Collecting Nostalgic Toys and Memorabilia with Allen Baus of It'z Vintage

Allen Baus, the owner of It’z Vintage shares some tips about collecting memorabilia and his favorite part about doing business in Mendham.

Patch: What is your morning routine?

Baus: I’ve always been a morning person: coffee, the NY Post and Howard Stern -- perfect start .

Patch: If you could go back in time, when and where would you go and why?

Baus: Good question, but hard to pinpoint because I love the simplicity of the past. So, the farther the better I suppose.

Patch: What attracted you to this business, and how did you start?

Baus: It started with a single figure. I walked into a store and saw something I had as a kid and had to have it. It seems like overnight I woke up with nearly 10,000 items!

Patch: If you could only collect one type of item or one thing, what would it be and why?

Baus: Super hero action figures. Easy!

Patch: What do you look for when you purchase a vintage piece?

Baus: Well, once I’ve found the item, which presents a challenge in itself most times , I look for condition. Ninety-nine percent of my items are in original packages, having an item from 40 years ago in mint condition is something that always amazes me. Items from the 70s & 80s weren’t produced for collectors, like today. They were meant to be opened, so the packaging was produced with cheap stock. There’s an achievement in having a nice example from that time.

Patch: In your opinion, what is the most interesting item in your store?

Baus: Well, I have quite a few, but since Ive always been partial to DC & Marvel, it would most likely be my Super Powers Riddler figure, released only in Argentina. But it’s hard to pick just one!

Patch: How did you get into the collectible industry?

Baus: It started with my interest for vintage items and without any plan became my passion.

Patch: What’s the best part about doing business in your town?

Baus: I enjoy the sense of “community” and small town feel being a resident for the past 17 years.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Baus: Reaching collectors and people who share the same enthusiasm for the items as I do. And possibly introducing this appreciation to others.

Patch: Why do you think vintage items are so popular today?

Baus: Technology is moving so fast today, so I feel it gives us something to hold on to. There’s something to be about the feel and smell of an old book. You’ll never get that online.

Patch: You’re not the only people in this business. How do you distinguish yourselves from the others?

Baus: That’s actually simple. All of our toys have been preserved and have not been handled since purchase.

Patch: What advice would you give to a person just starting in your business?

Baus: Come back next year with that question!

Patch: How can readers contact you?
Baus: They can visit us at 6 hilltop Road in Mendham , NJ.