How to Be a Diligent Shopper When Purchasing Dolls

   Recently, I posted about the dangers of purchasing counterfeit dolls.   I realized that many people (who are not doll experts) would not be able to tell the difference between a "fakey" (as they're called in the doll world) and the real thing.   Here are some ways you can tell the difference.   I will be using two counterfeit Snow White dolls made to look like an Animator's Collection doll (via and via) and an official 2015 edition Snow White Animator's Collection doll from the Disney Store (via) in this comparison.   (Also, I apoligize for the blurry quality of the offical doll's pictures.   I don't know why, but when I save Disney Store pictures on my computer, they lose their quality.   This is probably so people won't try to pass them off as their own.)

   The first thing you should check are labels.   You should always check the box to see if it has the company name written on it, be it American Girl, Disney, or Mattel.   Notice that the box on the right does not have "Disney" written anywhere on it.   If a doll does not have a box, check for tags on clothing or for the brand name to be written somewhere on the doll itself.   For example, all Disney Animator's collection have their copyright carved into their head at the base of their hairline in the back.

   Another thing to check for is quality.   Notice the bagginess of the two counterfeit doll's clothes.   Also, the fabric is not as good on the fake dolls.   This is so that the counterfeit doll sellers can spend very little on the making of the doll and sell the doll for more than it is worth.   Also, these two dolls do not have faces as well painted as the offical doll does.   The quality of the hair will not be as good, either.   Most fakeys have very shiny, silky hair, but with poor rooting.   If you closely examine the hair in person, you will notice many bald spots on the scalp.

   Finally, one of the best ways to tell the difference between a counterfeit doll and a real doll is through comparison.   Many sellers offer apps for their merchandise.   The Disney Store app and the Amazon app are two great ways to have a comparison handy when you're not sure of the integrity of a doll.   Amazon is the best one to use because it will have both Disney and Mattell in their inventory.

   I hope you learned something about dolls today and remember to shop safely!   ☺

May all of your dreams come true,
Cindy Rose