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

Even though I have some preowned dolls that I made my own, and love every bit as much as the others, I prefer dolls straight from the company. For me it is just about knowing I am the first to have my hands on them, they haven't had scary things dne to them (ha ha), no stains or marks, etc.

However, there are some LEs or discontinued dolls that I could only buy aftermarket. Given the chance, I wouldn't hesitate. I bought my old F28 and BC Lucas that way. Not only did they cost less than they would have from the company, I didn't have to pay high shipping costs.

 

I personally prefer buying from the company. Because if I would buy somone elses doll... I wouldnt be able to turn it into my own character.. it would still be the previous owners doll to me. Personality and all. I would "adopt" a doll though

oh, and there is noting better than creeky new joints and the smell of fresh resin XD

 

I like the idea of buying an orphan and giving him/her a new home!

 

I would prefer buying new from the company as you should be getting the newer improved versions. That said I have my first on it's way to me and I purchased her pre owned as she is no longer available.

 

Of the eight dolls I currently own, seven were bought second-hand. Two of them were not available from the company at the time I bought them, and I thought they were discontinued, but I would still have bought them pre-loved if they'd been available at the time... The others I could all have just as easily bought from the company.

One reason is the price -- I've gotten some very good deals on some of them, and buying from sellers in Europe saves me the 20% customs and import fee --, but I also like the thought of buying a doll with history. It doesn't even bother me if they've yellowed a bit or have some minor wear.

 

Personally for me I prefer to buy a new doll from the company. But so far I've only gotten 2... I've never even bought one from another person so I can't really say much.

But personally... I like it cause I think the doll is made for me and just me! Not made for someone else first and then given to a new owner. I dunno that's just me! I'm sure other people have much different opinions

 

One of my dolls were pre-owned.
Only thing that bugged me was there was a scratch on his face across his cheek that the seller didn't mention... but really you can't see it at all unless you hold him up right next to the light.

He -would- have been a bargain if customs didn't get hold of him x__X; I ended up paying $700 which is $200 more than buying him straight from the company *wince*

 

It depends. Some of my dolls are straight from the company, but more than half are pre-owned.
I also like to buy damaged or unsuccessfully modified ones(as long as they can be fixed somehow), and they are a lot cheaper.

 

I own 4 pre-owneds and I have purchased 2 straight from the store. The pre-owneds are all lovely and were kept in great condition. I've attached to the pre-owneds the most and they cost me less than buying from the store, so I'd say I prefer pre-owned.

 

I don't mind both but if I want certain face up its better from the store. Also I like Volks and its better to get them through the co. bec some goes up in price.

 

When I got my first it was really inportant that he be preowned - that way I got to see a picture of the *actual* doll I was gettign before decidign to buy.

Even faceups by the same artists can vary so much and it seemed a big gamble to be spending dso much on this doll and extra for the face-up, eyes and wig, when I'd be taking a chance on the faceup being one I liked.

Now that I know someone I trust to do a faceup the way I want it, I'm not so bothered by the concept of ordering direct form the company on that score though the whole thing of dealing with someone whose first language isn't English does put me off a lot. Judging by the responses I've seen on some of the company discussion/Q&A forums - if there's a problem with the doll (or with the order process or whatever) I'd never be sure they were understanding my explanation, or that I was understanding their reply.... It's a lot of money to chance on the possibility that that sort of thing won't happen.

So, for the mosst patrt, I'd still rather buy an individual doll form an individual whop has already doen the hard part of dealing with the company and has the specific item I'm interested in to hand.

Teddy

 

I was going to post something, but I got to thinking about it and I would have to say I don't have a preference. When I was collecting vinyl dolls, I preferred brand new. Loved the smell and the doll was perfect and mine.

With BJDs, it doesn't matter. I only have four, but of the four, two were purchased secondhand and two were bought brand new. My first BJD was bought on ebay, but it was purchased from Charlene at Haute Doll so I felt like the doll was new since it was one of the Haute Doll exclusives. My second & third were purchased through stores in the US. My latest was purchased from a friend on another board. Since I knew her, I felt more comfortable purchasing from her.

Both dolls that were secondhand were dolls that were no longer available. I think there are good and bad points to both, but if I like the doll and it is in good condition, I don't mind secondhand. Once they are in my possession, they are mine anyway and anything previously doesn't really matter to me.

 

If I bought another doll, unless it was a very limited one that I couldn't get from the company, I'd just buy it new. Although that scares me, because I'm planning on selling my current doll and I'm beginning to worry that no one will want to buy her.

 

I like the idea of buying (adopting) a pre-owned doll. Whether the previous owner didn't love it so much anymore, or had to sell it, I feel like I'm giving it a loving home. I also rescue dogs, so I guess that makes sense.

 

Personally, I'd prefer to buy a new doll, that's just me. I guess I like the feeling of it being "new". I'm not against buying pre-owned dolls, though, and would gladly buy one if he/she fits my taste :3
(haha, that and if I had the money)

 

Previously owned. They're unique for sure, and there's always new things to learn about them. Also, it's more ecological.

 

I would want a doll that I KNOW is completely unflawed (well as unflawed as normal) for my first kiddy. Buying second hand has it's problems. I can't be too trusting now, since it's a lot of bucks to give to a random person, but maybe after I get my first doll and am not so paranoid... XD

 

I love buying from the marketplace. It's so much more pleasant to deal with a person on the boards, who has experience with said doll, than simply a company. The wait is faster, and you can communicate with them so much easier.

 

Either way doesn't matter to me. It's all about the doll, after all. If I see the one, I'm going for it.

 

I bought my MNF Shiwoo off Ebay,preowed, but my Pipos LE Bao is new....

I like both.