Buying a pre-owned doll vs. buying a doll from the company

There can be dangers with buying second hand. undisclosed problems with the doll, face-ups that don't come off, stolen money... BUT most of the transactions I've had second hand have been wonderful. And I still prefer that to a new doll.

A new doll is usually perfect. Most companies stand behind their products, and there's a guaruntee that you will get what you pay for. But you have to wait a long time, and you get only what you know you'll get.
Previously owned dolls can be at a discount. Even with the dangers, there are also good bargains. And the good deal on your doll can include bonuses, like face-ups, clothes, accessories, wigs, etc. Plus, if you get it from a person, you can ask for photos to show certain areas of the doll, ask further questions... you can get an idea of your doll before you buy it. In addition, if a sale goes well, you often make a connection with the seller. good transactions create more of a sense of community with others. ^_^ I love that feeling.

So, in short, I prefer second hand. I am a bit of a bargain shopper anyway, and I LOVE to make connections with other people on DoA. Buying a pre-owned doll makes me feel like I'm adopting, and what a warm-fuzzy that is!!!

 

I've got some of both, so really I think it depends on the doll. I do fancy the idea of "adopting" dolls into my family that have had previous lives.
-V

 

I would love to adopt a previously loved doll.

I would love the chance to give a sweet doll a second chance to be loved and have a another loving home.

 

It doesn't matter to me one way or another. I've bought secondhand both on forums & on Ebay, bought new from companies & stores. If it's a doll I love I don't care where it comes from as long as it's in good condition. In fact, the only damaged dolls I've gotten were purchased new.

There are often bargains buying secondhand & sometimes it's the only way you can get a particular doll. I always ask for good photos & references & generally have had lovely transactions with the sellers. Most people seem happy to see their doll go to a good home. There's also the "I want it & I want it NOW!" factor. Sometimes you just need a dolly fix & buying secondhand is about the only way to accomplish this.

 

I have two pre-owned dolls, and one new (well, not anymore XD) doll.

To be honest, either is good to me - but if I had to choose which regardless of cost, it'd be new dolls. Just the thought that they've been created and never loved until they reach your arms - there's just something special about that.

 

This is a toughy, recently I've been liking pale dolls so of cousre I'd love to have them brand new (because of yellowing issues) but, if I really fell for him or her I wouldn't care either way. Besides some dolls can only be purchased second hand.

 

I think I prefer to buy brand new dolls and make them my own... but I guess they are like kittens, I would not mind adopting a cute doll in good condition.

My main issue, is that I cannot understand how anyone can sell their dolls! to me my dolls are my family, and I would be totally heartbroken giving them away, feeling like I abandoned them and hurt their feelings.

 

"previously loved" all the way!
How else am I to get more dollies like the ones I feel in love with back in the day?

Sera~

 

Yeah, what aernath said!

 

I don't mind either or, but most of my dolls I bought were new. Max my Mf Shiwoo is previously loved. When I saw him he spoke to me and said adopt me and the girl was super nice and let me do layaway for him. ^^
Tho a lot of my friends dolls are previously loved, Rayne loves to adopt XD

 

I have both... it doesn't really bother me either way. I tend to buy where I find good deals on dolls I love. If I find a sculpt on my wishlist in the marketplace for a good price, I'll get it there. Or sometimes I can get a doll through a promotion or sale at a great price too (like the recent Domuya sale).

Though I'll admit, secretly I have a soft spot for previously-owned dolls... I like to think that I'm taking a doll that just couldn't find the right home, and giving it a loving new home where it will be cherished.

 

http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107048&highlight=previously+loved *wonder if link works*

anyways, seems like most people do prefer to buy new dolls from the companies.

 

Hmm it doesn't really matter to me - if I find a doll I like for sale it doesn't matter if it's from a company of a previous owner, at the end of the day if I buy it it's mine. To me it's just a doll and in the end it always will be, and as long as I can do what I want with it it doesn't matter whether it's been "loved" before or not.. obviously faceup or damage will make a difference but if I like it enough to buy it it doesn't matter to me. I'm currently considering buying a preowned doll but if I do go through with it it'll still be my doll, not somebody elses.

..And now I re-read that it probably sounds a bit snobby but that's just the way I see it

 

adopted for me!!! I love the anticipation of waiting for a doll who wants me to love them!! fix their little broken bits and make them beautiful again!! I dont know why but I've never left a doll as-is and the pre-loved variety seem to just want it!! *thinks...* hmmm wierded out yet?

Saying that I have several new dolls from Bambicrony and Bobobie, the bambicrony havn't been out of their boxes and are waiting for when I know who they are going to be, and my bobobies had face mods done within a week of getting here...? I just cant leave them be...

 

I have both as well, and it doesn't matter to me. Sometimes a pre-loved doll is the only way to get a doll I want if they are discontinued. I have bought many dolls from individuals and have never been disappointed.

 

Nicely said!

My Cherry and Ryu are both pre-loved, and they're stuck here XD

 

This is something I have never thought about. Right now, I'm at half and half. Generally, it isn't an issue for me. The only reason I would prefer to buy from the company is I can expect an undamaged, untainted, virgin doll.

The upside to a secondary market can often bring lower prices though. Lots of factors, but if you're smart (and the doll isn't ultra limited) you can buy a doll for less on the secondary market.

 

I will buy my first Super Dollfie new from Volks.

However, I love to buy "rescue" dolls at flea markets-especially non barbie. I always feel so bad when I see dolls in dollar bins that no one cares about. Second hand barbie will always have a market, but there are so many other dolls that were only available for a year, that are completely forgotten. Those dolls make me sad. They are like orphans out in the cold. So I have to take them home give them a warm bath and clean clothes. I often will try to find new homes for them with people who remember them.

 

I have a bit of both. My two dolls are bought from the store, the head I have was previously owned (but no less loved).

 

I have one brand new doll and one previously loved doll and I love them both I don't mind either way since... I'll probably wipe face-ups off and to them myself anyway :O Might as well get them cheaper from another owner if they had taken good care of him/her before