Your Bratz Dolls STILL Aren't Rare...

[@littlemisstfc]

The true irony of the century is that since Bratz is doing reproductions of their popular lines…it would mean the extremely high scalper prices would ultimately be, well, meaningless. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@mariefurukawa2627]

Honestly that might have made it worse. Some of the reproductions were pretty dodgy (I heard Rock Angelz especially had issues with misprinted eyes; all of them I saw in my local store had them). So the dodgy repros have probably actually driven up the demand and therefore prices for the originals

[@Man-wolf-]

And yknow what?? I support that

[@myra0224]

@@mariefurukawa2627 Personally, it was just that line that was absolutely terrible. All the other repros look pretty close to the original

[@Thefashiongoddessnyc]

They actually remade them and I got the new redone rock angelz and they were only $8 and they were great.

[@Blake1720]

@@mariefurukawa2627 I think for the most part it’s made it better you can see the og rock Angelz dols are priced way less than before same with GNO

[@oliviafraser8482]

Thank you for talking about Felicia! As black doll collectors, we don't want to pay hundreds for "SUPER RARE AA" dolls, just to feel represented. I hope more doll lines start manufacturing black dolls so they're easier to access now, and in the future, and that we can knock some sense into the resellers.

[@princessss.]

But companies are producing more black dolls now? Just look at LOL OMG, Rainbow High, Barbie and so on

[@morganqorishchi8181]

It's awful that black collectors go through this and there's so few dark skinned dolls out there (and so few black dolls who don't have straight, smooth hair by default). I know a girl who got into customizing dolls entirely so she could have representation that looks like her. It's terrible the lengths black collectors have to go to in order to have a doll that's like them in 2023. You'd think we'd have gotten our act together as a hobby by now.

[@MeanGirlJenny]

It’s weird too have Felicia cost the most too! Marketing off our skin tones! but sell vintage white bratz stupid cheap

[@destinyraex]

@@princessss. And we could always use some more

[@sensibilities1]

Theres been countless all black doll lines over the years and currently.. just look it up.

[@gluefactoryhorse5689]

as a carebear collector, i find it incredibly funny when i see someone trying to list a standard cheer bear for $70 labeling it with buzzwords like “Y2K” and “vintage”, when they’re EVERYWHERE, there are millions of listings on every secondhand site. it’s funny, because a lot of the “rare” ones i’ve collected were dirt cheap because they weren’t popular. i agree with the luck versus persistence! being on a tight budget is sometimes even more fun to try to snatch good deals

[@friend-of-furbies]

Yes! I personally collect Fubies, and I am shocked everytime I see a listing of the very common not rare at all snowball furby listed as RARE VINTAGE White Furby for $300. and then you look at the pictures and it's the filthiest, grimey, broken, saddest looking furb you ever seen. In NEW condition it should be around $35 at the very highest. It's so unfortunate. (to be fair, the raising prices makes a little sense as a lot of collectors, myself included tend to use them to customize... But still)

[@WeatherInOrlando]

Honestly, some doll channels just receive free dolls and talk about how good they are. You're bringing us the hard facts of the doll world! It must be a harder topic to cover but it is SO needed and appreciated

[@bubblegumplastic]

Those channels, while I appreciate what they offer when I'm trying to decide on purchasing a new doll, I just can't watch them for fun. The creators of those channels have this scattered, sometimes frantic energy. I don't feel like they're having fun, at all. They just want to stay on the good side of companies using them for advertising. This channel is very different to that. I feel like Cammy does their research and has "journalistic integrity" (for lack of a better term). And is just enjoying their time collecting. It's like hanging out with a knowledgeable and kind doll hobby acquaintance.

[@user_666_]

Your point about Felicia and specifically black dolls being overpriced in the bratz community really made me think about how it's always Felicia and Sasha that are called "rare" and are so expensive and inaccessible to black fans who just want a doll that looks like them

[@nowadventuring6780]

This is really great advice. In twenty years, they're gonna be worth just as much as Beanie Babies are now, which is nothing, so get dolls because you like them. They're probably not gonna be paying anyone's college tuition, and you've done a fantastic job of outlining why, ethically, they shouldn't anyway. Edit: just to add, I have a doll that is objectively kind of rare in my local market. You can buy her directly new, but she's an lol surprise so you don't actually know which one you're getting. I've seen that you can weigh them or whatever, but I don't like that business model and that's too much work for me anyway. I don't live in the US, so i searched for her on the local secondhand app. No one was selling her by name, but i managed to convince one of the people selling them in extremely expensive sets of dozens of dolls to sell me her separately. She's the smaller version of my favorite lol doll and I'd had no idea she even existed. I paid ten euros.

[@commandersolo]

Lmao I'm so glad I'm a beanie babies collector NOW, rather than in their hayday

[@BM-uc8ny]

Shopping outside of the US is a bitch lmao but even then, it shouldn't be expensive like that

[@Girl2TheCity]

I remember in the 1990s as a kid knowing Beanie babies were over produced so the value would be questionable in the future. I still have my favorite ones to this day same applies to my Bratz dolls.

[@thesweetestbear]

their rare and expensive because nobody wanted to guy the black dolls so there isnt as many owned

[@xandermin]

In my mind, a rare doll is like the 2015 Disney LE wedding Cinderella as it's a certified & numbered limited product. Whereas each regular Bratz line produced MILLIONS of units, so obviously they aren't actually rare! Also, the increase in prices makes the market more attractive to scammers & scalpers. Scalpers are especially awful because they buy out new releases too. I like dolls because they're pretty & colourful & they have soft hair, I don't care how "rare" they are. I've completely stopped engaging with the resale market & am keeping my eyes on new releases instead.

[@MoonshineTheDragThing]

This is why I'm so angry that I can't buy the Shrek themed Yasmin (complete) for a reasonable price. There are people selling nude Shrek Yasmins that have been to hell and back for 80 something dollars!

[@phaineinTV]

not about dolls specifically, but as someone who collects anime merch & figures, i really relate to a lot of the struggles & frustrations here! when i was more active in collector communities, i used to see a lot of first-time collectors being turned off or discouraged by the size of some people's collections or wanting to start dropping massive amounts of money to buy things in bulk because they haven't figured out that the most important thing you can have as a collector is patience and persistence, not a big wallet. people see these big displays with tons of figures but they only see the pure monetary value that went into it, not the time or patience that went into curating that collection.

