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How to Value Your Collectable Items
The first thing you
will need to do is check out the condition of your item,
be it a train, doll, Disney collectable, or some other
collectable item. Is it scratched, torn, clean, dirty,
new, in a box, without a box? You get the idea...
Use a good light source and check the
item out very carefully, noting the name, identification
marks, and any copyright marks. Also, check for any
imperfections, tears, scratches, color imperfections,
mars, stains, etc.
Many dolls are collected with the box
intact. An intact box can raise the value of an item
a great deal. Some are worthless if the box is damaged
badly or missing.
NOTE: Some dolls are meant to be played
with and taken out of the box to dress. Examples are
the Tonner Doll Company dolls: Tyler Wentworth, Sydney
Chase, Gene, etc.
Remove the doll from the box for inspection.
Look for forums, discussion boards, or news groups where
similar collectors gather online. You can also check
on eBay (or other online auctions) to see what similar
items are selling for and what their condition was at
the time of sale. Compare the prices with, and without
a box to see the difference.
To find your item on eBay:
1. Find the category on eBay where your
item would most likely be listed. (Dolls, bears, trains,
Disney collectable would be likely categories.
2. If using Dolls, use the [check only
in Dolls box] in the search.
3. Use your keyword to search, such
as "Barbie doll". This will bring up the current
auctions window.
4. Now, check the completed auctions
box, to check out the prices and descriptions on the
sold items.
5. When you click on the individual
auctions, you can see the price the item sold for, the
condition of the item and whether it had a box. Look
for terms such as NRFB (Never Removed From Box) or MIB
(Mint In Box).
Note that the price on eBay is not the
best price for your item. Usually, the price could be
more if sold locally because the online auction buyer
cannot actually handle the item and examine it in person.
Other places to find information about
your item (doll) would be websites selling your item
(doll), antique or boutique shops, toy or hobby shops,
and resell shops. Also, check out the resource books
at the public library.
Popular collectibles might have a price
book that is printed for collectors. You can also use
a collection of hobby magazines to price items or to
locate the year the item was made.
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot find the information that you need about
your item, check out some local hobby clubs in your
area. Most hobby enthusiasts will be willing to help
you find the information you need and are eager to talk
about their hobby. You might even find an expert on
your items, or a buyer!!
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