Hallo zusammen,
folgendes kam über den MFD-Newsltter
New Mattel Policies Mattel has made some necessary changes to where and how the Collectible Barbie lines can be sold. In a nutshell, Mattel wants to improve the image of the lines. This means that current dolls will no longer be sold on Ebay or through people that do not have Mattel Accounts. In fact, beginning this year, Authorized Dealers only will be able to sell the current lines. People that presently have accounts with Mattel will have to sign a contact to conform to specific guidelines in order to become an Authorized Dealer. For example, Dealers must now have either a store front that is staffed with sufficient, knowledgeable people or a website that adheres to guidelines that will be put forth by Mattel. Another example is that Authorized Dealers can advertise only Mattel's Suggested Price Program (MAPP). (To set the record straight, MAPP must be used in all print ads including magazines, catalogues and websites. Essentially, Mattel cannot dictate what an item is sold for, just what it's advertised for.) The best way to describe what is happening is to compare the program with cosmetics lines such as Clinque, Prescriptives, Channel, etc. - it doesn't matter where you buy these cosmetics, you know that each store that carries these lines will manage the brands in a similar fashion (displays, pricing, knowledgeable sales staff etc). As far as we know, March 1st is the date that dealers will put up the new suggested retail advertised pricing. All current orders and pre-orders will remain, but orders placed after March 1st will be at the new higher price. Since we don't require any deposit for pre-orders and offer hassle-free cancellation privileges, I do recommend that you pre-order any dolls you like before the 1st.
I should also note that Mattel is again decreasing production numbers, which is great news. Also, a 3 tier program has been put in place which will allow only 'entry level' dolls, like the Dolls of the World Series, to be sold in retail store chains such as Wal-Mart. In fact, Wal-Mart in particular will be carrying less collectibles than in past and the higher end dolls will be sold exclusively through Specialty Shops. These steps will definitely help keep our Barbie Dolls as 'Collectibles'.
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