[@gluefactoryhorse5689]

i agree!! everyone starts somewhere. my biggest anime collections have been built up over 3-5 years. i’ve had someone message me before about my collection, asking for advice and saying they want one like mine, and i tried so hard to stress that it’s taken years to get where i am. this was also at a time where the franchise in question had a high secondhand market price, and when i first started collecting it was niche enough i got a lot of it for dirt cheap. i actually get uncomfortable at the idea of people trying to evaluate my collection by price…

[@Erika-xm2mi]

As someone who's always dreamed of a Sailor Moon and Winx Club collection, I would say that the money that goes into those big collections you see from KZbinrs whose content is specifically and entirely focused on their activity as a collector isn't really to be ignored. I don't deny that a lot of time and patience went into those collections, especially when it comes to collectors who have been building their stock up for years and have actually begun collecting as children before they even knew what collecting was. But, especially with certain media, you also can't deny that not everyone can be a collector because it's *so* expensive. Taking my obsession with Sailor Moon as an example, Proplica released a collection of real-life replicas of various Sailor Moon brooches and scepters. It was easily over $100 a pop and I'm sure there are collectors who got all of the items at once. Sure, time and patience are essential but so is money.

[@gluefactoryhorse5689]

@@Erika-xm2mi oh for sure, it is a privilege to have that spare money in the first place. i do joke that in the end my hobby is just spending money and i’ve had times where my collections have been stagnant because i wasn’t in a well-off enough place to add to it. also a good point about certain special edition or limited items that are expensive; i know part of the criticism with mattel creations was how that scarcity puts pressure on collectors to spend immediately out of fear of missing out. certain “collectors items” really are made to scrape out as much money as possible from those who can afford it, and it sucks

[@txin999]

Same with Sailor Moon figures :( Older Sailor Moon figures have skyrocketed in price (especially the ones from 2013-2017) and they're not even rare/limited edition T_T I've seen really ridiculous prices for the Banpresto ones and to think they're just prize figures! As a Moonie who started collecting around 2019 this hurts >

[@phaineinTV]

@@Erika-xm2mi While I get where you're coming from, I think you're talking about something pretty different than what I was referring to in my original comment. The communities I used to be part of were in smaller fandom circles like LJ, tumblr and (primarily) MyFigureCollection and were way before there were any big KZbinrs (at least that I know of) making a living out of this sort of thing. That's an entirely different ecosystem to the communities I had experience with and the position I was speaking from.

[@Blake1720]

Like you said, They aren’t rare, they are popular. I see at least a couple listings of Felicia a month. The worst part is POC that relate to Felicia cannot easily acquire her which isn’t fair.

[@starame2452]

I’m not a POC but Bratz is one of the few doll lines out there with a majority non white cast from the start, each having their own character. Most of the time it’s only one side character with no actual character. So it sucks that Bratz is so inaccessible now that, except for the repros, they are incredibly hard to find.

[@blossomberry8809]

Idk if Phoebe Campfire is a rare doll but I've see some people sell her on Ebay for $200+ and say she's rare but when I go on Mercari, she's less than $100. Idk if it's the sellers or just because of the doll. Is Phoebe Campfire rare?

[@lisanewcar4436]

"I'm not lucky, I'm persistent" Solid words of encouragement 🤙✨

[@fs1568]

Trixie Mattel single handedly (unintentionally) raised the prices of Barbie dolls she showed off in her videos 😂

[@GarLogan78]

I was upset when she commented on an MH doll post ahah. I was like noooo all this is going to do is raise prices more.

[@alicine-sims8988]

@@somethingclever8916 Personally I would just find that gross, but I never understood the hype of 'this used to belong to this celebrity/public figure." Stuff anyways.

[@friend-of-furbies]

I hate it when famous people do this!! For me being in the furby community this happened when Jeffree Star (ew) Showed off a furby in one of his videos.

[@Brianna-eo8nu]

The glorious sequel we deserve.

[@Pokemon9876543210]

great video as always! another issue w/ market inflation like this is the frustrating possibility of dolls getting more expensive *as a whole* -- as much as i like collecting when i can, i don't want kids to be priced out? i've been poor all my life; i remember how much it sucked to desperately hope for a doll during the holiday, but neither of my parents having the money for it.

[@xandermin]

This is a great point!

[@Erika-xm2mi]

I remember when I looked some dolls up about a decade after I had stopped playing with them and I saw that they went for 40-50 euros a pop. Had I not been sitting down, I would have probably fallen on my ass from how weak my knees got when I saw that price. Just seeing the price of LOL surprise balls made me gag. 12 euros for a miniature doll with some teeny weeny sunglasses and a bottle is ridiculous.

[@mc895]

Amazing video as usual! I think resellers (or new fans simply in it for the 'rarity' or money) have absolutely ruined the doll community- it is so apparent especially in the Monster High fandom. Trying to get anything nowadays is a battle and it has made me so frustrated. And the consumers also need to take responsibility and stop letting their addictions make them overspend. It is SO depressing watching some adults who can't afford these dolls get FOMO over the HC line and trying to spend over a thousand dollars on the doll.

[@Itsanit_Isnt_It]

Genuinely feel bad for anyone whose buying those dolls for a thousand. I have them, I love them, they are not worth nearly that much. Frankie's stand broke as soon as I got her. Their earrings will bleed onto their skin. If you so much as think of unboxing cleo, the tinsel in her hair and the glitter on her jacket will become a staple in your house you'll never be able to clean. You can't pose Lagoona very well because of the material of her jacket. They're cute, but their quality isn't nearly as good to break the bank over.

[@betweenish2333]

@@Itsanit_Isnt_It It's so brutal. I got several large lots of MH when I first started collecting, and I set a limit for myself not to pay more than $10 a doll. Now, years later, I'm still treating glue head and rerooting where necessary.

[@Toxic.Mangaka]

I really resonate with you bringing up how some people only look at our little plastic women as the stock market. I got more serious about collecting fashion dolls at age 12 and I’m 25 now. So whenever I tell someone how big my collection is and their first response is “wow! That’s a big investment” or “you’d make a killing if you sold them” I no longer want to carry on a convo with them. It sucks all the joy out of talking about my hobby. Plus I was a very lonely child and at that point in my life they were my only friends. I’m not going to sell off my besties lol It sounds crazy, but these little plastic people don’t have monetary value to me. They have value in a different way entirely and I feel blessed in having friends within the community and a partner who understands that. ❤

[@comfort-and-joy]

That’s so beautiful… happy for you that you were able to get to that place 💛 That’s something that happens to artists as well. When you’re young and draw something on a napkin, adults who aren’t very wise will say something like “wow! I’m going to save this and sell it when you get famous.” There’s something about people who don’t have deep empathy - their only way to relate to something that is very important to you is to acknowledge the potential monetary value. It’s kinda weird. Messes with your head. Like they can’t acknowledge emotional value, but they don’t wanna be totally dismissive, so they acknowledge a potential monetary value. But it does feel dismissive! So grateful you have a partner who values your little besties! And congrats on all the emotional work I can only imagine it took to have boundaries with everyone else.

