Do you think limited dolls should be rereleased/restocked by their companies?

No he is not the standard release. It just means that 70 people can have the limited Akando instead of just 50. There will be a basic released that will not be tan skin, wont have the outfit and won't have the gentle head. Apparently Comicbookartistboi emailed IH and they said they won't be doing anymore tans so he is definately a limited.

Gus is so right here. I don't see why Volks are always the ones that come under fire. The whole point of limiteds is that they are limited within a time frame/number and I don't think that one company should be forced to do something that don't want to. I think that limiteds are often set that way because either the outfits are difficult to make or the dolls have an unusual skin tone and therefore it is a nightmare for them to make the doll as standard. Also, as with a lot of collectables (and I use the term loosely to relate to bjd's) the companies who set a number of limiteds- say 50- do so because they think that is a realistic number of how many they will sell. With Akando, IH grossly underestimated how popular this hunk was going to be, so decided to announce another 20- which has already sold out too. I think the LE could have been 200 and still not enough heheh

The whole idea of limiteds as Gus above said is the race to get them, or the fun of it all. If they re-release them each year then that is fine if that's what the company decide to do, but I also think it's fine if they don't want to. I don't think Volks limiteds IMO are any different to any of the others. They just tend to get scalped more from what I see cus they seem to be considered the Rolls Royce of BJD's...

 

I think one of the reasons Volks comes "under fire" a lot when talking about limiteds is that the vast majority of their dolls are limiteds or somewhat difficult to get (i.e. you have to show up in person at a store to get FCS), as opposed to other companies for whom LEs may make up a significant proportion of dolls sold, but who have more standard dolls available than limited dolls. I don't think anybody is saying Volks is the only company from whom they'd like to see more re-releases/standard dolls, but they do have a huge limited to standard ratio.

I think Volks also comes up a lot because they are a little more sculpt-focused than some companies when it comes to their LEs. Some companies focus primarily on limited faceups/outfits/accessories, and some companies (Luts/CP for example) tend to release special versions of basic sculpts. So if you like Elf El's face, or Woosoo, but you only joined the hobby last year and are looking at ridiculous markups on the second hand market, well, you can still get a standard El or Chiwoo, and either be satisfied with close-enough, or send them off to be customised. It's not going to be exactly the same, but for many people it's close enough. Volks, on the other hand...if you're in love with Yukinojo, there's really no way you can get a close-enough sculpt to either love in its imperfections or mod to look the way you want it. You're going to have to shell out a few thousand in the heartbeat that a secondhand doll might be available.

So while I agree that Volks can conduct their business however they like, I don't see why people are surprised that they're one of the more-mentioned companies when examining this question.

And as to the OP, on the whole I feel that if they're restocking an LE companies should make it different in some meaningful way. Breakaway '08 doesn't look exactly the same as the original ('06?), and I think many owners of the original don't feel their doll is cheapened by the re-release. In a case like the Akando expansion, well...I have a really hard time wrapping my head around buying a doll primarily because it's an LE and only secondarily because you like the sculpt. So I don't have a whole lot of sympathy for the people who are very annoyed that their LE50 just turned into an LE70. But my feelings would depend a lot on how big the expansion is and whether or not a standard release is involved. I'd completely understand if, for example, IH hadn't said that they would be releasing Akando as a standard doll until after they sold out of the limiteds--in that case I would absolutely agree that the company wasn't playing nice.

 

I did say Volks first, and then said (directly under that) that *any* company that runs their limiteds the same way Volks does, I support them rereleasing their limiteds...
Volks, for me, just seems to have one of the wonkiest "limited" programs around.

Perhaps I should have said that they should refrain from using the term "limited" unless they're talking specifically about a clothing set (in which case they should say "Such-and-such mold with the limited clothing set"), since you don't know if they're going to rerelease the mold again or not.

It seems to me that when Volks rereleases a limited, most people are estatic... and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that they don't disclose any specific numbers, so no one really knows how limited their doll is anyways.

Unlike when Latidoll rereleased Grown Up Laches, (which, the original release was limited to a very specific amount and very hard to get)... in which a lot of people got really pissed off because they'd bought the doll on second market for a hefty price, or watched the value of the doll they tried hard to get just go drastically down.

The hobby is about having unique dolls... but they DON'T have to be limited to be unique. So I don't really understand why my using Volks as a model means that you can't have unique dolls. It's the owner who makes the doll unique. (or if the doll is a true One of a Kind, unique mold, unique dress, unique makeup, only one sold, never to be sold again)

I don't see anything wrong with singling out a company that I think has one of the wonkiest "limited" programs. No one knows exactly how limited Volks dolls are, or if they will, or will not be rereleased, not to mention that *any* Volks mold that's ever been made can be bought for $5,000 from the company... so how can they really be called limited?

