Tips for New Barbie Collectors
Sep 30 '02 (Updated Oct 20 '02)
The Bottom Line Educating yourself about the many facets of Barbie collecting will enable you to start out in the hobby on the right foot.
This review is intended for adult Barbie collectors who are just starting in the hobby, and those who are considering beginning a collection. I also assume you are buying new or recently-produced dolls (by recent I mean those Barbies produced during the last 5-7 years).
I didn't go into the Toys 'R' Us intending to buy a Barbie. I hadn't had contact with her since Junior High, I didn't pay too much attention to the "Great Eras Egyptian Queen" Barbie my adult sister received for Christmas a few years earlier, and I was pretty sure I was on the "anti-Barbie" side of the "Barbie Debate" (If you've been on Mars the last few years, that's the ongoing controversy concerning Barbie doll's influence on young girls' physical and emotional development). The visit to the store involved buying some "Barbie style" Mulan dolls from the Disney cartoon playing in theatres that year (1998). Having obtained my objective, I decided to wander into the aisle with the infamous "Pink Wall" of Barbie dolls, sets and accessories. I was curious about what changes, if any had occurred in Barbie's world since my childhood. Nothing prepared me for what I saw next.
Barbies with black hair! (I grew up in the 70s and 80s, when she was only available as a blonde) A variety of face molds, in Caucasian, Black, Asian and Hispanic styles! A teenage Skipper, and two new siblings--Stacie and Kelly! Collectable-grade Barbies, so precious they had to be kept in a glass box! I instantly fell in love with Teresa, she was what finally hooked me in: I purchased a Puerto Rican Doll of the World Barbie, with a Teresa face, believing sincerely that she would be my first and last Barbie.
Well 4 years and a few hundred dolls later, I'm still acquiring Barbies, and I'm still as excited about the doll as I was during that eye-opening visit to TRU. I have learned a few things about buying and collecting Barbies that I hope will get you, the new collector, going on the right foot. That initial Barbie "fever," the need to buy every single doll will subside eventually; when you've calmed down, I hope you find the tips below to be useful.
EDUCATION: I can't stress enough the importance of educating yourself about Barbie--and there's a lot to learn. Periodic visits to your local Target, Toys 'R' Us, Walmart, or doll collectables shop will enable you to learn, for example the general price and availability of a particular Barbie (When I refer to "Barbie," I'm using the name as a generic reference to Barbie herself, her friends, boyfriend Ken, and other related characters, unless otherwise specified, whew!) in your area. You don't want to make the mistake, for example, of buying a doll on the eBay auction service, that's in plentiful supply at your local store!
You will definitely want to check out "Barbie Bazaar" magazine, the "Official Magazine of Barbie." The articles in this bimonthly publication are usually written by longtime, experienced collectors; A few issues should give you a good start in learning about the history of various Barbie dolls through the years, There's also lots of information about new and upcoming Barbies, as well as a host of other subjects such as "doll makeovers" and finding and making non-Mattel doll sets, clothes and accessories. If you don't know what acronyms like "MIB," "NRFB," and "OOAK" mean, you will after reading a few issues; there's plenty of terminology to learn in Barbie collecting. Finally, Barbie Bazaar has ads from many doll dealers from throughout the US and Canada--so shop around for the best price.
There are many books on Barbie collecting and history, I will mention a few of my favorites: "Barbie Exclusives," by Michael Augustiniyak; "Barbie, Her Life and Times," by Billy*Boy' "Contemporary Barbie," by Jane Sarasohn-Kahn; and any books by Margo Rama. Nearly all are still in print. Augustiniyak's book in particular has a helpful price guide you may want to use as a reference when shopping for older dolls (especially on eBay). Barbie Bazaar also publishes a price guide you may want to check out also.
If the "Barbie Debate" interests you, "Forever Barbie" by M.G. Lord presents a thorough overview of this issue, as well as the general cultural, social, and sexual significance of Barbie doll in American Culture.
