For what it's worth.

If you have been through this website, you have probably figured out that I am a collector of Barbie Dolls. I have some vintage, some new, some platinum and some on display here at the store.

I have been asked by customers about the price of a doll. I want to know how much its worth... I am looking to sell my collection...

I have several price guide books and magazines on hand at the store for customers to use. I use the term "Guide" very carefully as a collector may look at a price guide and decide right then and there that "This is the price my doll is worth". Is it? Hardly.

The price guide may say that a 1961 Bubblecut Brunette doll may be valued anywhere from $100 to $1000 depending on whether or not she is in the box and the condition that she is in. While this may have been true at one point in time, it is no longer. Since the days of online auction sites like Ebay and Yahoo Auctions, All kinds of collector items have been devalued because the market has been flooded.

Do research.

Know the item that you have. Price guides especially ones that have pictures are great to determine what it is that you have. Many times I have come across a doll that appeared to be a ponytail barbie. By reading and researching I have been able to deterimine by different markings on a doll that it wasn't what it appeared to be or wasn't all original parts. I had come across what appeared to be a #4 ponytail Barbie but when I looked closer at the doll, I noticed that the markings were incorrect and one leg was longer than the other. No sale!

Open up an Ebay account even if you don't use it. Search for the item that you want to sell and check the "Completed Listings". You can find out what your item recently sold for. This will probably be the best guideline you will find. A price guide book may tell you what your item is "worth" but Ebay will tell you what people are willing to pay for it.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

If you have something that you are looking to sell but you are still not sure what it is, go to a dealer. Some antique dealers will give you a free appraisal. Others have been known to charge a small fee. I enjoy people bringing their dolls to me just to ask questions. I am not one to charge for an appraisal.

If you are in the Buffalo, Western NY area and are looking to unload a collection (not limited to Barbie), I do offer consignment. Don't hesitate to call.

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