How To

How to Buy a Barbie on EBay

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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If you are purchasing a Barbie, eBay not only offers you a variety of options, it offers you several price zones and the convenience of shopping from home. Once you have registered with eBay, you can bid on items and purchase them by signing in to your account.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • EBay account
  1. Step 1

    Search for Barbie dolls. You need to type "Barbie" in the blank box to the left of the "Search" button. You can then choose "All Categories" or the "Bears and Dolls" category from the drop down window. Next, click the "Search" button.

  2. Step 2

    Know the abbreviations. Most sellers will use abbreviations to indicate the condition of the Barbie. Common abbreviations for include A/O for all original, MIB for mint in box, MNB for mint no box and NM for near mint. A modern Barbie is any doll that was made after 1972. Vintage means it was made before 1973.

  3. Step 3

    Review your options. There are hundreds of Barbie dolls and accessories available on eBay at any given point in time. Select the item to read the full description of the Barbie and view photographs. The condition of the Barbie will be listed in the description.

  4. Step 4

    Ask questions. Before you enter your bid, you want to be sure that you have all the information you need. If you have a specific question, select the "Ask seller a question" link. Type your question and eBay sends an email to the seller.

  5. Step 5

    Place a bid by entering the maximum amount of money that you are willing to pay for the Barbie. You should factor the shipping cost into the total amount you want to spend prior to entering your maximum amount. EBay bids on your item for you up to your maximum amount.

  6. Step 6

    Watch the item. Some bidders find that it is beneficial to watch an item prior to bidding. The idea is to wait as long as possible and then enter your bid in the hopes that you win the item at a lower price. EBay notifies the bidder of their status regardless of if they are watching the item.

  7. Step 7

    Buy the Barbie. There are two ways to buy a Barbie on eBay. If the Barbie you want has a "But it now" button you can accept the price and complete your purchase. Otherwise, you need to have the winning bid in order to purchase the item. Once you have the winning bid you can complete the transaction by paying for the Barbie.

Tips & Warnings
  • Use a number other than a whole number for your maximum amount to increase your chance of winning the item.
  • Some Barbie dolls will have discoloration on the hands or face and earring holes in the ears. There may also be cracks or splits on the doll.

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