Collecting With Purpose: Completing a Set

A Set of Underglaze Blue Chinese Export Porcelain

Source: Thomas M. Mueller photography

Collecting can satisfy a number of needs, from social interaction to intellectual stimulation. A new study sheds light on yet another benefit: the satisfaction of set collection.

A collector friend of mine in her 80s said, “We have to get that goblet to complete the set.” Her passion, resolve, and determination were evident in her voice. Her goal was to match antique glassware to complete a set: for example, six instead of five or eight instead of seven.

As a fellow collector, this made sense to me. I do the same with unmatched Chinese teapots meant to demonstrate different shapes and patterns over two centuries. My shared passion with my friend is completion, whether of a pattern (my friend) or different prototypes of the same object over time (me).

The Research Supporting This Trend

Catherine Carey gives us insight into this force of human nature in the Journal of Economic Psychology. She discusses collecting for the purpose of set completion rather than financial gain or other reasons, though they are not mutually exclusive. For example, a set may be worth more in the secondary market than its parts individually.

A Single Vase Can Be Purchased With the Intention of Adding Others Later.

Source: Thomas M. Mueller photography

What is new in Carey’s paper is that she constructs an economic model from a pastime usually perceived in other terms. She explains the economic utility of collecting in sets.

By dictionary definition, economic utility is the ability of a good or service to satisfy a consumer’s need or want. Carey’s explanation is broader: “Utility maximization is indeed the seeking of satisfaction and the tradeoffs taken to enhance such pleasure.”

In more simplified terms, set collectors initially gather objects that have value to them as individual units. Later, as more parts are added and a set begins to take shape, single pieces are of less interest but valued rather for the good they offer to make the set whole. In Carey’s words, “The social value may simply be the individual’s utility from owning the complete set… or it could be a collecting community’s idea of the collection’s financial worth on the secondary market. In either case, set completion motivates collecting behavior.”

The author goes on to say that the relevant literature suggests that this model represents a significant percentage of collectors. My experience is compatible with this.

Of course, ordinary goods meant for use differ from collectibles. The former has value to the consumer only in a utilitarian way: “How can I use it?” On the other hand, collectibles are gathered for their beauty, intellectual stimulation, or a host of other motivations. They generally are not used.

Social Needs Simultaneously Fulfilled

Another reason to collect is to fulfill social needs. This is, in part, because there is a secondary market for the resale of collectibles and a vigorous community connected with it. This like-minded group creates a sense of acceptance for the collector and their collection. This is a primary reason that many individuals engage in collecting. In my own case, I can say that this was an unexpected but pleasing benefit because I sought intellectual stimulation first and foremost. On the other hand, for my 80-year-old friend, social connection is a lifeline because her aging friends are falling away. Through collecting, she has a reason to seek out and know younger people who can also be her friends.

Conclusion

Set collection is an easy way to position and meet goals. One reason collectors are willing to pay for pieces they do not intend to use is that they embody a higher good to the collector than their use value or as a collectible alone. They complete a set.