Becoming a Barbie Collector

After its tremendous launch in 1959, more and moreand Barbie collectors will give better view on the
people continued to collect Barbie dolls because of itsprospective career.
potential future value. From young girls, teenagers up4. Look and join local clubs. Barbie collectors clubs are
to older women who were fond of collectingpopular nowadays. If you can join at least one or
dolls-especially vintage dolls-Barbie has become quite atwo, you can get the latest updates in the world of
commodity.Barbie collectors in your area or around the world.
COLLECTING BARBIE5. Make sure that you know and you are updated
What begins as a mere hobby of collecting Barbiewith prices. Being updated with the prices of certain
dolls can actually be a great investment if not, aBarbie pieces can help you determine if the item
career itself. Being one of the most sought-afteryou've seen in a flea market or a store is worth your
products in the world of doll industry, a Barbie dollmoney.
has definitely a great potential because of its6. Familiarize yourself with the Barbie doll's qualities,
increasing value.uniqueness, and workmanship. Getting the facts
Today, most of Barbie dolls created by Mattel, Inc.about the Barbie doll's unique characteristics and
are Collector or Limited Editions. So if you're planningworkmanship will help you identify its present and
to become a Barbie collector yourself, you mustfuture value.
remember these tips:7. Buy those pieces that appeal to you the most.
1. Make sure that you stay informed about the latestThis will develop your keen eye in knowing what is
in the world of Barbie Collections. You can do this byvaluable or not.
surfing the Net about the latest items, auctions andTo help Barbie collectors, Barbie Collector introduced
price ranges.a color-coded "tier structure" in 2004. This system
2. Take time to read books and magazines. Readingoffers tiers that represent an identifiable level of doll
books about doll collecting can give you better ideascollecting and also comes with special retail
what to look for when buying a vintage doll such asdestinations and elegant packaging designs. The
Barbie. Collecting and reading magazines that containsystem sets label colors to segment Barbie Collector
articles about Barbie collectors and collecting can alsodolls that include Pink Label, Silver Label, Gold Label
help you find rare and valuable pieces.and Platinum Label.
3. Try to go to shows. Shows that feature Barbie