What Sells: Barbie Dolls
Barbie Dollls
Barbie isn’t just for little girls; plenty of adults around the globe collect her
(along with her friends, outfits and dream houses).
What Sells
- Vintage dolls (1970s and earlier)
- Holiday Barbies from the early 1990s
- Limited-edition releases
- Celebrity dolls, including Elvis, Elizabeth Taylor and Lucy Ricardo
- OOAK (one-of-a-kind) dolls that have been given complete makeovers
- Vintage and custom doll clothing and accessories
Research Resources
The following websites have photos and other information that can help you identify
and describe your items:
http://nancysdreamhouse.com/
http://www.barbiebazaar.com/
http://www.barbiecollector.com/
http://www.dollpad.com/
http://www.dolls4play.com/
http://www.joeslist.com/
http://www.manbehindthedoll.com/
Condition
Look for these signs of wear and tear:
- Broken or missing limbs
- Bad haircuts and makeovers given by well-meaning children
- Tears, holes, loose seams and missing tags on clothing
- Discoloration, fading, ink stains and other marks
- Odors (cigarette smoke, musty smells from storage)
- Torn, crushed or otherwise damaged packaging
- Missing shoes, purses, hats and other accessories
Key Detail
Include these details in your listing:
- Doll name (“Malibu Barbie,” “Astronaut Barbie,” “Color Magic Barbie,” “Earring Magic
Ken,” “Twist ‘N Turn PJ,” etc.)
- Accessory name (“Barbie Dream House”)
- Clothing name (“Silken Flame,” “Romantic Ruffles,” etc.)
- Hair color (blonde, brunette, titian, redhead, auburn, cinnamon, etc.)
- Outfit number (printed on the package)
- Age (if known)
- If ever removed from box
- If one-of-a-kind
- Other descriptive terms like “mod wedding”
Storage and Shipping
Keep Barbie dolls in their original packaging in a well-ventilated room, away from
children, pets, smoke and cooking odors. Don’t place items in direct sunlight or
next to heating vents or air conditioners either, since the temperature/humidity
changes can cause damage.
Wrap each item individually in plastic to protect it from moisture, bubble wrap
it and place it in a sturdy box in a bed of packing peanuts for shipment to the
buyer.
