Dollvale Marketplace Guidelines

The Dollvale Marketplace provides a space for adult collectors to buy, sell, and trade dolls and doll-related items within the Dollvale community.

Our Marketplace Guidelines are intended to promote honest transactions, protect artists and collectors, and provide clear expectations for everyone who chooses to participate.

All members using the Marketplace are expected to read and follow these guidelines. Participation in the Dollvale Marketplace is a privilege, and access may be restricted or removed when necessary to protect our members or enforce Dollvale policies.

Dollvale provides the space where buyers and sellers meet, but we are not a participant in Marketplace transactions. Every member is responsible for researching purchases, communicating clearly, protecting their financial information, and making informed decisions before entering into a transaction.

Access to the Dollvale Marketplace is available to members who meet established account and community requirements.

To receive Marketplace access, members must:

Be a Dollvale member for at least 10 days.

Be 18 years of age or older.

Complete the required age-verification process.

Be in good standing with Dollvale moderators and administrators.

Verify the email address associated with their Dollvale account.

Set up the Feedback section of their Dollvale profile, including the designated area where outside feedback links may be added when available.

Members are not required to have previous Marketplace experience or outside feedback.

Meeting these requirements does not prevent Dollvale from restricting or removing Marketplace access when necessary to protect members or enforce site policies.

Dollvale is an anti-recast community.

Counterfeit and recast dolls are prohibited from the Dollvale Marketplace.

Dolls sold without a Certificate of Authenticity must have meaningful, verifiable provenance connecting them to the original artist, maker, company, or authorized retailer.

Acceptable documentation may include:

Original purchase receipts.

Bills of sale.

Purchase confirmation emails.

Order records.

Other verifiable records originating from the artist, maker, company, or authorized retailer.

This requirement applies even when the seller is not the original owner.

A legitimate record connecting the doll to its place of origin is required to establish authenticity. Age, rarity, appearance, community familiarity, or informal identification by experienced collectors does not replace verifiable provenance.

Recasts have circulated within the doll hobby for many years, and older counterfeit dolls may be difficult or impossible to reliably identify through photographs alone. For this reason, Dollvale will not waive provenance requirements for older dolls.

Artist-made, 3D-printed, customized, and modified dolls are permitted provided that they:

Are original creations or legitimate modifications.

Retain applicable authenticity documentation for commercially produced original components.

Are not direct unauthorized copies of another artist’s work.

Do not reproduce original sculpts, parts, or designs without permission.

If you believe you have encountered a counterfeit or recast doll in the Marketplace, please report the listing using the Contact form located at the bottom of the Dollvale website.

The Dollvale Marketplace is intended for dolls and doll-related merchandise.

Permitted items may include:

Complete dolls.

Doll heads.

Doll bodies.

Doll parts.

Clothing.

Shoes.

Wigs.

Eyes.

Accessories.

Furniture.

Diorama items.

Customization supplies.

Crafting materials.

Artist-made goods.

Other merchandise directly related to the doll hobby.

Dollvale provides listing categories and modifiers to help sellers accurately classify their items and help buyers locate the merchandise they are seeking.

Sellers are expected to select the most accurate available categories and modifiers when creating a listing.

All Marketplace listings must use the Dollvale sales format.

Required listing information includes:

Listing type, such as Sale or Looking to Buy.

Category.

Material.

Condition.

Price.

PayPal email.

Seller location.

Listing title.

Shipping availability.

Trade information.

Item description.

Listings should provide buyers with enough accurate information to reasonably understand what is being offered before entering into a transaction.

Sellers are responsible for ensuring that information provided in a listing is accurate and current.

Sellers must use photographs that accurately represent the item being offered.

At least one photograph must contain:

The actual item being sold.

A physical document displaying the seller’s Dollvale username.

The listing date.

The username and date must appear within the photograph alongside the item.

Retailer or company photographs may be included for additional context. For example, they may be used to demonstrate how a fullset outfit originally appeared on the doll.

Retailer photographs may not replace photographs of the actual, in-hand item being sold.

Stolen photographs, deliberately misleading photographs, and photographs falsely representing an item as being in the seller’s possession are prohibited.

Buyers and sellers are responsible for communicating clearly and honestly throughout Marketplace transactions.

Seller Responsibilities

Sellers are expected to accurately represent the items they offer and disclose known conditions that could reasonably affect a buyer’s purchasing decision.

Depending on the item, relevant disclosures may include:

Yellowing.

Discoloration.

Staining.

Scratches.

Chips.

Cracks.

Repairs.

Sanding.

Modifications.

Restringing.

Sueding.

Missing or replacement parts.

Faceup damage.

Body blushing.

Tattoos or other customization.

Smoke exposure.

Pet exposure.

Significant odors.

