Second Hand/ Adopted dolls?

[MollyKerr]

I'm a strong believer in recycling and reusing, so I was wondering how do adoptions work? I'm a little nervous about sending money to someone I don't know. If there are any proud parents of adopted dolls who could post their stories I'd be so happy :)

[Tygati]

I've bought a lot of secondhand dolls, or heads, or bodies... *laugh* I've never had any problems, but I know a lot of sellers these days are asking you to send money 'Personal' which I would not recommend for something as expensive as a doll.

[Kyrenea]

I second what Tygati says about sending payment as "personnal" for a doll. I only do that when the money is going to a friend...I'd much rather pay the additional fees and have the buyer security.

Buying dolls second hand is a great way to get a deal and in some cases, find a sculpt that is no longer offered. You can also get a doll that has maybe been modded, or in my case, I like my WS dolls to have a mellowed resin tone - buying them used helps get to that point sooner.

[richila]

I was able to find one of my favorite dolls, Girard, my Orient Doll Tae second hand. He is no longer being made and I was overjoyed to find one at all.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5078422942_2aa2c2f887.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/richila/5078422942/)
dols 032 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/richila/5078422942/) by richila9098 (http://www.flickr.com/people/richila/), on Flickr

[MollyKerr]

Thanks guys, Im always worried about being scammed!

[MollyKerr]

I also like the idea of a second hand doll because it's like a dog at a pound, you just have to adopt it! Lol

[AmyAngel]

Most of mine were bought secondhand, including all my first few. My first one I found on the DoA marketplace and was really unsure (OMG so much money! For a DOLL!!!) but after watching for a week or so, two other people in the same day asked "I might be interested"-type questions and I found myself up at 1am rolling change and checking my savings account, so I decided that meant I should go ahead and get him. So I did! And he's been here since mid-December of 08, and I still adore him. My second was also bought there, but this time I'd posted a WTB. I hadn't really expected to get an offer (at the time there were literally only 4 Dolkot Days I'd found on the forum, and one did NOT belong to a forum member, but was posted by a friend!) but within 2 weeks someone offered me one of those 4 and I decided I had better jump while I had the chance. He arrived exactly a month after the first, and is still here, and still adored also.

It's just like buying anything else secondhand, LOL! Check feedback, use Paypal (not personal payments unless you're very sure about the person you're sending to), and keep track of the date you sent payment in case something does go wrong so you don't run out of time to make a paypal claim.

[Linda52]

I've sold far more dolls that bought second hand. Sometimes dolls just need to be rehomed to find happiness. Read feedback, use Paypal, and enjoy.

[xtremepackerfan]

I agree about sending money "personal" It's much safer to send it regular way and pay the fees. I heard it's not covered under paypal protection plan if it's sent personal.
I have purchased dolls second hand and have had very good experiences. As Linda 52 stated, read feedback,use paypal and enjoy. :)

[Taco]

I've bought a lot of mine second hand. I usually go second hand first if I can, because there are some really good deals out there. I have several dolls that I got for way less than they sell for new. Also, I put together a lot of hybrids and not all companies sell parts separately.

As to not getting scammed, well there are no guarantees in life, but checking feedback helps as does paying with a credit card through paypal. That way even if paypal can't do anything in case of a scam, you can still initiate a charge back on your card. *knocks on wood* I've had good experiences buying second hand.

[Raouken]

I've also had good experiences buying second hand, but I try to buy inside of the country so I can meet up with people and get the doll straight away, of course with a country as big as the US that might not be possible, but in the Netherlands, I've bought a few dolls this way-because someone happened to sell the doll I wanted. I've also bought from Y!J and Den of Angels with good results, I like buying second hand because it's faster haha xD

[Myriai]

Five and a half of my dolls came from second hand sales (my School A, my Kohya, my Chinatsu, my Sunlight F-16, my SDC Miko, and my Dreaming An's body) ^_^ And there was only one instance where I was less than completely thrilled (but it wasn't entirely the seller's fault)--even so I fixed the [minor] issue and talked to the seller and walked away satisfied.

My biggest advice echoes that of those who posted before--read feedback and use Paypal. Also, if something doesn't feel right about the transaction--DON'T DO IT.