[@katgally931]

i also feel like there are some collectors with large followings who normalize spending huge $$$ amounts on dolls bc they are financially secure enough to not care abt finding a good deal

[@NOT.NEREIDE]

Just say Clawdeena

[@katgally931]

@@NOT.NEREIDE LMAO 👀👀👀

[@blossomberry8809]

​@@NOT.NEREIDEoop-

[@meep2404]

this is really great advice for new collectors :) i already was aware of not paying these terrible reseller prices (not like i have the funds to lol) but those examples of rare dolls you just happened upon are really exciting and inspiring. collecting is a marathon with the finish line being a collection you love, not a race to getting the "rarest" most expensive dolls before everyone else.

[@thebarbiediaries]

as a pinkie cooper lover, i've been able to see her prices rise in real time as more people become aware of the brand and her "rarity." I bought all of my pinkies for under $30 each, many of them new in box, and most of them i got earlier just this year. now since more people know about her and believe she's super rare, the prices are getting absolutely crazy (out of box dolls being listed for upwards of $70+...). I'm a bit sad that she's becoming more inaccessible as i love the line so dearly.

[@lofiz2646]

I blame izzyzzz since she bought attention to MH and pinky cooper..

[@josefinaz6834]

​​@@lofiz2646MH resale market has been garbage well before izzzyzzz ever talked about them, and Pinky and Pepper Forever was the real kicker into making people want Pinky Cooper Dolls. Izzzyzzz has gotten more than enough hate for talking about dolls on their channel, and as much as they do spread knowledge about dolls around, the truth of the matter is that a *lot* of the resale markets had already been shit before those videos ever got published. The biggest factor in upping prices in the general second-hand market was the pandemic. Like. Yes, this is a phenomenon, but pinning the blame on one youtuber isn't realistic or healthy lol.

[@joannayawn154]

This is why I’m so happy they’re reproducing Bratz, when I first got into them I would literally have recurring dreams about getting Bratz for free because I wanted them so bad but they’re so expensive on eBay!

[@tornadodee148]

omg same

[@MoonshineTheDragThing]

I just want a reproduction of Shrek Yasmin, that's all I ask.

[@PrinceYaoiThe3rd]

THE SEQUEL WE NEVER ASKED FOR BUT SECRETLY NEEDED

[@jacquelinelugo5518]

Thank You for calling out white sellers who raised the price of Felicia. Just as I started getting my collection organized and finally had a stable job. Everyone wanted Felicia and that raised her price. It sucks as a POC, I love what she represented for us and now I have to fight to get her. I know everyone is upset about the repo Bratz dolls, but I'm so happy with them. This gives those of us who's Bratz dolls they no longer have , get a second chance to get them. I'm still upset that as soon as I was going to buy the Bratz twins, the shot up in price and haven't gone down since. It's been two years and it's still so high in price

[@morganqorishchi8181]

A LOT of 90's vintage black dolls with natural hair and dark skin have shot up in price on eBay and while I just looked them up out of curiosity without intent to buy (my budget is tight, regardless of how cool something is), the reality is that if you're a black collector, white collectors who'll drop 500 USD on a doll so they can post 'Happy Black History Month' Instagram pics with it and never even display it is a slap in the face. It's not just rude, it's actively hurtful. I know I'm Central Asian so I don't experience racism the way black people do, but I can still see how awful this is and it's just wild to me that black people can't even escape inequality in *doll collecting*.

[@soony_7]

I think it’s important to point out the failure of doll distribution by companies like Mattel. For example, the monster high creeproductions, reel drama, and G3 dolls have been so poorly distributed when they entered the market. Fans outside of America have been forced to pay inflated prices on the second hand market because they don’t want to miss out :( and what’s worse, companies like Mattel are not providing fans with any information about restocks or new release dates. I live in the UK and had to spend £££ for the creeproductions on the second hand market because it has been months since they released and Mattel are still silent. It’s such a shame :(

[@neomoonbunz]

i agree with this. even though i live in the U.S. Mattel really dropped the ball with the creeproductions. they should have had a much better and wider release window. especially compared to mga when they re-released the 1st edition bratz, those dolls were not hard to obtain and are still available to get today. in my opinion they should have did a second/better release of the creeproductions instead of releasing the reel drama dolls so that mostly anyone in any country that sells Mattel products could get them.

[@soony_7]

@@neomoonbunz I agree with you. Like you say, MGA have made the bratz repos so accessible for their fans, so a wide distribution is very doable. It’s a shame that the management side of Mattel have been so disconnected from what the fans want. Considering they’re a company that functions on selling the biggest amount of product, they’ve really missed out on a lot of opportunity because of how disorganised their releases have been this year. I think I’m going to start collecting rainbow high because MGA rarely disappoints.

[@neomoonbunz]

@@soony_7 i don't even see the point of them not widely releasing the creeproductions either 😭 like mga has been embarassing mattel for a while now and they are just letting them at this point

[@soony_7]

@@neomoonbunz exactly! It makes zero sense 😭 maybe they underestimated the demand (?) but then MH has always been popular so that seems like a weak excuse. Honestly if MGA made Barbie and MH the world would be a better place 😭lol

[@alexandersmith4731]

@@soony_7 MGA has their weaknesses too, to the point I'm glad Mattel still holds Barbie and Monster High in their productions, I see so many reviewers ignoring these flaws so I'm not surprised

[@seraphinasullivan4849]

I'm a fiber artist and this got me thinking. For the same amount of money some of these bratz dolls are listed at, you could probably get a hand crocheted wool blanket or silk lace shawl. I'm also Alaska Native and used to going to markets and bazaars where Native goods are sold. That $250 could get you maybe two fox pelts or a pair of handmade mukluks or a small to medium sized walrus ivory statue. There's just no way for me to justify spending that same amount on a 10 inch tall mass-produced plastic doll whose shoes are also her feet and doesn't even have articulated elbows. You can get better quality dolls brand new at a tenth of that price and spend some of the cash you saved on all kinds of cute clothes to fit them made by hobbyists on etsy

[@seraphinasullivan4849]

@IselasCraftingNRetiredLife that's actually really clever, i never thought about that. I currently only have the one fashion doll (a Heather Greyson Shadow High doll) and i like all the clothes she came with, plus i prefer to spin my own yarn so there's a little more labor involved. My partner has an Ash Silverstone Shadow High doll and wanted a dress for him, so I'll eventually figure out how to make a dress for that doll body. I'm also hoping to make my partner a cardigan so maybe the doll wil get a matching sweaterdress ^-^

[@mossfrog9720]

Hell just going to powwows as a kid has made me very strict with what dolls I even debate getting. No way this one doll is worth the same as a matching set of beaded earrings two beaded bracelets and a quill necklace

[@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376]

Very true, but I'd never want a pelt. They're extremely unethical.

