Has the Dust Settled?

So, it's been over a week since Integrity Toys unveiled their new lines.  The webinar had something for everyone and I think there was some good dolls, some ok dolls and a few that just left me wondering why they even did that doll.   My least favorite doll was Perry- I like the idea of seeing Perry in the line up, but I am hoping he is a doll that is much better in real life because I didn't like his promo pics. I am also hoping that some of the dolls do not come stained.  A few have hair lines I hope to do not come crooked. 

 I think that as time has gone on, improvement has come to the preorder process.  Newer collectors may not realize that back in the day when FRs were announced, it was just a crazy scramble- there was no official fan club like the W Club to have webinars with confidential time periods in place and where club members can get confidential information before the general public!

I do not think it matters what method of preorder a dealer uses, their allocation can not meet the demand at times, and that is the allure of Integrity Toys.  Demand>Supply, pure and simple.   In the past few years,  IT has broadened their offerings in terms of depth of lines and quantities of items offered.  I think this is good, as it gives collectors choices, but I always worry that quality control is suffering due to all the product being produced.   

I understand the hunt for the doll is draining.  And very frustrating.  For everybody.   I do not envy current dealers, it is not easy to go thru several hundred emails and try to make everyone happy.  Nor is it fun for a collector to wait for word back from dealers they have contacted. 

I wish there was a better method but I do not know what would work.  I always hear from collectors that dealers need this or that, ie a website with inventory control or more bandwith. Or maybe IT needs to make more dolls. Or maybe IT needs to preview all the dolls and then take orders based on preorders - that would be a nightmare as manufacturers operate on a tight schedule to manufacture product and most companies plan far in advance (it can take a year or more from the initial concept design to finished product).  

The bottom line is that the doll collecting arena is truly a game.  And I am not making light of that, I say that in true sincerity.  There is product offered, and then the hunt is on. For some, it's the thrill of the hunt.  Some collectors are successful, while others are not.  It is not fair but then again, life is not fair.   I hope that once the dolls actually start to arrive that people who did miss out on a preorder can find the doll they want at a reasonable price- keep your eyes open and check the message boards.  Some collectors will resell at reasonable prices or even entertain trades.

What are your likes and dislikes in the new lines? 

Any characters you wanted to see but they didn't appear in this offering?

Randall Craig Exclusives

One of my first exclusives was a fashion done by Randall Craig.  I first came across Randall Craig in 2004.  He was a young designer at the time, and he was known for his fabulous knit sweater sets done in a variety of colors.  He then began producing his 12" fashion collections and furniture followed too.

In 2007, he did an exclusive fashion for my shop called Retro Flair.  It was a limited edition of 150 pieces and retailed for $46.00. 

In 2009, Randall did another exclusive fashion for my store, called Lady Day. It was a limited edition of 75 and retailed for $58.00.














Both fashions sold out fairly quickly and I was proud of the work that Randall put into both fashions. 

Randall is still producing and manufacturing collections and I believe he will have new items later this year.  Please bookmark his site and check it out if you aren't familiar with him.  Randall Craig RTW 

It has been a pleasure to see Randall continue to grow as a designer over the past several years. I wish him all the best as he continues designing future collections and I look forward to seeing the new things he has in store for collectors.