How to Collect Pez Dispensers

Keep an eye out for the big value flags. Dispensers without feet, with a low patent number and mounted on their original, good condition cardboard card are the most valuable.

Know your line, if you choose to specialize in one. Most lines have certain models that are more valuable than others. Even within one type of Pez dispenser, color, spine, design and head variations can affect the value. For example, amongst Disney dispensers, a character with a soft head is worth much more than the same design with a hard head and a character with the Walt Disney trademark is worth much more than the same design without the trademark.

Decide your collecting preferences. Some collectors prefer to collect current dispensers for future value, while others collect vintage Pez for a more immediate value to their collection. Still other collectors collect both current dispensers from one certain line. Focusing on one area helps you create a more valuable collection.

Choose your package preferences. Keeping the dispensers in the package may increase the value, but it also increases the storage needs. Chances are, this decision has more impact on vintage or rare dispensers. However, if you're collecting for future value, it may be best to keep it in the package.

Beware of stem shaving. At one time, Pez dispensers were made in smaller numbers and without feet. Some dishonest dealers will take current dispensers and remove the feet to make them seem like more valuable vintage editions.

Buy two of each dispenser. This way you can avoid the packaging decision and keep one in the package for value while taking the other one out for display.