[@seraphinasullivan4849]

@@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376 alaska natives aren't running fur farms. Those pelts came from creatures that lived in the wild and got a clean death, and what whole pelts are sold are typically left over from gathering materials to make traditional winter clothes because the ones made in factories are too expensive for how ineffective they are at such low temperatures. Fox skin is prefered for cuffs, hems, and ruffs, not only for its beauty, but for its resistance to wind and snow, and that the fur is less stiff and the skin less likely to tear than wolf. Pre-asimilation, fox skin was also used for women's under-shorts. Pelts harvested through Native subsitence hunting aren't unethical unless you value animals over people who often live in poverty and have been subject to colonization for quite some time now. Buying furs from a Native seller also doesn't feed into the comercial fur industry, but might help feed a family out in the village where food is expensive because it's hard to ship.

[@cheetodust745]

@@kingexplosionmurderfuckoff9376 why would you need a pelt? You’re not an Alaska Native, this is the way of life that keeps them alive. Do you know the price to fly in a brand made coat to Alaska vs making your own with hunted pelts using ancestral knowledge? Educate yourself.

[@corvid9808]

it somewhat feels so heartless to just buy a doll because of popularity 😭😭 I love mine like a piece of art in a private gallery... why purchase something you don't find gorgeous and don't admire ? I could never understand

[@mk-aka-morgan8386]

As an inexperienced doll collector I really appreciate you talking about how easy it can be to be scammed and giving out some great advice so we don't end up getting scammed

[@moonlightbae5425]

I've literally given up collecting bratz for now because of the ridiculous prices :( It sucks because I'm a new collector and I can't even really get into collecting

[@cassieoliveira13]

i'm a new collector from Brazil, i started with two monster high dolls back in march, bought both for 150 reais (about 28 dollars), watching you and other collectors made me realize that it's not about just buying by any price and i did a full research to find my favorites in good condition, here in Brazil dolls are really expensive, even in store, but the second hand market is pretty good and fair

[@1712ki]

I feel like this is so bad in the AG community too. Some people sell 2018-2020 GOTY's out of box for hundreds of dollars above their original sale price and it boggles my mind to see folks pay it, when American Girl still has some of these dolls in stock!!!! As usual, you are so informative and entertaining. Love the Orange Blossom sweater.

[@sad_dad]

Hell would have to freeze over 100 times before my ass ever spends over $200 on a Shrek Bratz Doll 😂😂 So happy to see a new vid from you tho! I love your content so much 💖

[@commandersolo]

I went through this SO MUCH with the squishmallow community. People price hiking every squish with even a mild interest to it, being proud for spending $600 on a cow, and perpetuating the cycle of doing so

[@Mister_Dollz]

Your original video is the reason why I look for good deals on Bratz dolls when I buy them from eBay, and why I bought the reproduction of Kiana instead of paying hundreds of pounds to buy the og doll. (I’m English so my currency is pounds)

[@Mashka14]

Honest and straightforward video on the downsides of buying dolls secondhand for Doll collectors and the outrageous prices these Dolls cost either in store or shopping sites like Ebay

[@segagenesis0420]

Yes Thanks!!! Another issue I've come across, at least on ebay, is how HIGH the shipping costs are, to offset any reasonable doll prices. Am I the only one to see this? I spent several years collecting the original Holiday Barbie line (up to 1998), and of course the original 1988 holiday barbie was going for more than I was willing to pay, even when out of the box or incomplete! Finally I got one last year with a damaged box, but with all parts included, for less than $60 plus reasonable shipping! She is my holy grail doll, and love her dearly.

[@dolls_onthego]

Boy can I relate with what you said, I get called LUCKY almost daily and I just want to tell everyone it’s not luck it’s patience!! I go thrifting 2-4 times a week and I go to the swap meet( flea market in other places ) every weekend!! I also set alerts online for all the dolls I really want and eventually you do find the dolls you want and honestly I think it’s more fun. Save money and just be patient and you will have the doll collection you want❤ that’s my advice to any doll collector as well ❤

[@peaceloveplastic]

Yes saying what needs to be said! I literally haven’t bought a 2nd hand Bratz on Ebay in 2 years. These prices are insane. 😩

[@xxElyonxx]

seeing brands like bratz and monster high get overrun with sellers trying to price gouge makes me glad that the main focus of my collection is frozen dolls since there are so many out there that they're dirt cheap now and even in the future when frozen has its inevitable nostalgia boom there will undoubtedly still be more supply than demand

[@finforkys]

Something similar happened to the manga collecting scene in my country too. Scalpers and newbies artificially inflated the prices and rarity of manga they don't even care about, leaving fans and people actually wanting to read them empty handed. I had to wait almost a year to buy the re-release of Dungeon Meshi volume 1 because scalpers bought all of them and sell them for 5 times the price.

[@Erika-xm2mi]

Now that you say this, it never really occurred to me until now that the reason why certain volumes are so hard to find could very well be because of scalpers, especially when the missing volume is always the most random one and usually in the middle of the collection, enough to make you desperate to the point where you'd give them money just so you wouldn't have to look at an empty space.

[@finforkys]

@@Erika-xm2mi Yeah, it's usually the ones with freebies that got scalped out. It doesn't even matter what the freebies is or if the manga is famous or not, there a chance that volume gonna disappeared as soon as it came out if it got just a little piece of cardboard. I once had to drive around the city to look for volume 20 of Saiki K and paid twice the price for volume 6 of Yuru Camp, all because of some stupid plastic cards.

[@sarae1250]

Yes!! I was so lucky to find a copy at a second hand book store, sadly it took a while to find vol 5 but I did end up finding a retired Library card. Stay strong 💪!

[@00egg00]

I refuse to pay a lot of money for Bratz after finding Flashback fever Jade with a full outfit for 2 dollars and Sweet Dreamz Yasmin with 2 outfits and shoes for 1,5 dollars at the secondhand store. I can wait. Earlier this year I saw someone buying a NUDE campfire Felicia, no shoes no nothing, for 145 dollars... girl

[@hotcocoandart]

I don't collect dolls but I feel like the vintage/retro/secondhand camera market is similar. My collection brings me joy and honestly? That's the point of a collection. It's a lovely bonus that the majority of them work. But like. Idk I feel like some people want crazy amounts. I have a camera that's 'very valuable' and I see people trying to sell it for 300-400 dollars just because it's 'aesthetic' on Tik Tok rn. And these things are remarkably common, thousands of them were manufactured. I can relate very much.

