The Ava DuVernay doll sold out in 6 minutes at TheBarbieCollection (.) com website. The retailer from whom I preordered may or may not receive the expected quantities.
Way to go Mattel: Reproduce a one of a kind doll in an ultra limited quantity so that only a few people can purchase, many of whom will probably list the doll on eBay for triple or more its retail. Yes... way to go Mattel! Way to go!
Update: 12/10/15: I received a refund for the deposit I paid to reserve the Ava DuVernay doll along with the following note from the retailer:
Note from [merchant]:
* *
It is unfortunate news that Mattel has cancelled ALL orders for the Ava
Duverynay Barbie Doll # DPP89 and they will not be shipping them to any USA
retailers. As per our policy, we have issued a 100% refund for your pre-paid
Reservation Fee. This is completely out of our control...So I will not be purchasing the Ava DuVernay doll, which has already been listed on eBay by scalpers wanting as much as $300 for the doll. Again, way to go, Mattel: keep manufacturing ultra limited quantities of in-demand dolls; keep the buy dates and links super secretive, and see how well that works for you.
dbg
Check out my eBay listings here.
Oh my life! I read your post about this doll before eating dinner. I was happy about this version of Ava's doll being made available for a larger audience.
ReplyDeleteI am back after dinner and what do I found out: She is no longer available. It was one the first Barbie doll I have ever been really interested in the point of contemplating purchasing her. Never mind! I am glad you pre-ordered yours. I will stick to chubby dolls such the own I own.
I will appreciate reading your review about your new doll. And by the way as you said in your earlier post, since she will be home in 2016, it doesn't count as not being reasonable. (Coming from another not so reasonable person)
Hi Arlette,
DeleteI'm not even certain that I will get the one I reserved earlier today because the retailer is not sure they will receive the expected quantities. They have also since removed the doll from their website.
This must be a sign that I really do need to take a doll-buying hiatus until sometime next year. Will I be able to do it, is the question. The answer is yes if purchasing dolls will have my emotions up and down like this doll has done.
dbg
I really hope you get your doll.
DeleteThanks again, Arlette!
Deletedbg
I really hope you get your doll. I completely understand becoming emotionally involved with obtaining a rare or l/e doll.
ReplyDeleteThank you AG Lanc. I was quite drained yesterday after attempting to hunt down buy links for several hours off and on, finding one, ordering, only later to speak to the merchant who still does not know if Mattel will release quantities to her because the doll is part of the Platinum collection (less than 1000 pieces).
Deletedbg
This was so poorly handled that I am completely turned off by Mattel. They won't release details about a lot of dolls. There's no way I'm purchasing a Misty Copeland without knowing the articulation. No way I'm purchasing a Superman Barbie if it's not a Ken and part of the 2016 Justice League movie coming out as promised during ComiCon. If Mattel doesn't get it together ...they're going to loose a lot of customers.
ReplyDeleteYes it was very poorly handled. I won't be preordering the Misty Copeland doll until I see it first. The articulation is important but if it does not accurately/adequately represent Copeland, they can keep it.
DeleteMattel will lose customers and merchants if they continue to release dolls in this manner. This particular doll is already on eBay in auction attempts for as much as $300. I knew many of the people buying were in it for profit.
dbg
Thanks for keeping us informed. I've passed on your information tho some on Instagram. I really pray you get your lady.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Brenova!
Deletedbg
Thank you again to those who kept hope alive that I would receive the Ava DuVernay doll that I reserved. Please read the update in the blog post that I added 12/10/2015.
ReplyDeletedbg
So sad... My heart goes out to you. I didn't even know about the doll release until Jewell told me about it yesterday. Guess it worked out for the best. I'm sure I would have been frantically trying to buy it, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vanessa!
Deletedbg
I pay for BCC membership and got no email notification. Not that it matters, that new sales waiting room is gormless. Beautiful doll but I will not be buying her at secondary market prices. Sheesh...
ReplyDeleteNow that's sad that BCC members did not receive notification. It seems first-hand notification would be one of the perks of membership. I guess you have to lurk around on the message boards to get the heads up, something I never did during my past memberships.
Deletedbg
I was really looking forward to adding this doll to my collection. It is rare that Mattel produces a Barbie based on an African American and then they make it impossible to get. I am so disappointed in them.
ReplyDeleteSo am I (disappointed), MDW.
Deletedbg
I am equally astounded at the people who have the nerve to charge $300 as I am at the people willing to pay that. Ridiculousness all around.
ReplyDelete