There are two things to remember when you looking to buy dolls online – firstly, there’s a difference between buying antique dolls and modern dolls online.

Modern dolls such as the the Barbie collection can be easily purchased online and generally are pretty durable to be sent through postal or direct delivery means. On the other hand, antique dolls can be a bit of a challenge if you’re buying them online especially as they compass a long history and different types have there own uniqueness especially in the clothing department.

In recent years, buying dolls online over platforms such as Ebay has become extremely popular and the great thing to keep in mind is that while pricing will determine overall purchase, buying online has some big advantages than going to a physical outlet and making a purchase. The emphasis is on deals and dolls deals online are big business. More importantly, you as the buyer can be in a strong position to grab a great deal especially if you’re following auctions.

There are basically two types of doll enthusiasts – those who revel in the enjoyment of enjoying eras gone by with antique doll collecting and those who are more modern orientated or people buying for kids.

Buying Antique Dolls Tips

Here’s a few things to keep in mind when buying an antique doll. These tips can save you a lot of frustration.

#1. Because they are older there is always a concern that they may be hiding some issues. Things to look for include cracks which can put a dampener on your purchase. Especially look for hairline cracks.

#2. If you are buying the doll physically then ask that you can remove things like the hair so you can check beneath. Always remove the body or ask the seller to do it for you. This only makes sense because when you’re looking at shelling out hundreds of dollars you want to make sure your purchase isn’t flawed.

#3. Make sure the doll is original if that’s what it has been advertised as. This can be difficult to check online and that’s why buying through platforms such as Ebay are great in that you are protected in many areas from purchasing a dud.

#4. Also, buying the complete original doll and by complete we mean it has it’s original clothing intact can be important. It depends how badly you want it but inexperienced collectors should be aware that replacing parts and clothing can be expensive. It’s almost like buying new parts for a motor vehicle – they always seem to be priced over the top.

Collectible Barbie Doll Collection-Disney,Hallmark,etc. $2,300.00

Vintage 1960’s BARBIE Doll Family w/clothes, cases $1,999.00

New Empress Josephine Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,999.00

1988 – 2009 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 23 DOLLS NEW $1,899.00

New Marie Antoinette Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,700.00

ULTRA RARE NEW 1969 MATTEL TWIST N TURN BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,599.97

Vintage 1965 USA Blond AMERICAN GIRL BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,595.00

Reem Acra Bride Barbie Doll Platinum Label-SIGNED-NIB $1,500.00

Vintage SEARS EXCLUSIVE LIVING BARBIE Doll MIB NRFB $1,399.99

New Rare MEDUSA Barbie Doll Gold Label SOLD OUT Mint $1,299.99

1988 – 1998 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 11 DOLLS NEW $1,299.00

New I Love Lucy ETHEL MERTZ Christmas Santa Barbie Doll $1,199.99

BARBIE Mixed Lot Collection DOLLS JEWELRY++++++all NEW $1,000.00

VINTAGE BARBIE DRESSED DOLL – ORANGE BLOSSOM – MIB $999.00

Barbie Starlight Splendor 2 Dolls RARE PINK Bob Mackie $998.00

HAPPY HOLIDAY BARBIE COMPLETE COLLECTION of 11 DOLLS! $800.00

Enchanted Mermaid Barbie DOLL Limited Edition MIB $795.00

Barbie Limited Edition Enchanted Mermaid Doll $699.99

SILKSTONE GOLDEN GALA BARBIE 50TH ANNV. CONVENTION DOLL $695.00

Golden Glamour Barbie Doll – One of a Kind!! $650.00

VINTAGE 1959 #5 BARBIE DOLL AND ACCESSORIES RARE $650.00

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Minty Mint Shape NICE $599.99

PINK SPLENDOR BARBIE – 1996 $1,000 doll – NRFB $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

1997 FABERGE IMPERIAL ELEGANCE PORCELAIN BARBIE DOLL $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

Golden Gala Silkstone Barbie 2009 Convention Doll $599.00

NRFB 1988 1st HAPPY HOLIDAYS EUROPEAN BARBIE DOLL XMAS $579.99

Barbie Doll Collection â?? Guidelines

Here I wish to give an explicit list of instructions to collect Barbie dolls and a note on changing trends.

1. Look for no damage: Check the Barbie Doll you collect thoroughly, for any breaks or scratches since the defected dolls are less valued.

2. NRFB dolls are worthy: The Barbie Doll in â??never removed from the boxâ?? condition is more valuable than the one removed from pack.

3. Insist on original: A restored or an altered Barbie may be appealing but it is no good for collector, in terms of value.

4. Time of the make: The date you usually find on the abdomen of a doll is the designed date of mold but not the date it was made.

5. Distinct ones get more: The rarity of Barbie Dolls always counts. Dolls which are produced less than 35,000 as Limited editions are valued more than the Collector editions that are released more than 35,000 in number.

6. Attire: Doll with original getup and accessories are worthier than the Barbie Dollâ??s outfit when it is sold.

7. Update with latest price list: Buy a book that gives existing values for Barbie Doll. Assess your collectible Dollâ??s value by finding the same doll in list and an average of prices shown in such lists tells you the actual value.

8. Compare: Doll-shows at your place, auctions, local stores and online shops help you to compare the doll you are looking for with that of others.

9. How you evaluate is important: A Barbie Doll finds place in your collection only when it attracts you. In that way, your emotional attachment with that doll outdoes the market value and it becomes so precious for you!

10. Thatâ??s like a good doll: Good dolls never look weird as dumb or too trendy. You can pay more for collector picks and classics.

First is The Best

I received my first Barbie Doll on my fifth birthday in 1960. Like any other girl, I love the first doll of the collection. At that time Barbie was just one year or so and her first design was with strapless black and white zebra lines swimsuit and brown colored short hair.

Houseful of Dolls

It didnâ??t take much time to find plenty of Barbie Dolls within our collection. We, three little sisters collected dolls with every outfit and possible haircut. Our room used to be filled with sunglasses, earrings and plastic mules. Headless bodies of dolls in the garden and floating heads in the toilets had become common as the collection amassed.

We would have made much fortune if such large collection of 1960s was well taken care of.

Barbieâ??s Allies in 1960s

Barbie used to have apparently less number of friends, clothes, careers or vehicles in 60s. Assorted things and friends of Barbie was a big fascination for most girls.

Ken Carson, Barbieâ??s beau who was another important doll of my collection but I took less care to dress him up since he wore very casual clothes all the time including formal occasions accompanying Barbie.

