Is there a source to determine the value of a doll?

[andib]

I am not a big doll person, but I have seen some of your beautiful creations, and thought you may be able to help me.  I have a few 15-20 year old dolls, and I am interested in selling them.  I know they are not worth a mint, but I would like to get a fair price for them.  I have looked all over the web, and have not really found what I have, so I can't get an idea of the fair value.  Is there a source(s) that I may not have seen?  TIA

[ejvc]

Just me, but I'd have a look on eBay to find similar dolls, find out their names and what they are going for.  I think the key is knowing what you have -- after that it's a matter of watching prices.  To find out what you have, you might try a doll-collecting forum.

Elizabeth

[andib]

I think my problem was I couldn't figure out what I have!  I was on Nextag.com and figured out what I have, and some pricing.  Of course, the items are still being sold, so they may be overpriced!  I am thinking of Craig's list, as these could be nice Christmas gifts.  I suspect that kind of shopping will pick up soon.  How do I find a doll forum...just google "doll forum:? 

[ejvc]

I am a member of American Girl Playthings (www.agplaythings.com) -- although as the name suggests this is primarily an AG doll forum there is a section for other dolls -- you could post something there, possibly -- or wander around a bit first seeing if you can find out what you have.

Elizabeth

[crazyquilter]

What type of dolls do you have?  There are doll lists for just about every type of doll imaginable on yahoo groups. 

[Pina]

How do I find a doll forum...just google "doll forum:? 

Yes,Andib. Like Elizabeth suggested,a Google and/or an eBay doll value search,( vintage or antique ) - dolls for sale - may be helpful to see for how much similar dolls like yours are selling for or have sold for.How to identify your dolls,tips.This guide may help you identify and value your dolls,please scroll down.This site has lots of doll information for collectors at the side bar.Click on anything that might be of interest to you and scroll down.Doll chat and other doll forums may have pictures of similar dolls like you have.

[andib]

I can't believe there is anything on the net that is not sewing or fabric related!  I really try not to spend too much time wandering about, and honestly, I am really not that good re:searching, so I appreciate your links.

I found one person selling this small Madeline doll for $25, and another for $100....
At least I know it is worth more than $5.  I also need to dig thru the box to see what clothes are there.  I also have a Barbie that swims!  She came out about 10 years ago after the Olympics.  I know we have lost a lot of the "pieces".  My DD never liked dolls, she just liked having Barbie do the backstroke in the bathtub!  It was more interesting than the toy boat she had!

Can I ask a really inane question, is there a good place to go to get info about how Yahoo group work?  Every time I try to join I end up having problems (very old machine), and I guess the best I can say is that it is not intuitive for me.  I also cannot play computer games unless someone explains it to me.     I do have other qualities, so I don't really care if I can't figure it out in the next 50-60 years!

[Bunnykins]

Take good pics and post them on the eBay doll board.  Those ladies know just about everything there is to know about dolls of every kind.  I collect dolls, but they're not what you have (mine are mostly 60-100 year old compos), so I'm no help.   But, they won't tell you what they're worth.  For that, eBay auctions are the best guide.

[Alessandra]

I'm not experienced with dolls, but I have a friend who is a rare book dealer.  He says that the prices online are often inflated, and that the highest prices are not to be trusted (in books, anyway).  He is of the opinion that the general region of the lowest price you find online is probably a fair valuation, assuming a similar state of repair and condition.  That is, if you see very good copies of a particular book (/doll?) on sale for $10, $12, $25, $50, $100, and $150, then a fair price is probably around $10-$20, and the higher prices are offered by people hoping for a naïve buyer.

I should say, if it illuminates anything, that he is a serious believer in fair prices, and he usually prices books in his store at slightly lower than the lowest price he finds online.

I also agree with the people here that you should check with experts, which I am decidedly not.

[crazyquilter]

I've been watching and collecting vinyl dolls for about 40 years.  If you could post a photo of the group of dolls somewhere, I could take a stab at identifying some of them for you.  Once you know what the dolls are, I would do as others have said.  Look on eBay.  Check for the auctions that actually have bids on them and watch what similar dolls sell for.

[msplantladi]

I too was avid doll collector for years and some I paid huge amts of money for, probably to high but as a collector if its something you really want price doesn't seem to be a question. That being said dolls don't seem to be a high ticket item  as they once were and you probably won't get what you see listed on ebay or like sites. You need to probably find someone who is interested in the particular dolls you are trying to sell. I too am considering selling my collection as I haven't bought anything new for my collection in years and my kids have no interest, in fact my one daughter won't even sleep in that rm when she comes to stay unless I cover the cabinet, she says she can't sleep with the yes staring at her -lol
Thanks so much for all the postings as it reminded me I need to do something w/ this collection.

[sdBev]

...  That is, if you see very good copies of a particular book (/doll?) on sale for $10, $12, $25, $50, $100, and $150, then a fair price is probably around $10-$20, and the higher prices are offered by people hoping for a naïve buyer.
....

Really.  When I see outrageously high prices I always think "the mob is trying to launder money.". 

[ejvc]

<imagines the mobster explaining to the head mobster why DOLLS are the best way to launder money>

[Ann]

imagines the mobster explaining to the head mobster why DOLLS are the best way to launder money>

   

I have been looking for a 16" baby doll and the prices are all over the board. It is crazy.

Ann