How to Find an Old Doll

Search for Old Dolls at Local Thrift Stores

• 1

  Make a list, with directions, of all local thrift stores using either an Internet business search or the phone book. Write down the stores' names, phone numbers, addresses and hours of operation.
  The hours of operation will be very important, because some stores vary in their daily operation hours. Also, call the stores and ask if there are any special sale days or events that you qualify for; some stores offer college students or senior citizens a percentage off on certain days or with an ID.

• 2

  Plan a route that allows you to visit each thrift store as you search for old dolls. Arrange the plan so that no "backtracking" will be necessary.

• 3

  Visit each thrift store on the list. It might be helpful to ask where the doll section or toy section is in each store. Old dolls are sometimes displayed in glass cases.

• 4

  Ask if there are any old dolls in the back of the store that are not yet on display or that have been removed for whatever reason but are still for sale.

Search for Old Dolls at Yard Sales and Estate Sales

• 5

  Select a date to search local yard sales and estate sales. Search the local newspaper or Internet listings to find a day with multiple yard sales and estate sales.

• 6

  Call the yard sales and estate sales ahead of time if possible to ask if any dolls will be sold and to get the directions to the location. Write the directions down and write down what kind of dolls will be there---for example, old Barbies, porcelain dolls, rag dolls or handmade dolls.

• 7

  Attend the yard sales and estate sales. Get there early in the morning for the best selection.

Search Local Antique Stores for Old Dolls

• 8

  Make a list, with directions, of local antique stores, using either an Internet business search or the phone book. Write down the stores' names, phone numbers, addresses and hours of operation. Antique stores can vary greatly in their hours and days of operation, so be sure to check these for each store.

• 9

  Plan a route that takes you to all the antique stores.

• 10

  Get cash from the bank if necessary. Some smaller operations will only take cash.

• 11

  Ask the antique shop clerk or owner to show you any old dolls they have for sale.
  Old dolls can usually be found in glass cases, near the checkout, and they may also be displayed on furniture throughout the store. The antique store might have a section devoted to old dolls and doll clothing.

• 12

  Ask if the antique store owner knows about any other antique stores that might have old dolls---sometimes they know of places that cannot be found on the Internet or in the phone book. Antique store owners might also be able to direct you to private sellers of old dolls.

Search Online Auctions and Sellers for Old Dolls

• 13

  Select two or three descriptive search terms to describe the old dolls that you are looking for. Sample search terms might include "antique," "China," "bisque," "composition," "hard plastic," "doll," "Barbie."

• 14

  Select online auctions and antique sellers online for your old doll search.
  It may be necessary to create a user name, password and an account to use for payment, such as Paypal.

• 15

  Type your search terms into the online auction site or antique seller's site. It might be helpful to use the search options to narrow and refine your search.

• 16

  Look at the pictures of old dolls---and look at closeups if possible---on the site. Read descriptions and sale terms thoroughly before purchasing.