Midge, the red haired friend of Barbie came later. However, Mattel was smart enough to design Midgeâ??s clothes so specially that Barbieâ??s clothes never fit the blonde.

Barbie got a sister called Skipper and we had one Skipper doll at least.

Time for Multicultural Barbies

I was told about Caucasian dolls by couple of my African-American friends of our group while talking about toys and dolls we had. Including Mattel, the maker of Barbie couldnâ??t catch up the trend in time.

Old is Gold

If I were to buy, I would prefer to go for number of Barbies that look so chic and distinguished made in the years between 1959 and 1965.

As far as â??the best collectionâ?? of Barbie is concerned I recommend to spend on originals and first of the series and avoid indifferent qualities of latest ones.

Gift a lookalike Barbie

Barbie is a perfect gift when you present it dressed in a similar way of little girl whose birthday or other occasion is on. Then the girl likes to keep her Barbie clean, new and carefully dressed as she does for herself.

Collectible Barbie Doll Collection-Disney,Hallmark,etc. $2,300.00

Vintage 1960’s BARBIE Doll Family w/clothes, cases $1,999.00

New Empress Josephine Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,999.00

1988 – 2009 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 23 DOLLS NEW $1,899.00

New Marie Antoinette Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,700.00

ULTRA RARE NEW 1969 MATTEL TWIST N TURN BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,599.97

Vintage 1965 USA Blond AMERICAN GIRL BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,595.00

Reem Acra Bride Barbie Doll Platinum Label-SIGNED-NIB $1,500.00

Vintage SEARS EXCLUSIVE LIVING BARBIE Doll MIB NRFB $1,399.99

New Rare MEDUSA Barbie Doll Gold Label SOLD OUT Mint $1,299.99

1988 – 1998 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 11 DOLLS NEW $1,299.00

New I Love Lucy ETHEL MERTZ Christmas Santa Barbie Doll $1,199.99

BARBIE Mixed Lot Collection DOLLS JEWELRY++++++all NEW $1,000.00

VINTAGE BARBIE DRESSED DOLL – ORANGE BLOSSOM – MIB $999.00

Barbie Starlight Splendor 2 Dolls RARE PINK Bob Mackie $998.00

HAPPY HOLIDAY BARBIE COMPLETE COLLECTION of 11 DOLLS! $800.00

Enchanted Mermaid Barbie DOLL Limited Edition MIB $795.00

Barbie Limited Edition Enchanted Mermaid Doll $699.99

SILKSTONE GOLDEN GALA BARBIE 50TH ANNV. CONVENTION DOLL $695.00

Golden Glamour Barbie Doll – One of a Kind!! $650.00

VINTAGE 1959 #5 BARBIE DOLL AND ACCESSORIES RARE $650.00

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Minty Mint Shape NICE $599.99

PINK SPLENDOR BARBIE – 1996 $1,000 doll – NRFB $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

1997 FABERGE IMPERIAL ELEGANCE PORCELAIN BARBIE DOLL $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

Golden Gala Silkstone Barbie 2009 Convention Doll $599.00

NRFB 1988 1st HAPPY HOLIDAYS EUROPEAN BARBIE DOLL XMAS $579.99

There are many different toys that children love to play with. For girls the number one play item is that of dolls and in particular Barbie dolls. While girls love to play with these many different Barbie dolls there are many different people who have other reasons for buying Barbie dolls. The dolls which they buy are the Barbie collector dolls.

These dolls are ones that have been manufactured at one time or another for purposes that are different from the rest of the Barbie dolls. You will find many different examples of Barbie collector dolls. These are for examples dolls like the Holiday Barbie dolls.

When you first look at these dolls you will see nothing too different from the other Barbie dolls that are for sale. Before you assume that these dolls are not ones that collectors will eagerly buy you need more facts. Among the items that you will find is that only a limited amount of these Holiday Barbie dolls are manufactured each year.

These Barbie collector dolls are also different in the fact that they are sold only at the end of each year. To help these limited edition dolls even more valuable to collectors the designers of the clothes which these dolls are dressed in are people like Bob Mackie, Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta and other famous fashion designers.

Another range of Barbie collector dolls that you can find is that of the Silkstone Barbies. These dolls are based on a lifestyle of glamour and elegance that was found in the heydays of the US. In this range of Barbie collector dolls you will notice that the dolls have clothes which are very reminiscent of those which were found in the 40s to 60s time period.

These dolls also have the slanted, elongated eyes and hairstyles which were ones worn by all of the fashionable women. The careers which these collectors Barbie dolls had were ones like secretaries, air hostess, fashion models, actresses, and hostess of women’s clubs. While some girls would have loved to look at these Barbie dolls, it is the collectors of Barbie dolls who will look at these dolls in order to add them to their collections.

Now these are not the only Barbie collector dolls that can be found for collectors. There are hand made porcelain Barbie dolls. These dolls are made so that they look like replicas of dolls from periods of time that collectors like to buy. These Barbie dolls and many others are all available for you to choose from.

When you are looking to add these Barbie collector dolls to your collection there is only one item to keep in mind. You need to hurry as there is only a limited amount of Barbie collector dolls available.

Collectible Barbie Doll Collection-Disney,Hallmark,etc. $2,300.00

Vintage 1960’s BARBIE Doll Family w/clothes, cases $1,999.00

New Empress Josephine Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,999.00

1988 – 2009 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 23 DOLLS NEW $1,899.00

New Marie Antoinette Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,700.00

ULTRA RARE NEW 1969 MATTEL TWIST N TURN BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,599.97

Vintage 1965 USA Blond AMERICAN GIRL BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,595.00

Reem Acra Bride Barbie Doll Platinum Label-SIGNED-NIB $1,500.00

Vintage SEARS EXCLUSIVE LIVING BARBIE Doll MIB NRFB $1,399.99

New Rare MEDUSA Barbie Doll Gold Label SOLD OUT Mint $1,299.99

1988 – 1998 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 11 DOLLS NEW $1,299.00

