Reserve Barbie
eBay Motors Tips from an eBay University Instructor
How did you sell your last car? Did you trade it in at a dealership, ashamed to tell others what the dealer gave you on trade? Did you sell it out in front of your home with a “For Sale” sign in the windshield? Likely you had visitors at dinnertime wanting to see the car, then after taking up the dinner hour offered you a fraction of what you were asking. Or did you spend $75 on an ad in the local paper? You may wait for days for a phone call that only comes when you’re out getting the mail. Face it, it’s frustrating to get rid of ol’ Betsy sometimes.
eBay Motors began in 2000 and since that time has become the world’s largest used car marketplace. On an average day a Chevy sells every minute, a Mustang every 39 minutes, an SUV every 9 minutes. eBay has over 12 million unique visitors each month. How does that compare to your local paper or the street on which you are trying to sell your car?
Since eBay Motors has become such a robust marketplace for buying and selling vehicles it seems helpful to point out a few differences about selling in this portion of the site. Selling a pickup is different than selling a mixer or vintage Barbie. Here are some helpful tips for selling a vehicle.
Write a great sub-title. – When you enter the VIN (vehicle identification number) of your vehicle certain attributes will be automatically entered for your listing. Things such as the make, model, year, and body style will be included. Since eBay does this for you, you will not have to include these things in your title. If you search for a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu eBay’s search engine searches these attributes and pulls the proper results. Beyond those attributes however you’ll want to use the best keywords possible. When writing your sub-title include such things as color, options (leather, DVD, navigation, CD, heated seats), also include things such as Low Miles, Clean, No Reserve, 4X4, or other things that specifically describe the car. This sub-title is the most important piece of real estate on your listing. Use the words wisely, avoid words like WOW! or L@@K! No one searches for words like that.
Tell a story with your description. – People really want to know where the car’s been. Plus a story gives the vehicle a bit of a personality to the bidder. It makes them remember it. “This was my first car…; My wife and I had this car since we were married. Now we are expecting a baby so we have to part with it…” and so on.
Be detailed in your inspection of the vehicle. – If there is a light scratch on the front left corner of the bumper, mention it. If there is a chip in the windshield, mention it. Very rarely will we find a vehicle that is truly “Excellent”. Most are “Good” and should be rated accordingly. It shows you have a realistic view of the vehicle and gives you credibility with potential bidders.
Use a listing template. – A listing template from a third party such as CarAd (www.carad.com) will give your listing a professional look. They usually involve a small additional fee, however the added benefits are well worth it. They will allow you to add more photos that eBay Motors’ standard Sell Your Item form which only allows room for 12 photos. That brings us to another point…
Use from 30 to 35 photos in your vehicle listing. – It may seem like a lot of photos, but you’re asking someone to drop thousands of dollars here. You are their eyes in this transaction. A simple formula for most of the photos is just do what you’d do when buying a car. You’ll look at it from all angles, inside and out. You’d look at the dashboard, check the driver’s seat for tears, look in the trunk, and under the hood. You can take a photo straight on from each side, front and rear. Then take one from each corner of the vehicle. Show the tire tread, good or bad – show it. The buyer will not be pleased if they arrive after flying for hours and find you were not clear in your description. A picture is worth a thousand words. Thirty photos are worth thirty thousand words.
State your terms and conditions. – Even a private seller has terms and conditions. State clearly what you expect with regard to payment methods (a wire transfer is safest) and payment timing. Many dealers require a deposit, you may do so as well. If you want payment in full within 36 hours or will allow 72 hours that’s fine, just state it so the buyer knows what to expect.
Offer to help your buyer. – Approximately 70% of buyers will either drive or fly to your area to pick up the vehicle personally. The other 30% will have the vehicle shipped. You can help your buyer by offering directions, or a ride from the airport. If they are having the vehicle shipped, you can agree to work with their shipper when he arrives.
Let them choose the shipper. – If the winning bidder wants to ship the vehicle, you may be better off letting them choose the shipper. You can recommend sites like www.auto-transport-reviews.com to help them in their choice. If you have little experience with shippers this is the
best choice. Your Feedback is on the line with this transaction and if you choose the shipper, and that shipper is very slow or damages the vehicle, you may take the hit with negative feedback since you recommended the company. One company that eBay Motors has a close relationship with is DAS or Dependable Auto Shippers. They have a nationwide network of facilities and partners to deliver a vehicle right to a person’s door.
