Kollecta is a community-based online collector's paradise. Users have access
to a comprehensive database of over a million (and growing!) collectable items.
After registering online, you can quickly record which items you presently
own, want, and have for sale, enabling you to build an electronic record
of what you have collected so far and what you need to complete your collection.
You are able to display your Collections to others in a secure manner without
revealing your identity or location. You can also share a little detail about
yourself by customising your profile with photos.
You have an item that isn't in the database? You can add it - it's easy! You
can also add images, notes, and so on to the database of Items, allowing the
community to grow and benefit from everyone's experience in their collecting
field. You
can see how the community rates and values your Items, and you can participate
in these activities too. You gain points for things you do in the collecting
community that benefit everyone, such as adding Items, refining Item detail,
and so on. In the future, collectors will receive benefits depending on their
level of Kollecta points.
Kollecta also connects you with other Collectors who love the same things
you do. You can join Groups that collect your favourite things, and if there
isn't
a Group - add one! Buyers and sellers come together in Kollecta to trade Items
they both share an affinity with.
This site was built and is operated by a small group of keen
collectors who, like you, love collecting, recording, and exchanging
their favourite Items. We collect music, fountain pens, figurines, anything frog-related,
books, bears (ornamental!), DVDs, guitars... the list goes on!
It's simple! Collectors select Items, and place them in Collections. If
they have an Item that isn't in the database, they add it (and gain points
for
doing so). Collectors of similar Items form Groups. Groups have a number of
Collectors
associated with them, and a number of Items related to that Group's theme.
For example, a Beatles collector will have Beatles Items in their collection.
They may find a Beatles Group on Kollecta where they can see a comprehensive
list of Beatles Items, deemed as being official Beatle collectables by the
Beatles Group? If the Group isn't there, you can start one. Easy!
Alternatively, you may have a Collection type for which there may not be a
Group, or in fact even a need for one. That's OK. You can set up a Collection
attached to your profile, and add your Items to that.
It is FREE to access and use all areas of the site. Hosting all of Kollecta's
Items and images does cost, so at some point we may ask people to donate
a small amount to keep the service going.
We have lots of ideas queued up to improve this, the Beta version of Kollecta.
We bet you do too! To make the site as fun and rewarding as possible to everyone,
be sure to send your comments and ideas to us on this form. (click
here).
If you find something that looks broken or wrong with the site, we'd appreciate
you contacting
us too (click here).
We'll acknowledge you where we can.
Rating Items is important because it lets other users get a feel
for how popular or worthwhile the Item is in the Kollecta community. As
a bonus,
you accumulate Points when you rate Items (see the Points section for more
details).
On
the 'Item Detail' page, simply enter the value you think the Item is
worth into the area in the 'Value' section. When you see an Item's
value displayed in this section, it is converted from the currency of
the user who added the item, into your currency (selected in your
profile). Similarly, when you value an Item, the value you enter is in
your preferred currency.
Tip: You can
change your mind later. Simply access the 'Item Detail' page again, and
re-value the Item. The new value will replace your previous entry.
Valuing Items is important because it lets other users get a feel
for how much the Item is worth in the Kollecta community. As a bonus, you
accumulate Points when you value Items (see the Points section for more
details).
Simply
click on the 'Email link' button near the top right of the page. The
'Email' screen will open. All you need to do is enter 1 to 4 email
addresses of friends you want to send the Item link to. Easy! You can
also add an optional message, if you want.
It's easy! Start typing in the 'Item Type' box. After a few keystrokes,
Kollecta will display possible item types to you. For example, if you type
'open', you will see item types containing the word 'open' - 'Bottle Opener'
and 'Letter Opener'.
It's
a good idea to try different variations to find your item type. You
could type 'bear', 'teddy', 'soft toy', for example, if you were adding
a teddy bear Item. If you're sure the item type you're looking for
isn't there, you can email our support desk.
This area is for you to record your own notes about your particular
copy of the Item.
* If you have the Item,
click 'Have' and select one of your Collections to put the
Item into. * If you want the item,
click 'Want' and enter the value you'd pay for the Item (optional).
* If you have the item
for sale, click 'Sell' and enter the value you want for the
Item (optional).
You can also enter:
* A guide as to the condition of your Item (see Item
Condition). * Any special features or attributes your Item has
(such as autographs, or blemishes). * What you paid for the Item. * When you bought the Item.
* Any other notes you want to make about the Item.
In the 'My Notes' part of the Item Detail page, click the 'Have' circle.
In the box that appears, choose which of your Collections you want
to
save the Item in. Click 'Save' when you've finished.
In the 'My Notes' part of the Item Detail page, click the 'Want' circle.
(Optional: in the box that appears, enter the amount you would be
willing to
pay for the Iitem.) Click 'Save' when you're finished.
In the 'My Notes' part of the Item Detail page, click the 'Sell' circle.
