Help! Need advice on Historical AG Collecting

[mltperdue]

I'm hoping that a lot of you will be on the board today, so I really need to hear your opinions on this question:

My dd has informed me that she really would love to start a collection of the AG historical dolls. That's wonderful, I guess, except for all the $$$ I see floating past my brain! So, I am wondering if you all think I should buy the new current dolls, or try and get PM dolls on ebay? I'm trying to take into consideration the quality of the wigs used today - aren't they supposed to be easier to care for/brush than the older ones? What about the size of their bodies and fitting into the clothes today? Also, face coloring?

We already have a PM Felicity which we just love! I just don't care for the color of her hair on the current dolls, so I got her one of the beautiful red haired PM dolls. She's gorgeous, but I would just love to know what advice you all might have about Kirsten, Sam, Kit, et. al.

Thanks for any input you might have!

Lisa [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

[Skittl1321]

I only buy from AG, but only because I like to be certain my collection is authentic. I have 3 (maybe 4 or 5, but I am not certain about the dates) PM dolls, and I can tell NO difference in them and the new ones, although none of my dolls are "twins."

My PM felicity (1992 -see user pic) doesn't have extremely bright red hair, so she must be different from the "red head" felicity's people always talk about.

I would recommend some ebay shopping, if you really want to save money, but I would also recommend about figuring out the focus of your collection. (Mine is historical dolls and clothes only, no accessories) Knowing what you collect for, and not just "but it's so cute" really helps save money. Take advantage of codes as well!

Not sure if that helped at all. Happy collecting.

[luanne]

We have a collection of PM dolls, 1st edition dolls and a few bought directly from AGPC. A few have come from ebay, but one word of caution regarding ebay: Most sellers are genuine in their descriptions, but most don't know what PM means and use it in the descriptions of their dolls. Also, there are usually small scratches or stains on the dolls that somehow never get mentioned.
Decide why you are collecting, (investment/fun) and decide weather PM is important to you. Also, decide how far you will take your Collection...full wardrobes, furniature, all the dolls. It becomes VERY ADDICTING VERY QUICKLY!!!!
Finally, be sure to check the feedback of the seller!!!!! If they are new to ebay, buy with caution, there have been scams in the past. If you decide to shop ebay, I will be listing Felicity, Josefina and Kirsten later this week, all in excellent condition, they are duplicates and all post-mattel, I think.

[americangirlsrus]

A lot of our dolls have come from ebay, and I have been happy with all of them. Of course unless you are looking for one of the really early ones, you want to save money off the AG price. If you are looking only one doll's collection, you might get a good deal on a lot. Keep in mind the later released dolls like Kit, Josefina and Kaya usually end up costing as much as ordering them from AG. Felicity, too! Samantha, Molly, Kirsten and Addy are more readily available for good savings, IMO! Good Luck!

[bgeurtz]

This is a very informative "POST" and being new to collecting I intend to read every ones responses. Thank you for all the time you put into making your albums and stories. It's better than TV. Me and my two girls #20 and #23 are so excited to find new items and learn all about the tricks of ordering. You would'nt beleive the list of replacement parts codes I have put together. Thanks for letting me tag along with all of you and your collections.

[robin0850]

A great deal depends on why you're collecting; whether you want a pristine collection for display only, or a somewhat "pre-loved" collection to be played with by children, or anything in between, or beyond.
All of my dolls are from ebay--you can find good deals from reputable sellers, and though there are a few bad apples, MOST sellers are honest, usually very nice people who are anxious to protect their good reputations for fairness.
I look for sellers with higher than 99% positive feedback, actual photographs of the item for sale(no "stock" or catalog photos), who appear to be at least somewhat knowledgeable about what they're selling. I also like to see a reasonable shipping charge posted (or calculable with the shipping calculator feature); if there is no shipping stated, or no calculator, I email the seller my zip code and ask the shipping rate (and also any other questions I may have about the item). If the seller doesn't answer, or if the answers aren't satisfactory, I don't bid. Remember, there is ALWAYS ANOTHER AUCTION [img]smile.gif[/img] .
One more thing I do, to avoid bidder's remorse, is NEVER to bid on something as soon as I see it. I add it to my watch list, think it over, and decide whether or not to bid later. This prevents impulse buying, and I'm sure it's saved me a lot of money [img]biggrin.gif[/img] .
Another source, aside from AG and ebay, is this very board! Now and then board members will offer AG dolls or items for sale to board members, or alert everyone to their current ebay listings. Buying and selling among board members can save the hassle of ebaying, and feels much more friendly and secure.
Sorry to run on so long, but I hope this helps you with some of your decisions! Good luck, and happy collecting! [img]biggrin.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/rainbow.gif[/img]

[rafferty]

I agree, what type of collection is the big issue. If you are looking at these dolls as a collection you or your DD will have for years to come, and she is very careful with her dolls I would say try for the PM because they will probably just increase in value. If the doll is strictly used as a play doll, and not necessarily an "heirloom" I would just go with the new dolls. I like both PM and the new ones honestly. If something goes wrong with a new dolls hair, etc, they can be replaced much easier. I have heard some really bad eBay stories on doll conditions when they arrive. I also do think most sellers have no idea what they have, so you do run a risk, as you always do when you buy eBay! [img]rolleyes.gif[/img] On the other hand there ahve been some great deals on eBay...you just can never really tell. I am probably not much help!

Shelly