COMMUNICATE with your bidders. – One of the most common mistakes a new seller on eBay Motors makes is thinking eBay does all the selling for them. An automobile is different. Be responsive to emails answering them in a timely manner. Also, you may want to include a phone number in your listing. Most people who buy a vehicle on eBay will have had one or more conversations with the seller, unlike transactions on the rest of the site. When someone bids on your vehicle you become ‘involved in a transaction’ with that person. At that time according to eBay’s User Agreement you may exchange contact information with that user. Proactively contact your bidders to introduce yourself and offer to answer any questions or provide additional photos if they desire.
Use the Second Chance Offer. – If bidding on your vehicle does not reach your reserve price but comes close, consider using the Second Chance Offer. You may contact the bidder and see how close they’ll come to your asking price. If you can agree on a price go to the listing or to you’re My eBay page and click the Second Chance Offer link. You will be prompted to choose one of your bidders and enter a price. Enter the agreed price for your buyer and send the offer. He will then receive his own personal “Buy It Now” listing for your car and have the opportunity to close the deal. SOLD!!
One other important aspect to selling a vehicle on eBay Motors is having a sound pricing strategy. While most vehicles are listed with a reserve price it’s vital to set that price at the lowest price you’ll accept for the vehicle. Bidders get excited once the reserve price has been met and the bidding frenzy begins.
There is much to say about auction strategies and pricing strategies on eBay Motors. We will cover those topics in more detail in a future article. For the first time seller though, the tips above should prove very helpful and you will have much less stressful time selling ol’ Betsy.
Visit www.OnlineSalesIdeas.com for more information and eBay tips & news.
About the Author
Steve Lindhorst is a Powerseller, former eBay employee, and an eBay University Instructor. He has also helped teach online trading through articles and TV inteviews. Visit
www.OnlineSalesIdeas.com
for more eBay news and tips.
does any one know where i can get a barbie pink world camper van from?
My 5 year old has asked santa for a barbie camper van for christmas, i had reserved one from our local toy shop and when i got it home it was faulty. Took it back to the store only to find they had none left. I have tried everywhere and no where has any. Have tried ebay and they cost twice as much as usual. If any one has any ideas would be very grateful
your only chance now would be online
www.choice.co.uk
www.uk.Toys-Games.best-price.com
www.Woolworths.co.uk
2009 Barbie Thumbelina Movie Trailer
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Happy Family Barbie Nursery Playset 2002 Sealed No Reserve $149.99 |
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Barbie Princess of the Portuguese Empire MINT 2002 Limited Ed. NO Reserve! $99.95 |
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BARBIE KELLY CLUB CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY LOT OF 19 DOLLS 2001-2005 NRFB! NO RESERVE! $89.95 |
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Huge Vintage Lot Barbie Ponytail Skipper Tressy Midge 1962 1963 Cases No Reserve $87.54 |
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African American Super Hair Barbie NEW in Box MINT 1986 NO Reserve! $79.95 |
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Prima Ballerina Porcelain Collection, Barbie, 2000,Mint In Box,NO RESERVE $79.99 |
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Barbie Doll 1959 By Mattel Inc.,Side Glancing Eyes,Japan 703,” NO RESERVE”, $74.99 |
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SPECIAL LE VERY VIOLET BARBIE 1992 HTF NO RESERVE $59.99 |
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ESTATE FIND,BARBIE,KEN,MIDGE,BARBIE DOLLS LOT,WITH CLOTHES,No Reserve !!!! $61.00 |
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Beautiful Bride Barbie MINT in Box 2004 NO Reserve! $45.95 |
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GORGEOUS Steffie Barbie Doll ~ VINTAGE ~ NO RESERVE! $37.00 |
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Gift Giving Barbie MINT NEW In Box NO Reserve! 1985 $39.95 |
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Barbie 2001 Anniversary Collectible MINT NEW in BOX NO Reserve! $39.95 |
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LOT OF 2 CLASSIQUE COLLECTION BARBIES NIB NO RESERVE $29.95 |
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Hollywood Premiere 2000 Barbie Doll MINT NEW IN BOX. No Reserve. $29.99 |
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RARE WILD STYLE BARBIE 1992 TARGET EXCLUSIVE No RESERVE $37.99 |