(Optional: in the box that appears, enter the amount you would be
willing to
sell the Item for.) Click 'Save' when you're finished.
First, click on the 'Edit Item' tab near the top right
of the Item Detail page. When the 'Edit Item' page is displayed, click
on the 'Update
Images' link. You will see that each Item can have up to six images:
'three official' images and three of your own.
The top three slots hold images for everyone to see when they look
at that item. The bottom three image slots are for you to record your
own images, which are visible if someone looks at that Item in one
of your Collections. For example, a top image slot may have an image
of Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' record. You might load an image of your
copy of that record, autographed by Roger Waters, into a bottom image
slot.
To add an image, click on an empty image slot and then use the 'Browse' button
to find the image on your computer. Don't forget to click 'Save' to ensure
your image loads. You must save after each individual image is loaded.
On the 'Item Detail' page, simply click on the Rating Slider in the 'Rating'
section and drag it left or right on the scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is 'poor'
and 10 is 'excellent'. Click 'Rate It', easy!
Tip: You can change your mind later. Simply access the 'Item
Detail' page again, and re-rate the Item. The new rating will replace
your previous entry.
A Collection is an accumulation of your prized possessions! You
can have more than one Collection, and name them what you like. You decide
what things you
want to put in which of your Collections.
They are just two different ways of looking at Items you collect
or want.
Groups can be a more convenient way of managing your Items and finding out
more easily what new, relevant Items have been added into Kollecta for
that particular collection type. With Groups, users who have joined the
Group
can add and edit
the Groups Items, so a thorough list can quickly be made and easily kept
up to date.
Collections can be used for storing things that might not conveniently fit
within a Group. You look after the Items in your own Collections.
On your profile page, click the 'Add Collection' link. When
the 'Add Collection' page is displayed, enter a meaningful name for your Collection
and click the
'Save' button. Next time you see an Item that you have and to note that
in your Collection, tick the 'Have' space and select your newly added Collection.
Easy!
A Group is a place for Collectors who collect the same things
to get together. A Group will have a list of Items associated with it,
that members can
add to. By joining a Group, you automatically get that Groups Items noted
in your
profile so you can easily add them to your Have, Want, and Sell lists.
Click on the Group tab at the top of every page, think of a subject
and type it into the search field. See what comes back - you may be pleasantly
surprised!
Once you've found a Group you want to join, click the 'Join Group'
button on the Group Home page. If you want to leave the Group later, click
the
'Leave Group' button.
Yes. You should first search for the Group using the Search box
on the Group tab - someone may have already added the Group for you to
join. If
you can't
find what you're looking for, click the 'Add Group' button to add a Group.
Easy! First of all, you must join the Group (see above). There
are then two ways you can add an Item to the Group:
1. Click on the 'Group Items' tab, then the 'New Item' button. The 'Add
Item' page will appear, and when you complete the page the Item will be
automatically associated
with
your Group.
2. Add the Item using the 'Add Item' button on either your Collections
page, or after doing an Item Search. Once added, you can link the Item
to one of
your Groups by choosing one in the 'Linked to Groups' area on the 'Item
Detail' page.
First of all, you must join the Group (see above).
Then, click on the blue 'Update Images' button near the top right of the
Group Home page. When the 'Edit Images' page is displayed, you will see
that each
Group can have up to nine images.
To add an image, click on an empty image slot and then use the 'Browse' button
to find the image on your computer. You can choose one image to be the
Groups avatar, and one to be the default image shown whenever the Group Home
page
is displayed (they can be the same image). You can also add captions to
the images! Don't forget to click 'Save' to ensure your image loads. You must
save
after each individual image is loaded.
Simply by joining the Group (by clicking the 'Join Group' button
on the Group Home page). When you next visit your Collections page, you will
see the
Groups you've joined displayed above your Collections.
Simply click on the 'Email link' button near the top right of
the page. The Email screen will open. All you need to do is enter 1 to 4 email
addresses
of friends you want to send the Group link to. Easy! You can also add an
optional message, if you want.
On Kollecta, people will often want an Item that someone else
has for sale. The users who want it and those who have it for sale are
displayed on the
Item 'Exchange' page. Each individual Item has an 'Exchange' page.
When you're looking at an 'Item Detail' page, click the 'Exchange'
button just above the Item's image boxes. The 'Item Exchange' page for
that Item will
be displayed.
At the bottom left is all members who have the Item for sale, what condition
it is in, any special attributes or blemishes the Item may have, and the
price they want.
At the bottom right are all members who want the Item, what condition they
want it in, any special attributes or features they're particularly looking
for, and the price they are willing to pay for the Item.
On the 'Item Exchange' page for an Item, choose a seller and click
the corresponding blue 'Buy It' button. A window will open where you can
send a brief note to
the seller, such as asking about shipping options. Once you have ticked
the box
to confirm you agree to Kollecta's Terms and Conditions for exchanges (click
here), click the 'Buy It' button to begin the exchange.
