This is where valuation gets truly tricky. A dealer has a wonderful doll that you are very interested in. But....she is asking $100.00 over book value...say, $500.00 for a doll with a "book value" of $400.00, or $100.00 over the prices you researched for a doll on eBay. What should you do? First, remember that if the price of the doll you like exceeds eBay values but not book values that the doll most likely is NOT overpriced. Why? Well, eBay dolls often sell at a discount because the buyer cannot inspect the doll in person, and because of collective experiences on eBay over time. As an example, I recently purchased 5 dolls on eBay--all were described as being in excellent condition, with no disclosed flaws. On all of the dolls, I paid less than I might have paid from a dealer or shop. One doll was as described--excellent. However, one doll, a Strawberry Shortcake, had a pen mark on the face, one Dawn doll described as NRFB had torn cello on the front (didn't show up in the photo) a Peggy Nisbet Queen Elizabeth arrived with two broken parts and a Cabbage Patch which photographed just fine was soiled from play.
The moral of this story is that I might have paid more from a dealer, but I would have gotten the excellent condition dolls I was seeking without the disappointment, and then the hassle of returns. Although many eBay experiences are just fine, I think you need to understand that these types of experiences DO generally cause prices on eBay that can be lower than a traditional book, dealer, or doll show price.
On the other hand, if a doll is offered to you at over book, realize that if the doll is vintage or antique and in mint or NRFB condition, the doll might well be worth MUCH more than book--sometimes, for a very mint or very original doll, paying double "book" for a doll is actually a bargain! Remember that each vintage and antique doll is an individual piece, and many times you will never see that exact same doll in that exact same condition or costume again.
The corollary is that if a vintage doll is worn and played with, with flaws and non-original clothing, a doll can be offered to you at much less than book value and STILL not be worth it. So, when you value a doll for a purchase, certainly take into account eBay and book prices, then use that as a jumping off point.
I hope that this article has helped you navigate the tricky waters of doll valuation in the current doll market. If you'd like to share a doll valuation experience with me to share on the site, contact me at [Email=collectdolls.guide@about.com]collectdolls.guide@about.com[/Email]