I enjoy the dolls I got second hand just as much as I do the ones I bought directly from the company--and in some cases (like my School A & my Kohya--both dream dolls I wouldn't have gotten otherwise) more ^_^

[april]

Most of my dolls I buy directly from the companies--because they are limited and I can get exactly what I want without worrying about scammers and damage and lost packages.

But I've also bought second-hand. It is always a bit of a worry, hoping that the seller isn't a flake or a scammer, but as others have said, using a credit card through PayPal helps (if it's too late for PayPal, then you have some recourse through charge-backs on your card). It's also good to check feedback. This helps on ebay and DoA. I prefer the seller to have been active for a number of years and have a significant amount of feedback before I'll hand over hundreds of dollars to them...

That said, stuff can happen. Make sure the package is trackable and insured. Even some companies that have been around for years can have problems or close down suddenly. Just do your best to check out the seller and make sure the package is safe, and after that you just have to cross-fingers!

Aside from that... Hopefully the seller has been up-front about the condition of the doll... that it isn't more worn or damaged than they told you... and that it is what you expected. Make sure your communication is VERY clear and ask all the questions you can think of (is the resin matching? any discoloration? any damage? what is included in the sale? eyes? extras? what size and model is the doll? is it the doll pictured in the sales photos? has the doll been modded in any way? how will it be shipped? in what will it be shipped? are there previous owners? do they know how old the doll is? etc.).

Second-hand you can find dolls that are no longer being sold by companies. You can find limited dolls. You can sometimes avoid the higher shipping prices of dolls coming from overseas. You can sometimes get a doll quicker. You can find a doll with the exact faceup you want. You can find the parts of a doll that you want specifically if you wish to have different parts. etc.

It's mostly making sure the doll is in the shape you think it is, and having an honest seller, and having protection in case of shipping problems... But in many cases, the only way to get the doll you want is to get it second-hand.

[aernath]

Definitely take all the cautions mentioned here when looking around.
But I too, have bought most of my dolls second-hand. :) It's hard to resist that little face when it's already been given that spark of character... sometimes the second-hand doll has something the new doll doesn't ... some personalized touch that the previous owner gave it, that gives the sculpt the magic you see as the perfect start for you.

But always do your homework. Even companies have ... quirks that you may want to know about, like long wait times, or unusually noticeable seam lines, or whatever, that may make the difference to you as to whether you want to send your money to them or not.
It's no different than buying any other high-priced or valued item - just be alert, but not paranoid, and enjoy the shopping! :) You never know what treasure you'll find!

[jedimarajade2]

i looked for second hand first, actually, but I didn't really find what i wanted/anything that really called to me (atleast, that i could afford *sigh*) so i ended up buying new... but i would gladly buy a second hand doll. i'm all in favor of pre-loved dolls! ^_^

[ArcaneDesires]

Normally I buy direct from the company, because I just prefer having something that's new not only to me, but new in general and this way I know it's been properly cared for.

I'm finally however, mere inches away from owning my first second hand doll and I can't wait! I have absolutely no problem buying second hand and if there is a doll I seriously want that I can only get second hand or am just really wanting to own then I will totally go for it. As with every one before me, there are precautions you need to take, but that's just common sense for the most part. Buying second hand is definitely a good thing and I would never look down on it. I am more excited about this one than any other doll so far or so it seems. XD

[Dedra]

I think second hand dolls are great. Of 8 molds I ever had, 5 were second hand. And yesterday I bought one more, heehee.

Once I got a pretty much neglected doll, but it was a really bonding experience to straighten him out by myself. I don`t think I`d ever want to part with this doll now.

[Bel]

I've bought directly from companies, new from distributors/shops, and lots of secondhand dolls. (Plus I've sold my share!) All of the transactions are a little nerve-wracking in their own way, but care and common sense serve you well.

If I see a doll I like for sale in the marketplace, I get a little stalky. I go beyond feedback and browse the seller's posts, which can reveal a lot.

Case in point: I once found a long-sought French resin doll for sale by a person with great feedback and, of course, the description claimed the doll was pristine, no yellowing, never seen the sun, resin-safe paint job, etc. Yet the seller had in the recent past posted pics of her various faceup attempts on this doll using unsafe materials, and started a whole thread about that same doll, saying it was banana-yellow and asking how to fix it. I passed.