[@pembrokelove]

Your sweater collection is phenomenal.

[@vicquemare]

i'm starting to get into doll collecting (my mom used to collect barbies before i was born), and your channel has been amazing in helping me decide which dolls i'd like to add to my collection! thankfully, i haven't been swayed into that mindset of "get this one because it's rare" yet, which is surprising, but instead "oh my god look how cute this one is you should lust after it for 6 months until you finally feel confident in buying a fashion doll as an adult" (your channel has also helped me get over that anxiety, as well). i still found this video helpful, however, and i'll refer back to it if i ever start falling into that "collecting as clout" mindset.

[@VtheGoblin]

I used to collect dolls as a kid and then I stopped cause I grew up and figured I had to. I'm really wanting to get back into it and I find your channel very inspiring. I don't want dolls cause they are expensive or rare. I just want to get the dolls that I think are cute and stand out to me.

[@LookinBratz]

I loved this video so so so much!!! The secondhand market has made collecting Bratz less fun, which is why I’ve steered somewhat clear from it the past few years. You really hit the nail on the head on this video and a lot of people need to hear it.

[@ChadMarvelous]

THANK YOU. I've been thinking about these same things, but I didn't know how to articulate them. I really like the way you explained everything, and I agree 100%. I see so many new collectors in the comments on my videos, and in Facebook groups talking about these same things, and I want to be encouraging, because I love that the community is growing, but at the same time I just want to yell "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!?" Lol. It's so interesting because I don't even think a doll has to be old or particularly rare for this to happen. For example, the newer Monster High G1 dolls. The release for these has been frustrating, and it seems like they are all being bought up by resellers and immediately being put on the second hand market at 2 to 3 times the retail price... AND PEOPLE ARE PAYING THAT. I try to discourage people from paying those inflated prices, and I especially try to discourage people from buying newer dolls from resellers right away, but I don't have as big of a platform, so I only reach my small audience. I'm just glad somebody else is bringing this up. Not for my benefit, because I've been collecting for a while and I'm able to be patient, but for the benefit of the newer collectors. You are awesome. I've been a subscriber of yours for it a while now, and I really enjoy watching your videos. (BTW, I like the set up in the background with the pink shelves!)

[@morganillustrates6167]

Definitely needed a video like this. Collecting for all the wrong reasons can lead to serious burnout. I’ve been there. Combing second hand sites several times daily because I wanted the rush. It’s addicting but it’s toxic.

[@MsSumoon]

Here in Brazil, it has also gone crazy in the prices of many dolls. Mostly Monster High, dolls that a paid a fair price, now have sky rocked. Sure we do have some “rare” dolls, the Barbie dolls made by the Brazilian Toy Company- Estrela, are kind of rare and some international buyers actually do prefer the Brazilian version of certain US releases, because of the quality. But that aside, it's kind of frustrating seeing people charge for dolls that aren't even in good condition to being with, we are talking dolls that have missing limbs, or the hair is looking awful, and so on. I know people want to make a profit, but it's kind of crazy. Bratzillaz are actually higher in price here in Brazil than regular Bratz.

[@BM-uc8ny]

myscene was more popular than bratz here and yet it's far more expensive second hand 😭

[@tornadodee148]

unrelated but Estrella (with two L's) is actually what I named my favorite Barbie I had just received for my birthday back in 2001? 2002? anyways it was because she was a popstar and in Canada you have French, Spanish and English on Barbie boxes so I learned that "Estrella" meant "Star" in Spanish which I thought was very pretty and fitting :) EDIT: I just googled it was Pop Sensation Barbie 2002, It was on my 7th birthday lol

[@Fisklingur]

"little plastic women" is my favourite phrase of yours

[@Fisklingur]

I also have not bought a bratz doll on eBay for about a year, instead I've been going to secondhand markets and looking on less popular selling sites. I don't buy very many anymore (*shakes fist* the economy!!) but when I do I get them at an excellent price so I'm happier for it

[@bingusslingus7020]

I hope to find a Bratz Cowgirlz doll at a reasonable price some day, specifically Sasha and maybe Yasmin as a second. I’m a lifelong doll lover but new to the collector’s community and I haven’t bought any Bratz yet because I just can’t justify the price rn.

[@alienmum333]

Thank you for this! I'm a new collector and I really appreciate your advice. I'm focused on only getting the dolls that I'm totally in love with and I'm definitely not willing to pay like $100. I was starting to think that the Bratz life was for rich ppl only lol but patience is key!

[@dontcallmedoll]

I'm guilty of crashing a doll market with a video once, never again. 😅 After having done my "My Style" unboxing and documentary on the war between Simba and Mattel, it made a doll brand that originally cost me 13€ to buy turn into a 200€ "rarity" overnight. 🙄

[@thisbeem2714]

How frustrating. Gotta gatekeep the dolls you want because folks just fall into the bandwagon.

[@citonita2207]

I know fear can motivate some of my buying urgency, even though I don't act on it I still really feel anxiety about it, so I appreciate the wisdom that these dolls aren't going anywhere!

[@minnienie4990]

When I first started collecting dolls, I also fell for the 'rare' scams and overpaid for almost every doll I owned at the time. In my case, I didn't really want any recognition since the only people who know about my collection are my family and my best friend, but I have this strong urge to complete every doll line I own, even those dolls that I don't like. One reason why I was this stupid is because I was afraid that if I don't buy the dolls now I never will. I was scared that they might become even harder to find or worse.... more expensive. ...But when i got the monster high g1 main girlies for a total of 200€ i knew i screwed up. If you wait long enough and keep looking, you will indeed come across realistic prices. This is a life lesson i will never forget lol. Now the only times I overpay is when I get rainbow high dolls, but only because they've gotten really expensive, although some of them obviously aren't worth it, and we don't get those crazy sales in Austria. At least I've never seen a Rainbow High Doll in store (not on Amazon) retailing for less than 25€ (I'm talking about series 1-4 because those special or limited edition dolls are way too expensive for me rn ;-;) Btw, I've never been to America, but I love watching doll hunting videos, and it kinda feels like the rainbow high girlies are always on sale !at ridiculous prices! in America. I used to try to wait to get Robin at a better price and then she disappeared from my local toy store shelves.

