Why Pre-Ordering Sucks

The 2013 W Club  members who pre-ordered the final club doll,  Eugenia "A Touch of Frost," received their bill today. I made my deposit on 12/8/2013. That is a full five months ago! Who even remembered? To IT's credit, they did state up front that delivery would be late spring 2014.

I have sold off all but three of my Eugenia dolls. I'm hoping that this one is as good as the promo. One good thing about her is that she's on an FR2 body already so I won't need to go a-hunting.
She does have a hair bump which has been cause for concern in the past depending upon the factory employee at the time of the styling. My fingers are crossed for good luck!

Do I need her? No. 

Do I want another gorgeous doll? 

Yes...maybe...we'll see.

Tonner's Antoinette and Her New Gown

I was very lucky to be able to get the fashion from the doll called Sweeping Antoinette.

It is perfect for my redhead Simplicity Antoinette.

I'd like to get back to concentrating on one doll at a time. It may take the rest of my life, though.
The issue with these big manufacturer releases and pre-ordering is that one gets too many dolls at one time. That's no way to appreciate the beauty of a single doll wearing different fashions. I have dolls that have never had time in front of a good camera. I currently have 11 or 12 dolls (I'm not even sure.) on pre-order.
It's ridiculous and it keeps happening. I think the companies count on the fact that we lose track of what we're ordering because of the time gap.
I am going to do what I did 3 years ago. I'll print out a sheet with the doll pictures and all related info. When I feel the need to order more, I can look at what is coming. Maybe that will work.

I want, want, want. I'm a sad case.

I want this outfit from Fanciful Antoinette. Sigh.

Tonner's Email to Collectors Regarding Restructuring Distribution

 July 20th, 2011

Dear Collectors,

With the ever-increasing reliance on the internet, we realize a major shift in purchasing patterns has emerged. Feedback from our collectors suggests that it is more enjoyable being able to obtain desired products as fast as possible, and we want to rise to the occasion and be able to provide that for you. Coupled with our year-round flow of product from our factories, we have developed a new schedule of future product releases to better serve you!

Tonner products will now debut on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month through our valued Tonner retailers, who will provide you with the same excellent service that you've come to expect.  Additionally, of course, the new product will also debut on www.tonnerdirect.com.  This first such release is  scheduled for Wednesday, August 10^th.

Some new lines will need more detailed and complete introductions than most.  When those lines are being introduced, we will also be furnishing a line plan so you will grasp the breadth of a line, since some purchasing decisions are based on "what's to come".  In addition, some future lines will require that you understand the intent behind a line, and will need to see more than several pieces.  We will make those introductions as appropriately and thoroughly as possible.

We're so excited for this opportunity to streamline our new product introductions!  We are very much looking forward to a flow of new product that is in-stock (or will be in-stock within 2-4 weeks) at the time of it's introduction on a continuous, year-round schedule, eliminating the agonizing wait!   

You ask, and and we hear you; we're pleased for the opportunity to serve you in a better way! 

All the best,

Team Tonner

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Tonner Ends Pre-Ordering

This information has come to me from a reliable source.  I am going to quote a few lines from Tonner's announcement. I won't be able to answer any questions as I know no other details. Please post your reactions and questions here on the blog.  Perhaps someone will come along to answer. The Tonner people do read this.


The TDC believes that "collectors enjoy being able to obtain products they desire as fast as possible and without having time for reconsideration. Coupled with a year-round flow of product from our factories, we have developed a new schedule of future product releases." 

"Tonner products will now debut on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month on tonnerdirect.com."

Dealers will get their information on the Monday before each Wednesday and can neither take orders nor reveal information prior to the release.

What I understand is that only dolls that are in stock will be released. So when you place an order, you will be paying for it and you can expect to get it shortly afterward.

What I don't understand is who actually ships the doll. If the dealers don't have them in advance and you order them does your doll come directly from Tonner or from your dealer?

Is Tonner planning to cut out dealers eventually?

BIC Removed From Official Integrity Dealer List

Kazue Shimoyama 

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A notice was sent out to W Club members earlier today regarding the end of business with BIC in Japan. I requested permission to reproduce parts of the email but was asked by Alain to please stay out of it.  (?)
 The letter asks collectors to pass on the information to other collectors who may have ordered from BIC.

What I can say (I've said this already) is that if you had a pre-order for any (Integrity Toys or other) products placed with a deposit to BIC, get your money back.  IT is offering to help you get the doll you pre-ordered if possible. You will need a receipt of sorts proving that you did have a confirmed pre-order.

 ______

Kazue, if you happen to read this, please know that my husband and I are pulling for you. Rudy, too.

Barbie Basics Collection 2.5 on Pivotal Bodies

Finally, what so many collectors have been asking for, Barbie Basics with Pivotal bodies. This collection was announced on the BFC last month but for those who still can't find the new forum or do not belong to the BFC, here are the pictures which can be found at Angelic Dreamz. These items can be pre-ordered there. Click on the images to see larger versions.

Models #4, 8 and 14. Due in June, 2011.

Basics Look #2 Accessories and Shoe Packs. Due June, 2011

There is no information as to whether or not there will be other dolls in this collection. I think this will be the most popular collection of all. Everyone wants articulated low-priced bodies.

