How to buy a doll?  You've found what you were looking for, however the sellers' feedback isn't 100%. Then proceed to check out what type of problems this seller has had. If there is mention of smoke stinking items, then maybe you could ask the smoker, not to blow into the package. I've smelled smoke so bad, that the outside of the box reeked of it. Then you can open the box, outside. Disposing of the box and packing material. I'm a recycler, but I won't send smelly packing onto any of my buyers. Then depending on the item, either air out outside, or an air fluff tumble in the dryer can help. A book seller puts her musty items in a plastic container with an air freshener.  I'm not sure how this would kill any actual mold, but the books I received from her, now smell ok. (I'm not a fan of perfumes, etc.). 

Does the seller seem co-operative? Sometimes a newbie (new user) buyer will leave back feedback carelessly, no matter how friendly a seller is. It's worth you while, to read the bad feedbacks, to get an idea of who you are dealing with. Many times a newbie will leave bad feedback without even contacting the seller to try to work things out. I've seen bad feedback left for some odd reasons. One of which was for supposed bad packaging. The glass item had been received in fine condition, but the buyer was upset because the box was crushed. Lord only knows what happens in some of these shipping facilities. The seller can only pack to the BEST of their ability, and hope the mailing service does a decent job on their end.

Recently I received a doll that was packed with purple tissue paper on a most-likely HUMID day.  Then sealed with three separately tied plastic bags. When I opened that third back, the doll was wet. The purple tissue paper dye  stained  it's cute (baby bitty cute) little face, arms, legs & body. I reached out to the doll community (which I highly recommend as a source from many an experienced doll person) who recommended that I return the doll.  Then I learned that using newspaper isn't an acceptable source of packing either, as that newsprint can also run and damage a doll.

When you purchase a doll, it's ok to ask the seller to pack in white tissue paper, or the like.  I've had buyers ask for specific packaging. They pay for an item and expect to receive what the picture shows the item to be.

Happy bidding & remember to check out the feedback!!!