New I Love Lucy ETHEL MERTZ Christmas Santa Barbie Doll $1,199.99

BARBIE Mixed Lot Collection DOLLS JEWELRY++++++all NEW $1,000.00

VINTAGE BARBIE DRESSED DOLL – ORANGE BLOSSOM – MIB $999.00

Barbie Starlight Splendor 2 Dolls RARE PINK Bob Mackie $998.00

HAPPY HOLIDAY BARBIE COMPLETE COLLECTION of 11 DOLLS! $800.00

Enchanted Mermaid Barbie DOLL Limited Edition MIB $795.00

Barbie Limited Edition Enchanted Mermaid Doll $699.99

SILKSTONE GOLDEN GALA BARBIE 50TH ANNV. CONVENTION DOLL $695.00

Golden Glamour Barbie Doll – One of a Kind!! $650.00

VINTAGE 1959 #5 BARBIE DOLL AND ACCESSORIES RARE $650.00

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Minty Mint Shape NICE $599.99

PINK SPLENDOR BARBIE – 1996 $1,000 doll – NRFB $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

1997 FABERGE IMPERIAL ELEGANCE PORCELAIN BARBIE DOLL $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

Golden Gala Silkstone Barbie 2009 Convention Doll $599.00

NRFB 1988 1st HAPPY HOLIDAYS EUROPEAN BARBIE DOLL XMAS $579.99

It’s not everyone who will have a love for Barbie dolls much less have a desire to collect vintage Barbie dolls. Most of the people who collect vintage Barbie dolls are the same women who played with these dolls when they were young, and collectors of such things as dolls.

To the not inconsiderable surprise of many people, vintage Barbie dolls are a huge collectorâ??s item and can fetch a large sum of money in many cases for a well preserved doll. This was well delineated in the recent September 2006 auction of vintage Barbie dolls by a Dutch mother and daughter who had in their collection about 4,000 dolls.

These beautiful vintage Barbie dolls sometimes can start life out as being seasonal gifts or the introduction to a brand new line of dolls. The main items that will separate these Barbie dolls out from the rest of the pack are the looks these dolls have. The modern Barbie doll is dressed in sleek and trendy clothes that you will see on your teenage daughter. Her eyes will have a forward look that is somewhat rounded.

The vintage Barbie dolls on the other hand have an elongated eye shape. This shape is reminiscent of how women in the 40s to 60s period highlighted their eyes. The entire look which you will find in these Barbie dolls portrays a look of an elegant woman. The clothes that you will find being worn by these vintage Barbie dolls is also designed to mimic the clothes which women in those times wore.

You can find these vintage Barbie dolls in ones like that of the Silkstone Barbies. These Barbie dolls are dressed in the height of fashion from that era. Their eyes are also similar to the original Barbie dolls which were made by Mattel in the beginning. You can also find gift sets which have beautiful reproductions of different vintage Barbie dolls.

One of the vintage Barbie dolls that you will be able to buy is that of a Barbie Learns to Cook doll. This doll is part of the Barbie Picnic Set doll. Another Barbie doll that can be found in this vintage set of Barbie dolls is that of Barbie doll that is dressed in a 60s Twist and Turn style. This doll is dressed in the height of fashion from this swinging period.

For many people who collect Barbie dolls these vintage Barbie dolls are great additions to their collection. For these people it does not matter if the dolls are reproduction Barbie vintage dolls or actual dolls from that period. When you look at all of these vintage Barbie dolls you will see many that you will love to have in your collection. Their great clothes and sophisticated air places these vintage Barbie dolls as must have items for all collectors.

Collectible Barbie Doll Collection-Disney,Hallmark,etc. $2,300.00

Vintage 1960’s BARBIE Doll Family w/clothes, cases $1,999.00

New Empress Josephine Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,999.00

1988 – 2009 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 23 DOLLS NEW $1,899.00

New Marie Antoinette Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,700.00

ULTRA RARE NEW 1969 MATTEL TWIST N TURN BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,599.97

Vintage 1965 USA Blond AMERICAN GIRL BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,595.00

Reem Acra Bride Barbie Doll Platinum Label-SIGNED-NIB $1,500.00

Vintage SEARS EXCLUSIVE LIVING BARBIE Doll MIB NRFB $1,399.99

New Rare MEDUSA Barbie Doll Gold Label SOLD OUT Mint $1,299.99

1988 – 1998 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 11 DOLLS NEW $1,299.00

New I Love Lucy ETHEL MERTZ Christmas Santa Barbie Doll $1,199.99

BARBIE Mixed Lot Collection DOLLS JEWELRY++++++all NEW $1,000.00

VINTAGE BARBIE DRESSED DOLL – ORANGE BLOSSOM – MIB $999.00

Barbie Starlight Splendor 2 Dolls RARE PINK Bob Mackie $998.00

HAPPY HOLIDAY BARBIE COMPLETE COLLECTION of 11 DOLLS! $800.00

Enchanted Mermaid Barbie DOLL Limited Edition MIB $795.00

Barbie Limited Edition Enchanted Mermaid Doll $699.99

SILKSTONE GOLDEN GALA BARBIE 50TH ANNV. CONVENTION DOLL $695.00

Golden Glamour Barbie Doll – One of a Kind!! $650.00

VINTAGE 1959 #5 BARBIE DOLL AND ACCESSORIES RARE $650.00

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Minty Mint Shape NICE $599.99

PINK SPLENDOR BARBIE – 1996 $1,000 doll – NRFB $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

1997 FABERGE IMPERIAL ELEGANCE PORCELAIN BARBIE DOLL $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

Golden Gala Silkstone Barbie 2009 Convention Doll $599.00

NRFB 1988 1st HAPPY HOLIDAYS EUROPEAN BARBIE DOLL XMAS $579.99

Barbie will be 50 years old in 2009. Wow I wish we all looked that good at 50. Of course she has had plastic surgery over the decades. She has even had a complete body replacement.

Barbie was first made in 1959 by Mattel and millions have been sold all over the globe since then. Barbies official birthday is March 9th 1959 which is when she was shown at the New York toy Fair. She wore a one piece black and white zebra striped swimsuit,high heel open toe shoes,hoop earrings and had white sunglasses with blue lenses. She has blonde or brunette hair pulled back in a ponytail and she has strongly arched eyebrows and white irises. She was made from a type of plastic which has faded to white over the years. She has copper tubing in her legs and holes in the feet for mounting on a pedestal. She is marked JAPAN on the bottom of the right foot and on the body she is marked Barbie TM Pats. Pend. Copyright MCMVIII.

If you find one of these dolls in good condition you have a collectors delight which is worth quite a bit of money. The exact value depends on the condition and completeness of the doll. Any missing parts or damage will lower the value substantially. This doll is known as the #1 Ponytail Barbie.

The #2 Ponytail Barbie is the same as #1 except that there is no copper tubing in the legs or holes in the feet. The pedestal was changed and made with extensions to support the doll.

