Boxes and Box Openings

So far, I have kept all of my shipping boxes and storage boxes for all my dolls. I also have the space to do this. However, if I must, I suppose I will get rid of the shipping boxes. I just figure these boxes are easier to keep should I need to move or want to sell any dolls.

As for what I prefer, I honestly am not picky. I am used to the method of bubble wrap around hands/feet/face within pillows (be the pillows zip closed or just loose). I'm not necessarily a fan of the foam cut out method because then getting the doll back into it can be a pain. The ribbon tied bubble wrap within a box is the least exciting to me and makes me worried about things breaking in transit.

I do appreciate a fancy looking box. Ribbons are nice but not a necessity. Carriers would be great - I received one doll second hand this way and I thought that was a nice touch!

 

This could be lots of fun! Wiishu makes every box opening around here fun. By the time we've got the boxes open, and he's interacted with the resin person inside, personalities are well established.

As to the basic question: how much does it affect my decision to buy: only in the sense that it must be adequately protected. I buy the doll, not the box. The two major companies I've dealt with are Fairyland and Granado and both use the foam cutout, in flip top magnetic boxes, which I find very nice. I personally don't find the foam difficult to handle, but that's me. Granado had a wonderful way of packaging the extra hands and body parts.
I've actually confiscated the two that came with the jointed hands for Wiishu's spares!

I did find Granados logos added to the enjoyment of the box openings. The shipping boxes had "Dream to be Different" on them and the Flip Tops had "Thanks for waking me up" on the inside, which I thought was a really human touch with Crocus. I like what it implies about the company...and gave Wiishu something to interact with.

I keep the actual doll boxes, but not the shipping boxes. I'm fortunate to have a hard to reach shelf that so far handles them all.

 

I do like a cute box! I've done box openings three times now; once for my Seed.Arts Wol head, who showed up in a plain box, but I was so excited to get her (she was my first BJD to arrive at all, even if I'm still waiting for her body!) that I wasn't picky. I was just happy to see her and hold her.

The next two... Impldoll has a kind of slide-out style box, and Huajing Doll does a more classic lid. I like the lid a bit better? Easier to open and close often, and since my dolls live in their box, it means Tian Ni's (Huajing Doll) box is nicely intact all the time, whereas with Ara (Impldoll) I pulled the sleeve off, kept it off, and it ended up getting a bit squished. Thanks, cat.

Impldoll also did the foam cutout while Huajing Doll wrapped the doll in bubble wrap and foam strips. I do like the latter better, but I think primarily because I'm using the box as doll storage still. As previously mentioned, it's easier to put a doll back in an empty box, especially when they have wigs and such.

I think I vibe more with Tian Ni than I do Ara, but that might be because she's newer and poses nicely. I do like them both, though.

 

@JaxxCapta I can see where the foam cutout would be a distinct problem if you were storing the dolls in their boxes! Hadn't thought about that.

 

Answers for science:
I keep the company boxes when possible, I had literally not thought of keeping the outer shipping box. Thank you for mentioning that @jessholy might keep a couple around just in case of a future trade or something. The interior design does add to the experience. Doll leave's pillow with ties, Mystic Kid's so very fluffy blanket, and the graphic pattern on the company box from Akagi doll are my favorites so far. Angel of dream deserves an honorable mention as being nice, pretty enough packaging that can take a beating and still keep the doll protected. Photos of all below:

Akagi Doll box by M C, on Flickr (this is the bottom of the box, I don't have a topside photo).

Doll Leaves Lan in box: First look by M C, on Flickr

Mystic Kids Evelyn Box Opening by M C, on Flickr

Hybrid Doll by M C, on Flickr Crunched box by M C, on Flickr
Doll body by M C, on Flickr

 

I honestly don't care about boxes... As long as the doll is well-packed, in a way that prevents damage in transit, I couldn't care less if it comes in fancy, custom-printed cardboard, a satin and bubble-wrap cocoon, a foam cut-out or a doll carrier with some extra padding. I don't tend to keep any of that.

