Starplaza Welcomes back the Rares (+Tips for Collectors)

   I've seen Stardoll bring back rare items before and it looks like they're doing it again. While bringing back old items seems cool to some people, it can have a big effect on collectors. 

   If you've visited the Starbazaar, you'll notice that rare items can go for hundreds of Stardollars. The older and more limited the items become, the higher the price seems to go. (To learn how much a Stardollar is worth in real dollars, click here.)

   In order to be a collector, you have to invest a lot of money in your collection. Stardoll is full of many dedicated collectors who hunt for rare items in Starbazaar. Buying and selling exclusive items can be a lot of fun, but in times like these, a collector could be ruined. Normally, a collector could resell their items and make the money they paid for it back, but not if the item isn't worth as much anymore. A rare items value usually only goes up with time, but when old items return to the Starplaza, the value of the items go way down. The reason an item is no longer worth as much when it's brought back is because there is no demand for that item anymore. There's no reason to pay a lot for it, because now anyone can own it, and for a cheaper price. 

   

   To be honest, because of Stardoll bringing back these rare items, the collectors are screwed. They are stuck with items that they paid way too much for and now it's not even a rare item anymore, because Stardoll wiped the slate clean. I feel bad for the collectors, I really do. I also am frustrated with Stardoll for this, because they have to know what they're doing. The question is, why are they doing this?

    I have a theory. 

    Every purchase made in Starbazaar and in Starplaza profits Stardoll, but I believe that the profits from Starplaza are much greater then in Starbazaar. Because Stardoll can get profits from 500 Stardollar purchases in Starbazaar, that must mean even more profit lies in the smaller 36 Stardollar purchases added together. Since many members have been on Stardoll for a long time, they're starting to witness Stardolls plan. It's a cycle, from which Stardoll benefits and the collectors suffer. 

     Take the Faith Hill Dress for example. A few years ago, this dress was in the Starplaza store Archive for 16 Stardollars. When it was removed from Starplaza, it's value slowly rose. I've seen it priced at over 400 Stardollars and others say the lowest they've seen it is 60 Stardollars. Either way, that's a big jump from 16. Just this week the dress returned to Starplaza, after all these years. It's now being sold for 36 Stardollars. All the collectors who potentially paid hundreds of Stardollars, will have to wait years before the value is high enough to earn their money back. 

    Another example of a rare item that lost it's value is the Evil Panda Black/Brown/Dark Blonde Plait. These items were originally in Starplaza years ago, being sold for 3-4 Stardollars. Their value shot up to 300-500 Stardollars over the years. They were a hot item. Now they're in Starplaza for only 60 Starcoins. They're value couldn't get much lower. I don't think there's any hope for collectors of the first edition of this braid to ever earn their money back.

     It's my mission to help collectors avoid being stuck with overpriced items. Before you become a collector, or if you're already a collector, before you make your next purchase, consider the following:

Tips for Collectors

• Never settle for high prices - No matter how long you've been searching, don't settle for paying maximum value. Keep searching Starbazaar for the lowest price you can find. If you're having trouble, try to find an owner of that item directly. You can locate collectors by spreading your wishlist in guestbooks, clubs and on Stardoll Blogs like this one.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - There comes a time in every Stardoll users life, that someone asks if they want to trade items. The deal can be tempting and the person can seem genuine, but the chances are, it's going to end badly for one of you. Trading is against Stardoll rules for a good reason. Paying for an item the right way is worth the safety of your items and your Stardollars. 
• Buying limited edition items ensures the value - Stardoll will never bring back items that were sold in limited amounts. Some brands that sell limited edition items are: LE, Antidote, Pet-a-Porter, LE Decor, Super Supreme, etc. There are other rare and valuable items, but I think items from these stores, and stores like these, are more guaranteed to keep their value over time.
• Research before you buy - Before you buy an item, figure out how much it's really worth. You can find out by asking other collectors or reading about the item online. Always double check your research. Doing your research can ensure you don't overpay.

     I've said enough negativity, so let me get to the positive side of all of this.

    

     Bringing back old items is a great way to allow newer members to own beautiful items. Although it's not good for everyone, that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy it for yourself. Callie's Picks is a great new store for you to explore. Who knows, maybe someday you'll own one of these items when they become rare again!

Thank you for Reading!

What do you think about Stardoll bringing back rare items?

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