|
So, what CAN be
done with the Dollies?
Many
doll "professionals" as well as antique dealers get calls and
emails about what to do with dollies. Some collections have been
left behind after a death of a relative, perhaps the owner is
downsizing to move or is simply ready to part with their collection
and have no one to leave the dollies to.
I
hate to break the news to you but in
today's market and since the start of Ebay, you will find that
dollies, regardless of age or condition or what you paid for them,
may not have the value you expect. That being said, at times, there
are trends where a particular type of dollie may be popular at the
moment and thereby, bring a higher price than normal.
Do
a some research so you know if what you have has any value. Click <HERE>
for Doll
Terminology
and Definitions. Get a doll value book. Research on
Ebay,
Etsy
and
Ruby Lane.
On Ebay, be sure you check what has sold and for how much --
not
what they
are listed for.
Once
you have an idea what you have, the next step is to decide how much time and
effort you want to put into this project for finding the dolls a new home. If you feel that you
may have something of value, visit the
Auction and Dealer Directory
page for auction businesses and doll dealers that you can call or
email with inquiries.
When
you call or email a doll professional, the first question they are going to
ask you is "What do you have?". It may save a lot of time
and energy if you know the answer. Make an inventory
list and take some pictures. Click <HERE>
for a printable inventory form or type the list in a computer
file to easily cut and paste into an email. Keep in mind that not
all your dolls are going to appeal to most who purchase dolls
so the selling of your entire collection to one person, may not happen.
For
most higher quality antique (prior to 1935) and early vintage dolls
(prior to 1959), doll professionals (including dealers and/or
appraisers) should be able to give you a good idea of the value of a
doll using several sources such as Ebay, Etsy, Ruby Lane, doll shows and
other doll professionals. Those values are then weighed against the
doll value reference books. Most doll value reference books
state values based the doll in "mint" condition. Unless the doll is
truly "mint", the value is usually discounted by half if not less.
Depending
on the doll or doll collection, an offer may be made. Keep in mind
that the offer will be a wholesale offer. What does
that mean to you? Well, dealers usually only purchase for resale so
that would be
25 - 50% of what we think we can sell it for in today's
market.
If you do not wish to accept the offer, be sure you take into
consideration what is required to sell your items some other way not
to mention storage costs until such time as your items sell.
| |
|
If going
through a
doll
professional
didn't work
out or your
collection
doesn't have
much value,
you can
always...
Have an
estate/garage/yard
sale. Be
sure you put
"dolls" in
the advertisements. You
will be
amazed how
many people
will come
out for it.
It may be
fun to have an "auction" at the end for the remaining dolls left over Be sure
submit your event on
www.DollShowUSA.com.
Sell through Social Media sites. Facebook has many groups for you to sell
your dollies. Keep in mind that some are closed groups so you would have to ask
to join. Or post to your own personal account. Many are using Pintrest to sell. Simply
set up a
board with
pictures of
the dollies
you would
like to sell
with the
price in the
description.
Visit
DollShowUSA.com
to
check out
the doll
shows in
your area.
You can call
or email
the contact
person
to see if
they know
anyone
interested
or if they
have any
opinion on as
to how your
type of
dolls would
sell at the
shows. Most
shows are
looking for
new sellers,
so if you
have items
that may be
"popular" at
this time,
you may want
to consider
setting up
as a seller.
Click
for the
Show Seller
Guide
Sell through
an online selling venue ~ Click for
the
Online
Selling
Guide
Donate to
doll shows for door prizes, thrift shops, churches or other organizations for a
tax deduction. Around the holidays is an especially good time to donate.
|
| |
|
|