 

I'm honestly not that picky about a box, as long as it functions well enough in keeping the doll safe and easily stored.

The Maskcat trunks are gorgeous and I love the idea, but I'd think it would raise costs both in production and shipping, so I think I'd rather have a traditional box and slightly lower price. Although they would make a nice piece of "furniture" for a doll diorama, so that alone could make it worth it! ResinSoul sends their dolls in carry cases with a pillow, and those are pretty nice too, especially if you take your doll out often.

The absolute worst packaging of all time was my OfButterfliesNThings Paulette--she was cast by Mirodoll, shipped with no doll box, no pillows, no sleeping bag and almost no bubble wrap, tossed in a shipping box. Not what I'd expect for a $575 doll, especially considering she's a plus size doll and needed more protection than a standard doll! A box wouldn't normally be a factor in buying a doll or not, but this definitely would make me think twice about buying through them again.

I think my favorite though, would be like how Iplehouse does it, with a strong, sturdy doll box and the foam cut out for the doll. It keeps her safe in travels, even with minimal bubble wrap, and the extra slots for heel feet, extra hands, etc are really nice too.

And while we're on the topic of presentation, another thing is CoAs! I can't remember what company it is, but one of them puts the CoA in a really nice envelope and seals it closed with a wax stamp. I always thought that was really pretty and made it feel more special than just a slip of paper or a plastic card with a picture.

 

Honestly, I'm really indifferent on boxes. The only reason I keep them in the first place is if I ever need to send a body off for blushing, or the very rare times where I'm just not happy and feel it's time to sell a doll, something that hasn't been a thing for me in a good few years now. The rest of the time? They're stored away in the closet to rarely be seen again, unless I need to pull out the paperwork on one, or one of the aforementioned exceptions.

I think because I buy dolls to be customized, instead of a fixed artist's piece, packing presentation ends up being irrelevant for me so long as they arrive safe and sound. I can see why it'd be a big deal for lots of people, though!

 

I think overall I don’t have a preference on what they use. But I do very much appreciate nice packaging. For a high cost item, fancy packaging just gives it that elevated feel, and that’s nice. But it’s not necessarily a must. Overall as long as the doll is safe and sound, no damages - and the CoA is unharmed and intact then I am happy I did start to get rid of some shipping boxes since some were dirty, damaged, or huge. The doll boxes i carefully folded down, and am storing them in a under bed storage box

 

I personally love the foam cut out type boxes, they seem extremely safe and secure. I don't need a super showy box, so long as it's neat, efficient and safe. The pillow/bag style protection is cute, but I feel like it doesn't really do much protecting. I just appreciate that the foam really holds the doll in place and keeps the parts away from each other.

I will say, I do love that my Guard Love dolls came in a little gym bag style tote. It's stupidly luxurious, since the bag alone had to have costed $20 to produce at bare minimum. But then it's reusable as a little doll transportation bag... which is the type of thing I want but can never justify buying.

 

Which company's methods do you like best?
- In my years in this hobby, I've bought completely new dolls from only four different companies: Volks, Iplehouse, Dollnoize and Rumpeldoll. So two big companies and two small, independent creators.

The standard resin dolls from Volks are all packaged in a similar way; white and sturdy outer box, soft pillow with a zipper inside. I'd say that their packaging looks elegant/reflects the premium price and protects the doll very well. Their limited dolls all come with an outer box that has a photo of the doll glued on top + a nice color scheme to reflect the theme of the doll.
I've only bought one doll from Iplehouse around three years ago and I remember being impressed with the care that went into the packaging of the doll and I liked the atmospheric photo of the sculpt on the brown box.
Dollnoize packaged the doll well but I can't remember being especially impressed with the box.
Regarding Rumpeldoll: I loved the black card of authenticity with the hand-stamped logo on top + the outer box had the same design - it really showed that I was holding a non-mass-produced doll in my hands. When I sold the doll, I was actually a little bit sad to let the beautiful box go.

