Finding and Buying Dolls

Searching for a doll:
To search for a particular doll or type of doll on eBay, you can use the categories to narrow your search. From the home page, you can select the Dolls, Figures category. Then, you can choose a subcategory, or you can search for particular or "key" words in the full doll category by clicking in the search dialogue box on this page. Key words that you might want to search for include the name of the doll, the manufacturer, the year the doll was produced, and so on. For example, you could search for "Pitiful Pearl" or "Kestner," or "1920." For more tips on how to do searches, see "eBay Search Tips".

Because people list items differently, you may want to be creative in your searches. For example, if you are looking for a Nancy Ann® Storybook Doll, you could search for "Nancy Ann," "Storybook Doll," "Story Book Doll," or simply "Story" in a doll category. To make sure you don't miss any listings of interest, search for both singular and plural of the doll's name, for example Kewpie® and Kewpies. You will often get the best results from searches if you search the larger doll category and include the option to search the text as well as the title. This way, you'll find items even if the key word is only in the description or if the item is in a different category.

Viewing your search results:
You can view the listings that your search finds in many ways, including featured auctions first, only the auctions that are ending today, or all the auctions in order by the day and time the auction ends. If you are looking for something specific, you may want to browse through all the listings, but if you are looking to bid and buy as soon as possible, selecting only auctions ending today will be helpful. If the listing has after the title, that indicates the listing includes a picture. "NEW" listings are auctions that have been listed in the last 24 hours.

Reading the auction listings:
Every hobby has its own jargon and doll collecting is no exception. Take a look at the terminology for listing and buying that people often use when describing dolls. For example, it is helpful to understand the following: the C10-C4 rating system used to rate the condition of dolls; the abbreviations used, such as MIB which means "Mint in Box;" the differences between the materials dolls are made of (porcelain, bisque, composition, and so on); the terms used to describe special features (intaglio eyes, paperweight eyes, and so on); and terms to describe the condition (crazing, fixer upper, and so on). In addition to the words described in the "Terms for listing or buying" section below, you may want to refer to a doll reference book for more terms and longer definitions.

Deciding how much to bid:
Once you find a doll you like, consider what it is worth to you and about how much the doll currently sells for. Doll price guides can be a helpful reference. You can also do a search of completed eBay auctions for similar dolls to see what people have paid in the past. Read the descriptions of the dolls carefully. Details about the condition can help you decide how much to bid. If you have a question or are unclear about something in the doll description, you may want to e-mail the seller for more information before placing your bid, especially for more expensive dolls. Ask specific questions. Most sellers are happy to answer. In particular, you may want to ask what the doll's flaws are so that the burden of disclosure is on the seller, and you are not unpleasantly surprised when you receive the doll.

Placing a bid:
Once you have decided what you are willing to pay for the doll, place a bid! You can set your bid for the maximum you are willing to spend. eBay will then place your bid at the lowest amount that ensures you are the high bidder up to your limit. If someone bids against you, eBay automatically raises your bid so that you remain the high bidder until the bid amount reaches your limit. You can also place a low bid and decide on a case-by-case basis whether you want to raise your bid when someone outbids you.

Note: It is also a good idea to look at feedback the seller has received before placing your bid. The comments will help you decide if this is someone you would like to transact business with! If there is a lot of feedback, at least glance at the recent responses and any negative feedback to see if there are any comments of concern or issues you would want to clarify with the seller. For example, you may still want to buy from a seller who received a comment about not packing breakables well, but you may want to clarify how they will package your item.

Completing the transaction:
eBay will notify the seller and high bidder at the conclusion of the auction. The seller will then contact the high bidder to arrange for payment and transport of the doll. Typically, the seller will send the doll as soon as the payment has been received (if a money order is sent) or, when a cheque received has been cleared by the bank. There are escrow services available for a small fee if the buyer would like to see their doll and accept it before payment is released. If the doll is not accepted, the buyer must return it quickly and the escrow service returns the funds to the buyer. See "After the Auction" for more details.

When you receive your doll, enjoy! And if the seller was prompt and courteous, give positive feedback so that other users will know this person is a good seller to work with!

A Brief History of Dolls
Why People Collect Dolls
Factors Influencing Value
Finding and Buying Dolls on eBay
Listing and Selling Dolls on eBay
Displaying Your Collection
Caring for Your Collection
Insuring Your Collection
Glossary