[@rosiewalks]

"treating these little plastic women like they're the stock market" XD XD XD Thanks for such a great video! Treasure hunting is one of my favorite aspects of doll collecting, and I'm not about to pay hundreds of dollars for a decade(s) old playline doll.

[@MJdaDuckbear]

I know this video is older but it’s something I’m feeling so hard rn. I collect dolls, sonic merch and kpop cards and every single one of these are becoming so insanely difficult to not only collect but to enjoy doing it :/ A figure or card comes out and immediately it’s on eBay for double the price just becuase it left stores 2 weeks ago or simply becuase it’s draculaura , I hate it

[@tfunkdadunk]

You're hilarious - I love listening to people who are clearly passionate about their interests. I like that you aren't just bragging about your collection constantly. You do way more interesting videos because of it!

[@hanvsno]

Similar things are happening on the kpop photocard market. I'm not personally a collector, but I've seen photocards (that are currently still in production) be sold for hundreds of dollars. Like you could go to Target and buy the album that photocard is in for like $30 instead of spending $200. It's crazy how resellers can slap any price on a product and there are people out there willing to buy it. Hopefully all collectors markets start to see a downward trend in prices, cuz everything is so ridiculously expensive now for no reason.

[@percyperanamus7432]

i get a new scam doll " seller " in my ig messages literally daily. i like to lead them on and waste their time to try and discourage them from scamming others but yeah it's really fkd to think how many ppl they prob do get away with scamming

[@HaveYouHeardDolls]

This is a video that every doll collector should see!

[@Sparks.u]

I feel this exact thing with clothing designers. Vivienne Westwood is one of my favourite designers and I have a lot of pieces that I got really cheap on eBay before 2019 because she wasn't in the spotlight, but since the corset resurgence it's unimaginable that you could buy runway pieces of hers for under $50. Also I love your outfit in this! So cute!

[@rivalthehypo7824]

I'm not really much of a doll collector yet, but I collect other figurines. I went to a thrift store once and managed to find two figures that are usually on ebay for about twenty something dollars, plus one that is rarely ever seen on eBay or even in collections for just about three something dollars. Of course with dolls you don't exactly always get as lucky at thrift stores but antique malls definitely. And there's times collectors in some communities will sell their whole collection not to make money but to get rid of it and you can get it for a price that some people would pay for one thing in the collection. But I've definitely seen that just waiting is the best thing to do when collecting, check in on websites every so often and one day you might find what you've been looking for at a reasonable price and not hundreds of dollars, or going to actual stores and such where you might stumble upon what you've been looking for, for a while.

[@mayoshawdy8309]

"In real time, you can watch the price of the dolls skyrocket." I still grieve the loss of cheap 2nd hand ever after high.

[@pamzeyhorror]

I love watching all of these videos. The points you make are soo authentic and you don't sugar coat anything. I'm an adult soo this part of "doll talk" matters to me . If that makes sense

[@aileenguardado9850]

I’ve collected dolls, plushes and other toys since I was a child. That taught me to be patient when wanting a toy I could not afford. Now that I’m older I still put that into practice because there will always be sales and different sellers that are actually genuine and trying to sell for a reasonable price. It’s frustrating to see sellers doubling the price of toys because they are only thinking about themselves. They obviously got the toy at retail price, but want to manipulate people to think it’s worth more than it actually is 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@natalieholmes1117]

This advice really reminded me of my experience going through my childhood toy collection. I felt this pressure to save things that were valuable or iconic to the time. I feared getting rid of something because I didn't know it was my favorite as a four year old or something. But I decided that value is what I give an object. Toys that still made me happy stayed, and the rest went to new homes!

[@TBCaine]

god when you mentioned dolls from the 70s still on eBay… so true 😭 even if they are marked up, it’s STILL not as bad as Bratz/MyScene/Monster High. AND: I’m willing to bet there were waaaay more of the other 3 made than any Barbie from the 70s. Like I’m sorry, Bratz was *SO* big they had a Boyz line that did 5 boy dolls in a line, multiple times a year, that went on for 5+ years…. The girl dolls had to be selling MASSIVE amounts to justify that investment from MGA. Especially once you remember just how badly boy dolls sell. I know it’s a meme now to joke on formal funk for being “limited” edition and still like tens of thousand of units (which is EXTRA funny in this whole conversation given how… every formal funk doll I’ve ever seen has been pretty cheap), but like if THAT quantity was “limited” for MGA at the time… just how many were they producing??? I randomly got a Bratz Sharidan in a lot from FB Marketplace for like… maybe $50 for the whole lot? And she had almost her entire outfit minus her fur. These rare girls are *everywhere* still. And will probably be in even better condition 10 years down the line after collectors have bought them and re-assembled their sets. But also plz let these prices drop… I want more Brat doll… (and I’d love to get into MyScene more but WHEW those prices are borderline worse than Bratz at times)

[@Dollparade321]

I've wanted to collect Bratz because they're beautiful and I feel connected to them, but I haven't bought a single original one in box due to the second-hand cost. I'm buying all the repros now, and laughing at the people trying to sell the original dolls for $1000 CAD. 😂 They must be sweating, seeing some of the "rare" iconic lines Bratz is planning to reproduce.

[@svtvrns]

this video is great. as someone who recently started collecting again, specifically monster high dolls, it's so sad to see the prices go up so high. i sold off a majority of my collection a few years ago and really want to have some of the dolls i used to own, but everything now is sold for like 10x the price it originally was. i have actually given into secondhand prices for a couple of grails (sweet screams draculaura literally cost me nearly a whole week's paycheck...) but this video makes me want to start waiting for prices to go down. for now i think i'll just stick to collecting rh and reboot mh dolls since they're the most affordable dolls i like right now lol

[@AllycatlovesAG]

The RH Sheryl in the background next to the Kpop eurovision dolls is a sign I must have them join my Sheryl haha! Within the AG community, Kanani is one of the most sought after dolls that always sold on ebay for hundreds of dollars. I got mine for about 60$ CAD. So many dolls get sold for outrageous prices! Also, I can't wait to see the American Girl video, but yeah the controversy would make it bad timing.

[@nikkithompson854]

Thank you for this video! As a newcomer into doll collecting and getting into Fandoms, I had a little bit of the FOMO since people were buying all the repros or special edition dolls that came out this year and then reselling for ludicrous prices. I have to tell myself and others that I'm not missing out, the sellers are just making me feeling like I'm missing out. So I only sought out only those I really want or for sale if I'm interested in them. Basically at a casual healthy pace. I think that should apply to any collector really where you collect from Lego, MLP, Anime Figures, etc. Collect what makes you happy, not for others. And hopefully by next year, the doll market will settle down with more repros coming out, and people (tiktokers) interest would ween out so actual collectors can get what they enjoy 🥰

[@hannahfiddler7990]

Do you think you could do a video about your grails? Or dolls that have interesting stories about how you acquired them?