The #3 Ponytail Barbie is the same as #2 but has different eyebrows and blue irises. She may have blue or brown eyeliner makeup.

The #4 Ponytail Barbie is made from a non fading plastic which retains it’s flesh color. She has blue eyeliner makeup.

The #5 Ponytail Barbie had a new hollow plastic body. The earlier dolls were made from solid plastic. The markings are similar with the difference that she is marked R Pats. Pend. rather than TM Pats. Pend. A new hair color was added to the line,known as titian,and dolls with this hair color are scarcer and therefore worth more than the brunette or blonde dolls. Some of these dolls had a problem in the plastic which developed a greasy look with age. If you find a matte faced doll it is worth more than a greasy faced specimen,.

The #6 Ponytail Barbie was made from a new vinyl which does not develop a greasy appearance as it ages. Her lips and fingernails are a pinkish red rather than the previous bright red. She is clad in a red swimsuit and has open toe,red,shoes.

The #7 Ponytail Barbie was made in various different hair colors including brunette, titian,lemon blonde and ash blonde. Nails and lips on this doll are coral red in color. This new edition was brought out in the 1962-1963 period and the markings became Midge TM copyright 1962/Barbie copyright 1958 by Mattel. Dolls with this new marking are often called the #7 Ponytail Barbie but many people still call them #6. Dolls made before the changeover in 1962 are scarcer and more valuable than the new edition.

Condition is undoubtedly the most important factor in putting a value on early Barbie dolls. Collectors want a doll which is clean,completely original and not damaged.Such a doll fetches top price. If the doll is in its original packaging,and in mint condition,it is a highly desirable collectors doll and will fetch a premium price. Dolls which have in any way been repaired,restored or repainted are worth less than those left in the faded original condition.

Where can you expect to find early collectible Barbie dolls? The answer is almost anywhere,if you know what you are looking for. The great majority of the general public have no knowledge of old Barbie dolls,or the fact that they are valuable. You can find old Barbie dolls sometimes by looking in thrift or second hand stores,fleamarkets and garage sales. Be sure to carry a magnifier to read the markings on the Barbie dolls when you are out there searching. Best of Luck.

Collectible Barbie Doll Collection-Disney,Hallmark,etc. $2,300.00

Vintage 1960’s BARBIE Doll Family w/clothes, cases $1,999.00

New Empress Josephine Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,999.00

1988 – 2009 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 23 DOLLS NEW $1,899.00

New Marie Antoinette Gold Barbie Doll Women of Royalty $1,700.00

ULTRA RARE NEW 1969 MATTEL TWIST N TURN BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,599.97

Vintage 1965 USA Blond AMERICAN GIRL BARBIE DOLL MIB $1,595.00

Reem Acra Bride Barbie Doll Platinum Label-SIGNED-NIB $1,500.00

Vintage SEARS EXCLUSIVE LIVING BARBIE Doll MIB NRFB $1,399.99

New Rare MEDUSA Barbie Doll Gold Label SOLD OUT Mint $1,299.99

1988 – 1998 HOLIDAY BARBIES LOT COLLECTION 11 DOLLS NEW $1,299.00

New I Love Lucy ETHEL MERTZ Christmas Santa Barbie Doll $1,199.99

BARBIE Mixed Lot Collection DOLLS JEWELRY++++++all NEW $1,000.00

VINTAGE BARBIE DRESSED DOLL – ORANGE BLOSSOM – MIB $999.00

Barbie Starlight Splendor 2 Dolls RARE PINK Bob Mackie $998.00

HAPPY HOLIDAY BARBIE COMPLETE COLLECTION of 11 DOLLS! $800.00

Enchanted Mermaid Barbie DOLL Limited Edition MIB $795.00

Barbie Limited Edition Enchanted Mermaid Doll $699.99

SILKSTONE GOLDEN GALA BARBIE 50TH ANNV. CONVENTION DOLL $695.00

Golden Glamour Barbie Doll – One of a Kind!! $650.00

VINTAGE 1959 #5 BARBIE DOLL AND ACCESSORIES RARE $650.00

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Minty Mint Shape NICE $599.99

PINK SPLENDOR BARBIE – 1996 $1,000 doll – NRFB $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

1997 FABERGE IMPERIAL ELEGANCE PORCELAIN BARBIE DOLL $599.99

1988 Holiday Barbie (Doll and Box Great Shape) NICE $599.99

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

MEDUSA BARBIE DOLL GREEK GODDESS NRFB MINT/SHIPPER $599.00

Golden Gala Silkstone Barbie 2009 Convention Doll $599.00

NRFB 1988 1st HAPPY HOLIDAYS EUROPEAN BARBIE DOLL XMAS $579.99

In 1959 the first Barbie doll was shown at the New York toy fair. Billed as “New For ‘59,The Barbie Doll:A Shapely Teenage Fashion Model Price $3.00.” Thus was born the Barbie doll phenomenon which is certainly one of the greatest success stories in toy manufacturing. Prior to Barbie nearly all children’s dolls were child dolls rather than adult figures. Barbie changed all this.

In 1945 Elliot and Ruth Handler formed a partnership with Harold Matson to manufacture picture frames. The two names Matson and Elliot were combined to form the company name Mattel. Elliot used the picture frame wood scrap to make doll house furniture. This was the start of the Handler furniture business.

About this time Ruth noticed that her daughter Barbara and friends preferred to play with adult paper dolls rather than child or baby dolls. The girls preferred a doll which could be their role model when they grew up. Ruth realised that there could be big commercial possibilities in the adult doll market. She discussed the idea with her husband but he felt that it would be too expensive to start making the dolls.

Soon after this Ruth made a trip to Germany and purchased a doll called Lilli. This adult type doll was based on a German comic strip. On returning to the USA she began work to redesign the doll working with a doll clothes designer. The barbie doll was the result and it was named after Ruth’s daughter Barbara. The doll was patented by Mattel in 1958 and introduced in 1959. She was to become one of the most well known and well loved toys ever made.

Barbie soon became a collectors doll and was avidly sought after by adult collectors. From 1959 to 1972 the Barbie doll had seven distinct changes in her appearance and design. These Barbies made up to 1972 are recognised as vintage collectible dolls by their fans and are eagerly sought after. The 1959 Barbie doll in mint condition will sell for thousands of dollars. Some have sold for as much as $8000 to $10,000 but you can buy them for much less and $2000 to $3000 is quite common. Later editions fetch proportionately less. Dolls made in the 1969 to 1972 period can often be bought for a few dollars. Garage sales and flea markets are still the source of a few early dolls. About 300,000 of the 1959 Barbie were made and there are undoubtedly many out there still undiscovered.

