by Lisa McGee

Created on: July 27, 2008   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

Deciding what dolls to collect is not a difficult choice to make. As with any type of collection, you should begin by collecting what you love. If you do, not only will it bring you pleasure, but fluctuations in the prices won't be as upsetting as if you were buying dolls as an investment.

Many people buy the dolls of their youth, either examples of dolls that they had as children, or wished they had as children. Other people begin collecting after receiving a cherished family doll, it sparks their interest and imagination. Some others just love a certain type of doll. Whatever the reason, if you buy what you love, collecting will be more rewarding.

Researching the type of dolls you have decided to collect is the next logical step. Become familiar with the background of the dolls and what you can expect to pay for them. Resources for this information can be found in buying guides or online. Another way to gather information is to attend doll shows and strike up a conversation with a dealer who sells the type of doll you are interested in. If they are busy, ask for a business card and call them later. They should be more than willing to answer questions, considering you are a potential buyer, if not, look elsewhere. You don't want to buy from a dealer who isn't willing to be helpful.

Once you have decided what type of dolls you want to collect, remember to always try to get the best quality you can for the money you have to spend. That doesn't mean you can't buy anything less then perfect, many old dolls are well loved, but know what you are getting into. Deal with reputable people who will tell you upfront about condition issues and offer to give you a written bill with a description of the condition.

By looking the doll over carefully, before purchasing it, you can avoid any unhappy surprises later. Take your time and think over any condition issues you find. Is there a problem that you could remedy yourself? If you are unsure about the cost of repairs or if the doll is really worth the money, don't buy it until you have had a chance to research the issue.

There was a time, prior to the age of the internet, that it was harder to pass up a doll because they were much harder to find, the buyer was limited to the small circle of dealers or shows they were able to attend. That is no longer the case, by using the internet, a buyer has unlimited sources to search, in order to find many examples of the same doll. This is bad news for the seller, but good for the collector.

Sometimes, buying a doll in poor condition is not a bad idea. If you have other examples that are missing clothing or other accessories that this doll has, you can buy it for parts. Other times, the nostalgia that a doll brings up is so strong that it is worth buying for that reason alone. Allow yourself this pleasure, because ultimately collecting dolls, should be for the joy they bring to your life.

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