Selling Modified (OOAK or Misfit?) Dolls on eBay

One thing that amazes me about eBay is how odd stuff can somehow sell at outrageous levels. As a kind of online selling experiment, I posted a “redesigned” baby doll on eBay this weekend. If being "odd" is part of the criteria for an auction to stand out, I'd say that our listing certainly fulfils that requirement.

Even though this was a terribly homely and previously played with doll, our three year old daughter, Katie, chose this "misfit" (among many others much more beautiful) from a big toy bin at a yard sale. It quickly became hers and she treasured it.

Then one day, Katie sneaked a couple of markers from my desk, and she was artfully inspired to draw a pair of self-designed eye glasses on her baby. In spite of her altered appearance, Katie's affection remained strong for her now one-of-a-kind bespectacled "baby".

But when we visited relatives on the following weekend, they were shocked at our child's choice of toys... All in the spirit of fun, Katie's "baby" was dubbed "Psycho Doll".

The funny thing is that after a while, Katie put this doll aside. Weeks later, she rediscovered "Psycho Doll" at the bottom of her toy basket. A piercing shriek was heard from her room! Suddenly she saw her doll with a new perspective, and it totally freaked her out. I dutifully tucked the once-loved toy into the attic.

As a result, we've decided to offer Katie's Psycho Doll to the highest bidder. It's sure to be great entertainment at someone's family parties!

I'm not sure if Katie's doll will have mass appeal.
However, while exploring related auctions, I learned quite a bit!

This seller sells mutilated dolls as art on eBay!

BABY MAN

"A piece of unique art crafted by Las Vegas artist NAY. This comes from his demented mind, some have said he should be committed for creating these Freaky Misfit Toys. He says "These are the way I wish real toy were; totally random creepy imperfections" This one entitled BABY MAN is a MAN doll with a freaky BABY head.12"tall .has a piece of twine for hanging on wall or can be propped up anywhere.. these weird and bizarre creatures are one of a kind creations and are fun to decorate a shelf or desk with, perfect for people with a more twisted view of life."

Hmmm... is it art or mutilation?
(mu·ti·late: To make imperfect by excising or altering parts)

For a different take on the art of doll modification, check out this...

Finally, I found an eBay seller that seems to be selling modified dolls at a decent profit.

This one sold for $399.

Joe Bourland of Texas sells hand painted, redesigned dolls on eBay under the user name rjbapex2000. She started designing OOAK (one-of-a-kind) dolls in March of 2001 with the encouragement of her sister. With no degrees or formal training in design work, her dreams are the institutions of learning for her doll designs.

“I never imagined myself designing dolls, now it's an every day love affair.”

Designs by rjbour can be seen on eBay by clicking here.

While gothic themed doll designs seems be popular right now, I discovered that redesigning old dolls can actually be an art form.

Wow... Katie may be on to something!