Tonner dolls have become hugely popular among collectors over the years. With their stunning designs and high quality, these dolls can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you have some Tonner dolls that you are looking to sell for cash, this guide will provide all the tips and information you need to get the most money for your collectibles.
The best way to sell Tonner dolls for cash is to identify rare and valuable dolls and sell through SellYourToysNow.com for the best rate. Alternatively you can sell through online marketplaces, such as eBay and Facebook marketplace for a lower rate.
Best Place to Sell Your Tonner Dolls
Toy Buyers – SellYourToysNow.com
The best option is selling directly to toy and collectible buyers like us at SellYourToysNow.com. We purchase a wide selection of new and used Tonner Dolls for top dollar. Benefits of selling to toy buyers include:
- Free valuation and prepaid shipping – We provide quotes and provide shipping labels for free.
- Speed and convenience – Our team handles photography, listings, and sales so you can cash out fast.
- Competitive payouts – We pay highly competitive rates based on condition and demand. Rare and vintage sets pay the most.
- Direct payouts – Once we receive your toys, payouts are issued quickly, avoiding marketplace payment holds.
By streamlining the entire selling process, you can conveniently liquidate your Tonner Dolls collection for cash with minimal effort.
Sell Your Tonner Dolls at Sell Your Toys Now
At Sell Your Toys Now, we remove the complication from selling your dolls, toys, and action figures. If you have a vintage toy collection in good condition, and you want to earn money from that investment, reach out to our team today.
How To Sell Your Tonner Dolls Fast With Us
Step 1: CONNECT: Let us know what Tonner Dolls you want to sell.
We have many options. You can email, use our app, submit photos, submit a list, or use our toy pricer. This will give us a better idea of what you’re selling.
Step 2: GET A QUOTE: Receive a quote from Sell Your Toys Now.
Within two business days, our staff will evaluate your collection and respond to you with an offer to buy your toy collection.
Step 3: SEND & GET PAID: Ship your collection to receive payment.
If you are satisfied with our quote, you can accept the offer. We will then send you detailed instructions on how to package and ship your items.
We pay for the shipping and provide shipping labels. Once your items are checked in at our warehouse, you should receive payment within 48 hours. We pay via check, Venmo, or PayPal.
Identifying Rare and Valuable Tonner Dolls
The first step in selling your Tonner dolls for profit is identifying which ones are most rare and valuable. Here are some tips:
- Limited editions – Dolls made in small quantities or as limited runs can be worth more. Check markings for edition sizes.
- Older dolls – Tonner dolls from the 1990s and early 2000s tend to be more sought after by collectors.
- Mint condition – Dolls that are flawless and complete with all accessories and boxes will sell for much more.
- Popular characters – Tonner dolls of famous characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, and Disney princesses tend to command higher prices.
- Unique designs – One-of-a-kind or hard to find sculpts and costumes make a doll more valuable.
- Certificates of authenticity – Having COAs, paperwork, and original packaging increases value significantly.
Doing research online in collector forums and checking past auction prices can help you identify which of your dolls are potentially valuable. The rarer and more pristine, the higher the selling price.
Getting Your Dolls Professionally Appraised
Before selling any vintage or collectible Tonner dolls, it is highly recommended to get a professional appraisal done. Reputable doll appraisers will be able to provide authentication, condition assessments, fair market values, and price guidance for selling your dolls.
Look for appraisers who specialize specifically in collectible dolls and have expertise with Tonner.
Fees vary but generally range from $50-$100 per doll. While the appraisal costs money upfront, it can give you the information needed to maximize your selling price and avoid undervaluing rare dolls.
Many top auction houses like Christie’s require appraisals done within the last year, so an appraisal has added benefits if consigning through an auction. Getting valuations in writing from a qualified appraiser gives buyers confidence as well.
Selling Through Online Marketplaces
Once you’ve identified your most valuable Tonner dolls through research and appraisals, the next step is selecting the best platforms for selling them.
Online Marketplaces
For selling mid-range and lower value Tonner dolls, online selling platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Ruby Lane offer good market exposure and selling convenience from home.
eBay is the largest marketplace with massive reach, so a great option for affordable dolls under $500. Listing fees, final value commissions, and PayPal fees total around 13% of the sale price.
Etsy charges just a 5% transaction fee, with 3% + $0.25 going to payment processing. It has less traffic than eBay but is very targeted for handmade and vintage dolls from artisan sellers.
Ruby Lane focuses exclusively on antiques and collectibles. Listing fees are higher at around 10% but they attract dedicated doll and antique buyers willing to pay premium prices.
