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Doll value

Appraisal books are a price guide for a particular doll.

The amount of money that books and guides collect is not necessarily the amount you can get by selling it secondhand. It is an approximate price that can be obtained for that copy.

It must be taken into account that the value may vary from one guide to another and with the passage of time, the country, the medium or platform used for the sale and several other aspects, can directly influence the price.

Actual price you can expect to sell a particular doll for.

Prices vary over time and also to a number of other factors.

It is essential to consult online auction sites (Ebay...), mobile applications (Wallapop, Vinted...), second-hand online pages (Mercado Libre, Mil Ads...), to know the current market values .

It is also interesting to know the price they have at that moment on Amazon, Wallmart and the like.

To minimize the effort and maximize your chances of success, choose the best marketplace(s).

Currently, the most popular place to buy and sell Barbie dolls and accessories is, by far, eBay and other second-hand platforms that are popular in your country.

When searching for items, collectors will search countless offers before purchasing. You must provide information quickly and easily so that people who are interested know that you sell.

When writing the title be sure to include:

  • The official name can be found in the Barbiepedia catalog.
  • The product number (MPN), you can also find it in the Barbiepedia catalog.
  • The year of manufacture, you can find the year of manufacture and/or marketing in the catalogue.
  • The condition.

For example, if you wanted to sell the shaved Barbie Fashionista doll of the year 2015, you could describe it as "Barbie Fashionista LA Girl Doll #3, #CJY43 2015, NRFB."

Always make your posts honest and direct, if they evaluate you negatively, It is very likely that your next sales will be affected and that no one else will even buy from you again.

Don't be tempted to omit important details or distort the truth. This can directly affect your reputation and the outcome of the sale. Also don't be too critical of the condition of your doll, that may lead you to sell it for too low a price. Therefore, simply present the product in a neutral manner and let potential buyers be the judge.

Below are some details to consider when writing the description:

  • Smoking: If the doll has ever (not) been left in a place where people smoked, it is important to mention it, if you indicate it in the advertisement, you will save time answering that question continually.
  • Humidity or sunlight: If the item has (never) been stored in a humid environment or left in direct sunlight, it is important to mention this.
  • Accessories: Lists all included items and their conditions.
  • Terms and provisions: Be sure to mention what you will give and what you will expect from the buyer.
  • It is often a good idea to look at other sales, look for what you are going to sell first or something similar.

The right photos can make a huge difference in the final price.

Here are some guidelines you may want to follow when taking photos:

  • Cover all angles. Also, consider perspectives and avoid bias.
  • Light properly. Place the doll in a well-lit setting. Disable the camera flash if possible.
  • Avoid glare. Carefully position your wrist and camera in relation to any light source.
  • Strive for sharpness. Keep the lens clean and the camera stable.
  • Choose a neutral background. Smooth walls or fabrics work best.
  • Don't accidentally include yourself. Be aware of reflections and locations.

This may seem like a lot of work, but it has an incredible impact on the speed and success of a sale. And don't be tempted to borrow photos from elsewhere - this will raise suspicion and drive away potential buyers.

Ideally, you should be open to shipping globally. By offering worldwide shipping, you will greatly expand the number of potential buyers.

Even more important than the current condition of your Barbie is the condition in which it arrives to the buyer. Don't skimp on shipping. You will run the risk of ruining a good sale if the Barbie arrives damaged to the buyer, or does not arrive at all.

Here's how you can improve your chances of an uneventful shipment:

  • Document everything carefully. Take detailed photos of the entire packaging process, including materials. (If you need to claim insurance, the company will require proof and they can be very demanding.)
  • Try to make a package that can withstand impacts and moisture. (Please (re)use recycled/recyclable materials whenever possible.)
  • Stuff the item with no less than 1/2″ (1.5cm) of bubble wrap.
  • Protect it inside a sturdy cardboard box. Make sure it fits snugly and add extra padding if necessary.
  • Reinforce all corners and edges with masking tape.
  • Seal the box with plastic wrap.
  • Send the package by registered mail, with tracking and insurance. (Request the buyer to reuse or recycle the above packaging materials.)

The above may seem exaggerated, but sending a package long distance can really test your strength, as well as your patience and ingenuity, especially when shipping internationally.

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