Comments on: How to Start a Barbie Collection

on 11/13/2008 I bought a number of used Barbies to start my new collection. I got out my magnifying glass to see the dates. To my dismay, I see that the date on the head is different than the date on the back of the doll. What does this mean?
Also, there are faces I don't recognize as Barbie's face. Is there a list of pictures of "friends" Mattel made? Thank you.

on 9/12/2008 I've always loved barbie since a i was a kid, but never had much of chance growing up to get them. I always dreamed of collecting them but never thought it was possible until one day I was in college and I moved to a new city, my friends mom had a barbie collection! and I thought she's like 40! I was so happy that as adults you CAN still have barbies and not be looked funny. Now I'm in my 30's and I collect barbies and very proud of it. I just needed to see someone else do that thing that I avoided for a long time to make me believe again. Now I'm very happy collecting. I also sell when I can. :)

on 7/29/2006 Buy what you like regardless of their value. I have nearly 100 collector Barbie's and some OOAK as well. I have been collecting since I was 9, which is like 18 years now.

I collect for the sheer enjoyment of them. I don't place too much monetary value on them, even though some are worth a good amount of money. I buy what I like and what appeals to me. I display them out of their boxes proudly. I take very good care of all of them.

Don't worry about what others think if you decide to take them out of their box (believe me you'll hear their opinion, whether you want to or not), it's your collection and every collector is different. Enjoy your collection however you decide to do it.

on 11/22/2005 Just because a doll is overproduced doesn't mean you should avoid it! Just wait for them to go on sale, and you can get dolls you love (like the 98HH) at a discount price!
Even if you buy a doll and its value drops, if you love the doll, don't sweat it!

on 3/29/2007 I have a page set up with lots of info for new Barbie collectors - and it gives a much more well-rounded view than this one!

on 11/22/2005 I must admit, I disagree with some of the advice here. You should only buy those dolls that you truly love! It shouldn't matter whether they have any value or not. The most important thing is to enjoy your collection. :)

on 11/22/2005 Buy what you like without regard to its actual or potential value. The important thing is that your collection makes you happy.

on 11/22/2005 Deboxing, posing and displaying adds to the enjoyment of owning the doll. Being able to see and rearrange the dolls enhances the pride of ownership. My #1 tip - buy what you like! I also advise keeping the boxes in case you decide to sell at some point.

on 11/22/2005 Unlike this person, some collectors enjoy deboxing! Though it takes away monetary value, it adds tons of fun!!