I'm much more leery of Ebay deals, simply because it's usually very difficult to find out anything about the doll's history/treatment. I got very lucky on Ebay once, but I knew it was a big gamble. I just crossed my fingers very hard and made sure the transaction qualified for PP buyer protection & paid for insurance, etc.

And fourth-fifth-sixthing the refusal to do Paypal personal payments!

[Solo]

One of my boys is second-hand from a friend, and he's awesome. I'm also leery of purchasing second-hand from people I don't know, but I'm not against it. Research is my friend, and I do a lot of it when I see someone I want in the marketplace.

[Chibi_Fluffy]

I do not believe you should be nervous to buy from someone, but you still need to be careful since you never know what the other person will do or really has to sell.

Most of my dolls are second hand and I have a lot of hybrids so its double the transactions!
I am happy with all of them and as of now never really got any problems =D
Really hoping it stays that way too ^^

[Evergreen]

Purchasing on the secondary market is generally good but as others have mentioned, do your research about the seller. It is great advice to pay the fees and use PayPal and not send it as a personal payment. With the ever growing list of scammers, we need all the protections we can get as buyers!

[Hugobopp]

I bought one of my dolls new, but the other two are second or third hand and I love them the same.

[The_Rainbow_Fairy]

My 2 girls I bought second hand =^.^= I love them and plan on getting more that way.

[pixieweed]

I fell in love with Volks LE SD16 Yukinojou Sawaragi when I first discovered him, 2 yrs after he'd already been & gone! I didn't ever think I'd OWN him.. but I found someone selling him second hand, so I did my homework on the seller, ie read their feedback and their other activities on various online shopping sites & communities, and when I was convinced of the seller's good repute, I promptly bought Yukinojou from that seller. Because I did my research, I knew what to be wary of, what questions to ask the seller etc. They provided plenty of good quality photos of the doll and clearly outlined everything included in the sale. I was not at all disappointed! And yes, it does feel good to adopt a doll someone else no longer wants. Ask questions, do your research, and your second hand purchase can be very rewarding.

[Wisteria]

Exactly half - 5 of my 10 dollls are second-hand. In a way I prefer second hand because I almost feel like I am giving them a good new home to replace the one they are leaving. Plus, I like some of the mods & one-of-a-kind customizations you can get second hand, etc.

For example, I just purchased a PKF Shiwoo girl mod second-hand. She is so cute in person. Now that I have all her cloths, eyes, wig, etc. on, she is quick becoming my new favorite.

I usually buy new if I get too impatient to wait for a second-hand doll to come up for sale. However, if you find one on the marketplace you are interested in, you can usually get it faster than ordering new from the company.

[kiwae]

My first doll is a second hand doll and I bet the next three boys will be found second hand. I think it's better this way, from one home to another, I'd rather not picture seeing a doll in a thrift store box of toys or the trash. D:

[Xorlia]

I would gladly buy a second hand doll if I found the one I want and the seller is legitimate and has kept the doll/head in good condition. :) I bought my first doll new since I have yet to gain MP access, but when I do, I will take full advantage of it!

[SB91]

I really wanted an elfdoll head buuut, after reading several less than pleasant reviews dealing with the company, I decided i would only get one if it came up secondhand. (as I do not have a DOA account..rather hard to look for secondhand dolls.) Well only a few days after I decided that, one of the head sculpts I liked popped up on DeviantART for sale since the owner decided she no longer wanted female dolls. Score for me, and even though she only had it a few days, she still dropped the price on it. I was a little nervous ordering something from someone I never talked to, but she was very nice, even offered a wig and eyes with it! There were some problems at the post office since I have a bit of an odd shipping address...but she went back and assured them it was correct and now it's on it's way. Can't wait to receive her!

[KazeKaida]

I'm a little reluctant to buy secondhand online right now, mainly because I've never done it, but my boyfriend thinks I should buy my first doll this way. I have to say that I sort of agree with him but the mere thought of ordering my first doll from someone and then getting scammed really turns me off from it right now.

[sunshinejade]

I have adopted a lot of my dolls and have not had any problems.

[Umber the Kid]

I am on the same Stalky boat as Bel. It has saved me many a time from buying a bad doll to delve further into the person's started threads and posts.

