When buying your Cissy online, be advised of the following: check eBay user ratings, ask questions before the bidding ends, and read all the fine print. You'll want lots of pictures of the Cissy, because Cissy's often have several problems due to their age. Here are some issues to address through questions to the seller & viewing of photos:
* Does Cissy have original wig? If not, this Cissy is not worth all that much!
* Is Cissy's wig in good shape? In original set, no bald spots, no haircuts!
* Does Cissy have any open seams or cracks in her plastic? This happens particularly at the joints, and these can sometimes be repaired
* Does Cissy have her original paint? If not, Cissy is devalued.
* Is Cissy's paint in good shape? Does she have bright blush on the cheeks, knees, and hands? Are her lips and brows full & bright?
* Are Cissy's eyes bright & clear? Cissy has blue eyes and the whites of her eyes should not have yellowed.
* Does Cissy have full eyelashes? Missing eyelashes make for a funny looking doll, and they can be difficult to replace.
* Do Cissy's eyes open and close easily?
* Can Cissy hold a pose? Joints can loosen over time, and if she can't hold a pose, she might need to be restrung.
* Does Cissy's plastic have any discoloration? Are her arms well matched in color to her body?
* Does Cissy have an odor?
* Does Cissy come with original clothing? This might include hose, heels, panties, slips, teddies, earrings, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, and an outfit. The more elegant the outfit, the more expensive Cissy will be. If her outfit is original to the doll, this will also drive up the price.
* Is Cissy's outfit tagged? If not, ask if the snaps are square--Madame Alexander snaps are usually square, not round.
* Does her outfit have any stains, discolorations, odors, holes, tears, etc.? Is any elastic ruined on the outfit (especially the heels and undergarments)--ruined elasticity means these items won't stay on Cissy!
* Does Cissy come with any extras? A custom stand (a saddle stand is best), extra hose or panties, mismatched outfits, etc.
* How will Cissy be packaged and shipped? You want your Cissy to arrive safely! Determine shipping prices before the close of the auction, if they are not listed with the doll.
BUYING FOR CISSY GUIDE
Once you own your Cissy, you'll want to buy her more outfits, accessories, and perhaps even a pretty little vintage Cissy Yardley ad to frame. The following eBay stores & sellers have provided me with many vintage or reproduction items that have delighted Cissy. Check the "Links" page for off-eBay options.
Best Vintage Doll Patterns: If you are interested in dressing your Cissy yourself, you will appreciate these vintage patterns for Cissy.
Joshard Originals: Offers unique doll items, specializing in vintage fashion dolls like Cissy, original clothing & accessories, and some antiques. Internationally know for their designs, Joshard offers many beautiful hat and earrings sets that Cissy will adore.
Cherie's Petite Boutique: Lovely Cissy hats.
Little Things Warehouse: Vintage Cissy accessories.
Retro Shoppe: patterns, matching hose and heels, and vintage lingerie kits. Lingerie kits include lovely fabric and pattern for an adorable teddy, tap sets, and more.
cjean65: Vintage dolls, clothes, accessories, etc. for Cissy.
cooper002: Vintage dolls, clothes, accessories, etc. for Cissy.
flintstonejanet: Vintage hats or new hats made with vintage materials for Cissy.
nancie221: Cissy doll creations.
punky-shoester: Vintage Cissy shoes & jewelry.
rebad: Custom made solid wood Cissy stands in three natural wood colors that won't crush or stain your valuable Cissy or her clothing.
SELLING YOUR CISSY OR CISSY ITEMS
Selling is very similar to buying on eBay. Read the above section for information about the questions buyers might have about the Cissy or Cissy items you are listing. If you are very specific in listing, you won't have as many questions to answer and you'll have more prospective buyers.
You'll want to have lots of pictures posted with the listing: the more the better, and if you don't have access to a digital camera or a scanner then forget listing your items--you won't sell a Cissy sight unseen! For Cissy listings, take pictures of the doll dressed and undressed from as many angles as possible. You'll want to include pictures of any problems with the doll or her clothes.
Research shipping costs and pack your item carefully--this will minimize the possibility of angry buyers! You might require insurance with your Cissy, since she is liable to sell for anywhere between $300 to $1000--should she get lost in the mail, you don't want a buyer looking to you for answers, so make the post office or shipper responsible.
