The email from AG

 Earlier Today, I sent AG an email asking a few questions. Spoiler Alert: They were no help, whatsoever. I usually get helpful advice and stuff from them, but not today. In red italics, there is an excerpt of what I said, and in black, their response.

"There has been some talk about the dolls having new eyes." 

Due to our extensive product lines, many different vendors over the year, and the redesign of some of our items, we are unable to provide you with the requested information regarding the dolls' eyes. 

Our items were never produced to be collectors' items, and as such, we have not kept a detailed record of the minute changes that have been made throughout the years.  Some of these changes were made due to vendor changes, or to improve the quality and durability of our products.  

"A lot of people say that the zip ties cause a lot of wrinkles in the neckline. Is this true, or is the neckline the same as it's always been?"

As we expand American Girl’s distribution beyond the United States, we are required to comply with additional toy testing requirements.  The new head attachment method, where the head is attached with a plastic tie and sewn inside the doll body, will ensure we are meeting testing requirements in global markets.  There should not be a noticeable change in the neckline.

"I sent my doll Skylar to the Doll Hospital, and she's been there a little over two weeks and still no confirmation email." (She's back now, BTW, check out crazed_dolls.)

Our Doll Hospital is working on dolls received as of August 1, 2018.  Dolls are repaired in the order they are received, and they remain unopened in their shipping boxes until it is their turn to be admitted.  During this waiting period, we are unable to provide a status update, but as soon as we admit your doll you will receive an e-mail confirmation.  You can expect to hear from us again when she is shipped back to you.

American Girl's free repairs

Sometimes, an American Girl Doll needs to go to the Doll Hospital. And sometimes, American Girl will fix them for free. Here is a list of the things AG will fix/replace for free:


Defects:

1. Silver eye
Silver eye is the most common defect, although it is normally seen in Pre-Mattel dolls. Silver eye occurs when the decal peels away from the eye, revealing the silver underneath. 

Like this. 

2. Eyelash Retraction

Eyelash Retraction is when the glue in the dolls eye keeping the lashes in place comes off, allowing the eyelashes to... well, retract into the eye! You can read more here.

3. Bubble eye

Bubble eye is when a dolls eyes appear to have bubbles in it.

4. Grey/Green/Faded skin
In 2000-2002, AG was switching production to Mattel factories, and dolls during this period have weird skin. AG will replace entire doll.



Pre-Mattel dolls:
These dolls have chubbier limbs and faces, and softer vinyl, which can result in different vinyl colors, so any replacements purchased, AG will replace the entire doll with a Mattel doll.

Eyes: Older dolls have soft eyelashes that match the color of the dolls hair. Mattel dolls have hard plastic eyelashes that don't match the dolls' hair, unless it's black. AG will contact you and tell you this, as they have to replace both eyes, so that they match.
You can read a good comparison here.

'til Next Time!  - JCole