[roxythekiller]

I'm with the OP. It's cool to know that so many people on this thread buy their dolls second-hand, instead of just buying new every time. Creating a doll is not only labor intensive, but the production process (and eventual disposal) takes a toll on the environment.

I'm not big on Den of Angels, though. I know Resinality has a marketplace (I'm patiently posting until I get in), but does anyone know any other places to buy a doll second-hand (other than Ebay)?

[Umber the Kid]

I believe that you can buy on Y!Japan and the Doll Market. Both of those options intimidate the crap out of me though so I haven't tried.

As for me, I've put a boy i'm buying secondhand on layaway earlier this morning. He's got a lot of personality. That's one thing about Secondhanders, they come with a lot of attitude already when you get them.

[wordfiend]

Our first BJD is second-hand. My daughter fell in love with her at a doll show, and I figured used was a great place to start for a little girl.

I'm not sure how I'd feel about buying a used doll that I haven't seen in person, though.

[Iron_Dog]

I've bought 3 dolls secondhand. 2 of them are no longer made (OD Tae and Cherish Chubby Demon) and the secondary market is the only way to get them. The other was offered at a great price and was too good to resist.

Research is key. And if you feel like something ain't stirring the Kool-Aid, back away from the sale.

[KiraKat]

I think secondhand is the only means for some people...I've found dolls at 350 dropped from 900 that were only a few months old and in amazing condition.

[yukifrein]

both my dolls are second hand..and they're both in great condition..i got my second doll in a great price, too, and it's a limited edition volks..:D

[V chan]

My first girl is the only one that's company bought. Everyone else is second hand. Cept one little one that was a gift has been second hand. The second handmarket is awesome cuz not only are you getting a doll you have more options and you're helping someone out by buying the dollie. If you don't have all the money you can do a layaway. I feel like it's easier to since you're dealing with one person and not a company. But with anything you have to be careful. But I have yet to have a bad experience.

[Minerva]

Most of mine are secondhand. As long as you ask plenty of questions beforehand and take precautions, it's a good way to get a doll you want.

[lylesenpai]

how i wish i can find a second hand DOI A&D Ver.2

[designermix]

6 out 7 of my SD dolls were adopted. I've never had a bad experience purchasing a doll before, and I've had some on layaway for 6 months even.

It's good to be careful and find out as much info about the doll you're planning on adopting first before making a decision to buy. Talk to the owner until you're satisfied with the communication. When making layaway payments, always exchange full names, home address and telephone number as well as email. Also, check their feedback to see for any problem transactions. Don't harass your seller with PMs everyday. I usually get in touch with the seller only whenever payment is due and request that they PM me back with confirmation that they have received the payment. Keep everything in your inbox. Don't delete until after you have received your doll.

These are some of the steps you could use to make sure you have a smooth and easy transaction. :) Communication is key.

[Teruchan]

Hmmm, well that's where feedback comes in. Typically, I haven't had any trouble whatsoever with getting my dolls second hand. Currently, 7 and a half of my dolls were second hand (I have 13, so it's nearly evenly split funny enough...) I love all of them, and even tend to forget that they were prior owned.

[JessiFlakes]

All of my dolls (Three full and two heads) were bought second hand. And I love them! There's nothing wrong with buying secondhand dolls as long as you know how to go about it.

1. Ask for pictures - whole body, naked, angles. Just so you can make sure there's no unlisted damages (not that they neglected to tell you; but they may not have noticed or forgot to mention it). Check for modifications, staining, etc...
2. If how old the doll is or how many owners s/he had matters to you, and it isn't mentioned, ask!
3. Things the doll does/doesn't come with (eyes, wig, clothing, original box, papers, etc...)
4. Check the price of the second hand doll against the price of a new one.
5. Check the user's feedback. This is super helpful and reassuring. C:

[ResinArmy]

All but 2 dolls out of 5 that i've owned have been new LOL

Right now i'm waiting on 2 heads that are both new ^^ and next month i'm planning on getting a new doll.

I will get new if the doll isn't sold out on the website. Only because then you've got a new one, and not someones old one

[strange_grrl]

I bought my first and only doll second-hand via Ebay. That being said, it was more of a "new-used" short of deal. The seller had bought her to share clothes with another 1/3SD, but the proportions weren't quite what she'd hoped. So, Lillian really was in pretty much totally new condition when I got her. I'm not going to lie, I really should have done more research. I don't regret my decision and I am totally happy with my doll and the whole transaction when I bought her, but in hindsight, I really could have gotten screwed if I had bought this doll from the wrong person. I just sort of fell in love with the sculpt had an "ooooh!! Miiiiiinnnnneee! Squeeeeee!:hyper" reaction, and bought it within the next couple of days.

