These terms, which include special editions, limited editions, and variants on them all fall under the umbrella of manufactured collectables. They were originally used for products that had to do with the arts (such as books, prints, or recorded music and films), but are now used for fine wine, cars, and other collectables. A special edition usually includes additional material. A limited edition may have a lower production number, but the quantity could be excessive.
In order to increase sales, both retailers and manufacturers have used collectables a variety of different ways. One example is licensed collectables that are based on intellectual property, such as images, logos, characters, and music from literature, movies, radio, television and video games. Advertising, brandname, character collectibles, and other licensing are all important. Also, collectables can be used in retail in the form prizes. This is a package that contains items of nominal worth and is included in the retail product's price at no additional cost. Premiums also include coupons, boxtops and proofs of purchase. As souvenirs, collectables play an important role in tourism. Memorabilia, another important area of collecting, is also big business. This includes memorabilia related to individuals, groups, events, media and people. Also, includes memorabilia from historical media and entertainment events. These collectables were meant to be thrown aside but were saved by fans who then made them into valuable items and were accumulated by collectors. The phenomenal rise of non-fungible tokens (NFT), which are used as a medium to sell digital collectibles online, has made collectibles a global market. The 2020 collectibles market was valued at $372 Billion (Collectibles Report). This market has huge potential, with a Total Attached Market (TAM), estimated at $440 Billion in 2020. The digital collectibles market will provide a new revenue stream to actors and musicians. NFT will grow as an advanced and more widely distributed market.