[@zwilliams331]

Wow. You consistently serve us the most interesting and thought provoking doll related content on all social media platforms. 💗

[@sugarsick]

I appreciate advice to new collectors like this. Your honesty and experience is so valuable.

[@Oozorachan]

Thank you for this video. Your advice is wonderful and it makes me feel better about my hesitation to overspend for dolls I want online. I'm mainly a vintage plush doll collector (Popples are my favorite! ) , but I also collect fashion dolls, anime merch and retro games, and alot of the same problems occur in all these communities. I had to wait for 4 years just to find an affordable Pancake Popple plush that also wasn't in terrible condition. While I do love buying vintage plush dolls that aren't in the best condition to clean them up and display in my collection, sometimes I just want a nice-looking plush that's not overly expensive either. But lately, even vintage plush dolls with very matted hair will be listed for the same prices as ones that look practically new. It's ridiculous. I hope that one day the doll community will improve and we all can afford our dream dolls.

[@Jadiorliminals]

No literally the dolls will have pretty screenings that are high in demand and people will overprice them but then again if a lot of people want them then why not

[@annerumain7711]

God your videos are always a joy, and your outfits are always iconic!

[@robertholden4586]

I just started collecting dolls about a month ago. I think I have gone a little crazy with buying a good amount of dolls. That being said I’m only buying them from big box stores and not entertaining any scalpers. I actually started collecting dolls because my other collection had been affected by scalpers also. I think that helped me understand that I can’t be supporting these scalpers not matter how much I want these dolls. It’s not life and death and I do not NEED these dolls. I know so many people have grail dolls and they truly don’t want to entertain scalpers but inevitably do. That being said for every scalper we purchase from we go twelve steps back for the true collectors. I’m just and so disgusted by the greed for money nowadays. I collect these dolls because they bring me joy, not to make a fortune off of other peoples hobbies. Love your channel bud! You are so kind and down to earth and so knowledgeable! You have a lifetime follower from me! Hope you and yours are happy and healthy!

[@Zee-iv9oe]

you’re so funny but also insightful. thank you for this sequel

[@sophiegoose]

THANK YOU for this vid: I'm an action figure collector, with over a decade now of dedicated collecting, and after having dipped my head into fashion doll collecting recently over the last few months it's been very concerning to see some fashion doll collectors making the same mistakes I've seen again and again in the action figure market for years now. The wild fluctuations in price, the eBay price gouging, the new folks coming in and immediately chasing trends and clout and WAYYYYY overspending on a doll that's gonna be worth pennies compared to what they paid just weeks from now...yea, I've seen this all before? Oof. 100% echo your sentiment of buying figures not based on rarity or FOMO, it's what's made my collection my own and made it a long-term positive investment for me, not for monetary value or resellability or clout or other things that are likely to change on a dime as trends and the market and collectors change, but as a personal investment in my own happiness and what I want to see when I look up at my shelf and see these pieces of plastic that I enjoy. As someone looking in from another hobby, all I've got to say is this: buy a doll because you like it. Because you want to see it on your shelf a month, a year, 5 years from now. Buy for your happiness first and acknowledge it as a lasting, permanent addition to your collection. If you find yourself questioning whether or not you want a doll in that capacity, pick up a different doll, one you do want for those reasons. You'll be happier (and not have a ton of dolls you don't want to display years from now sitting in a bin until you can sell them, lol.) Anyway take care, and happy collecting.

[@TinyGhosty]

Your channel is amazing! I am new to doll collecting and have been binging your channel lately. I really appreciate how considerate you are about everything you talk about, you are the opposite of a gatekeeper by having such a warm environment of openness. I have learned so much from your videos and I really respect your opinion because you consistently put out good energy into the doll community 💜

[@ariadneoliver4205]

This is a timely one to come back to in the wake of Mina Le making a video on how doll collecting is the hip new trend 💀

[@ArcherPanda]

I am not in the doll community, but I love watching your videos anyway! Thanks for talking about your passion.

[@isaachamre-botelho9088]

i cant believe your first video was your bratz dolls arent rare, that was the first video i saw of yours and immediately subscribed i didnt realize it was your first thats pretty awesome!!!

[@nessbot7572]

Honestly, I've found the best prices (often closer to or cheaper than retail) are from sellers entirely outside of the hobby. Which can make searching for specific dolls VERY DIFFICULT, as they're often mislabeled or not labelled at all- but it helps avoid seeing "SKIPPER DOLL BARBIE MATTEL 90S RARE" listings at crazy prices. I found a non-fashion doll that was listed between 200-800 dollars on Ebay at a local flea market with her full outfit for 5 dollars.

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

“Treating these little plastic women like they’re the stock market”……😂😂😂 Excellent comment! I’ve been doll collecting for years, but mainly reborns from doll artists. I’m expanding my collection into fashion dolls and have been very disturbed by what I’m seeing. For example, people on EBay are selling the RH Day of the Dead doll for $250AUD, when it’s still available in shops for as low as $180AUD. I know they are abusing the market, because the seller has 25 available in stock. So they seller has bought up big at the stores and is now off-selling them at a higher price. It’s disgusting, because it means genuine purchasers can’t get the product at a normal RRP price because of this behaviour! But let’s face it, this gaming of the doll industry started in the 80s with Cabbage Patch Kids.

[@disasterspark]

as a rainbow high and furby collector I pretty much collect the same way, patience and persistence! when a new RH series drops I only get the dolls I really like, if I like the series enough I may slowly collect the others over time by waiting for sales (I’ve done that with series 3). it’s more fun this way too! and being a furby collector, you can find a good deal if you’re looking regularly and are familiar with the rarity of each furby! great video as always 💖

[@dumdumm3299]

it’s really sad how, if you have a collectible thing that you’re interested in that ISN’T plagued by scalpers and overexcited newbies, you basically have to keep quiet about it. i recently regained interest in a doll line that i loved as a child, and most of the dolls are currently $15-30, with the exception of some brand-collab NIB dolls (which, even at their most expensive, i’ve seen max out at like $70). i love these dolls but i feel like i can’t talk to ANYONE about them, because if they hike in popularity even a little bit, they’re gonna be going for $100 each. i’ve already been priced out of one hobby (video game collecting), i really don’t want it to happen again.