So, the whole point of this rambling tale is this: don't follow my example. It worked out well for me, but I could have gone horribly awry. It's always worth doing your homework when you make ANY major purchase. Take my example as more of a "what not to do" :sweat

[KnightJeran]

Sometimes secondhand isn't cheaper than buying new. As for the recycling part, it is a great idea. Lots of doll owners buy secondhand dolls, and they are loved just the same. It is very shady that one would have to send all that money to someone, so never do "personal!" Read feedback and be smart :3

[anoniemouse]

When adopting a doll from another owner, it's really important to

A) know the actually value of what you want

- You have no idea how many times I've seen Company Standards being sold by people for more than buying new from the company + shipping. And I'm not talking about dolls with special faceups etc that's different. >.>

B) Look at the pictures closely, ask the seller for more pictures or information if you aren't sure.

-I think everyone needs to talk more with the sellers. You can only feel comfortable by speaking to sellers you know? Helps give you an idea of the kind of person they are too. Some people are changing their collection, some dolls don't work, etc etc.

C) Always expect the unexpected.

- In the 2 of the 3 times I've gone with a seller there's always something that wasn't really mentioned. Sometimes you don't think to ask certain questions because it's never come up. My SD Non-jointed girl torso has a rattle in it. Now, why it rattles I have no idea, but it's not something I clearly thought to ask.


I consider myself lucky on my second hand dolls *but* the first time I bought one it wasn't in the best condition. For one thing the seller didn't even clean her before selling her. To which, I would think that would be a no-brainer, but you get the idea. Hopefully the tips help :p

[Teleri]

I've gotten 3 second-hand dolls - great bargains, sculpts I was getting anyways, all shipped from the US instead of overseas. I do have a 2nd hand Volks being shipped from Australia that's not here yet. I buy LOTS of things 2nd hand which makes a lot of sense to me :D
I have ordered from companies as well, but I really don't care one way or the other as long as I get the doll I want in good condition. I will go for the bargain!

[creamsoda]

I have bought most of my dolls secondhand with no trouble. Just make sure to check feedback ratings. They usually have them in Marketplaces as well as Ebay.
Good luck!

[Sethrea]

I usually fall in love in limited dolls, so all my girls were bought directly from the company.
But I have nothing against second hand market, sometimes it's the only way to buy your dream doll.

All you need is common sense: try to verify the person you are trading with and judge yourself if you feel safe enough to use f.e. personal payment or shipping with no tracking.
If I ever bought a doll second hand, I would most probably pay the extra fees to make sure my purchase is safe and that if anything happens, I'll get at least my money back.

[hobbit]

I bought my first doll second-hand from ebay and like strange_grrl I fell in love with the sculpt and bought her without having really looked into anything else. Thankfully though the seller was reputable and quite well known. I'd definitely advise doing some research into the seller (checking feedback, contacting them if possible, etc) before purchasing, because who knows what might happen if you paid for a doll from the wrong person!

[RaChEltheRabidRabbit]

When I started buying BJDs, a lot of them were secondhand. I have bought a total of 10 seconhand dolls and did not have a problem with any of the transactions except for one. What happened is the seller was stupid to ship the doll to me in just the Original Box wrapped in a trash bag without a shipping box so the Original Box was all crushed up and damaged. Thank God that the Doll survived and did not get damaged, I was really lucky.

Right now I try to buy the dolls I want from the Company if I can at that time rather than buy it secondhand because most of the dolls I collect are Limited Edition and so they are sold for more secondhand.

It is very understandable to be nervous to send someone you don't know a lot of money. Don't feel bad to ask the seller for some feedback or anything else that would make you feel more comfortable in buying from them.

[kcurry9]

All but my first doll have been bought on the second hand market. I think it's nice to have a first doll all set to go right out of the box, but I have had a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from buying heads, getting bodies for them, giving them faceups myself, and wrestling with their stringing.

