I’m one of those collectors: the impatient kind. If waiting for a doll to arrive is the hardest part of placing an order, this post is for you.

Not my friends:

• Pre-orders. I hate long lead-times for dolls. Most dolls are manufactured overseas, and it helps dealers to know how many to order. But really–is nine months necessary?
• Date postponements. You manufacturers know who you are! If you promise a doll (or preview a doll) and either list a date as “to be determined” or just keep postponing it, it’s frustrating!
• When all my dolls ship the same month. I love getting dolls in the mail. But $1000 worth of dolls in one month might raise a flag in the usually friendly relationship I have with my husband. Couldn’t you manufacturers time your releases with new Apple product releases?

My friends:

• Lay-away. If I’m waiting months for a doll anyway, why not distribute the cost over that time? Thanks to my dealers who offer this option!
• In-stock dolls. Especially when dealers stock ball-jointed dolls. These are expensive with lots of options, so I understand why they are sold as preorders. But oh, do I adore you when you keep them in stock!
• Secondary market dolls. DollPage, message board, and eBay sales–it doesn’t matter. If the doll is in half-way decent condition, and can get into my hands in less than a week, I’m a happy camper.

Sometimes, you just have to bite the bullet and go for instant gratification: buying a wig or an in-stock outfit while you’re waiting is just the retail therapy the impatient doll collector needs. Good luck!