| The absolute best way to get a great deal when | | | | selling in. |
| buying a collectible antique doll or Barbie doll is to be | | | | One of the best ways to find a bargain in an antique |
| armed with information. There' no substitute for | | | | doll is to realize that a lot of people start out |
| knowledge when it comes to buying or investing in | | | | collecting dolls and then lose interest. Also realize that |
| dolls. | | | | in many cases the person selling the doll wants to sell |
| There are usually only two things you, as a doll | | | | it a lot more than you want to buy the doll. |
| collector, are looking for when considering antique | | | | Regardless of how high (or even how reasonable) |
| dolls: | | | | the initial asking price is, make a low-ball offer and |
| #1. You are looking for a very specific doll. You know | | | | work from there. |
| the designer, when and where the doll was made | | | | The Internet has a wealth of information about dolls. |
| and you know a lot of other things about the exact | | | | One of the best places to find out about antique doll |
| doll you're looking for. | | | | prices is on eBay. Be sure to check completed |
| #2. You are looking for a bargain. You are looking for | | | | auctions to see what antique, collectible or Barbie |
| any antique doll or collectible doll that is available way | | | | dolls like the one you're looking for really sold for. You |
| below it's actual value. | | | | can use this information in your negotiating. |
| Here's how to get the best value for both types of | | | | CraigsList is another good place to search for antique |
| dolls. | | | | dolls or Barbie dolls. But remember that the prices |
| You have to approach each of these situations | | | | shown on CraigsList are the asking prices and not |
| differently. The first situation is easier, but there are | | | | what the doll will or did sell for. |
| still some things that many collectors overlook. You | | | | When you're armed with all of the above information, |
| need to do your homework and find out what dolls | | | | your final step is to use the five negotiating |
| like you are looking for are actually selling for. And | | | | techniques shown below and don't be in a hurry -- be |
| you need to know what they have sold for recently. | | | | the reluctant buyer. |
| The market may have changed. A particular doll that | | | | Five Secrets to Getting the Best Price When Buying |
| was in high demand and expensive not long ago, may | | | | Any Antique, Collectible, or Barbie Doll: |
| be a lot less expensive now (or it may be even more | | | | 1. Offer way less than you expect to have to pay. |
| expensive). Either way, don't rely on your previous | | | | 2. Always act shocked and surprised at the other |
| knowledge. Find out what the value of the doll is | | | | side's first price. |
| NOW. | | | | 3. Say, "You've got to do better than that." |
| By all means it's important that you don't let your | | | | 4. Walk away (or pretend to walk away) sometime |
| emotions get in the way of logic. Of course, that's | | | | during the negotiation. |
| easier to say than to do. If you love antique dolls like | | | | 5. Arm yourself with information. The more you're |
| I do, it's easy to fall in love with a doll. But remember | | | | prepared with facts and information, the better deal |
| that you will have a better chance to get the best | | | | you can negotiate. For example, say, "I have |
| doll at the best price, if you can remain logical and | | | | checked eBay and other Internet sources, and dolls |
| not let your emotions rule. | | | | like this one never sell for more than $200." |
| Of course, the condition of the doll you're looking for | | | | Use these techniques and you will come out with the |
| has a lot to do with the price. This means that there | | | | best deal possible on an antique doll. Don't forget that |
| could be (and probably will be) a wide range of prices | | | | there are a lot of collectible dolls out there, so always |
| that the particular doll you're looking for will be selling | | | | be willing to walk away from any negotiation. |
| for. | | | | Bottom line: Do your homework, check prices on |
| In the second situation where you are looking for | | | | eBay, negotiate, be patient and walk away (or |
| any doll that you can get at a great price, your job is | | | | pretend to walk away) from any negotiation if |
| even harder. You need to know the value of many | | | | necessary. |
| dolls in order to find bargains. Of course, you can't | | | | You are free to publish this article as long as it is |
| know the value of all dolls, but there are probably a | | | | published in it's entirely including the author information |
| wide range of dolls that you're interested in and have | | | | and links shown below. |
| some idea about the the price range they should be | | | | |