Where Can I Buy Vintage Barbie Dolls?

Those that are avid collectors of the original Barbie dolls, the ones no longer made, appreciate a good find and are willing to pay for a doll in excellent condition. Because these dolls are so popular, they are hard to find. It's not impossible to find a vintage Barbie doll if you know some of the places that often sell them.

The Internet

Check on the Internet to find a vintage Barbie quickly. If you simply type in "vintage Barbie dolls" in Google, plenty of listings pop up. Most of these sites also carry the original clothing for Barbie.

Because the vintage dolls are from the 60's and 70's, a time when collectible toys and dolls had not peaked, most of the Barbie's purchased found their way to the arms of a little girl and used for their intended purpose, toys.

If you want a vintage Barbie in good condition, you often have to pay a little extra. Those that collected the dolls and kept them in their original box are few.

Expect to pay a little extra for the dolls at the sites, although sometimes you can find just the doll or the piece of Barbie clothing that you want to make your collection complete and then it’s well worth the money.

eBay Auctions

eBay is another spot that often has vintage Barbie dolls for sale. Avid collectors know enough to track these dolls here so bidding wars may drive you out of the competition.

Check the rating of the sellers before making any purchase to increase the likelihood that you're getting the real thing. A person that frequently sells on eBay doesn't want to ruin their reputation for one item.

Second Hand Shops

Second hand shops and charity shops like Goodwill sometimes get Barbie dolls when the owner passes and the relatives that clean the house don't understand the value of the doll. It pays to frequent these shops in search of bargains.

Many of the items are well-used in the charity shops but the second hand stores can contain quite a few bargains that will surprise you. Even though they often know the dolls have a higher value, they seldom bother to find out how much higher.

Garage Sales

Just like a second hand shop, a garage sale can be a source of real bargains. The prices on the dolls sold at garage sales are often so inexpensive, you can take a chance on a doll that may not be vintage.

Again, heirs of an estate or an attorney handling the estate may not have the same appreciation for the doll as you, and thousands like you, do. If the spouse of the deceased Barbie collector holds the sale, they seldom see the monetary value of a mere doll. Usually these are the husbands of the collector that understands vintage baseball cards and gloves a lot more.

Retail Stores

Retail stores, especially those that buy the merchandise from stores that go out of business, are also sometimes holders of hidden treasures. These stores simply purchase large lots of items and mark them down accordingly.

The likelihood of an expert on vintage dolls participating in the pricing is slim. It may be tough to find one there, but the potential is greater than a regular retail store.

Make friends with the staff and let them know that you collect dolls, ask them to notify you right away when something comes into the store. A plate of cookies can seal the deal and make you their hero.

Friends

Ask others to aid you in your quest. Let friends know what you're collecting and ask them to keep their eyes open for bargains.

Give them your cell phone number so they can call if they find a bargain. There are many untapped resources for affordable vintage Barbie dolls, especially when you have many eyes watching for them.