Doll collecting can be a lot of fun, but one of the most frustrating parts of the hobby are the "scalpers" who speculate on purchasing at retail and selling at secondary market.
I received a question from a reader - where do you go for secondary market prices?
1. E-bay - most efficient but not most cost effective. True that the prices reflect the market, but you often get caught up in the auction and may bid more than you initially planned to pay. A lot of collectors use this resource, so you have to check it often, especially for some good Buy It Now prices!
2. "The W Exchange" - if you are a member of the W Club. Unfortunately, this is just a posting section and you can't sort or search easily. You have to open the post to see photos. Sometimes you get lucky on this one. Many collectors who post here discount from e-bay prices to reflect their savings on fees. Some of the dolls are "used".
3. Facebook groups - Easy to access. There are groups for each Integrity Toys doll line.
4. Doll Divas - Doll board that allows For Sale posts on Wednesday and Sunday. (I've actually gotten some excellent deals on this one!) Doll Divas Doll board
Problems with Secondary Market:
- You need to be careful and select dolls you truly want in your collection. When you pay a premium price up front, you rarely recover the investment if you decide to resell.
- Sometimes when you pay a lot of money for a special doll, it's hard to enjoy "playing" with it. You may tend to keep the doll NRFB to try to maintain its value. If you aren't enjoying the doll, you shouldn't spend the money to acquire it. (Unless you like displaying your dolls NRFB. That's a personal choice!)
- My biggest problem with secondary market is that scalpers can make you frustrated with your hobby. There are individuals who buy new dolls from multiple dealers and then sell the extras at markup to pay for their own hobby. It's a disappointment to miss out on a doll at retail (or on a lottery in the W Club) just to find it listed multiple times at a high markup.
The best way to buy your Integrity Toys dolls is to develop a good relationship with a dealer. The Integrity Website has a listing of all dealers here: Integrity Dealers
Sometimes the Integrity Website lists dolls for sale to the general public at regular prices. It's good to check their website often. Integrity Toys Direct Sales
If you are not a member of the W Club, join the next opportunity. Most bloggers, Facebook Groups, etc. publicize when the window to join is open. Don't hesitate. It's the best way to know what is happening, learn about upcoming releases, and be notified when dealers post sales to their websites.
It is very important to become active in the doll community: Facebook Groups, Instagram, flickr, etc. Get your name out there. Some collectors develop friendships and post "want to buy/in search of" and members of the community help them locate a doll.
Happy collecting!
Having a new puppy in the house truly interrupts doll play!
When the Retrofuture Mini Collection was previewed, I wasn't sure about the whole concept. I know it is very haute couture. I know there are human designers who have done this for the fashion forward. I just wasn't sure it was for my collection.
But I can't seem to ever pass up Vanessa Perrin (mold 1.0). I'm glad I didn't this time.
Here is a full length photo in the box.
And a closeup in the box.
Here are the accessories (photo property of Integrity Toys/IT). Now this is a prime example of IT listening to consumers. Collectors have been complaining about the design of the accessory boxes. The new boxes are similar to the old slide in compartments!!! No more accessories spilling out all over the place!
I love the shoes! The handbag is minimal but cute. Not sure about those modern glasses! The earrings and necklace will get a lot of wear time. The necklace has a magnetic closure! ... Now those robotic arms. They are something else.
The big bow is detachable. It has little hooks that hook directly onto the belt. I folded it down to give it a more finished look.
I knew I was going to be very particular about the hair on this doll. I was fortunate to get a doll with a very nice style. (For me the hairstyle can be a deal breaker. I've actually paid more on secondary market for a version with great hair!) The hairstyle on my version is fairly balanced and the front wave isn't all over the place. I actually used pedicure scissors to remove the hairnet to save the style. I used magnifying glasses to make sure I only snipped net. I used a little "Got2bGlued" to make sure the wave stayed in place. I don't plan on doing anything else. It looks awesome this way. She will get many photo sessions!
Now, about those robotic arms and hands. Many collectors have reported they are unable to get the metal arm pieces on. (These pieces are actually metal. They are not plastic painted to look like metal.) Some collectors have had luck trading out arms from other dolls with this skin tone (hungarian). A few collectors have reported that the hands will not stay inside the forearms. I guess I was extremely fortunate. With a little coaxing I was able to get the arm pieces on and the hand pegs were actually a little tight in mine!
Unfortunately, I have a different dilemma - I can't get the metal pieces off without fear of scratching the arms! I have already written to Customer Service and have offered buying a new set of arms!
So #19 of 2020 is Retro Dimensional Vanessa Perrin. Who will remain with robotic arms and hands until I get a new set of hungarian arms! What a gorgeous face and head of hair though!
EDIT: Since this posting, IT has responded to my request to purchase a set of additional arms by offering to send me a set free! How awesome!