Silkstone Ekaterina Arrives

So how did Integrity's Black Wednesday go for you? Did you get everything you wanted on pre-order? With 36 dolls to choose from, there must have been something for everyone. Problem is, most everyone wanted the same thing. From what I've heard, the boy dolls disappeared faster than all the rest.

Ekaterina arrived today. She is the Barbie Fan Club first doll for 2011. I thought she was overpriced but that is the direction the Silkstone dolls have taken in the last year. I don't know if I will debox her because I wasn't overwhelmed with joy when I looked inside the box.

Silly me. I was expecting the doll to look like the promo.

I suppose if I take her out and arrange her curls, she will look good. I do love redheads. I was surprised at how much she reminds me of Je Ne Sais Quoi who is actually better looking in person that her promo (and has lots of nice jewelry and a handbag and was more than $20 less.)

Strangely enough I don't have a picture of JNSQ in her own outfit. I do have this one. She's wearing a suit that came on Brilliance Monogram doll. This was the worst piece of sewing ever. Look at the white stitching across the bustline. Ugh. I have since gone over that stitching with indelible black laundry marker.

The good thing is that I learned that Monogram clothing fits Silkies.


Every time I go to the BFC site and see the Tribute Barbie Doll I am reminded that I want her badly.

She will be mine one day!

Sometimes throwing away money on dolls like Twilight Jane and a few Lalaloopsy pieces of junk adds up and could easily buy a doll like Tribute. It's pretty difficult to delay gratification when there are so many adorable dolls just asking to come live here.

This was a waste of $5. but it was irresistible.

One more thing arrived today...a cute folder which contained my BFC membership card and a key chain with a folding picture holder. It's cute. I think it could make a good luggage tag.

Letter From Mary T's Doll House About Pre-Ordering

Just got this email from Mary T's Dollhouse. I might be freaking out if this were my regular dealer. Chances are that her well-established customers will have their needs met.  That's just my guess. Mary is terrific and she should make her business comfortable for herself. March 1, 2011

Dear Terri, As many of you know, Integrity Toys has unveiled their new lines for 2011.  After much thought and discussion with my family (the peeps who help me behind the scenes with shipping/mailing), I have decided that I will NOT be accepting preorders for the new lines.  We will be selling items as they arrive in stock, on our website.   Over the past few weeks, we have been working on rebuilding the entire website...this includes moving the site to a new host and rolling out a new shopping cart system.  I do not feel comfortable enough to open up preorders with a cart system I am still learning.  I realize people are anxious and will not be happy that they cannot secure a preorder and for that I apologize if this decision upsets you.   When the time comes to sell the new items as regular in stock orders, we will send out an email blast so you know what has come in, the prices (we do sell at suggested retail) and my main rule I will enforce is 1 of each item per person/address/order.  I am hoping that as the year goes on, that people will like our new website and shopping cart.  We have tried to address problems we have had in the past so that customers have a good shopping experience with little frustration. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

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 BLACK WEDNESDAY APPROACHES  

WEAR ARMOR

If I were a Barbie collector, I'd buy...

There are quite a few adorable or unique-looking Barbie dolls for 2010 that I enjoy looking at. Just for fun, I am going to post their pictures here.

I love the architectural prints on the gowns and the dolls are very pretty. There is a third in this series.

The Statue of Liberty is not architectural like the others. The pointy crown on her head? We've seen it before and she has that eternally smiling Barbie face that I don't like. Imagine the real Statue of Liberty with a smile. Scary. The draping of the dress and the pleated bottom are lovely details.
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Joan Holloway from the Madmen Collection

I may actually order this doll as the fashion and hair are very appealing. The other female in this grouping reminds me too much of Market Day.

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There is no way I would ever spend $159.95 on a Silkstone Gold Label doll....or any color label for that matter. She is beautiful and I love the fashion and her skin tone. I will just enjoy her picture.

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Although these have been out for a little while, I still like to look at their pictures and imagine having them. Do you do that?My Favorite Career Vintage Reproduction Astronaut Doll

My Favorite Career Pan Am Stewardess

My Favorite Fashion Queen

I love wigs. This one would be so much fun to play with.
Well I'm glad I got that out of my system.

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On another topic, I was confirmed for all my Fashion Royalty/Integrity Toys pre-orders. I caved on the Monogram called Dreamscape. I don't know what I will do with her gown but she is lovely otherwise. I'm getting Monograms Enigmatic and Incandescent, Fashion Royalty Jordan and Eugenia, NuFace Colette and Lillith, and Temptation Vanessa. I couldn't pass up Beatnik Blues Poppy Parker or her giftset. It's only March and I already have begun to feel overwhelmed with dolls. I forgot to add the two-doll event giftset, the joining-the-W-Club-dolls, my Tonner pre-orders and the Brides of Dracula dolls. Endless.

I need to post a list of my pre-orders right above my monitor to remind myself about what is coming.
There's this weird thing that happens...in between ordering and getting dolls one forgets that one actually has a million dolls. What is that sickness called? Perhaps it's in the DSM-IV.