But they are called "limited", so why not just rerelease them?

(prime example... they're JUST rereleasing Yo Ryo and Kun... who they JUST released! Not to metion Yo Kira... so really, how limited are these molds?!?)

*I'd also like to note that I'm mainly thinking about the mold... not really the outfit or makeup... because if I see a doll listed as "limited" I think it's the mold that is limited unless they specify otherwise.

 

I don't think it's so much that Volks is "coming under fire" or being unfairly criticized so much as they make a really good example, since most of their dolls are LE and most people are familiar with Volks.

Some people like to race to get LEs--they enjoy the thrill of the chase. But, I think it's worth pointing out that there are many people who aren't like that. For some, they just happen to love the sculpt, and they don't like having to jump through hoops to snag a doll. For myself, the fun really lies in the process after I get the doll--figuring out it's personality, figuring out it's style, working to get it looking just right.

This hobby is interesting in that it isn't entirely about collecting. It has that element to it certainly, but there are a lot of folks who don't consider themselves to be collectors per say, or at least not entirely. So some of the things that get collectors juiced up doesn't do much for a number of hobbyists, which is why a lot of people are very happy when dolls get rereleased or put out in some kind of standard version. Obviously, the companies will do what they think is best, but that doesn't mean we can't hope

I agree about the detailed outfits and different skin tones -- that's one of the reasons a lot of companies release their tan dolls as limiteds, and it makes perfect sense for companies to use limited numbers to be able take the time and effort to give a little more to the customer.

 

If anyone could get any doll they wanted anytime they wished, there would not be limited editions at all. If someone falls in love with a mold and it is unavailable, that person should probably wait until a mold of his/her choice becomes available and buy it or pay its inflated price in the second hand market.

It is okay that some doll owners don't perceive themselves to be collectors. If one isn't a collector, I don't see why he/she would pursue a LE doll instead of settling for a standard one.

Besides, LE are being released all the time. I find it a bit hypocritical that someone would want a LE re-released but don't consider themselves collectors. LE makes the hobby more dynamic, encourages the creation of a wide array of molds and it builds a community of collectors that are loyal to the hobby.

~Gus

 

As for the name "Limitied", then they should be "limitied". Otherwise, I think the buyer will feel unfair or dispointed.

 

i feel that limited edition brings up the quality in dolls sometimes though, just for the fact that they look over their product before they ship it out a lot more carefully than they do with standards... or at least, that's the sense that i've got/

but personally, i would really love to have no limits on dolls T__T i mean, a mold is beautiful and it should be accessible to those who love them dearly!!! (but often can't afford... T__T)

 

When it comes to companies where the LE is a standard sculpt with something special--limited faceup, uncommon skin colour, special outfit, option parts--many non-collectors do just that. You don't see nearly as many people moaning about that Delf Art doll they missed out on as you do people disappointed about Volks Madoka, because most of the Delf Art dolls are available as standard sculpts. Ditto for tanning dolls--people are less bothered, because there are other ways to get a tan doll.

But even non-collectors will pursue an LE when that's a limited sculpt that really speaks to them. I'm really not a collector. As much as I like having unique dolls, I'm happy to do that with their eclectic mix of accessories, clothing, character, etc. But there are a couple of limited sculpts that have very strongly appealed to me. Yes, I do plan to start a "secondary market fund" as soon as I can so I can be ready if I ever see them available. But to suggest that I'm crazy for wishing some companies--especially Volks--brought a few more of their LEs into their standard sculpts, or re-released a little more often I don't think is fair.

I also firmly believe that it's possible, as I said before, to have different "editions" as it were of the same limited sculpt. Breakaway is one of the most pertinent ones--the '08 head is different from the '06 head, and I think they're both different from the Fairyland release. So those people who have a Breakaway '06 still have that limited doll...it's just that the company released a subsequent notably similar LE doll.
For a comparison in more traditional collecting, if you look at the collector Barbies, they release variations on the same theme all the time. It doesn't mean that the "Swan Lake" collector's edition Barbie from 1997 is any less valuable just because they made an "Ice Skating" Barbie in 2001 who also wore a ballet-inspired dress...and if the collector's edition was the only way to get a Barbie, I sure would support people who bought one even if they didn't care about the LE outfit.

 

Some LEs are not available in standard form, and if a person really loves that sculpt, then buying the LE is the only way to get the doll. In the case of a non "collector" wanting an LE, it's for the sculpt rather than the need to have something that is limited. There's nothing hypocritical about it--it's just being really attracted to particular doll.