On the Item Exchange page for an Item, choose a buyer and click
the corresponding blue 'Sell It' button. A window will open where you can
send a brief note to
the buyer, such as preferred methods of payment. Once you have ticked the
box to confirm you agree to Kollecta's Terms and Conditions for exchanges
(click
here), click the 'Sell It' button to begin the exchange.
This is mutually agreed between the Buyer and Seller. Kollecta
has no involvement in this part of the transaction. Likely payment methods
may include credit
card, PayPal (or similar), or bank account transfer. Kollecta does not
recommend one payment method over another. The full list of Kollecta Terms
and Conditions
may be found here.
On your profile screen there is a button labeled 'My Exchanges'.
This screen is a record of all past and present Exchanges you've made both
as Buyer and
Seller. The page shows when and how much each Item was bought / sold for,
as well as the status of the Exchange.
The page also shows how you rated your Exchange experience with the other
party, and how they rated their Exchange experience with you. If you are
yet to rate an Exchange, you will see a 'Rate' button for that Item. The
Exchange
status changes to final when both parties have rated each other.
Disputes are wholly between the Buyer and Seller. Kollecta has
no involvement other than to introduce Buyer and Seller, and so cannot
get involved in Exchange
disputes. The full list of Kollecta Terms and Conditions may be found here.
We recommend that Buyers and Sellers use Kollecta's functionality (such
as the ability to upload further images, add more item detail, etc) to
help eliminate
misunderstandings that might arise in sensitive areas such as an Item's
condition. We also recommend that Buyer and Seller consider the use of
escrow services
to offer peace of mind for both sides of the Exchange.
It is important for Buyers and Sellers, as part of their decision
whether to make an Exchange, to see how users they're dealing with have exchanged
in the past. By rating your Exchange experience honestly, you are making a
valuable contribution to the community.
Yes. Being able to see Buyers' and Sellers' previous Exchange
history is important for collectors considering an exchange.
On all users' profile pages there is a button labeled 'My Exchanges'
- all
of a users' Exchanges past and present are recorded there.
Kollecta
users earn and accumulate Kollecta Points for things they do around the
site. There are two types of points that add to your Kollecta Points
total:
Community: Points are earned by contributing directly to the Kollecta community. This includes actions such as:
* adding new Items, * updating Item information, * emailing others about the site, * uploading images to Items,
* rating Items, * valuing Items, and so on.
Exchanges:
Points are earned by exchanging in the Kollecta community. The higher
you are rated by the other party to the Exchange, the more points you
will receive.
A user's Kollecta Points are displayed wherever you see their
username (including your own). You'll also see
a coloured
star beside the points value - this is simply an at-a-glance indicator
of the number of points the user has.
Users
who add Items, correct and refine Item information, add images, get
good ratings on their Exchanges etc accumulate more points. This in
turn increases their standing in the Kollecta community. The points are
proof that they are contributing in a meaningful and real way.
Many
users wishing to exchange Items may specifically search for Buyers or
Sellers with high points values. Similarly, some users may value more
opinions of those users with high points values, regarding them as more
expert in the field. At some stage in the future, there may also be
other incentives / rewards for users whose regular actions on the site
make the Kollecta space even better.
Your actions on the site that specifically benefit the
Kollecta community earn you points. Examples include:
* adding new Items, * updating Item information, * emailing others about the site,
* uploading images to Items, * rating Items, * valuing Items, * exchanging items, and so on.
When you're logged in, you'll see an 'Edit Profile' link at
the top right of every page. Click it to display the 'Edit Profile' page.
There you can customise your details such as email address, password, your
images, and share information about your favourite things. Don't forget
to click 'Save' to finalise your changes.
Everyone in Kollecta can see your basic profile details, but only
you can see your password and email address. We recommend that you disclose
neither
of these to anyone, in the interests of security.
Simple - when you're logged in, just click the 'Edit Profile'
link at the top right of every page. On the 'Edit Profile' page you have
the
option to
change
your
password.
Don't forget to click 'Save' to update your password.
If you've lost your password, send us an email with 'Lost Password'
in the subject line, and your username in the message area. We'll email
you
a temporary
password to the email address you gave when you registered with Kollecta.
Once you've signed in, you can update your password on the Edit Profile
page.
On your 'Edit Profile' page, click the blue 'Update Images' button on
the right side of the screen, under the three vertical image boxes. When
the
'Edit Images' page is displayed, you will see that your profile can hold
up to six images.
To add an image, click on an empty image slot and then use the 'Browse'
button to find the image on your computer. You can choose one image to
be your avatar, and one to be the default image shown whenever your profile
page is displayed (they can be the same image). You can also add captions
to your images! Don't forget to click 'Save' to ensure your image loads.
You must save after each individual image is loaded.
If you have a query, we strongly recommend you first check
this FAQ page for the answer. If you can't find what you're
looking for, have an idea about a new feature, or simply
want to give feedback on the site, you can email us here.