Debra Winger’s Childhood Doll – Horsman – Name: “Cindy” $9,999,999.00

Fabulous 14″ Bru Jne 3 French Bebe Doll w/ TONGUE! $29,950.00

Estate collection:200+ Antique to Midcentury Dolls $20,000.00

RARE Vintage Mattel Aztara Doll NRFB Possible Prototype $20,000.00

Large Gottschalk German Red Roof doll house c1915 $14,500.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1990 PROTOTYPE SORAYA O/F UNIQUE DOLL $12,999.99

WOW..WONDERFUL ANTIQUE JDK KESTNER 220 TODDLER DOLL $10,000.00

Magnificent Doll by Eveline Frings LE Elements of Eve $8,800.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLLS * LAINA & NAITA * #1/5 $7,800.00

ANTIQUE FRENCH FASHION DOLL PORTRAIT FACE JUMEAU 19″ $7,500.00

23″ Depose Tete Jumeau Bebe Doll $7,000.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $6,999.99

Cabbage Patch Doll Collection-85′ Porcelain-Certificate $6,230.00

Antique Automaton French w/ Bisque Doll 5 Tunes RARE $6,200.00

Grande 35″ French Fashion Doll circa 1860-layaway! $5,995.00

Antique CHRISTIAN HACKER DOLLS’ HOUSE BAY WINDOWS $5,900.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $5,699.99

TINKERBELL REBORN Baby CHILD girl doll by Helen Jalland $4,671.39

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,650.00

Taylor’s Celebrity Canvas – Dusty Springfield Doll $4,555.50

EXQUISITE OOAK ANNA BRAHMS DOLL CIRCA 1994 SIGNED $4,500.00

Gorgeous One of a Kind Artist Anna Abigail Brahms Doll $4,500.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,250.00

16″ French Fashion Smiling Bru Doll F Mark on Head $4,200.00

Antique rare BLISS bow paper litho Doll House c1895 $3,900.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLL * CIARA * #1 * IN STOCK.. $3,880.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN ARTIST DOLL * OOAK * JOANNE $3,800.00

Heubach Germany Antique Doll from 1915, VERY RARE ! $3,650.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Samurai Japanese Armor Sword Doll $3,550.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN DOLL JAMILLA & QUACKERS LE1/3 $3,500.00

Not all doll collectors make a conscious decision to become doll collectors at the start of our collection. We may purchase our first collectible doll simply because we found a particular collectible doll simply irresistible. Deep down all of us have our own reasons, most probably subconsciously, for purchasing that first collectible doll. Passion, warmth and excitement will, in all likelihood influence your decision to start a doll collection.

There are some doll collections that bring out the child in us whereas others have an uncanny way of bringing out the mother in us.

We can be the perfect mother to these children who never throw tantrums, never get sick, no dirty clothes to wash and no pajama drill. We can cuddle them if and when we so desire and in busy times we can leave them to sleep peacefully. We can buy new clothes and accessories for them when our budget allows, but if we don’t at least they won’t mind.

There are as many different collectible dolls as there are doll collectors. Toy dolls that you purchase at the local store are not classified as collectible dolls. They may be extremely cute and have priceless value for the children who play with them, but they will not increase in value, other than sentimental value. At the other extreme there are one-of-a-kind dolls created by world renowned doll artists. The waiting periods for these dolls are understandably extremely long and the purchaser would expect to pay thousands for this piece of artwork. These dolls are obviously beyond the reach of the average doll collector. In the middle of the two are a vast number of collectible dolls, created by renowned doll artists that are available on the market at prices that would be affordable for most budgets, and these are the dolls that are responsible for the growing popularity in doll collecting.

If you are new to the exciting world of doll collecting you will be amazed at the selection of dolls available for doll collectors today. If you have decided to venture into doll collecting then it may be that your biggest stumbling block will be in deciding what particular type or which particular artist/artists dolls you wish to include in your collection. Nowadays with the use of Internet access to the various doll collections is literally only an Internet connection away.

Guidelines for newcomers to the world of doll collecting:-

• Get as much information as you possibly can – from the Internet, bookstores, libraries and specialized magazines.
• Make sure that information you use to base your decision on is factual and knowledgeable.
• Research previous work of any doll artist and their selling platforms before making a final decision.
• Determine whether the dolls are issued with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Reputable doll galleries will only sell dolls of exceptional quality.

Make sure, above all else, that whatever type of collectible doll you decide upon for your collection that you would welcome the idea of owning not one, but a whole collection of these dolls.

Debra Winger’s Childhood Doll – Horsman – Name: “Cindy” $9,999,999.00

Fabulous 14″ Bru Jne 3 French Bebe Doll w/ TONGUE! $29,950.00

Estate collection:200+ Antique to Midcentury Dolls $20,000.00

RARE Vintage Mattel Aztara Doll NRFB Possible Prototype $20,000.00

Large Gottschalk German Red Roof doll house c1915 $14,500.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1990 PROTOTYPE SORAYA O/F UNIQUE DOLL $12,999.99

WOW..WONDERFUL ANTIQUE JDK KESTNER 220 TODDLER DOLL $10,000.00

Magnificent Doll by Eveline Frings LE Elements of Eve $8,800.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLLS * LAINA & NAITA * #1/5 $7,800.00

ANTIQUE FRENCH FASHION DOLL PORTRAIT FACE JUMEAU 19″ $7,500.00

23″ Depose Tete Jumeau Bebe Doll $7,000.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $6,999.99

Cabbage Patch Doll Collection-85′ Porcelain-Certificate $6,230.00

Antique Automaton French w/ Bisque Doll 5 Tunes RARE $6,200.00

Grande 35″ French Fashion Doll circa 1860-layaway! $5,995.00

Antique CHRISTIAN HACKER DOLLS’ HOUSE BAY WINDOWS $5,900.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $5,699.99

TINKERBELL REBORN Baby CHILD girl doll by Helen Jalland $4,671.39

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,650.00

Taylor’s Celebrity Canvas – Dusty Springfield Doll $4,555.50

EXQUISITE OOAK ANNA BRAHMS DOLL CIRCA 1994 SIGNED $4,500.00

Gorgeous One of a Kind Artist Anna Abigail Brahms Doll $4,500.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,250.00

16″ French Fashion Smiling Bru Doll F Mark on Head $4,200.00

Antique rare BLISS bow paper litho Doll House c1895 $3,900.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLL * CIARA * #1 * IN STOCK.. $3,880.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN ARTIST DOLL * OOAK * JOANNE $3,800.00

Heubach Germany Antique Doll from 1915, VERY RARE ! $3,650.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Samurai Japanese Armor Sword Doll $3,550.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN DOLL JAMILLA & QUACKERS LE1/3 $3,500.00

Dolls are believed to have been around since prehistoric times, and may well have been the earliest type of toy used by man. These dolls were certainly made of natural materials such as clay, wood, and fur. Many of them may have been used as children’s toys, but it is believed that they were often used to represent a deity, and likely played a key role in religious rituals and ceremonies.