Other known damage or alterations.

Sellers are also expected to communicate honestly, package items appropriately, honor established agreements, and ship purchases within the required timeframe.

Buyer Responsibilities

Buyers are expected to carefully read listings and ask questions when information important to their purchase is missing or unclear.

Before entering into a transaction, buyers should make sure they understand:

What they are purchasing.

The condition of the item.

What is and is not included.

The total cost.

Shipping costs and arrangements.

Payment expectations.

Any special conditions of the sale.

Dollvale does not directly monitor private transactions and cannot independently verify every statement made by a buyer or seller.

Both parties are responsible for ensuring they understand the condition of the item and terms of the transaction before payment is made.

All sales listings must display an accurate asking price.

Misleading pricing is prohibited.

For example, a seller may not list an item at $1 when the actual asking price is $300 simply to attract attention or manipulate search results.

Sellers may include options such as:

Or Best Offer, or OBO.

Make an Offer.

Reasonable price negotiation.

These options should be explained within the listing description.

All items must have a fixed maximum asking price.

Offers may not be used to create an unofficial auction or bidding competition.

Auctions and bidding are not permitted in the Dollvale Marketplace.

Price Policing

Price policing is prohibited.

Sellers are permitted to determine the asking prices of their own property.

If you believe an item is priced too high, you are free not to purchase it.

If the seller accepts trades or partial trades, you may respectfully approach them with an appropriate offer.

Publicly criticizing, mocking, or attacking another member’s asking price within Dollvale forums or official Dollvale Discord spaces is prohibited.

Price policing may result in warnings or removal from Dollvale community spaces.

PayPal is the preferred payment method for Dollvale Marketplace transactions.

Dollvale strongly recommends PayPal Goods & Services because it is generally the safest available option for both buyers and sellers.

Dollvale does not process transactions and cannot require members to use a particular payment method.

Buyers and sellers are responsible for researching and understanding the protections, fees, limitations, and risks associated with their chosen payment method.

Sellers may request that buyers cover applicable transaction fees. Buyers should independently review the payment provider’s current fee schedule before agreeing to additional charges.

Neither party may pressure the other into using a payment method intended to remove, bypass, or negate transaction protections.

Suspicious payment requests, unverifiable payment arrangements, or attempts to force unprotected payments should be reported.

Dollvale is not financially responsible for transactions conducted through the website or official Dollvale Discord spaces.

Before completing a transaction, buyers and sellers should clearly establish:

The item being purchased.

The condition of the item.

What is included in the sale.

Packaging expectations.

Shipping method.

Shipping costs.

Total purchase price.

Payment deadlines.

Layaway arrangements, when offered.

Hold arrangements, when offered.

International shipping conditions.

Import duties.

Shipping insurance.

Any other special conditions of sale.

Layaways and holds are offered entirely at the seller’s discretion.

The terms of these arrangements should be clearly established before the buyer enters into the transaction.

Agreeing to sell an item you cannot provide or agreeing to purchase an item and then failing to complete payment according to the established agreement may result in warnings, loss of Marketplace access, or removal from Dollvale.

International Transactions

Buyers may not request that international sellers falsify customs or import documentation.

Falsifying customs documentation may violate applicable laws and can result in fines, delays, confiscation, or seizure of packages.

Sellers must indicate their willingness to consider trades using the appropriate section of the Dollvale sales template.

Specific trade interests and expectations should be included in the listing description.

For example, a seller may select Yes in the Trade section and then use the description to explain:

For trades, I am currently interested in Soom Idealian heads, Minifee bodies, and fantasy accessories.

Members may respectfully ask a seller who has not indicated an interest in trades whether they would consider one.

However, members may not pressure, harass, or repeatedly contact a seller who declines a trade offer.

A seller’s unwillingness to accept trades is not grounds for a report or complaint.

Items must be shipped within five business days of completed payment.

This requirement is non-negotiable unless a different shipping timeline is explicitly disclosed in the original sales listing.

Sellers may not accept payment for an in-hand item and then force buyers to wait an excessive or undisclosed period for shipment.

Listings involving items not yet physically received by the seller must clearly disclose this fact.

For example:

I am receiving a DollZone Lucius Robotica and have already received tracking information. I am listing the alternate head from the fullset for sale. Once the doll arrives, I will confirm the condition of the head with the buyer through photographs before shipping.

Dollvale discourages sellers from routinely listing items they do not yet physically possess because the condition of an incoming item cannot be guaranteed until it arrives and is inspected.

Because the seller generally purchases the shipping service, the seller is typically responsible for initiating claims involving lost or damaged packages.

However, shipping carriers have different procedures.

Some carriers may require the recipient to file a claim or participate in the claims process.

Buyers and sellers should verify the applicable procedures with the shipping provider.