The advantage of selling online is the broad access to buyers globally. Make sure to use sharp pictures, thorough descriptions, and strategic keywords. Package very securely for shipment.
Doll Collector Groups
There are many Facebook groups, online forums, and mailing lists dedicated to Tonner doll collectors. Join a few relevant to your specific dolls and nicely post photos and descriptions of dolls available for sale.
Collector communities are full of passionate enthusiasts seeking dolls. Interact helpfully and don’t just spam listings. Building connections can lead to strong word-of-mouth interest in your dolls.
Pricing Your Dolls Competitively
To actually sell your Tonner dolls for cash, you need to price them at market-competitive rates – neither too high that they are passed over, nor too low that you lose out on premium value.
Here are some tips for optimal doll pricing:
- Check completed eBay listings and forum sale ads for comparable sold prices on the same doll.
- Factor in conditions such as mint-in-box, flaws, defects, any repairs needed.
- If professionally appraised recently, use appraised values as a baseline.
- Consider serial number, edition sizes, and rarity attributes that affect pricing.
- Leave room for negotiations, starting on the higher side if possible.
- Auction houses will work with you to set reserves and estimate final hammer prices.
Ultimately it comes down to the doll, the market, and the buyer’s willingness to pay. Flexible pricing and testing different price points can help maximize profits.
Marketing and Selling Successfully to Serious Collectors
Making sales requires connecting your specific dolls not just to any buyer, but to collectors who appreciate and desire that particular doll. Some proven marketing tips:
- Create detailed listings with key attributes called out (size, designer, year, edition, outfit, accessories, etc).
- Highlight remarkable and rare features that collectors value most.
- Use clear crisp photos showing the doll from multiple angles and closeups of any markings.
- Share certification papers and provenance info to convey authenticity and history.
- List on platforms collectors frequent – doll forums, auction houses, niche marketplaces.
- Network with other Tonner doll sellers and collectors to spread the word.
- Time listings around major doll conventions and collector events to gain more exposure.
- Pack very carefully and ship promptly with delivery confirmation and insurance.
With a targeted marketing approach, attractive pricing, and top condition dolls, you can convert your unwanted Tonner collection into serious cash revenue.
Properly Cleaning and Repairing Tonner Dolls To Maximize Value
Getting your Tonner dolls into pristine, like-new condition before selling can significantly increase their value to collectors. Take time to properly clean and make any needed repairs.
Carefully wipe the vinyl body with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and oils from handling over the years. If there are any stubborn spots, use a cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap then rinse with clean water and dry.
Check the doll’s wig and hair for any signs of frizziness, tangling, or messiness. Use a wig brush and boil wash method to get hair smooth and detangled. For boil washing, submerge the wig in a pot of hot water for a few minutes then brush. This resets the fibers.
Inspect the clothing, shoes and accessories for dirt, tears, or missing pieces. Hand wash any doll outfits and accessories in cool water with a gentle soap. For sets with delicate decorations and beads, put them in a mesh bag first. Dry flat and gently iron any wrinkles.
For broken or missing parts, replacement Tonner doll parts are available online from specialty retailers. Replacing a missing earring, shoe, or torn outfit can make a doll much more sellable at higher prices.
Even tiny flaws make a difference in collector value, so carefully mend any small rips or tears using clear thread and tiny stitches. A dot of acrylic paint can cover any tiny scuffs or rubs on vinyl limbs or the doll’s face.
Getting the dolls looking bright, clean and flawless again restores the wow factor collectors love. Proper cleaning, repairs and replacement parts show you value and care for the dolls, earning higher prices.
Using Social Media and Online Groups To Market Tonner Dolls
Social media platforms provide a free and effective way to get visibility for your Tonner dolls available for sale, directly reaching collectors and buyers.
Create posts on your Facebook page and any doll collecting groups showcasing your Tonner dolls. Write detailed captions highlighting the doll name, designers, unique attributes, condition, and price. Use attractive photos from multiple angles to show off each doll.
Make posts easily shareable and tag relevant hashtags like #Tonner, #TonnerDoll, #DollSale, #BallJointedDoll, and more so posts appear in those feeds. Share posts in several groups over time, but avoid spamming.
Instagram is fantastic for showcasing beautiful product photos and fewer words. Post gorgeous photos of your dolls and add relevant Tonner hashtags. Link to your eBay or Etsy listings in your profile.
Twitter is great for connecting with doll collectors by searching hashtags like #TonnerDolls and following or interacting with Tonner collectors. Share quick descriptions and photos of available dolls.
YouTube unboxing videos are popular in the doll community. Make short videos introducing each doll you have for sale, showing them up close from all angles so collectors can inspect them in detail.