None of these ancient dolls have survived through the ages, but dolls have often been found in Egyptian graves dating back as far as 3000 years. Some of these dolls were made of pottery, but most were made of flat pieces of wood painted with different designs, and with hair made of strings of wooden beads or clay. Dolls have also been found in the graves of Greek and Roman children, some with movable limbs and removable garments.

Later, Europe became a major producer of wooden dolls. Some of these dolls were made from tree stumps, while others were ‘peg’ dolls, made with simple peg joints and resembling a clothespin. Composition dolls, which were made from mixtures of pulped wood or paper that were molded under pressure, were developed in the 1800s. These dolls were durable and could be mass produced. Dolls with wax heads were also popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Porcelain and bisque dolls became popular at the beginning of the 19th century.

The French “bebe” dolls were popular in the 1880s. Up until this time, most dolls represented adult figures. The bebes were different, because they represented younger girls. In the 1900s, realistic German bisque dolls were introduced and became very popular. These started an ongoing trend of creating realistic dolls.

Rag and cloth dolls have been hand made for centuries. ‘Rag’ dolls are made of any fabric, while dolls made specifically of linen or cotton are considered to be ‘cloth’ dolls. Commercial production of rag dolls was started in the 1850s in England and America.

It was not until after the Civil War that doll making became an important industry in the United States. Most dolls were produced in New England, and were made of various materials such as papier-mache, leather, cloth, and rubber. Celluloid was developed in the 1860s and was used in the manufacture of dolls until the 1950s. Although these dolls could be mass produced very cheaply, they were extremely flammable, and would fade in bright light.

Hard plastic dolls were made in the 1940s, and dolls of vinyl, rubber, and foam rubber were made in the 1950s and 1960s. The use of vinyl allowed doll makers to insert hair into the head, rather than having to paint the hair on, or to use wigs.

Modern dolls have traditionally been toys for children, and ‘action figures’ representing ’superheroes’ are now very popular with boys. There are even ‘virtual’ dolls available on the Internet which can be designed, dressed up, and played with on web sites. Most dolls are now manufactured using modern materials and mass production techniques. However, dolls are also now collected by adults, and some manufacturers use the same kinds of materials that were used in the past, to create ‘vintage-style’ collectible dolls. But whatever the type of doll, they all trace their roots back to prehistoric times. They are truly ‘toys from antiquity.’

Debra Winger’s Childhood Doll – Horsman – Name: “Cindy” $9,999,999.00

Fabulous 14″ Bru Jne 3 French Bebe Doll w/ TONGUE! $29,950.00

Estate collection:200+ Antique to Midcentury Dolls $20,000.00

RARE Vintage Mattel Aztara Doll NRFB Possible Prototype $20,000.00

Large Gottschalk German Red Roof doll house c1915 $14,500.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1990 PROTOTYPE SORAYA O/F UNIQUE DOLL $12,999.99

WOW..WONDERFUL ANTIQUE JDK KESTNER 220 TODDLER DOLL $10,000.00

Magnificent Doll by Eveline Frings LE Elements of Eve $8,800.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLLS * LAINA & NAITA * #1/5 $7,800.00

ANTIQUE FRENCH FASHION DOLL PORTRAIT FACE JUMEAU 19″ $7,500.00

23″ Depose Tete Jumeau Bebe Doll $7,000.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $6,999.99

Cabbage Patch Doll Collection-85′ Porcelain-Certificate $6,230.00

Antique Automaton French w/ Bisque Doll 5 Tunes RARE $6,200.00

Grande 35″ French Fashion Doll circa 1860-layaway! $5,995.00

Antique CHRISTIAN HACKER DOLLS’ HOUSE BAY WINDOWS $5,900.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $5,699.99

TINKERBELL REBORN Baby CHILD girl doll by Helen Jalland $4,671.39

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,650.00

Taylor’s Celebrity Canvas – Dusty Springfield Doll $4,555.50

EXQUISITE OOAK ANNA BRAHMS DOLL CIRCA 1994 SIGNED $4,500.00

Gorgeous One of a Kind Artist Anna Abigail Brahms Doll $4,500.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,250.00

16″ French Fashion Smiling Bru Doll F Mark on Head $4,200.00

Antique rare BLISS bow paper litho Doll House c1895 $3,900.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLL * CIARA * #1 * IN STOCK.. $3,880.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN ARTIST DOLL * OOAK * JOANNE $3,800.00

Heubach Germany Antique Doll from 1915, VERY RARE ! $3,650.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Samurai Japanese Armor Sword Doll $3,550.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN DOLL JAMILLA & QUACKERS LE1/3 $3,500.00

My daughter and I love to visit the American Girl® Place. We always dine at the cafe my daughter’s favorite is of course their dessert. I must say, it’s just too pretty to eat. One favorite spot in the store is the doll’s hair salon.  You can hang out and watch the stylists spruce up some magnificent magic do’s. One of the stylists had shared some really important doll care tips, which I would love to share with you. There are also some tips from a good friend who is an avid doll collector for over forty two years. I hope these are helpful as they have been for me and my daughter.

Always Wash your hands before handling your doll. By doing so you will keep her clean longer.

There are three essential items for brushing your doll’s hair.

Doll wire hairbrush

Misting bottle

A towel or apron

Always use a doll’s wire hairbrush. If you brush your doll’d hair daily it will prevent from getting tangled but always remember to mist lightly. If you brush your doll’s hair dry it may cause ripping and damage to your doll’s hair which is made of synthetic fibers.

Never put mousse, hairspray, shampoo, conditioner, tangle free liquids, foam or any chemicals on your doll’s hair. Your doll does not have human hair and therefore by applying those items mentioned above with only damage your doll’s hair. Remember water “H20″ is only the best and recommended by American Girl©.

