Dolls have been around for ages. Not only do they provide a companion for children, they also help them engage in play and learn. Not all doll owners are children, though. There are many adults who collect baby dolls, antique dolls, and porcelain dolls

Dolls come in all shapes and sizes. There are dolls, like Barbie and American Girl, that come with everything you could imagine. Houses, beds, and even cars are available for these types of dolls. You could easily spend a fortune trying to offer dolls and their accessories at your business.

Before you decide on what dolls and doll accessories to purchase from doll makers, consider:

1. Size of the doll. Will you be able to find doll clothes that will fit her/him, or will you need to buy clothing directly from doll manufacturers?

2. Cost. Will you or your clients be able to afford the types of dolls you want for your business?

3. Clientele. Are the majority of your clients children who will play with the dolls, or is your clientele made up of doll collectors?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Offer your clients a personalized doll

Personalization is a great concept, but be aware that there are some drawbacks. A personalized doll will take longer to make and be more expensive than a regular play doll. Since the doll is custom made, you might also have to buy doll clothes directly from the doll manufacturers, which may cost more money.

I recommend: American Girl offers personalized dolls, called Just Like You dolls. my twinn allows you to send photos to the artisan. The artisan then designs the dolls to look just like the photograph. You can order personalized female or male paper dolls at my paper doll. You send in a photo, and the company makes a doll based on your photograph. These magnetic dolls come with outfits and pets (at an additional charge). For elaborate replicas, visit Reflections of Me.

Find and display collectible and porcelain dolls

If you want to display or sell porcelain dolls, make sure they are authentic. Porcelain dolls and collectible dolls should come with the necessary documentation.

I recommend: Collectibles Today offers an array of Ashton-Drake collectible and porcelain dolls. All dolls come with a certificate of authenticity. The Franklin Mint also offers an array of porcelain dolls.

If you offer dress up dolls, offer doll accessories too

Whatever business your are in, you want your clients to have all they need. If you sell dolls, offer clothing and toys for them too.

I recommend: The Doll Clothes Store lets you choose doll clothes based on the size of your dolls. This website also sells doll accessories, such as hats and sunglasses. Adorable Doll Clothes lets you know up front what dolls will fit into their doll clothing and doll accessories. A Dolly's World and The Doll Market are other websites that offer a large selection of clothing and accessories for different doll types.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying products from well-known doll manufacturers. Clients may feel more comfortable purchasing products from companies they already know.
• •  There are many doll accessories available for every doll. You don't need every accessory, but let your clients know that you can order items you don't currently stock.