[Animethemed]

I have bought two dolls second-hand. I don't mind them being owned her second-hand at all! I know you have to be careful, but if everything works out good I find it very nice to be able to do.
I do buy certain types of dolls directly from the company, but sometimes I find the exact thing I am looking for second-hand.

[TatsuKitty]

Mischief and mayhem were both second hand! Well, Mischief's first body. his second came from MoC XD I've been totally in love with mischief for going on... six years now! so adoptions definitely work out! <3 If the seller has good feedback and they respond in a timely manner, then I would purchase from them. I've had wonderful experiences with it, and even fell int love with a sculpt I wasn't sure I'd like. <3

[Deehellseven]

Come to think of it.. I haven't adopted any dolls before D: I wouldn't mind though, especially if the face-up is one off :)

[lunarbreeze]

For me, I love the Volks LEs and older models that they don't make nowadays much better than the new ones. Sometimes it takes a while for any to show up in the marketplace, but at least I have a chance to adopt them. I like to find dolls I've never seen before, and as I troll all the company sites, the marketplace always has surprises for me!

[yarn_and_cake]

I haven't bought any secondhand BJDs yet, though I've bought other dolls and clothes secondhand. I love the feeling of a new doll but if I found a good deal on something I wanted and I felt confident in the seller, I'd have no problem buying secondhand. It can really be nervewracking buying from someone I've never met but for the most part it has been a positive experience. "Buyer beware" is advice that definitely applies to the secondhand market, whether it's online or in person.

[PChu]

I feel like I always want to buy second hand because I love the idea of adopting a doll someone else no longer wants. Plus I don't want to pay and have to wait months for a doll to be cast and shipped from the other side of the world

Unfortunately my first, AngelFantasy Alice, was new from the company. I found quite a few dolls I loved but their face ups were pretty wretched and I know I'll never take the time to redo it with my schedule. Sigh.

[julidc]

My very first doll, Volks SDC Kaede, was bought on the secondary market. Actually I guess about half of my BJD brood has come to me that way. I prefer to buy direct from the manufacturer whenever possible though, especially if it's Volks, and BTSSB shoes are involved...long story, suffice to say it worked out in the end. ;)

[PeungSKI]

Ummm I so wish I had already found my first BJD. Why, in UK and Europe, can't Volks BJD's be found as reasonably priced as in USA and S Korea? Please don't tell me to look at Den of Angels. I would have if they allowed new members. The issue is that I cannot be invited as I know no one there. Catch 22, LOL. I hope ( and pray) that Marketplace here is good for BJD's needing new homes, too. I do need to keep posting 3 down... LOL

[scurvygrrrl]

Three of my five girls have been second hand, and I've had no problem and even made a friend as well as getting a doll. The best advice I could give is compare the price for the doll & extras to what a new one would cost. Unless it's discontinued or has a super face up, it doesn't really make sense to pay a lot for a second hand doll, if you can get a new one for the same or less.

However, one of the benefits of second hand is immediate (relatively speaking) satisfaction, and not having to wait for what seems forever for a doll. (as i currently wait on two dolls)

[pianogirl000]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned in this thread already (I checked but I might have overlooked it) but does anybody know where to buy second hand Volks YOSDs? I'm having difficulty even finding new ones! *noob*

[amb2730]

Most of my doll family are orphans. I don't think of it as a bad thing. There are benefits to buying second-hand:

1. They are already made (no outrageous waiting period!) and if you buy in the US, shipping is cheaper.
2. Usually cheaper than new unless they were a limited edition
3. Can come already customized to your liking! (and sometimes already clothed!)

:)

[Napoleonchan]

I've bought, sold and even traded on DoA, I'm not even really sure what the numbers have been over the years, but I've had wonderful luck. The only bad transaction I've had, I backed out of because the person jerked me around for nearly a month with bad communication, and didn't live in the same country as me. So despite wonderful feedback, I decided it was best not to try my luck.
That one instance aside, it's been great. Though, I've also bought a good number of doll's direct from the company with great results, it just requires patience and trust. I highly reccomend it though, if no one bought from the companies anymore, they'd go out of bussiness.
Sadly I don't know any better market than DoA, it's a bummer they have limited registration these days.