Never use blowdryers, curling irons or straightners on your doll’s hair otherwise you will literally melt her hair. There are other safe and fun alternatives to curling and styling your doll’s hair. American Girl©. sells perm rods and curling paper but here is an economical way my daughter and neice came up with. Use paper towel or toliet paper tubes and cut about an inch or so. Take a strand of hair, lightly mist, fold curling paper and roll the paper tube like a roller, fasten with a bobbie pin or clip, let dry and fluff with fingers. The aftermath is beautiful. You can also mist a strand of hair , fold curling paper, twist and dry.

If your doll’s hair does gets tangled do not use what you would normally use on your own hair ie. detangled mist or creme rinse. Just mist water on your doll’s hair and brush it from the ends and work your way up, in strands.

Always avoid getting water on your doll’s skin. My daughter puts an apron or a towel on her doll before spritzing and doesn’t allow the water to come in contact with her doll’s face.

Never keep your doll in direct sunlight. If you leave your doll in the sun all of her coloring will fade, including her doll clothes.

Baking soda works well to wash your doll’s face. If your doll has a stain you can use a little baking soda on a lightly dampened washcloth and gently wash her face. Let it air dry after wards.

With mom’s help you can help keep your doll’s cloth body clean and smell fresh. Have mom vacuum the soft cloth body, lightly sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch in to the cloth, leave overnight, and then vacuum again.

Doll clothes should be hand wash or machine wash in Delicate cycle.

Try to avoid eating with your dolls. If food comes in contact, have your mom help you clean her up.

If your doll’s head loosens, it can be tighten. Untie the strings at the back of the neck of your doll and secure the head in place. Make two knots with the strings to keep secure.

My daughter has 10 American girl dolls. Ouch! One of her gripes was Molly’s hair as many of you Molly owners can agree. We were told at the American Girl Place, that Molly’s hair is textured. Therefore, her hair is best kept in braids. Since she followed their advice, she has since regain her fun with Molly. She works with Molly’s braids, changing her hair bows, twirling each braid up on each side, attached into a single pony tail or french braid.

My darling daughter loves her dolls and enjoys dressing, reading to them as well as reading about them and having tea parties with them as well. She says “Momma, I will never depart with them. I plan on giving them to my daughter one day.” As a mom, I am so thrilled to hear this. I know these dolls are a big investment but when I see how in tune she is with them and loves reading about them. I know is well worth the investment. Also, I love the innocence that these dolls contribute to young girls. In today’s world, I find that to be a treasure.

My Pink Planet.com is no way affiliated with nor do I work for All American Girl© marks are trademarks of American Girl©, LLC American Girl Collection, Registered Trademark of the Pleasant Company®.

Debra Winger’s Childhood Doll – Horsman – Name: “Cindy” $9,999,999.00

Fabulous 14″ Bru Jne 3 French Bebe Doll w/ TONGUE! $29,950.00

Estate collection:200+ Antique to Midcentury Dolls $20,000.00

RARE Vintage Mattel Aztara Doll NRFB Possible Prototype $20,000.00

Large Gottschalk German Red Roof doll house c1915 $14,500.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1990 PROTOTYPE SORAYA O/F UNIQUE DOLL $12,999.99

WOW..WONDERFUL ANTIQUE JDK KESTNER 220 TODDLER DOLL $10,000.00

Magnificent Doll by Eveline Frings LE Elements of Eve $8,800.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLLS * LAINA & NAITA * #1/5 $7,800.00

ANTIQUE FRENCH FASHION DOLL PORTRAIT FACE JUMEAU 19″ $7,500.00

23″ Depose Tete Jumeau Bebe Doll $7,000.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $6,999.99

Cabbage Patch Doll Collection-85′ Porcelain-Certificate $6,230.00

Antique Automaton French w/ Bisque Doll 5 Tunes RARE $6,200.00

Grande 35″ French Fashion Doll circa 1860-layaway! $5,995.00

Antique CHRISTIAN HACKER DOLLS’ HOUSE BAY WINDOWS $5,900.00

BILLYBOY* MDVANII 1989/90 PROTOTYPE O/F UNIQUE DOLL $5,699.99

TINKERBELL REBORN Baby CHILD girl doll by Helen Jalland $4,671.39

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,650.00

Taylor’s Celebrity Canvas – Dusty Springfield Doll $4,555.50

EXQUISITE OOAK ANNA BRAHMS DOLL CIRCA 1994 SIGNED $4,500.00

Gorgeous One of a Kind Artist Anna Abigail Brahms Doll $4,500.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Millenium Japanese Kimono LOVE Doll $4,250.00

16″ French Fashion Smiling Bru Doll F Mark on Head $4,200.00

Antique rare BLISS bow paper litho Doll House c1895 $3,900.00

BETS VAN BOXEL PORCELAIN DOLL * CIARA * #1 * IN STOCK.. $3,880.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN ARTIST DOLL * OOAK * JOANNE $3,800.00

Heubach Germany Antique Doll from 1915, VERY RARE ! $3,650.00

Volks SUPER DOLLFIE Samurai Japanese Armor Sword Doll $3,550.00

MARGARET MOUSA PORCELAIN DOLL JAMILLA & QUACKERS LE1/3 $3,500.00

Tips to buy and sell Barbie Dolls online

It is not unnatural that the online sellers repent for not saving their Barbie Dolls when they come to know the big bucks behind pretty doll business.

Barbie, the doll which has been attracting the worldwide kids and elders since 1959, is available for wide range of prices from $5 to $5,000.

One has to know the nuances of doll business to buy or sell Barbies online. For example, just handful of profit you can see if you put up a classic Bubble-cut Barbie for sale at low opening bid with no reserve.

Web reference

Thanks to Internet, one can get lot of information, pictures, quotes and suggestions on doll collection through browsing hundreds of websites. However, three websites are worth watching for latest updates and vast information of Barbie dolls.

Doll Reference (http://www.dollreference.com/) is the best place to start off. This is a large, doll-collecting site, and the Barbie Menu is provided separately to find vintage Barbie & Friends of 1959 – 1976. There are more than 156 pages and nearly 2 thousand pictures in this section.

Official site for Mattel’s Barbie Dolls, Barbie Collectibles, (http://www.barbiecollectibles.com) cannot be ignored for your comprehensive information on Barbie Dolls business. From 1959 till today, it presents both classic and modern collection of Barbie Dolls and friends. Barbie fashions, newsletter to the members and space for showcasing member’s collection are the additional advantages of this website.