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Lot of 2 Pizza Party SKIPPER & Courtney Pizza Hut Dolls NO RESERVE $24.99 |
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pre-owned BARBIE MIDGE DOLL – STAMPED 1962 AND 1958 REDHEAD FRECKLES NO RESERVE $25.98 |
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YUE-SAI WA WA PRETTY IN PINK DOLL STILL IN BOX! 2001 BARBIE DOLL! NO RESERVE $19.99 |
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PORTRAIT IN TAFFETA Barbie ROBERT BEST DESIGNER LAST 1 NO RESERVE $21.49 |
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2011 HOLIDAY BARBIE/ NIB/ NO RESERVE/ GREEN DRESS/ T7914/ MUST SEE $15.99 |
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BARBIE AS ARIZONA JEANS BARBIE MINT IN BOX. NO RESERVE $30.00 |
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SOUTHERN BEAUTY BARBIE 1991 WINN-DIXIE EXCLUSIVE No RESERVE $29.99 |
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Lot of 2 Ice Capades Barbie 1989 & 1989 Ice Capades Ken Barbie No Reserve $29.99 |
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Gone with the Wind Scarlett Green Dress World Doll Limited Edition NO RESERVE $19.99 |
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1997 Barbie Happy Holidays Special Edition Doll rare gold background No reserve $14.95 |
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1996 Happy Holidays Barbie MINT MINT NO RESERVE $12.99 |
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Duke University Barbie African American. In box! Very rare item! No reserve!! $18.00 |
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2000 JAMES DEAN Barbie AMERICAN LEGEND TIMELESS TREASURES No RESERVE $25.49 |
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Vintage 18 in Porcelain Doll (No Reserve) WOW $9.99 |
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1990 Ice Capades Barbie RARE No RESERVE $24.99 |
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Marilyn Monroe Sparkle Superstar DSI Doll 1993 No RESERVE $24.99 |
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Canadian Barbie 1987 1st Edition RARE Dolls of The World No RESERVE $24.99 |
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Lot of Vintage Barbie & Ken Dolls From Estate NO RESERVE!!! $9.99 |
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2000 Collector Edition Barbie Millennium Red Dress NO RESERVE LAST 1 $24.99 |
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1994 THEATER ELEGANCE BARBIE SPIEGEL LIMITED EDITION NO RESERVE $24.99 |
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1993 CITY STYLE BARBIE CLASSIQUE COLLECTION NO RESERVE $24.99 |
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Sleeping Beauty Barbie 1997 Collectors Ed FREE SHIPPING No RESERVE $24.99 |
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1992 Satin Nights Barbie LIMITED EDITION Service Merchandise No RESERVE $24.99 |
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CELEBRATION BARBIE Special Edition 2000 NO RESERVE $24.99 |
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NRFB! Butterfly Art Kira Barbie Doll! Rare! Mattel 1998 No Reserve! $14.99 |
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BARBIES OF THE WORLD SPANISH BARBIE NO RESERVE $14.99 |
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DANCING FIRE BARBIE Essence of Nature 2000 No Reserve $9.99 |
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No Reserve 2000 Mattel Barbie Princess Bride Still in Box $12.99 |
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No Reserve 1998 Mattel Sleeping Beauty Barbie still in box $12.99 |
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Grand Entrance 2001 Barbie Collector Ed 2nd Series Sharon Zuckerman NO RESERVE $10.49 |
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NRFB! Special Edition FAO Fun Barbie! FAO Schwarz Exclusive! No Reserve! 1999 $11.99 |
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Garden Suprise Barbie in box no reserve 2002 $20.99 |
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VINTAGE 1987 PERFUME GIVING KEN BARBIE HTF NO RESERVE $9.99 |
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Vintage Barbie’s Ski Queen #948 no reserve $20.00 |
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VINTAGE BARBIE SWIMSUIT ZEBRA -NO RESERVE-FREE SHIPPING $19.99 |
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VINTAGE BARBIE RED ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT -NO RESERVE-FREE SHIPPING $19.99 |
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IN BOX UNIVERSITY BARBIE N.C. STATE NO RESERVE! $11.99 |
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Capricorn Barbie New in box no reserve $9.95 |
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Great BARBIE Fashion Avenue Accessory Set White & Gold Fur &c, No Reserve! $12.99 |
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BARBIE VINTAGE DOLLS LOT OF 8 FIGURES COLLECTIBLE TOYS 1.00 NO RESERVE $1.00 |
