Buyer Safety Guide
Everything you need to buy with confidence and avoid fakes, scams, and misrepresented listings.
Why Reborn Marketplace?
Buying a reborn doll can be a wonderful experience, or a costly mistake, depending on where you shop. Unlike Facebook groups, Reddit, or general marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, Reborn Marketplace is built exclusively for the reborn community. Our sellers are artists and enthusiasts who care about the craft, not factories churning out knockoffs.
We encourage original photography, support our authenticity standards, and give buyers a direct line to sellers. If something feels off, we're here to help.
What is a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
A COA is a document provided by the reborn artist that confirms the doll's provenance. It typically includes:
- ·The name of the sculpt and the original sculptor who designed the kit
- ·The name of the artist who reborned (painted and assembled) the doll
- ·Materials used (paint type, hair material, eye type, weighting)
- ·Edition number (if applicable)
- ·Date of completion
Not all kits include COAs from the kit manufacturer (Bountiful Baby, for example, does not always include one), but the reborn artist should still be able to provide documentation of the work they did. When in doubt, ask the seller for a COA before purchasing.
Photo Verification
We encourage all sellers to include original photos taken by them, not stock images or photos sourced from other listings. Before buying from any platform, always reverse image search the photos:
- 1Right-click (or long-press on mobile) the listing photo.
- 2Select 'Search image with Google' (or save the image and upload it to images.google.com).
- 3If the same photo appears on multiple sites or listings, the seller may not actually own the doll.
Red Flags to Watch For
Whether you're buying here or anywhere else, these warning signs should make you pause:
- warningPrices that seem too good to be true: a high-quality vinyl or full-body silicone reborn will not be $50-$150.
- warningStock photography or images that appear on multiple listings. Always reverse image search the photos.
- warningNo Certificate of Authenticity (COA) offered, and no mention of the sculpt name or original sculptor.
- warningThe seller cannot name the kit used or the paint brand they work with.
- warningNo artist portfolio, social media presence, or verifiable history of completed dolls.
- warningPressure to pay via wire transfer, gift cards, or Zelle with no buyer protection.
- warningListings that describe the doll as 'handmade' but are clearly mass-produced (identical photos, bulk stock, etc.).
- warningTikTok 'reborn nurseries' that appear to have unlimited stock of full-body silicones.
Sites & Sources to Avoid
The following platforms and sellers are known within the reborn community for selling knockoffs, factory fakes, or dolls made with unsafe materials. These are not handcrafted art dolls; they are mass-produced imitations that misrepresent artists' work and may be made with hazardous materials.
This list is not exhaustive. If a site sells reborns like any other product, stocks them in bulk, or prices them far below market value, treat it with caution.
Verified Artists
Artists can apply to become Verified on Reborn Marketplace. Verification involves a portfolio review and confirmation of their work. Verified artists receive a badge on their profile and listings, giving buyers additional confidence.
Reporting a Concern
If you believe a listing uses stolen photos, misrepresents a doll, or is otherwise fraudulent, use the Report Listing button on any listing page. Our team reviews all reports within 48 hours.
If you receive a doll that significantly differs from its listing description or photos, contact us within 7 days of delivery. We'll do everything we can to help resolve the issue with the seller.