Collecting

Collecting:

       •By the book! - Remember that old saying, 'forewarned is forearmed'? Well it applies to doll collecting as well. Get some books or magazines on dolls and even if you don't read them from cover to cover, at least browse through them and look at the pictures. This will give you an advantage when searching for that trash and treasure bargain. Even if you don't know exactly what doll it is you've found, you may at least recognise it as being in one the books you've browsed!

       •Spread the word!- A lot of collectors I know have not admitted to even friends and family that they collect dolls! Whether you collect older, vintage dolls or new dolls, it's important to network, network, network! Let people know you collect old dolls - you never know what they've got tucked away in a box at home. Talk to the people at your local toyshop - they just might order some collectable dolls if they know they have a market.

       •Want vs. need. - If you're collecting because you love dolls, buy what you like! If you buy the dolls that you like, not the ones that you think you have to buy as an investment or to complete a set, you can't go wrong! It's really hard to predict which dolls will appreciate substantially in value, so if you buy what you like you'll be happy whether your dolls increase in value or not.

       •To de or not to de-box. - Unless you have something vintage, rare or unusual, don't be afraid to take your dolls out of the box. Yes it does affect their value slightly, but if you enjoy 'playing' with your dolls, do it! The beauty of some dolls can not be fully appreciated until they are out of the box and their outfits fully displayed. If it makes you feel better keep the boxes as well. Remember dolls are toys after all!

Buying from overseas:

       •The buy from Oz: - My first thought on buying from overseas is to try to buy from Australia first. Yes, it may cost a little bit more, but if dolls sell well in Australia it may spur manufacturers and retailers on to extend the range of dolls available. Now this is not always feasible, as we sometimes don't know what is going to come to Australia or in what quantity. With collector dolls being produced in fewer numbers it's tempting just to preorder with overseas dealers who are guaranteed to get the doll. This is where networking comes in. Check with Australian sellers first.

       •The buy from OS. - Before you buy from overseas, check with other doll collectors or club members for a reputable dealer. Always email or phone first to see if what you want is in stock. Surface mail is usually the cheapest postage option, but always ask for surface and airmail shipping, you may get a surprise. Make sure you specify which option you prefer when ordering! Insure your purchase if you are ordering expensive items or are worried about your parcel going astray. Of course this will cost a little more. Depending on the cost of items purchased you may have to pay customs duty, so be prepared!

       •Financial review. - The Aussie dollar has dipped and dived at a great rate of knots lately. If you are thinking of buying from overseas keep an eye on the exchange rates and try to buy when the dollar is high. Even a cent or two can make a big difference to the cost of your doll. When it comes to buying from OS, I personally think that a credit card is a must! Postal orders in international currency cost around $8, and then you have to wait for your dealer to receive payment via the post. Remember to only give your credit card number by phone or over a secure Internet site.

       •Going, going, sold! - If buying from an online auction site such as sold.com or ebay, always check the seller's feedback. Ask as many questions as you can and ask for pictures. Again investigate the postage options and insure if necessary. Even sellers with perfect records can have something go wrong.

       •Fabulous fads. - Whether you are buying from Australia or overseas, vintage or newer dolls, it always pays to shop around. There are trends in the doll markets. Prices fluctuate, as items become popular, more abundant or harder to find. Even if you are not looking for a particular item at the moment, keeping an eye on prices will help you recognise the trends when you are ready to buy.

       •Coming to terms. - Here are some abbreviations you may come across in doll collecting circles: NRFB - never removed from box, MIB - mint in box. All complete but the doll may have at some time been removed from the box. MOC - mint on card. All complete and attached to the original card or box liner. TNT - twist and turn waist joint. BL - bend leg. SL - straight leg. DSS - department store special. Sold exclusively through a department store. OSS- original swim suit. OOAK - one of a kind. A one off artists creation or makeover. HTF - hard to find. VHTF - very hard to find.