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Barbie doll collectors know this about the Mattel classic: it is a profitable hobby. The low end dolls sell for only a few dollars and the high end dollars are designer originals, some even fashioned by Bob Mackie and other fashion gurus. But knowing what makes one doll a classic "must-have" collectible and another a just a toy, requires distinguishing what is so desireable about the 12 inch injection-mold plastic doll.
For starters, the price tag on the doll is important. Nowadays, a high end doll which retails for more than $20 will probably have some collectible value, especially if the doll has disguishing characteristics, such as designer clothes, a hot career or a link to a theme collection, like the 1980's Barbie doll, which had her own band, "Barbie and the Rockers," or the 1990's Scarlett O'Hara doll which complements the "Gone With the Wind Collection."
An older doll will obviously fetch more cash. A well preserved doll from the original era of the 1950's will be very valuable. Factors which make the doll valuable include: whether or not the doll is in the original, unopened box; whether she has all her original clothes and accessories; whether the doll's hair, skin and body are unscathed by age, discoloration or mistreatment.
If a doll does not have all of her original accessories or clothes, money can still be made. But a collector will likely not earn as much, because the collection is incomplete or tainted in some way. Don't despair. Preserving a collection is hard work, but it can be done.
Cleaning the doll is an important start. Never use harsh soaps or abrasives. Warm water and soap should help you remove most of the grime that accumulates from storage. Using nail polish remover is too harsh--it will remove the paint on Barbie's face, thus rendering the doll virtually worthless. Applying rubbing alcohol (in moderation) with a cotton ball can be effective in removing imperfections in the doll's color.
The doll’s hair must be maintained to ensure resale value. Often kids cut Barbie’s hair or style it in some new fashion, which can make the doll look awkward. If this awkwardness can be repaired, the doll will likely still be valuable. The simplest idea to maintain or maintain the doll’s hair is to wash it with mild soap and comb it with a doll size brush or comb. Do not attempt to wash and brush a doll with permed hair—that hair is too tangled to begin with and will not produce great results when wet and combed. Most older Barbies from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s have long hair, which is easy to style. For these types, combing the hair straight or placing it in a braid or ponytail should be sufficient to make the doll look her best.
To make your collection appear desirable for purchase, it is advisable to dress the doll in her original clothes. But in situations where the original clothes are not available or are in poor condition, it is best to dress and accessorize the doll in items from her time period and or her theme. For example, a doll that is from the Malibu Barbie collection should not be in business attire---a bikini would be the appropriate fashion statement for that doll.
Accessorizing the doll can be crucial to maximizing a doll’s resale. Part of the fascination with Barbie is her ability to look perfectly suitable for any occasion. At the beach or at the office, Barbie is always fashionable and that requires the perfect accessories. Shoes, purses, hats, scarves and belts will help make the doll collection complete.
To make the most money from your Barbie collection, try to have all the original elements, like the clothes, the accessories and the box, preferably unopened. Offering all these items and any additional items will make the collection more complete and thus more attractive for potential buyers.
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