[@UncleMarco]

The same thing happened in the secondhand perfume market a couple years ago and it’s very silly because most of the time the discontinued bottles you buy off eBay for hundreds above retail will be rancid and unusable

[@QueenOfPurple]

it's funny cus i remember seeing the shrek bratz doll at my local antique mall like 4 years ago

[@pumpkindog1636]

The video I didn’t know I needed. I get my secondhand Bratz / MH on WhatNot. I have certain sellers I follow because their prices are fair and I like supporting resellers who aren’t scalpers.

[@VenusTemple]

My best find was yesterday. I don't remember what I was looking for, but somehow I came across a listing of 2 G1 Monster High dolls for just $5 in very good condition (First Wave Deuce and Classrooms Frankie). The seller was actually in my hometown, and I asked my mom to pick them up for me (I come home next week but the seller did not want to wait; mom to the rescue 😊❤). When my mom got the dolls, she sent me a photo of an extra doll. The seller threw in Holt Hyde for free (his main doll)! I've actually wanted that Frankie doll since I was 10-12 years old and I'm 22 now (it was one of the first MH dolls I've seen and it's what got me into MH). You're absolutely right. These dolls aren't going anywhere and there will always be a chance to get them for a good price. I highly recommend checking sellers in your area (such as on local selling platforms like craigslist). That's how I found the best deals with my dolls. Another doll I've wanted since I was a kid was Barbie Princess of Ancient Greece, and earlier this year I found someone selling her close to me for $10 new in the box (the box was a little beat up but I don't care). I also think buying from local sellers makes it more fun because you get to meet other collectors and buy the dolls in person.

[@rosescentedembrace]

The same thing is happening to so many other hobby collection groups that I'm in. But I think you hit it right on the money.

[@StramSaturdayDBDBDIB]

Im so glad I got my silkstone barbies when I did. Going on eBay now to see what they are going for is outrageous. Me being a human being would never think to sell one of my silkstones for the prices they are going for on ebay. Mind you I bought my dolls when they first released and they were still expensive but still

[@chyname]

I just got into doll collecting, and just heard about silkstones. I got one but they are so expensive.

[@Furbtastic]

This definitely applies to baby alive collecting too even if now the community is dying with only the preps left behind it. Originally the 2006 dolls, wets n wiggles, and learns to potty dolls would go for $50 or any other decent price range for a robotic doll. These dolls were popularized on KZbin by toy and doll channels such as "Fun With Baby Alive" and "Kelli Maple" with their dolls going viral at the time which increased demand and their price range making their minimum be $80 but most go for more than $100. The 2000's baby alives would be listed as "rare" by sellers and collectors despite them being very common to find online but as the community is filled with kids, they don't understand that expensive doesn't always mean they are rare. If anything, the rarest ones are the My real baby and a male variant of the wets n wiggles as they weren't selling well at the time making them harder to find. I got a ton of old dolls from thrift stores and even got the same doll that goes for 100 on ebay for only $5. I want collectors to know that expensive doesn't always mean rare and that they should do research and see how common these dolls are.

[@missme1794]

I just love your delivery. I'm a vintage 80s Strawberry Shortcake collector (among others) and you are absolutely correct. They're still circulating, some have still been very well looked after. I 'upgrade' my own version of a doll from time to time if i see one complete with her shoes at a fair price & then sell mine at a fair price without her shoes to the next collector who can cope without the correct shoes for a couple of years. Some sellers will sell ONE pair of Strawberry Shortcake shoes for >$35.00. Just no. Wait. I could get a whole new (to me) doll for that. Stay wise...

[@angelacanedit]

I wish new collectors would be patient trying to find their grail dolls. I just got my holy grail Bratz doll (Treasures Jade) in perfect condition for 40 dollars just a couple of weeks ago. She goes on ebay for hundreds! Don't feed scalpers

[@SomeplaceScary]

The slow steady persistence is half of the fun of collecting things!!

[@idkwattoputheresouhhhblahwords]

I’m a new monster high collector who’s 17 and growing up I was a funko pop collector, but recently sold most of my collection minus a few that mean a lot to me, and the same with collecting funko pops and now with me collecting monster high my dad (and boyfriend now with monster high , wasn’t rlly around for my funko collecting cause I slowed down a year or two ago when dolls started catching my eyes) and they constantly tell me that it’s not a good investment etc, but like… it’s not an investment lol, it’s for my happiness. My dad talk about how overall I most likely lost money on my funko pop collection but like idc- they brought be joy sense I was like 9, it’s not about the money I got out of them, which was a decent amount but like that’s not what it’s about to me lol, it’s about the joy an item has given- or will give to me, not about their worth now or their worth in 10 years

[@jaymesEo6]

I'm a cis man who has never collected a fashion doll in my life, but I found myself watching your videos because I find the history of toys so engaging.

[@Vonn_Loren]

I've had a similar experience with the Jem and the Holograms dolls... the vintage (Hasbro) dolls used to be fairly affordable. And then attention was brought to it via the Integrity Dolls "relaunch" as collectors' items, and you've got people parting out what they have. Empty boxes sell for more than I've ever paid for a secondhand doll. (I'm beyond grateful that I managed to find a Raya before the price hike.) I am sympathetic to any collector who wants vintage Bratz in their collection for the love of the line. It sucks to be priced out of "reuniting with an old friend" because other people want to make money over everything.

[@Draikinator]

you are SO right and its not just dolls. I love collecting as a hobby so I go to a lot of toy shows as a vendor. I don't sell dolls, mostly transformers/retro games but since the pandemic started its sucked so much life out of the hobby. i dont LIKE selling things for more than theyre worth. im not here to make a profit. pokemon games tripled in price after pokemon go came out and having to tell a kid who wants a pokemon game how much its selling for makes me unhappy. i dont like the market like that. neither does anyone else, me and my vendor friends have always done a lot of trading, and like, my item that was 20 dollars and is now fifty is luckily worth the same as his item that was 20 dollars and now fifty... but then like. then you're stuck in bartering hell where if you dont have something they want theres no way you are buying it with dollars. we're all getting priced out of hobbies we've been doing for ages... i collect primarily transformers and i LOVE showing off my collection, i do have lots of rare items that might not have any real value and i LOVE talking about them, weird obscure little event items and promotional stuff, meanwhile like. oh yeah, that thing over there is like 200 dollars but thats just cuz its a convention exclusive. its not rare or anything you can go buy one on ebay right now. i dont care nearly that much about it. i hate someone seeing something in my collection and getting hype as fuck to get one and having to say sorry, i got mine for 15 dollars but theyre over 100 now.... sucks. sucks sucks sucks