COLLECTABILITY, or, "will this doll make me a millionaire in 30 years?" In short, my advice is: collect Barbie because you like the dolls. My opinion flies in the face of what many dealers, or "Barbie Bazaar's" editors and writers may tell you (keep in mind that they all have some vested interest in selling this stuff to you), but collecting contemporary Barbies isn't a fast track to Easy Street. There are far too many adult collectors purchasing them and hoarding them at home, all thinking, "I'm going to make a killing off of these someday!" As far as contemporary Barbies are concerned, those that tend to keep a high price in the collectors' market are those that were produced in limited quantities or priced highly to begin with. The best collectables are those that became such by accident--such as the the original "Number One" Barbie from 1959, and many of the sixties' dolls. These dolls were intended as girls' toys. Many nineties "collectables" Barbies were overproduced by Mattel, causing severe price markdowns that infuriated many in the "collecting for investment" camp (I started buying Barbies myself near the end of this "glut," so I'm not complaining!).
I won't even go into detail about the space those boxes take up (I'ts a problem for me, also!), so unless you intend to go into Barbie collecting as a serious professional, I suggest you put some money in a US Savings Bond--you'll get a better return on investment! Collect Barbie because you love her! And speaking of buying on the cheap,
BARGAIN HUNTING: It will be hard, but resist the impulse to buy a doll--particularly the so-called "Collectables" as soon as it's released. There are so many Barbies released in any year, all won't sell equally briskly. Check out KB Toys, Toys 'R' Us, and liquidation stores such as Big! Lots for bargains, a few months to a year after the doll's initial release. If you live in Southern California, you may live near a "Mattel Toy Club," a company-owned markdown outlet where you can find closeout collectable dolls for cheap. Some stores (like KB and TRU) may have some Barbies up to 2-3 years after their initial release. Doll collectable dealers also mark down prices when they have to reduce inventory--again, see Barbie Bazaar to hunt down those bargains! In general, make an exhaustive search of all your local toy sources before going online and mail order; you want to avoid incurring to many shipping charges!
eBAY: I don't recommend using the service until you have a few months to a year of buying experience, and have a basic knowledge about Barbie doll, such as what I have described above. There are too many dealers willing to prey on a novice's ignorance of the product for which he or she is bidding. The transaction and bidding process is legitimate, but you may end up paying more for a Barbie that what it's worth. For example, are you familiar with the "Copyright 1966" notice that's been printed on the back of most Barbie dolls for many years? Some unscrupulous seller may trick you into believing that it's a doll from 1966! Some eBay sellers will tell you a certain doll is "rare" when a visit to a local outlet reveals that the doll is in plentiful supply. And as I mentioned at the outset of this review, I can't understand why anyone would buy a Barbie through eBay that one can get at the nearest Target at this very moment!
Educating yourself will enable you to avoid such traps. (I understand that not all Barbie products are distributed in equal amounts across the country--keep in mind that KB, TRU and many doll collectables dealers are online.)
SHIPMENTS OF NEW PRODUCT: Many of you will find yourself "making the rounds" once or twice a week at all the local stores, awaiting new arrivals of Barbie. If you have a life and don't want to spend every waking hour wondering when that next product will arrive, here are a few tips:
Check out Mattel's Barbie websites (barbie.com and barbiecollectables.com) for info about upcoming products.
Many collectable doll dealers' websites have a "news" or "gossip" page in which new and upcoming dolls are announced.
As mentioned earlier, read "Barbie Bazaar" magazine.
If a particular Barbie is available in both Caucasian and African American (or "Ethnic" ) versions--and you are considering buying both, or are unsure of which to choose--be aware that the African American Barbie is often produced in lower quantities than her white counterpart, or so it's rumored.
Finally, keep in mind that most new Barbies are released on a quarterly basis, usually in January, April, July, and October. Of course, November and December comprise the holiday shopping season, so expect a rush of new products then. For the "Pink Box" or "Playline" (those are the Barbie's made for kids, but I know you're buying them!) Keep in mind that many of those Barbies introduced early in the year will often be gone by Christmas.
There's so much more I could tell you, but that would take the fun out of your own Barbie collecting experience. You will certainly develop your own strategies for enjoying this wonderful hobby. I hope this piece has been helpful to you.
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Epinions.com ID:
indigospot
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Location: Oakland, CA
Reviews written: 32
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About Me:
Artist, avid reader, comic book fan, toy collector, and obsessed Barbie doll collector since 1998
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