Personally, I like Volks's methods of packaging the most since the most important aspect to me is that the doll won't get damaged during shipping. I also LOVE that each doll comes in a white pillow with a zipper! When I unbox one of their dolls for the first time, it always feels like I'm awakening the character from its slumber - so cute

Does the act of opening a really awesome box influence your bonding with the doll?
- Mhhh I guess not. I fall in the love with the doll and its sculpt, not the outer box. But if I keep a doll, I appreciate having memories of a nice unboxing! For example, my Volks DearSD Coco came in a special box (modeled after a tiny house) and was fully clothed. I was admiring her from the moment I unzipped the pillow. She's been my favorite doll ever since and having that memory of her beautiful unboxing is like the cherry on top.

How much does the box influence your purchase?
- It doesn't influence my purchase at all, my primary concern is the safe shipment of my doll and not the design of some box that I'll put away afterwards either way xD Yet I appreciate the work and craftsmanship that goes into a well-designed box

 

As long as it protects the doll inside, I really am not one for beautiful boxes.

That isn't to say that I don't appreciate intricate designs, logos, or the extra ribbons and bows. But once it's opened, I store the boxes never to look at them again. I don't do many (if at all?) box openings, and while I may show the box on social media; that isn't my primary focus.

For the purpose of this discussion though, I do have to say my favorite BOX actually comes from Dollfamily-A. Which is a little silly because it's not beautiful, a great design or anything. It's literally just a huge black box that feels like you could run it over with a car and it would still hold up.

Although I don't have a box that's beautiful by any means, I doubt that a stellar one would make a difference to me in how I bond with a doll. The doll is the important part to me, and I would never want to base my decision on a doll because of it's box.

However, my favorite thing that a doll company has ever done, is a canvas bag with their doll boxes. Volks DCH stores give you a canvas bag to carry your doll box around in once you have built your doll. It's a large enough bag that I have been able to put a couple of doll boxes in it and store them, or transport them.--I also had to order my Dollfie Dream boys through a proxy. So I always imagine the person that I used carrying the canvas bag with the doll inside. I think it's so adorable since I obviously wasn't able to experience that myself.

 

I like the drawer-style boxes and zippered pillows Soom sends their Mini Gem dolls in. The magnetic lids on Fairyland tiny boxes and Granado's tiny line are sturdy and easy to open and re-close. Foam cut outs work well to keep the doll in place during shipping, but I like satiny pillows more. That's probably due to "Ooh, pretty!" more than anything else. I especially like with the ones from Gem of Doll and Dollzone.

A nice box makes opening a new doll for the first time a little more special, but it doesn't effect how I feel about a doll.

 

A pretty box is a nice-to-have, but it wouldn't influence my decision at all on buying a doll. The box sits in the closet, my doll(s) sit on the shelf where I can see them. It would influence my decision against buying a doll, if I knew the company didn't package them well -- but ugly or plain packaging wouldn't bother me, just if it didn't adequately protect the doll or anything that comes with it.

 

I honestly prefer a sturdy cardboard box printed with a cute design or the company's logo. It makes them easier to store (I can stack them or disassemble to store them flat if needed), and I don't worry about the outside getting a little banged up. I have a few fancy cases and I feel like I have to protect them from damage so I'm storing the storage items. ^^

I do, however, really love a nice cushion inside of the box! I recently received my Mervia Art Dolls Mela and she came with a super cute galaxy print cushion. I thought it was such a nice touch. I also like foam cutouts because I can return the original doll to their box and feel confident that they're safe.

So I guess I'm function first, then looks.

