What You Should Know to Run a Doll Repair Business

Business Overview:

If you enjoy collecting dolls and are good with your hands, you should consider learning how to run a doll repair business. As collectibles age, they can increase in value but a doll that needs repair loses value. A decades-old Barbie in mint condition can be worth as much as $500 so it’s understandable why collectors would pay for quality repair workmanship. Before you start your business, however, you need to make sure you are well prepared. Become familiar with all the different types of materials used to make dolls like china, wax and plastic. You will need to buy specific tools for these repairs and dedicate an area of your home in which to work. Purchase as many dolls as you can get your hands on so you can use them for their parts. Go to garage sales, craft fairs and thrift stores to assemble your parts collection. Some of the work will be dealing with paint if it has chipped off or worn away. If you have any experience with art restoration, repairing dolls will be a smooth transition for you. You can add to your business model by buying dolls, repairing them and selling them yourself. Since a storefront isn’t needed for the repair aspect of this business idea, you should set up a website on which you can market your services as well as display and sell your repaired dolls. Advertise your business at local hobby shops, collectible stores and toy stores. Network with others in the collectibles industry to get your name out there. Be sure to include before and after photos on your website so potential customers can see exactly what services you offer. If your skills are topnotch and you offer excellent customer service, in no time you will need to consider transitioning this part-time business to a full-time venture.

A Day in the Life of a Doll Repair Business Owner:

This article brought to you by Business Ideas! If you enjoyed this article, make sure to subscribe to the Business Ideas Newsletter to get ideas sent straight to your email inbox.Your day will begin by checking your email and voicemail for any new prospective customers. You will discuss their needs and determine if your services are right for them. After that, you will get to work on any ongoing repairs you may have. Although you can work as much or as little as you like, you will need to dedicate enough hours to work to get your repairs made in a timely manner. When you are not working on repairs, you will market your business around town and update your website.

About Your Customers:

Your customers will be doll owners and collectible shop owners looking for quality repair services. If you choose to also repair and sell dolls, your customers will be individuals looking to add to their collections or buy a doll as a gift.

What You Need to Start:

• Doll repair skills
• Tools and supplies
• Website (optional)
• Marketing materials
• Computer with finance software

The Good:

• Doll repair services are always in demand in the collectible community.
• Start-up costs are low.
• You can charge top dollar for excellent repair work.
• You can easily run this business part-time and from home.
• You can scale up this business by repairing and selling dolls.

The Bad:

• It can take some time to build up your client base.
• This is a very specialized business and it could be difficult to find your exact target market.

Resources:

• Doll Doctors’ Association
• National Antique Doll Dealers Association
• North American Collectibles Association
• Wikipedia on Dolls

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