Selling a Doll Collection

I have close to 250+ dolls, some from late 1950s to 1980s. I have some Barbies. When my grandmother passed away they were left to me. Some are marked and I have checked on my computer for some prices and the ones marked are priced good, but lots are not marked. I'm wanting to sell all for one price. How do I do that?

Brooke from Springfield, MO

Answers:

Selling a Doll Collection

I am hardly an expert, but the prices on these items can vary wildly depending on several factors including: condition (best if in mint condition or in the original box), rarity, the market (there was a real Barbie mania a few years ago which drove up prices). There is also a market for the little accessories, doll houses, cars, etc.

I would suggest you try to find a Barbie collectors' group in your area and contact them for some info. I also believe that there would be info in some doll/Barbie doll magazines. But I think the overall market for collectibles is down due to bad market conditions, and people I know are holding onto things until prices pick up.

If you want to sell the collection all in one piece (you probably would get less overall than selling them one by one) try contacting a doll store in your area. Many of them buy vintage doll collections. (02/18/2009)

By pam munro

Selling a Doll Collection

I had been slowly selling off the doll collection, which I had inherited.
You'll make a lot more money if you sell 1 piece at a time or in small batches.

What I have done is take what I want to get rid of in a tote bag to both antique shows and doll shows and just mention that you have some dolls with you, you would like to know how much they're worth and you are interested in selling them, you will be surprised how fast you can get rid of them.
Then there's always the newspaper Craig's list and eBay. (02/18/2009)

By Babette

Selling a Doll Collection

You have gotten some great advice. Mine is fast nickles are better than slow quarters, and many people can't afford the whole pie. That is why they have a slice.

Divide the dolls into like categories; maker, brand, year, or whatever. See what others are selling them for on ebay, then sell accordingly. If you have as many as you say, you could announce it in the local paper or on Craig's List that you will be showing and selling these dolls at a sale, then dress them up and display them well. Most doll collectors will flock to your door, with cash in hand.

Take some nice shots of several in each photo, giving you the most exposure for your four free shots on Craig's List. In other words, don't just shoot one of four dolls, shoot four of four or six dolls, giving the viewer a nice variety. If you don't sell them all the first time, do it again. You can renew an ad on Craig's List once every 7 days (I think) so keep it fresh if you are selling them a piece at a time.

Good luck. (02/18/2009)

By Sandi/Poor But Proud