 

I keep the company boxes because I don't have enough room to display all my dolls at the same time, so I swap out and display different dolls at different times. When not on display they live in their company boxes under my bed. I have some vinyl underbed storage cases, which close with zippers. The kind that are meant for storing clothes or linens. They are perfect for keeping doll boxes dust free under my bed.
I also like to keep the boxes because I sell a doll once in a while, and the buyers usually want the original box.

About box opening videos, I LOVE them. They are fun and educational. Before I buy a doll, I look at as many box openings as I can find, just so I can see the doll in its "natural state" without all the fancy lighting and photoshopping of company photos. It definitely helps me decide whether to spend my hard earned money on a doll or not. I like to know what I'm getting before I spend money on something that cannot be returned.

 

The box doesn't influence my purchase and doesn't have to be pretty, but it's nice when they are. I do like when they're sturdy and protective, though.
I'm a fan of the basic 'here's a box with a lid you remove' that has pillows. I'm not a fan of flip top lids (like Bobobie uses, the magnets in them are usually weak and they don't stay closed all that well. Granado head boxes, on the other hand, have decent magnets) or the slide out type (like Dollshe and Impldoll use, they require a lot of space to open them).
I'm also not a fan of the foam. Sure, it protects the doll, but so do pillows and bubble wrap. And with the foam, you can't store things in the box (I like to put smaller boxes inside bigger ones to save on space).
I think what Resinsoul does is great, they have a box and carrying case (as long as you order direct from them, if you order through Bobobie or DDE you'll get the Bobobie pillow bag instead of the nice 'leather' case).

And just for fun, here are some of my favorites under the spoiler.

Spoiler

With pillows
My B&G Lister came in a nice, simple blue box (with white bottom) and was packed in the cutest candy-shaped pillow. Probably one of my favorite pillows lol

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My Zaoll came in this pretty box from Dollmore, with your basic white satin pillows (and lots of bubble wrap and foam strips)

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My Soom Amber had come in a really pretty box with a zipper pillow. My Glot came in a simpler white box, but also had a zipper pillow.

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With foam
Even though I don't like the slide out type, Dollshe boxes used to be pretty with their metallic lettering and picture of the sculpt on it. (now they're just a plain brown box that you only get if you pay extra to have your doll shipped strung)

The Nine Year Grail (Dollshe Husky box opening) by LupusDarkmoon, on Flickr
And the foam!

The Nine Year Grail (Dollshe Husky box opening) by LupusDarkmoon, on Flickr
My Aramis, who I got before the Husky above, came in an off-white box and his foam was larger and had more compartments. The Rosen I got before him had the black box, but there was no picture of the sculpt on it as he was ordered before Dollshe had pretty pictures of their dolls and he had the smaller foam like Husky.

Doll Family - A has a very simple design, but it's sturdy. I feel like you could sit on it and your doll would still be safe please don't try lmao.

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The foam is similar to Dollshe's.

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Ringdoll has a pretty purple box with an interesting texture and people shaped foam cutouts lol

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When I started off in the hobby I kept 0 boxes due to lack of room, and really no long term sense of what I would do with them or why keeping them was advantageous. Many of those early boxes were flimsy cardboard so I'm unsure they would have held up for a decade plus when I was moving so frequently. Back in the good 'ol/bad 'ol days recasts were pretty far out on the horizon so I wasn't concerned about if they came with COAs or anything...

Fast forward to now, I definitely do a lot of box saving when they are sturdy. My COAs are all stored separately in the bin where I keep my doll clothes, as well. When I have sold dolls, I often don't send the box because shipping costs are so high for the size/weight but I always make sure to send COAs. Boxes for heads are a different, when I have the original box for a head I always send that along because the branding is often cute or interesting and storing those isn't cumbersome.

Original packaging, for me, wouldn't make or break a decision to buy a doll but COAs or at least the ability to prove something is not a recast is an absolute must. I'm actually a little annoyed at how many companies send out blank COAs these days with bodies or even whole dolls. Many collectors like me want to respect artists, and a blank COA sends a message to me that I don't like.