I just wrote AH asking if they will turn their parts and molds over to a repair shop so collectors can, at their expense, obtain repairs after the factory closes.

I've been considering a new AH doll but am not sure whether this would be prudent.

A few years ago, the head joint broke on my Gotz Karoline by Sissel Skille. Gotz was closing down in the US and was shifting production to China. The staff at Gotz in Germany refused to sell any parts to doll hospitals, and my Karoline could not be fixed.

I had sell her at a big loss as "for repair" and hope her new owner could do something.

Since AH now uses a big variety of limbs and joints, it would be almost impossible to get these by parting out donor dolls that were unrepairable.

The vinyl spot issue and the joint breakages in the 2007 line makes me really think hard about buying a doll for around $1000 US that could easily be turned into useless junk by a part failure.

Has anyone received any information from AH regarding service options and parts after the factory closes?

Thanks.

Joyce

To be honest I think that will all end once it closes ie there wont be any repair service or anything. But I could be wrong as thats only a guess.

Hi joyce,
The only thing that I have heard is that the repair dept. will close the same time as the factory so as far as we know end of the year. I doubt it would be possible to out source the repair dept. there are so many different dolls and parts.

I am a little worried about it also. But not enough to stop me buying my last new Himmies.! Deb x

There are many places to have your dolls repaired. There is also a website where you can buy things like the wigs, lashes, etc if you are into repairing them yourself! Here is one of the places to find things:
http://www.shop.dollpoint.de/peruecken.html

The big problem would, of course, be the specific parts such as limbs that break at the joint and removeable joints.

If these cannot be sourced, the doll becomes junk.

Parts companies and doll hospitals can fix generic parts as you mentioned.

Well, that's a pretty sad situation so I'm glad I don't redress many of my Himmies. Maybe there will be doll hospitals that will figure out how to go about fixing our Himmies. I think they'd make alot of $$$$ off us. Hugz, jann/joycep

This is my personal concern as well, Joyce. And it makes me VERY hesitant to order anything. I may just have to choose to be content with what I have. Since I don't redress I'm not too concerned about replacing particular parts, however, I'm VERY hesitant to buy on the secondary market (or even from dealers) since I would have to be very careful regarding issues like staining and the green dots.

To protect yourself with dealers/ebayers, make sure they confirm to you in writing before you order that they have inspected the doll completely and it has no problems.

If this turns out not to be true when you receive the doll, do a buyer complaint with Paypal (if ebay) or your credit card bank.

ONLY fund Paypal with a CREDIT (not debit) card and only order directly from dealers with a CREDIT (not debit) card.

All you can lose this way is shipping back to the seller. Be sure to use signature confirmation and insurance since they'd love not to receive it.

I got my response from AH today.

There will be no parts or repairs after the factory closes.

No arrangements were made with any doll hospital to take care of repairs.

whoa that is well scary news Joyce!!

Is this COMMON PRACTICE of all doll makers-to offer nothing (repair companies-limbs etc for collectors down the line) Once they decide to CLOSE???

I still like to THINK "someone-somewhere-will emerge as the Taker on of these limbs and factory"..thus certain repairs could be made..what a goldmine for someone to invest in!!

But I FEAR she will NOT ALLOW anyone to have any of her stuff..and prefer to destroy it!!

What do others THINK???

HUGS JACK

The parts will most likely be destroyed or stored, Jackie, to prevent copies from being made.

This is the part that makes me very uneasy, to be honest. Buyer beware indeed.

I venture any parts and molds will be destroyed.

Gotz wouldn't help after their factory closed although they were still producing the Sissel Skille dolls in China.

Since many Himstedt repairs require unique parts, it will be a big risk to buy them, especially the 2006-2008 editions.

The 2004-2005 editions had much better quality except for the shoe staining, which you can live with.

The lack of support still remains to be seen. The factory did repair the Mattel dolls or older dolls so however Annette reincarnates her business, I am hoping that there will be some kind of repair option available. Until one appears, however, I am very hesitant about buying. I am also hopeful that the parts and equipment will be used in Annette's future venture.