The Doll Cradle — Local services in Shawnee

Run, don't walk, run away. You will be probably be cheated, just like we've been. When our family member died, leaving hundreds of dolls, many of which were in their original boxes, our family interviewed two businesses to get the dolls on the market: The Doll Cradle and M & M Auctions, both of which charged the same 50% commission (M & M Auctions did a wonderful job for our family). The Doll Cradle owner, Connie Harrell, promised that she could get five times as much as the auction house, telling us that we should let her have the best dolls, doll clothing, and antique toys, and to let the auction house dispose of the 'lesser' quality items. Like any con man, she pitches a good story, mentioning Jesus and God in every conversation so you'll 'know' she's a good Christian woman. We fell for it. She came with helpers and drove away with two enormous white vans full of dolls, and promised to have an inventory in a few days. After several weeks, and several requests for it, we finally did get a spreadsheet inventory. But it had numerous errors, which I contacted her about. She said, nope, we have to go with the inventory, and refused to fix it, even though I had photographic evidence. She also wouldn't let anybody be with her when she went through the many rooms which contained dolls, saying she preferred to work alone. Now I know why. It's been 2 years and we haven't seen a cent for the estate. She has effectively changed her commission from 50% to 100%. I don't know about you, but in my opinion, this is blatant theft. Over this period of time, I've contacted her numerous times, and she always says she's just too busy now (has a big show, or a big estate to process), and she'll send the check next month. Nope, not a single dime. So, if you are foolish enough to use her services to sell your loved one's dolls, take a photo of every single doll, don't group the dolls in their original boxes into giant boxes to make them easier to transport (she counts those as one doll instead of the eight or nine dolls that are in the giant box), make your own inventory to compare with the inventory list you may or may not get, and film her with your tablet while she is working. Better yet, just don't let Ms. Connie near you. Run away, don't...

The Doll Cradle was going to restore four of my grandmothers antique, composition dolls. When l dropped them off, I had to pay 1/2 ($400) of total estimated cost ($800), and sign a contract that if l picked up the dolls before completion, then l would refunded only half of what l paid ($200). At the time, l thought no problem because she gave me a time line that they’d be finished in 6-9 months. As l found out today, 11 1/2 mos later, NONE of the dolls have even been started to be worked on. I have NEVER received a phone call or email that they were so very far behind. I called several times to check on the status. I was told that they’re being worked on, it’s a slow process, it’ll be a little while longer, and we’ll call you when they’re finished. In conclusion: she took my $400, over the past almost year it has gained interested, and then l received only HALF of it back, without ANY work done on any of the four dolls. Sounds like a good scam to me. After reading some other reviews, they didn’t receive any money back or if work was completed, the work was questionable…antique head attached to newer model doll, restored doll/Barbie disproportioned, and antique stuffed animal’s face cut off and sewn together, adding green colored eyes (NOT the original color). Therefore, l am blessed that l got my grandmothers dolls back and some of my money returned, from a somewhat shady company. I do NOT recommend doing any business with The Doll Cradle. I should have read the reviews and not been hasty in getting the...

I recently purchased a doll and several outfits for my granddaughter for her birthday, as she indicated that she would like a baby doll. Upon advising my daughter-in-law of my purchase I was informed that she too purchased a baby doll as a birthday present. Therefore, I returned to your store the return the doll that I had purchased only to be advised that this would not be an option and all sales were final, no refunds, no exchanges, no store credits. SERIOUSLY!!!!!! I was instructed to look at the sign by the cash register stating all sales final and advised that this was also indicated on my receipt. Well the previous Saturday after shopping in your establishment for approximately one hour and spending about $150.00, I must admit I never saw the "all sales final" sign. Further, I don't know of any stores that have all sales final on regular priced merchandise, and particularly when you possess your receipt. I was not unable to even obtain a store credit to use at a later date! That is absolutely ludicrous, especially when a customer has their receipt from their purchase from only one week earlier.I have purchased merchandise in your store for several years and have never had an occasion to request a return. However, now that I am aware of your policy, I will take my business to a store that is more interested in keeping their clientele satisfied, than just taking their...