Sellers are required to provide buyers with reasonable information and documentation necessary to pursue a legitimate shipping claim.

This requirement does not include providing passwords, payment card information, private financial information, or other sensitive personal information.

Cross-posting Marketplace items on other websites and platforms is permitted.

Sellers are expected to promptly update Dollvale listings when an item sells elsewhere.

Failing to update listings may create confusion, wasted time, and negative experiences for potential buyers.

External sales links may be included within Marketplace listing descriptions.

However, Dollvale is not responsible for transactions completed outside of the official Dollvale Marketplace or designated Dollvale Discord sales channels.

Dollvale moderators will not mediate disputes arising from transactions conducted outside official Dollvale sales spaces.

Marketplace listings may be bumped once per week.

There are no exceptions to the one-bump-per-week limit.

Duplicate listings are prohibited.

If a listing is removed, deleted, or otherwise taken down, members must wait at least 10 days before relisting the same item.

When transaction problems occur, buyers and sellers should first make a reasonable attempt to communicate and resolve the issue between themselves.

Both parties should preserve relevant documentation, including:

Marketplace listings.

Photographs.

Messages.

Payment records.

Shipping receipts.

Tracking information.

Other materials relevant to the transaction.

Dollvale may assist with mediation of Marketplace disputes.

However, mediation has important limitations.

Dollvale:

Cannot recover money.

Cannot issue refunds.

Cannot return merchandise.

Cannot reverse payments.

Cannot compel a buyer or seller to take a particular action.

Cannot replace the services of payment processors, shipping carriers, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, or courts.

Dollvale may help members identify relevant information and locate appropriate channels for seeking resolution on a case-by-case basis.

Issues involving scams, fraud, counterfeit goods, fake tracking numbers, deliberate misrepresentation, or other serious Marketplace violations should be reported immediately.

These situations may affect not only the individuals involved but also the safety of the wider Dollvale community.

Reports may currently be submitted using the Contact form located at the bottom of the Dollvale website.

Marketplace feedback must relate to an actual transaction.

Feedback may be:

Positive.

Neutral.

Negative.

Members should use the established Dollvale feedback format.

Feedback should remain factual and focus on the transaction.

Defamatory statements, harassment, personal attacks, and irrelevant accusations are prohibited.

Members may not create false transactions, coordinate fabricated feedback, or otherwise manipulate the feedback system to artificially increase their Marketplace reputation.

Fraudulent feedback will be removed.

Members who deliberately falsify Marketplace feedback may be permanently banned from Dollvale.

All Dollvale Community Rules remain in effect within Marketplace spaces.

Marketplace participants may not:

Harass buyers or sellers.

Pressure members into transactions.

Interfere with another member’s sale.

Sabotage Marketplace listings.

Publicly accuse other members of wrongdoing.

Retaliate against members for filing legitimate reports.

Use discriminatory practices that violate Dollvale Community Rules.

Abuse the Marketplace reporting system.

If you believe a Marketplace violation has occurred, report the issue to Dollvale moderators rather than attempting to conduct a public investigation or confrontation.

Reports may currently be submitted using the Contact form located at the bottom of the Dollvale website.

Dollvale provides a platform through which members may communicate and participate in Marketplace activities.

Dollvale is not the buyer, seller, payment processor, shipping carrier, insurer, or financial institution involved in member transactions.

Dollvale does not take possession of Marketplace items.

Dollvale cannot guarantee:

Member identity.

Item authenticity.

Item condition.

Accuracy of listings.

Payment.

Shipment.

Delivery.

Transaction outcomes.

All Marketplace transactions involve risk, and members are responsible for making informed decisions before participating.

Dollvale may investigate violations of Marketplace Rules and Community Standards and may take appropriate action to protect members and the wider community.

Such actions may include removing listings, restricting Marketplace access, or referring serious violations to the appropriate Dollvale enforcement procedures.

The Dollvale Marketplace exists to help collectors find dolls they love, rehome items from their collections, and connect with other members of the doll community.

No collection is built entirely alone. Dolls change hands, grails unexpectedly appear, abandoned projects find new inspiration, and sometimes the wig that looked absolutely terrible on your doll turns out to be perfect for someone else’s.

A healthy Marketplace depends upon trust, communication, honesty, and shared responsibility.

We ask sellers to represent their items accurately.

We ask buyers to research purchases and ask questions.

We ask both parties to communicate clearly, honor their agreements, and treat one another with respect.

Dollvale cannot eliminate every risk involved in secondhand transactions, but together we can create a Marketplace that values informed collecting, protects artists, encourages responsible transactions, and strengthens the community we share.

Buy thoughtfully. Sell honestly. Communicate clearly. Support collectors. Protect artists.

Welcome to the Dollvale Marketplace.