by Lisa McGee

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: July 11, 2011

So, you have started collecting dolls, maybe you have lots of questions about how to maintain them, maybe you have a beautiful doll, except she's bald and naked, maybe you have a doll that you just have to have, but can't find. What to do? One option is attend a doll fair.

Doll fairs are great places to network with other collectors and in some cases even doll makers. Many companies even send representatives to doll fairs. If you are looking to expand your knowledge, attending a doll fair and striking up conversations is a good way to do it. If there are forums or classes being offered, join in.

Another service often available is doll valuation. If you want to know if your doll is worth the money you spent on it, or if Great Aunt Ida gave you a treasure, this is the place to go. Be aware that there is often a small fee per item valuated. When your doll is being examined for valuation, ask the expert what you can do to improve it and if it's worth doing. That's what you're paying them to do.

About that naked, bald doll you have, this is the place to take care of that too. Doll fairs are chock full of dealers in everything from wigs, clothes, furniture to accessories enhancing your doll. Bring the bald naked one along, so you can make sure a wig or item of clothing really does fit, just be sure she is demurely covered, you don't want to shame her! Make sure you allow yourself enough time to stroll through the vendor section. You just might find the wig of your dreams! Shop around and haggle a bit.

You will usually be able to find a wide selection of dolls for sale. As always, don't let your passion for collecting get away from you. Try and focus on dolls that are a good value, or would significantly improve or expand your collection. Have a budget and stick to it.

Do your homework before attending the fair, know what a good price on a specific doll is. Don't rely on the seller to be "fair" in their prices. If you are not sure if a price is a good one or not, don't buy. Get the seller's contact information and think it over, ignore their warnings that this deal isn't going to wait. Remember that with the growth of the Internet, there are very few dolls that are as rare as they once were, simply because the buyer has a wider base to shop from. Gone are the days when you might only see one example of a doll in your life time. Now it's as easy as typing in the name of the doll on a search engine and scrolling down the list of options available. Buyers are now able to easily deal with sellers in other countries thanks in part to Paypal. When dealing with a seller in person, remember you have the stronger position.

Doll fairs often include lots of fun stuff too, like raffles. Make the most of your time there, join in the fun and you might walk away with an unexpected prize. All in all, attending doll fairs are a fun way to spend some time indulging in your hobby, even if you aren't planning on spending any money. You will be in the company of others who share the same joy you do in doll collecting.

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