The Agony of “Sold Out”
We have all been there. Something we really want sells out before we get a chance to buy it. In the doll collecting community, it seems to be happening more often lately. Case in point, two dolls that I wrote about previously have sold out rather quickly.
** Photos are property of Mattel, Inc**
Many collectors, it would seem (if talk on the doll boards is a good gage of distress), were caught unaware. It got me to thinking…why does this seem to be happening more often lately? Is it because there are more collectors all of the sudden? More likely, it is the toy companies like Mattel and Integrity Toys figuring out that very tricky supply/demand line and managing it more prudently. Let me clarify that these “sold out” signs are coming up at Barbiecollector.com and not necessarily at all of the dealers and here is my thought. Perhaps Mattel is limiting the supply on their site so as to drive more traffic to their dealer sites. I think this would be a really good thing as I have always thought the dealers kind of get shafted when Mattel’s product is so readily available on the Barbiecollector site. What incentive do buyers have to go through a dealer if they can get it directly from Mattel? It never made sense to me why Mattel would undercut their own dealers. I really like to see the dealers getting some highly anticipated dolls in first..before Mattel’s Barbiecollector.com site. It makes sense to me that the dealers should get some perks and the customers who support these dealers should get it too. I love supporting the local dealer because it feels like you are supporting one of your “tribe”. Typically these local dealers are collectors just like us and it is not only a pleasure to get to know them but it just feels good to support their business.
Okay, my plug for the local dealer is done. 
On to other business…like the next possible “sold out” doll. Tomorrow Mattel will have this lovely lady on their site available for purchase and the news I am getting from various dealers is that she is flying off the shelves. She has been available from dealers for the past week. It was a bit surprising considering her whopping price tag but folks..as a silkie collector I have to say…she is a must have. I think sooner rather than later should be the mantra on this one…she may be gone before you know it.
Limited Edition of no more than 6500 worldwide.
Inside the Fashion Doll Studio 
I think it also has to do with certain people waiting for a sale which frankly I’m glad to see less of these days. And I think there’s been more of a “buy to sell” mentality the last few years. Plus lower production and a host of other factors.
I’m all for supporting dealers though. For me, it’s always about who has the best price. 🙂
October 10, 2012 at 8:58 am
Yes! I wanted to talk about lower edition sizes but could not specifically substantiate the numbers because I could not find edition sizes on the Barbiecollector site. Did they do away with those? Wish they were there..anywhoo…yes supply seems to be going down. Price point is definitely a key factor and I am happy to send money a dealers way if price is a constant between the choices. If you can get something you want for less…even better. More purchasing power is always better 🙂 The “buy to sell” mentality is definitely at play as well and will always be a component of any collecting I guess…as long as Ebay operates.
October 10, 2012 at 9:06 am
The problem is that when a doll is alreay sold out at BC.com, the price of the dolls gets higher at the dealers. A few days ago, I saw D**l G***e offerred Blond Diamond for 135usd, but yesterday, it became “current price unknown”. Mattel’s policy can be a good idea if the dealers can maintain the original prices…
October 10, 2012 at 10:10 pm
That particular doll is a special case because it was a BC exclusive and not offered to dealers unless that particular dealer actually purchased at market price themselves then turned it around to sell it. Given that, it stands to reason they would raise the price just like sellers on ebay or any other marketplace to make at least some profit. I don’t recall seeing this situation happen with other dolls that were not BC exclusives and sold to dealers at a wholesale price. I could be wrong though as I have not checked every dealers site. 🙂
October 10, 2012 at 10:26 pm
The Blond Diamond is not a BC exclusive (There is a limit of 5 dolls per order). The BC Exclusive doll is Yuletide Yummies… 😉
October 10, 2012 at 10:46 pm
My bad Barbieboy Belgium. For some reason I was thinking she was a BC exclusive. Thanks for correcting me. 🙂 I guess the trick was to order it before it became a commodity 😉
October 10, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Hello from Spain: you’re right because lately dolls sell out within days. In my country there is no page barbiecollector many Barbies that are never on sale in stores … In some editions of Barbie internet prices are too high … We keep in touch.
October 11, 2012 at 12:45 pm
Sorry to hear that it is so difficult to get some of these Barbies Marta. 😦
October 20, 2012 at 1:48 pm