[RedOrchard]

i have my feelers out in the hopes of getting my wished-for second doll secondhand. this is a funny thing that i don't see coming up too often, but i'd like to buy second hand as often as i can, because its a...er...tree-hugging hippy issue with me. i usually buy my clothing secondhand, and try to reuse as much as i can in my daily life. since the casting process of these dolls can be icky and loaded with unpleasant chemicals, i like the option of rehoming unwanted dolls when i can, instead of having a whole new one made for me.

of course there's a couple on my list i think i'll have to buy new when their preorder comes up, because the thought of missing out on them makes me want to stab myself in the eye with a spoon... :oops

[Jangki]

I have to say if you want a second hand doll that clicks with you..its best you hurry I missed a crobi nao in great condition now i have to pay full price.

[Alyshia S.]

Would people recommend buying a secondhand doll for a first timer? I have my eye on soul doll's Chiron but even a basic nude model is way out of my price range.

[Deehellseven]

Would people recommend buying a secondhand doll for a first timer? I have my eye on soul doll's Chiron but even a basic nude model is way out of my price range.

Yes it's perfectly all right :) There are lots of doll owners who got their first dolls second-hand and it isn't an issue if you can find one that's still in pristine or mint condition.

Many buy second-hand dolls because of the face-up it already has or because of the short waiting time. Price usually does not defer much from it's original value unless the doll has been around for many years and has yellowed. Or if there are slight stains or defects. Unless it's a sold-out doll, then yeah, expect to pay a little higher or the same depending on the condition.

Unless of course you're thinking of getting a second-hand doll (any sculpt) for the sake of jumping into this hobby. While prices may be cheaper, it's better to consider getting a sculpt you really want or like as this will make you value it more. Since BJDs are considered art and not really toys, think of it as a painting or a sculpture. Same concept ^^

[Alyshia S.]

Thanks, I'm still getting my feet wet so I highly appreciate the advice :D

[daisysweet]

There's some great information here. I'd love to find a doll I like on the second hand market.

[Shailara]

I usually prefer to buy second-hand if
1) the seller actually prices it accordingly. If they've had it for a few months, that is NOT brand new and I'm definitely not paying company price for second-hand. (this is for basics actually)
2) if it was a limited I missed out on.

[IssaRissa]

I honestly will never be able to justify the cost of a new doll to myself. So I have to buy used. It's just like everyone else has said, use pp with fees. Be safe, read feedback. Worst comes to worst and pp is on your side.

[Aliera]

Many of my dolls are second hand. Never had a problem.
Just would like to add, that indeed it would be better to pay the paypal fees but keep it a purchase. If you send money as personal, you don't have proof you bought anything, in case something goes wrong.

[chrstphr]

I find that second hand dolls feel more real to me. I love shopping for new dolls but , honestly, I find myself drawn to dolls that are being sold for some reason. It's like I'm rescuing I guess.

[kcurry9]

Buying on the secondary market doesn't necessarily mean cheaper.

Most standard BJDs in good condition hold their value quite well. Only extremely yellowed and/or damaged dolls go for really cheap prices, although you can sometimes find a doll priced very low on Ebay by someone who doesn't really know much about the doll. However, you have to watch out for things like recasts and unreliable sellers. Most too-good-to-be-true bargains usually turn out to be flawed in some way.

Limited dolls can actually soar in price once the company has sold out. Sad to say, some people actually buy up limited edition dolls for this very reason, then hold them until they are sold out, jack up the price and sell at a huge profit. However, if you are patient, these dolls will often come down in price again after a year or two as some collectors are only interested in pursuing the latest trophy and drive up the prices of sold-out limiteds in their frenzy to get the latest hot-hot-hotness. Once the doll becomes yesterday's news, they're off after newer prize acquisitions, and sell off the dolls that aren't getting them all the gasps and squees anymore. They can't get the ridiculous price they paid for it, since the feeding frenzy is over.

Bottom line for buying on the secondary market: Patience. Do research until you find the doll for you and have a good understanding of what would be a good price for that doll, and save up while you're waiting so you can buy it when it comes up.

[Bears]

I buy a lot of things 2nd hand, dolls included, that are quite expensive. It's just a matter of making sure you have lots of pictures so you know what you are getting. Also, to make sure and resolve any problems quickly, so that if you absolutely have to, you can settle problems through a Paypal dispute. I haven't had to do that, but it's a nice safety net to have.