Consistently post on your channels as new inventory becomes available. Showcase dolls on social media for several weeks before listing other places to generate early buyer interest.
Using Doll Conventions and Events To Sell Tonner Dolls
Attending doll collecting conventions and events allows you to sell your high end Tonner dolls in-person to fellow enthusiasts. The biggest annual Tonner convention is the Tonner Doll Lovers Event.
At conventions, you typically rent display tables or booth spaces to showcase your available dolls with pricing clearly marked. Be sure to bring any certificates, paperwork, accessories, and boxes to help dolls sell.
Get to the event early to arrange dolls attractively in your space. Making an eye-catching, artful display helps draw buyers in. Have order forms and business cards available as well.
Network with other sellers and collectors walking the convention floor.
Word-of-mouth recommendations from peers carry real weight in getting sales. Offering small discounts on multiple doll purchases also works.
Being present in-person allows you to connect with potential buyers, answer all their questions, negotiate prices, and handle payment and delivery there on the spot. No shipping is required which is a major advantage.
If you are unable to travel to events, consider partnering with a local doll seller who has convention booth space. Offer them a percentage of sales to represent your dolls at the show.
Conventions typically have dedicated workshops, raffles, games and social events to make attending extra worthwhile. The excitement and immersive activities make buyers more eager to spend.
Using Local Doll Collector Groups and Events To Sell In-Person
Connecting with fellow doll enthusiasts right in your own area is an excellent way to directly market and sell your Tonner dolls in-person without relying solely on online channels.
Search Facebook and online calendars for any local doll collecting clubs or groups that hold regular meetings or events. Reach out to the organizers about attending and offering your Tonner dolls for sale.
Most groups welcome guests and outside sellers at meetings or events. It provides members more opportunities to buy hard-to-find dolls they covet for their own collections.
Make business cards with your name, contact info, website, and the dolls you have available. Pass cards out so members can contact you anytime they are looking to buy.
Once you identify local collectors seeking Tonner dolls, let them know when you acquire new dolls coming up for sale. Interested buyers may request first dibs or reservations on a doll before you list it more widely.
Displaying dolls at local flea markets, antique malls, craft fairs and doll shows provides more chances to interact directly with buyers. Bring clear pricing, order forms, business cards and packaging supplies.
Building relationships with fellow local collectors often leads to repeat sales, referrals and higher selling success overall long-term.
Conclusion
Selling quality Tonner dolls requires some time and effort, but the payoff for rare collectibles can be substantial. Do diligent research on your specific dolls.
Get professional appraisals. Price smartly and competitively. Market through the best collector channels and marketplaces. With the right approach, your odds of maximizing resale profits improves dramatically.
Many collectors dream of owning stunning Tonner dolls. By following this guide, you can make those dreams a reality for buyers, while also earning money from your own collection. It’s a rewarding way to share the joy of these dolls with fellow enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important factor in determining a Tonner doll’s value?
The rarity and desirability of the doll. Limited edition dolls, low serial numbers, popular characters, mint condition, and other unique attributes that make a doll harder to find will drive up values. Mass-produced common dolls have lower resale values.
Where is the best place to get Tonner dolls appraised?
Seek out professional doll appraisers who specialize specifically in modern collectible fashion dolls like Tonner. Good appraisers can authenticate and provide fair market values to inform selling prices. Auction houses can also appraise dolls being consigned with them.
Is it better to sell Tonner dolls through an auction or classified ad listing?
For high value, rare Tonner dolls worth over $1,000, auction houses connect with more elite collectors and get globally competitive bidding. For more common dolls worth under $500, selling online via marketplaces, groups and your own channels is usually more profitable.
Should I sell Tonner dolls as a lot or individually?
Generally it is best to sell the most valuable, rare Tonner dolls individually to maximize profits on those. Lower value dolls can be bundled in small groups of 2-4 dolls in a lot. Avoid trying to sell large lots of various dolls which brings down per doll value.
What is the average selling price range for most Tonner dolls?
Entry level mass-produced Tonner dolls tend to sell in the $100-$300 range. Mid-range limited editions and older dolls in perfect condition generally go for $300-$800. The most elite rare dolls can sell for $1,000-$5,000+ in some cases. Popular characters and celebrity dolls command higher premiums.
How can I ensure safe shipping of my valuable Tonner dolls?
Pack dolls very securely in a sturdy box with plenty of padding and cushioning materials. Wrap the doll in tissue or plastic to protect paint and clothing. Use bubble wrap around body parts that protrude. Insure package and require signature confirmation to ensure the buyer receives the doll safely.