To get acquainted with the business lingo of Barbie Dolls, “Barbie Collecting Terminology” (http://www.dollectibles.com/terminology.htm) is a must watch. The website rolls out all kinds of letters/characters, abbreviations related to the title and their detailed information.

Tips to identify your Barbie

Markings encrypted on backside and back of the neck indicate the product details, in the absence of pictures. The condition of doll affects the cost like all other collectibles. Clothing, paint, torso, face and the condition of hair help you in determining the price. For a seller, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantage of these features. It is advisable that a buyer should ascertain the above, by sending an email or calling the seller if they are not found in the specifications.

Source Edited Part

486 words 366 words

It is a sad fact of life that some people are dishonest, others forgetful, and others misinformed about dolls. Just like in a real life transaction at a doll show or shop, you need to protect yourself from being “taken” by the less-than scrupulous when you buy or sell dolls on the Internet at such online auction houses like eBay or Amazon.com, or in person-to-person direct sales from web sites. Unlike real life, when you purchase a doll online, you can’t inspect it yourself. As a seller, your biggest fears are someone not paying you after the doll is sent, or someone returning a doll to you that is in worse condition than when you sent it. As a buyer, your biggest fear is getting NO doll at all after you have paid for it, or a doll that is in much worse condition than described. Here are some things you can do to help protect yourself in online transactions, as both a buyer and a seller:

BUYING:

1. Get REFERENCES: If you are dealing with an unknown person or entity, find out the names of other people who have had successful online transactions with the seller, and CONTACT THEM, via e-mail or phone.

2. Send a CHECK, and not a money order, whenever possible (this is the reverse of what you would prefer as a seller). You can stop a check, but there is little you can do about a money order if things go bad in the middle of a deal.

3. Get EXTENSIVE DESCRIPTIONS. Ask questions if the initial description is not detailed enough, and make sure you receive answers. If you sense resistance, or receive evasiveness or vague answers, PASS.

4. Get PICTURES whenever possible. If the seller is not equipped to send them via e-mail, then request them via snail mail (computer-speak for US Postal Service).

5. Get a RETURN PRIVILEGE; You WILL get dolls that are over-optimistically described, and you WILL use this privilege if you buy many dolls online.

6. Use COMMON SENSE: If something feels “off” about the doll, the seller, or the transaction, or you just get a bad feeling, LISTEN to your inner self, and pass on the doll. It isn’t worth taking a chance, and your inner warning system is usually reliable. The few times I have been “burnt” on a doll, if I had paid attention to my misgivings, I wouldn’t have been!

7. Don’t be RUSHED: If the seller is in an undue rush (desperate for money; family emergency, raising cash), your warning system should go off. Another doll will come along; PASS

8. Get a PHONE NUMBER and an ADDRESS. Don’t rely on an e-mail address and a post-office box; both can be ignored or disappear. Call the phone number.

9. KEEP CORRESPONDENCE: Keep all computerized correspondence until the doll is delivered, in case there is a dispute.

10. Do NOT Take Part In A THIRD PARTY Transaction: Don’t buy a doll from x who is either selling or shipping it for y. This is a recipe for disaster; you can get caught in the middle of a dispute between the two parties. This has happened to me; a lady went on a long vacation, left a doll with a friend to ship when my $$ were received. They had a dispute over postage and shipping costs (and, she stiffed her friend on the electricity bill). I had to pay postage and handling on the doll AGAIN (my cheapest option to get out of this), while the two parties continued to argue and I didn’t get my doll for nearly a month!

11. Does The Transaction Sound Too Good To Be True? Is someone offering you a perfect Jumeau for $500? RUN, quickly, in the opposite computerized direction.

12. Don’t Buy Dolls that are TOO EXPENSIVE Online: Set a limit that won’t be TOO painful if all of your precautions are of no use, and you get stuck with the dog doll of the century, or, even worse, no doll at all after payment. Remember, only YOU know what is too big a risk for you to take–for one person, it might be $50. For another, $5,000.

13. SHIPPING INSURANCE: It is a good idea to have this, in case your doll is lost or damaged in transit.

SELLING:

1. Get REFERENCES. Does the buyer pay their bills? Get e-mail and phone references from online transactions to make sure.

2. MONEY ORDERS AND CHECK CLEARANCE: When you sell, money orders are best for YOU. Money Orders are best. If you accept checks, make 100% sure it has cleared your bank before you ship the doll.

.3 Get a PHONE NUMBER and ACTUAL ADDRESS. Don’t rely on an e-mail address and post office box or a PMB. Call the phone number.

4. DISCLOSE ALL FLAWS: As mentioned above. Be 100% honest, or you will end up with unsuccessful transactions and returns!

5. Have POLICIES ON PAYMENT: Also as mentioned above, and stick to them

6. Offer a RETURN POLICY–I offer return for anything that is NOT as described (purchaser finds a flaw I didn’t describe, etc.) and a more liberal policy if asked for it up front.

7. Keep CORRESPONDENCE, DOCUMENTATION AND PICTURES: Since you DO offer a return policy, you need to protect yourself against the unscrupulous buyer who may return to you a DIFFERENT doll of the same type, which is in worse condition than yours (this is not very common, but could happen). I know one lady who sent out a mint #6 vintage Barbie, and what was returned to her was a very played with #6 Barbie. At least until the transaction is successfully completed, keep everything in case of a dispute.

8. Make The Buyer Purchase SHIPPING INSURANCE. It will help you have peace of mind, in case the box doesn’t arrive. Also, it gives you proof of successful delivery.

9. Ship PROMPTLY, and let your customer know when to expect shipment. If you are going on a one week vacation, and can’t ship that week, let your buyers know in ADVANCE so they don’t get nervous when their e-mails to you aren’t answered.

10. UPS VS. US MAIL?: This is a personal choice; I have had good luck with Priority Mail, Insured. My UPS packages are often received more mangled than my post office ones, because UPS ships so many heavy packages. BUT, UPS has a marvelous tracking service; you can track a package with your computer. So, for my very expensive or large dolls, I DO use UPS. Both services offer return receipts for a fee, and for expensive dolls, I would purchase this extra peace of mind.

11. PACK the doll well. You DO NOT want to have an expensive doll ruined in transit. You will have a headache to deal with, a ruined sale, and an unhappy customer.

I hope these tips are helpful; in future articles, we will cover buying and selling dolls via eBay and other online auctons, as well as buying and selling dolls via other methods on the Internet.