How to Price a Barbie Doll

There are various reasons to price a Barbie doll. If you already have a vintage Barbie doll, for example, you may want to know what it's worth. Perhaps you are in the market for a collector's item and want to get a feel for what the going rate is for a specific Barbie doll. The good news is that, with Internet access and pricing guides, you can have a wealth of information at your fingertips in a few easy steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Doll pricing guide

Price a Barbie Doll

1. Start by using a shopping engine such as BizRate to get an overview of the selection of Barbies available at online merchants (see Resources below). This will give you an idea of current retail prices.

2. Use eBay next (see Resources below). Look at individual auctions to see how much Barbie dolls from different eras (and in different conditions) are actually selling for. Check listings for both vintage and collectible dolls.

3. Get a pricing guide. There are Barbie-specific doll price guides, such as "The Barbie Doll Years: A Comprehensive Listing & Value Guide of Dolls & Accessories" (see Resources below).

4. Browse through trade magazines for toy collectors to see classified ads and get more information on doll prices.

5. Call an appraiser if you think you may have a valuable antique or vintage Barbie doll or if you have an extensive collection in good condition. You can find appraisers at auction houses like Christie's and at doll shows.

6. Take into account sentimental value. No matter what the going rate for similar Barbie dolls may be, your affection for your own doll may mean it makes more sense to hold on to your doll or give it to an appreciative relative than to sell it.

7. Know that doll prices fluctuate as do the prices for most collectibles. You may want to hold on to a doll that currently seems undervalued, as the price may go up.

Tips & Warnings

• A published price does not necessarily reflect what a motivated buyer might pay. Consider letting your local antiques or collectibles dealer know if you are looking to sell a doll or dolls. They may know of a potential buyer.
• For Barbie dolls, as with most other collectibles, condition, rarity and overall popularity of the particular product ultimately have the most effect on price.