How to Find Rare Barbie Dolls
You need to have patience and a good eye to find rare Barbies. They can be purchased from other collectors or from people who don't realize their true value.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Understand that rare Barbies are called that because they're hard to find. They're often very expensive.
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2
Realize that dolls never removed from their cases are far more valuable than those that have been removed.
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3
Look in a Barbie valuation guide to determine what dolls you want to look for and what a fair price would be.
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4
Set a price that you won't go over before you begin to look.
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5
Go to local Barbie collector stores to view their collections.
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6
Attend Barbie conventions. You'll see many rare dolls there.
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7
Check out online and local auctions for rare Barbies.
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8
Visit Barbie collectors' Web sites and look for dolls that are for sale.
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9
Look in the classified section of your newspaper.
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10
Subscribe to "Barbie Bazaar" magazine and watch for the doll you want to purchase in ads.
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11
Read doll collector magazines and see if any rare Barbies are advertised.
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12
Stop at garage sales and flea markets. You never know what gem you might buy for a song.
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13
Examine all the dolls you come across very closely to be sure they are, in fact, the dolls you're looking for. Many look very similar.
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14
Be sure the doll you buy has not been altered, restored or had parts replaced.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid to ask questions of sellers. You want to be sure that the doll you're buying is exactly what you're paying for.
