I also was a liitle worried and wanted to "See" the dolls for myself before I bought one. AG assured me that I could always return it if I was unhappy. I was still not all that interested in buying without seeing.

However, later I bought my daughter her first doll and was totally happy with the quality and the beauty of the dolls. Emmy was my first doll and I had bought Kirsten for Marina.

I don't know why AG doesn't sell away from the retail locations they have. I think I am glad for it. It keeps the image of AG pure I guess. I am not quite sure how to explain it. The price is higher and the quality better but if you want the dolls you always know where to go or what is in store for you. I can't say that about my local shops.

I did have a store here locally that at one point carried some of the dolls and other items made for them. I did see them in there at one point and was freaked that they could sell them for half again the price to people who just wanted to "see" the dolls and then buy. They never did bother to tell the buyers they could get them online or by catalog. Disgusting leeches they were. They are no longer in buisness BTW.