Information on Business:
Basics:
As a doll doctor you will be helping your clients with reviving childhood and past memories. Some of your clients will also be collectors. It is very important to have a thorough knowledge of dolls so as to market to and service your clients as they expect.
To Get Started:
This business can be very difficult if you have little knowledge of what you are doing since word gets around the doll repair business very fast. One of the main aspects of your business will be to have plenty of spare parts for repair, but be careful to order them once the need arises otherwise you will have spare parts that you might not need at all. Some of these dolls can be worth over $1,000 so you might need to have broken ones in order to repair the one you are working on. Your artistic talents and specific doll knowledge will come in play when it comes time to restore the personality of each doll. Use precision tools to work out the small details that bring back the personality of each doll. You will be working with dolls of varied materials such as wax, bisque, plastic, ceramic and mechanical framing. Most of you initial costs will be spent in advertising doll repair networks, online ads, hobby shops, craft magazines, the yellow pages, and craft shows.
Tips:
This business allows you to set up shop at home and disabled people can run this business, you should be able to charge $50 to $500 or more to repair each doll. Keep an eye out for shipping expense which can be high in order to keep the repaired doll from being damaged. Also make sure you carry some form of liability insurance. For Internet links on this business do a search for the Doll Doctors association, Childhood Doll Repair and Dr Toni's Doll Repair and Restoration.
Definition:
A service that takes old, worn out or damaged dolls then repairs and restores them.
Revenue Range:
$30,000 to $50,000 per year.
Education and Training Required:
Artistic talent is required. Understanding of doll construction and a keen knowledge of antique and modern dolls.
Equipment Required:
Tools for precision repair. Doll replacement parts.
