, starting a new one, or simply adding a touch of beauty to your home—without breaking the bank.

Looking Ahead

As life evolves, I’m actively seeking new professional opportunities, which may bring exciting changes to my career path. However, rest assured—Guided Collectibles will continue to thrive. My wife and I are committed to keeping this shop running smoothly, no matter where life takes us. This business is our shared passion, and we’re dedicated to providing the same level of care, transparency, and affordability that you’ve come to expect. 

What Makes Us Different

One thing we’ve learned over the years is patience. Half our home is furnished with incredible finds from auctions and estate sales in Europe, and that patience helps us find deals that we can pass on to you.Here’s how we stand out:

  • Affordable Collectibles: Whether it’s art from Red Skelton or Salvador Dalí (with COAs and valuation paperwork) or our crystal and glass collections, we price items fairly. Buying from us can even be an investment, similar to putting money in a savings account or buying precious metals. For example, some of our art pieces are valued in the thousands but are available for half the price or less.
  • Fair Shipping Costs: Most of our domestic shipping is just $5.99 or less—even for larger items. Unlike others who set low prices but charge $30+ for shipping, we aim for transparency and fairness.
  • Honesty and Transparency: If we don’t know the answer to a question, we’ll find it. In fact, we once pulled an artwork from all our shops until we could verify its details. You’ll never get anything less than honesty from us.
  • Custom Creations Coming Soon: I’ve been an amateur photographer for years, and I’m exploring ways to laser etch my best travel photos into unique mediums. We’re also working on custom designs for items like clothing, coasters, flasks, and glassware. I want these creations to be truly great before offering them for sale.

Helping You Beyond Collectibles

We’re not just about selling; we’re about helping. One of our upcoming projects is releasing “how-to” guides and eBooks at affordable prices. For example, I’m working on a detailed resume guide with usable templates. I’ve never understood why some charge $300+ for a resume when people in need of work can’t afford it. While I’ve learned that people often don’t value free resources, I’m pricing this guide reasonably and plan to offer resume reviews for anyone who picks it up.

But I want to hear from you: What other guides would you like to see? Let me know in the comments!

Let’s Talk

This blog isn’t just for updates; it’s for starting conversations. What topics do you feel are missing out there? What discussions would you like to have? Whether it’s collecting tips, life advice, or something entirely different, let me know in the comments below. All topics are on the table.Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Guided Collectibles is more than a business—it’s a way to connect, share, and help others find joy in collecting and creating. 

Visit GuidedCollectibles.com, explore the shop, and let us know what you think. Here’s to a bright and exciting 2025!