How to Start a Doll Collection

So you want to be a doll collector? Well, here are a few things to think about before you start your collection.

What type of dolls do you like the most?

Do you like Barbies the most? As I'm sure you know, collecting Barbies is a huge range of possibilities. And when you start collecting you are sure to receive gifts from others that aren't exactly what you would have added to your collection. How to prevent that? Limit your collecting to a certain type of Barbie like Fairy Tale Barbies, dolls of the world, Disney, or holiday editions. That's not to say you shouldn't collect all of them, but in reality you will never obtain all the ones you want, so it's best to keep your interests focused on your favorites. If you are into porcelain dolls, keep a company in mind that you admire and collect only those dolls. When you focus your attentions, you can better expand your collection without feeling like you are too behind on your wish list.

Box or De-box?

Do you want to eventually sell your collection? In this case it is best to leave all dolls in their box (with the exception of porcelain dolls that don't usually go down in value when removed because they are meant to be taken out of their boxes). If you don't think you'd ever sell your collection, than it is okay to fully enjoy your dolls by taking them out of the box. You can find a lot of de-boxed dolls on ebay that are far less than their boxed counterparts, but if you already know you are a de-boxer than it's easier to go for the already de-boxed kind. If you want mint boxes (boxes that have no tears, yellowing, or creases) than you will need to look more critically at the dolls you purchase to make sure they are in as near mint as you can get.

Value or Pleasure

Along these same lines as the last one, you need to decide whether you are collecting because you enjoy them or you are collecting because of value. If you are a value collector you will only add those dolls that are worth the most to your collection, despite their appearance. If you are a pleasure collector you will only add those dolls to your collection that you find attractive or have significance to you.

Where to keep them

If you are a smoker or you live with a smoker, your doll collection can go down in value considerably. Many doll collectors will not consider purchasing a doll that was stored in a smoking environment not only for the smell of the item, but also because it will yellow the plastic of the box and in some cases damage the doll inside. If you aren't concerned with selling your dolls than this has no effect on you. Also, if you have pets that like to knock things over or play with them, than it's best to put your dolls in a place where they cannot get at them on a high shelf or in a cabinet. You also need to decide if you have enough room to display a lot of dolls or if most of them will be in storage for the greater part of the year. If you don't have a lot of storage space it is difficult to have an extensive doll collection for all practical purposes. Nevertheless, if you have plenty of space and are willing to devote an entire room or rooms in your house to displaying them, than go for it. It is also good to purchase plastic display cases for de-boxed dolls so that you can preserve them from dust and dirt. Try not to display them near a window, as this will fade your box and/or your doll's clothing. However, no matter what type of collector you are, you still want your dolls to be in good shape through the years.

There is no wrong way to collect, just have your goal in mind before you start so you won't be wishing years down the line that you had not taken them out of the box or that you had bought the ones that were prettier.