Different Collector Catalogs Issued for same "season"??

[Guest rosebon1572390878]

Why do I have to go on Ebay to find out that there are different "covers" issued for the seasonal issues?  I received the Fall 2013 issue with the cover showing the Gold Doll, yet, I look on Ebay and they are selling the Fall 2013 issue with the Coach Doll on the cover.  I missed out on buying this super fast selling doll....it sure would have been nice to have a cover photo of her.  This is by far not the first time this has happened.  I am a collector of these catalogs, for "historic" purpose, and to see which dolls I have/not have..through these catalogs, I like to see original prices compared to what I paid for my dolls.  So now, I got one in the mail, one came with the doll I ordered, and I will most likely get the same catalog again when I order on 10/9.  And still, I guess I will never have the "alternate" covers of your catalog, unless I want to pay around five bucks or more to "be caught up".  What is the perk, besides the quarterly cash, of joining this club?  No special exclusives, many dolls are shown on dealers sites before they even show up as "sneak peeks" here.  Are there other things I am missing? Is it because I don't buy dolls every week?  Who knows until I look on Ebay? 

[Auntievern]

Hi Rosebon,

I thought Mattel was cutting back on actual paper catalogs.  I remember there being WAY more in the late 90's and early 2000's, so as for your complaint re: different catalogs for the same season, I did not even know there was a fall catalog with the Coach Barbie on the cover.  I missed that one too!

To find catalogs you missed,  I suggest you try checking out the Trading Forum.  There are two threads in particular, Pay it Forward and Free for the Taking.  Members might have the catalogs you seek and be willing to just give them to you.  Also if you go here http://shop.barbiecollector.com/html/catreq/main.php you can always request a catalog.

Hope this helps.