What to consider when purchasing an Apple Valley Chris or other large Apple Valley Doll . . .

I have been an Apple Valley Doll Works dealer for almost 7 years, having created hundreds of custom designed dolls with all the special touches that buyers love.  My personal favorite is and always will be the big dolls like the "Chris" mold from Apple Valley. This doll is so adaptable, by changing hair, eyes and costuming, one can literally create just about any character.  My favorite characters to create are the Harry Potter and Friends out of Apple Valley Chris.  I especially like book characters and have also done Matilda and Anne of Green Gables.   My business name is "Tina's Tots" because that is my specialty.  I like the babies, but big dolls have so many more dressing options as well as being more expressive and beautiful.       

I pride myself in creating a wonderful Chris doll and admit it bothers me when I see a bowlegged Chris on EBay, with very little color on it's face that looks like a Madam Tussad reject!  I use special special techniques to make my Chris molds very life like including my trademark double armature and neck stabilizer. 

Because of the weight of the vinyl head on the stuffing, most Chris dolls will eventually have their heads lean into their chests and their legs will become floppy.  It takes someone with experience in creating these dolls to know the secrets of creating the Chris dolls so that they do not "flop".  Adding these anti-flop apertures to the Chris doll makes for added time and expense on my part so my dolls may cost a little more than the others you see on Ebay, but you can rest assured that my Chris will remain sturdy and tall. 

When buying a Chris doll, ask your seller to tell you how they ship the doll.  For instance, I purchase special boxes with extra height for dolls and wrap them in a minimum of four rolls of bubble wrap plus shredded paper.  This ensures your doll will arrive in perfect condition.  I have heard horror stories of Chris dolls stuffed in too small boxes that arrived without packing and of course, had their necks bent to their chest and their hair a mess.  If you are buying from someone who is simply re-selling some of their own collection, be aware that you may not get a doll that has been professionally packed and the doll will suffer the consequences of that. 

Check your sellers feedback and see if they have made other Chris dolls.  Ask your seller if they are a dealer or are just selling from a private collection.   A dealer must abide by minimum pricing so if a deal seems to good to be true, a low cost doll, then it probably is not quality and you will be disappointed.  (If you see a dealer selling a Chris for $75.00, they are deep discounting which is not allowed by Apple Valley Doll Works.  This price does not even cover the cost of creating the doll.  Do not patronize dealers who deep discount as they hurt the market for everyone.)

Ask your seller if they have a business license, do they have a web site and/or a regular store.  When you deal with someone with a business license, you have the opportunity to track them through that license and if there is a problem, can complain to state licensing authorities.  Buying from a private collector does not give you that option. 

If you are interested in learning more about AV dealers, contact the friendly folks at Apple Valley Doll Works in Midland Michigan.   Remember that you cannot order a finished doll directly from Apple Valley Doll Works, only dealers can do those. 

Purchase a quality made Chris doll and it will bring you a life time of happiness. 

Sincerely,

Tina McCulloch

"Tina's Tots"

P.S. Buying a kit may seem like a handy and cheap option, but this is not a simple doll to put together and do so correctly. 

webbrits is my Ebay user ID