Auctions can be a fantastic way to save money on a doll that you really want. Sometimes they don’t go up as high as the average cost of a doll, and sometimes they got for buckets of dollars more. How do you decide how high to make your maximum bid? What should you take into consideration? What kinds of questions should you ask about that grail dolly? So many things to consider!

About the seller

• Always check the seller’s feedback and read the comments made. Be sure to read not only the neutral and negative feedback but also the positive feedback comments. Take into account how many stars they have for shipping, accuracy of description, etc.
• Has the seller ever sold something so expensive before? How many times have they sold in the past?
• Don’t feel shy about messaging the seller about any questions you may have about the doll. For instance, if the description of the item says that there is a scratch, ask for a more detailed photo if there isn’t one already.

About the item

• Read everything through once. Then read it again. Is it the item that you want?
• How much does the doll/item normally go for? Is it cheaper on Blythe Kingdom or This is Blythe? What are the lowest and highest price points you’ve ever seen for it?
• How much is the shipping charge from the seller’s location to your house? What method are they using? Does the shipping included tracking, delivery confirmation or insurance? Do you need these shipping add-ons? (If you are purchasing a vintage Blythe, I would highly recommend insurance and tracking. Or any Blythe, really.)
• If the shipping method listed does not include signature upon delivery, confirmation, tracking, insurance, etc. and you want these additions, message the seller to as how much it would cost to have these extras tacked on. Take this into account when determining how much you’re willing to spend.

Onto the auction

• So you’ve done your homework by now (I hope), what is the maximum amount of money that you’re willing to spend on this doll? Keep in mind that you also need to pay for shipping. If you are purchasing from outside of your own country, you should also remember that you may incur additional fees or taxes from customs charges. If the maximum amount you’re willing to spend requires you to borrow money or beg for money off of a loved one, please refer to this handy (tongue-in-cheek) chart.
• Keep in mind when the auction ends, set yourself a reminder somewhere that you’ll look (on your phone, alarm on your computer, etc.) for a time before when the auction ends (maybe 30 minutes?).
• Bid your maximum amount. And then go away from the computer. Do not engage in a bidding war – that’s how auctions go higher than a doll is worth or how you end up spending more than you originally planned for. It’s stressful to just sit there and watch the time tick down. It’s also stressful to see others trying to out bid you (or even successfully outbid you). Go away. Wait for an email to see if you’ve either won or lost the auction.

And lastly… Have fun. If you lose an auction, it is not the end of the world. There will be other dolls.