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Barbie 2000 Doll Mattel Model #27409 No Reserve! $4.99 |
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VINTAGE MATTEL BARBIE BLACK COAT HANGERS-CAME WITH PAK’S & OUTFITS -NO RESERVE $14.00 |
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Vintage 1999 WORKING WOMAN BARBIE w Box & Most Accessories WORKS No Reserve!! $4.99 |
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Vintage Early 1960s Barbie Catalog Great Reference Guide! NO RESERVE! $9.99 |
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Misc bag of Barbie/Ken clothes Lot #015 NO RESERVE $5.50 |
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Great BARBIE KEYCHAIN “Solo in the Spotlight”, No Reserve! $5.99 |
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Three vintage 1960s Barbies and Ken, NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #001 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #002 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #003 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #004 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #005 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #006 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #007 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie dolls Lot #008 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1966 Barbie (Ken) dolls Lot #009 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage lot of 3 1968 Barbie (Ken) dolls and parts Lot #010 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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lot of 3 Barbie dolls 1999 copyright Lot #011 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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lot of 3 Barbie dolls 1999 copyright Lot #012 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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lot of 3 Barbie dolls 1999 copyright Lot #013 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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lot of 4 Barbie dolls w/ misc. 1990′s copyrights Lot #014 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Misc bag of Barbie/Ken clothes Lot #016 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Misc bag of Barbie/Ken clothes Lot #017 NO RESERVE $0.99 |
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Vintage 1963 Mattel Barbie #943 Fancy Free Dress Nice Condition No Reserve $4.99 |
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BARBIE CLOTHES 15 PIECE LOT GUC NO RESERVE FRESS SHIPPING $6.00 |
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University of Virginia Cheerleader Barbie – AWESOME DEAL! No Reserve!! $0.99 |
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Rare Barbie Collector’s Edition I DREAM OF JEANNIE Retired Edition, No Reserve! $99.99 |
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Rare Barbie HAPPY FAMILY Pregnant MIDGE with Baby & Furniture, No Reserve $99.99 |
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JAMES BOND BARBIE AND KEN MINT IN BOX NO RESERVE $89.00 |
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COCA COLA BARBIE AS CHEERLEADER MINT IN BOX NO RESERVE $85.00 |
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HOLIDAY ANGEL BARBIE MINT IN BOX NO RESERVE $69.00 |
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50 th Anniversary Barbie NIB with shipping box Exc Cond. No Reserve $59.99 |
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5 BARBIE KEN STAR TREK GIFT SET MIB NO RESERVE $51.00 |
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Queen of Hearts Bob Mackie Barbie with shipping box Exc Cond. No Reserve $49.99 |
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SOCIETY GIRL BARBIE MINT IN BOX. NO RESERVE $39.00 |
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JEWELED SPLENDOR BARBIE FAO SCHWARZ EXCLUSIVE MIB NO RESERVE $36.50 |
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Great BARBIE STAR TREK Giftset with Ken in Federation Uniforms, No Reserve! $32.99 |
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TICKLE ME ELMO BARBIE MINT IN BOX.. NO RESERVE $30.00 |
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Case Fresh LEGALLY BLONDE Barbie, REESE WITHERSPOON, MIB, No Reserve! $29.99 |
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Great X-FILES Set BARBIE and KEN as Mulder and Skully, MIB, No Reserve! $29.99 |
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TARGET Store Exculsive BARBIE HALLOWEEN FORTUNE Teller w/Cards 2003, No Reserve! $29.99 |
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Birthstone Barbie February -AMETHYST 2002 ~~No Reserve ~ *MiB* $28.99 |
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Beautiful BARBIE Swan Lake ODETTE Long Retired Doll, No Reserve! $28.99 |
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Barbie Gorgeous SWAN LAKE Ballerina SWAN QUEEN, MIB, No Reserve! $28.99 |
