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.

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