Today’s post is another story time, I will be posting more story times in the future maybe. A lot of you guys have been private messaging me saying “You bought both Austria and Venezia for 70$ each?” To clear things up no I didn’t not buy these two dolls for 140$ if my math is right🫣. When I first ordered this doll I got Venezia, soon after Venezias arm broke off and I wasn’t able to put it back on so I messaged the lady that sold it to me on Etsy, and she said that she could refund me and she didn’t take me send Venezia back, so I just decided to put string through her arms to keep them on her body and then I got Austria her twin as the refunded doll.
When collecting dolls like Austria and Venezia, it’s common to encounter some unexpected issues with fragile parts such as arms or legs breaking easily. In my experience, communicating clearly with the seller can often lead to a smooth resolution—whether that’s a refund, exchange, or repair advice. I was pleasantly surprised when the Etsy seller agreed to refund me without requiring me to return the damaged Venezia doll. To keep Venezia’s arm attached, I improvised by threading a string through her arms, which held them in place securely enough for display purposes. This sort of DIY repair can be a lifesaver for collectors on a budget who want to salvage a beloved doll without waiting for professional repairs. Buying twin dolls like Austria and Venezia also adds a fun layer to collection stories, especially when one doll gets replaced as a refund. Collecting online can be a rollercoaster—prices might seem high, but understanding both the cost and the possible complications helps set realistic expectations. If you’re a doll collector or hobbyist, consider these tips: always inspect your doll carefully on arrival, communicate promptly and politely if there’s damage, and don’t hesitate to get creative with affordable repairs. These experiences build great stories to share with the community, just like this one!