Buy antique dolls. Just because you're new to collecting, it doesn't mean that you're only allowed to buy new dolls. Antique dolls are not off limits to you! Many new collectors feel that they simply cannot afford antique dolls, but in reality, antique dolls are usually similar in price to collectible, modern, and artist dolls. And antique dolls are accessible, being offered for sale alongside newer dolls, at doll shows, in doll magazines, and on the Internet. Antique dolls are proven to be good investments, and increase in value each year.

Buy what you love. Don't be influenced by the preferences of other collectors or influential dealers you come in contact with. If you love baby dolls, collect baby dolls. If you love wax dolls, collect wax dolls. If you normally love china head dolls, but there is a German bisque doll that you just can't get off your mind, buy it! Don't let anyone tell you what type of doll you should be collecting. If you genuinely love each doll you bring into your house, you will never be disappointed with your collection.

Buy the best you can afford. If you have always wanted a Tete Jumeau Bebe, buy the best example that you can find, that is within your budget. Look for a doll that has perfect bisque, with no cracks, chips, or repairs, and one that is on its original body with original body finish. An original wig and clothing is always a plus. If you cannot afford a perfect doll, there is nothing wrong with buying a damaged doll, as long as you know about it when you buy it, and it is priced accordingly.

Less is more. It is much better to have a small collection of quality dolls than to fill your house with mediocre examples. Be patient, enjoy the search for the next doll, and be selective. Take advantage of the generous layaway terms that most dealers offer. Limit yourself. Maybe just buy one doll a year. Collecting is a lifetime hobby, and you have a lifetime to build your collection. You don't have to buy every doll that you find.

Invest in a few good books. The old saying knowledge is power is true! Then you'll know what year a certain doll was made, and what type of body it typically comes on. And you'll feel more secure when buying. Pick up a copy of Jan Foulke's Blue Book: Dolls & Values, along with specialty doll books on your chosen area of interest.

Remember: a price guide is only a guide! The Blue Book is every collector's Bible, but prices on antique dolls do fluctuate, so use this book or any price guide as a point of reference only. A damaged antique doll typically sells for one half of its Blue Book price, whereas a perfect antique doll, in factory original clothing, often sells for 50 percent or more over book price. If a doll is very appealing, sometimes the sky's the limit! Look up the doll's range of value in a reputable price guide, then use your own judgement.

Buy from a reputable dealer. Members of the National Antique Doll Dealers Association must adhere to a strict code of ethics. All dolls must be guaranteed as to age, attribution, and physical condition in writing upon purchase. An ethics committee exists to oversee disputes. NADDA members must have a minimum of five years experience buying and selling antique dolls, and their credibility and expertise is reviewed before admission into the organization is granted. NADDA is proud to claim the world's foremost authorities and researchers on antique dolls among its membership. For a list of NADDA members, go to www.nadda.org.

Join a doll club. Belonging to a doll club is a great way to expand your knowledge of antique dolls and meet other collectors with similar interests. Doll clubs often host their own doll shows, run bus trips to out of town doll events, and give educational seminars and programs on antique dolls. Contact the United Federation of Doll Clubs for a listing of doll clubs in your area. Go to www.ufdc.org. If you cannot attend meetings, you can become a member at large of UFDC.

Don't be afraid to change gears or upgrade your collection. Tastes change. When you started out, you liked cloth dolls, but now you're into Schoenhuts. Or, you bought a lovely Kestner #143 years ago, but now you've found one that you like even better. Sell the dolls you've outgrown! They'll go to good homes, and you'll have money to reinvest in your new collecting passion.

Have fun! This is the most important tip of all! Remember, doll collecting is a hobby, and these are (after all) just dolls. As wonderful and magical as a doll is, it should never come in the way of friendship. So your friend beats you to a Bru, and you've wanted one for years, or you see a great doll in an ad but it sells before you can get the dealer on the phone. Don't worry, you'll find another! Believe me, there is always another doll out there. Treasure the dolls that you are lucky enough to acquire, but always treasure the doll friends you meet more than the dolls themselves, and you'll never go wrong!

Also see Debra Gulea's guide to Doll Collecting Ettiquite.

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