| The term "collectible" is a very broad one and can | | | | is available at hobby stores. Then the doll's clothes |
| include almost anything you can imagine. However, | | | | should be removed, and the doll should be wrapped in |
| collectible dolls are collected more frequently than any | | | | the tissue paper before putting the clothes back on |
| other type of collectible. Because of this, dolls are | | | | the doll. By doing this, the integrity of the fabric will |
| often what people associate with the word | | | | be maintained for an extended period of time. If you |
| "collectibles". | | | | don't wrap the doll in tissue paper, fabric dyes could |
| If you collect dolls or are interested in collecting | | | | bleed into the doll's skin. A doll with an oddly |
| them, it is important that you educate yourself about | | | | pigmented skin is not a good thing! |
| them as much as possible. One thing you should learn | | | | The next thing you need to treat is the doll's eyes. If |
| is how to protect your investment by caring properly | | | | the eyes move freely or close when the doll lies |
| for your collectible dolls. This will allow you to keep | | | | horizontally, they need to be specially treated with |
| your doll in perfect condition, and possibly sell it for a | | | | diluted isopropyl alcohol (one part alcohol to one part |
| profit at a later date. | | | | water). Lay the doll on its back and treat the eyes |
| When you buy your doll and bring it home, you | | | | with a thin layer of the solution. The entire eye area |
| should not remove it by tearing the packaging. If | | | | should be wiped with a clean cotton cloth and |
| possible, the packaging should be left in perfect | | | | allowed to dry completely. This treatment will ensure |
| condition. The doll will need to be removed from its | | | | that the eyes are completely clean and dust free. A |
| packaging so you can take the necessary steps to | | | | doll with one eye stuck half-shut is also not a good |
| ensure it has a long shelf life. | | | | thing! |
| The first step is to remove any tape from the bows | | | | Once your doll has been prepared for a long shelf life, |
| in the doll's hair. Any remaining tape will leave a | | | | you can just put it away and forget about it. The |
| residue on the fabric that could seriously impact on | | | | value of most collectible dolls does not increase |
| the resale value of the doll. Anything in the packaging | | | | substantially over time so you shouldn't purchase |
| that might rust should also be removed. The doll | | | | them purely as an investment. They should be |
| could be ruined if pieces of metal in the packaging | | | | bought for a personal affinity and love of dolls, rather |
| rust. | | | | than a desire to make money. If you have a passion |
| The next steps will depend on the length of time you | | | | for dolls, you can always hope that the value will |
| plan on keeping your doll. You should buy special acid | | | | increase over time. This is why it is important to take |
| free tissue paper for wrapping collectible dolls, which | | | | the necessary steps to preserve your doll. |