I wasn't suggesting that all dolls should be available all the time, just that there are reasons why a number of people are not upset by rereleases or by those times that standard editions do come out. Just going to play devil's advocate for a moment--what makes the hobby dynamic is somewhat in the eye of the beholder. I think the emphasis on customization and creativity are what make it dynamic and unique, however, other people may point to different aspects as being what makes the hobby so special.

 

I don't that a full limited set should be re-released, its the whole point of it being limited. Although some of my favorite dolls are limited sets that I'll likely never own.
I can see changing the limited set, instead of this clothing, eyes, makeup, using different ones as something that would be nice to do. But companies will what they will.
I'm all for options though, Although there are full limited sets I want, many of my dream dolls, are mix and match pieces from here and there, along with accessories I know I'll have to make myself.

 

I don't have a limited doll and I perfectly understand anguish of wanting one and not being able to get it. But for me a limited is a limited... companies should play fair. For people (not for all of them, of course) a part of attraction to the doll can be in it being limited. I think it is unfair to re-relelase it.

 

It's interesting to see how people interpret "limited". In the strictest definition, its meaning is really that you are limited in your ability to buy the doll, that only a certain amount will be made and that that doll will not be offered for indefinite sale to anyone who wants to order it.

A lot of the things people are saying about what makes something limited are actually expectations built by previous experiences, and within different hobbies. If you look at the actual item pages for a lot of limited BJDs, you'll notice that they are often ambiguous in their wording. Sure there are those that say "Only 100 of this sculpt will be made ever." However, many limited dolls do not state any edition size, often they do not state that the doll will never be released again, often they do not state that it is specifically the sculpt which is limited (as opposed to the skin tone, outfit, etc), many of these things are inferred by buyers.

I don't think anyone could look at (using Volks as an example again) Anais (4 releases), Chris/Lucas (4 releases each), or Sweet Dream Nono (4 releases in 2 skin tones) and say they aren't limited dolls... and yet they have been released multiple times, in addition to various one-off versions which have been lotteried off at Volks events. Sure, a doll like Irvin (one release only at a small event) is going to be more limited than Anais. But Anais is still limited. Even though she's had multiple releases, they have all been of limited quantities (not to mention they have all been different fullsets with different clothes, wigs, faceups, etc) and she's still far from common.

In the BJD community, a lot of people think of their dolls as more than just a doll or a part of a collection- and many dolls end up in what could be considered permanent homes. While collectors in other hobbies may feel a similar attachment to their collections, I think it's especially strong in the BJD community. As a result, older limited edition dolls or limiteds with only a single small release can more or less disappear off of the secondhard market making it practically impossible for people who come along later to find certain dolls. Later limited releases will throw more into the market, but usually not so many that the value of a doll totally tanks.

Also, I should say... the limited doll that I own has now been released as a standard. I bought her in her 2nd limited release myself as her 1st release was before I got into the BJD hobby. I felt upset that she was released as a standard for about 5 minutes and then it passed, and most of the reason I was annoyed was because I'd had to buy her with an expensive pair of wings she almost never wears. But if I'd bought her now she wouldn't have the beautiful faceup that she has, nor would she have the body that she has, and I wouldn't have had her for the last 10 months or so that she's been in my home. And, really, I was overjoyed to buy her when she came out, even if I hadn't planned on buying another doll that soon. I think among BJD fans, you'll find that an emphasis is placed on finding the doll you love the most, and my formerly limited doll is one of those that I love the most! I didn't buy her because she was limited, or because I thought her value would go up, or because I wanted a doll that not everybody had. I bought her because I wanted HER, not any status associated with owning her. And I'll be just as happy for others to be able to bring that sculpt home now that she's being sold as a standard.

 

i think limiteds should stay limited ...thats kinda the point.
But in saying that if theres a big demand for a particular mold to be re released then i dont see the harm in the company doing another limited run. say in 2 or 3 years time they released another 50 breakaways or somethin like that then thats fine as it wouldnt really devalue the originals.

 

Both of you have valid points, however, for those of us who were only recently intro'd to BJD's, there are some limiteds that we have seen and wanted, but have no way to get because they're already gone. I know for a fact that most owners of limited dolls won't part with them because of various reasons.
I for one wish that the zodiac series had never been made. My zodiac is Taurus, and I was only intro'd to BJD's in October 2008, as all of you can see from my profile. I would lo-o-o-ve to get my hands on the Taurus doll, though I doubt I will ever be able to.
That is the reason I believe some of the limiteds should be remade.

 

Even if your just introduced to bjds, you shouldnt get special treatment. Everyone was new to bjds at one point. And everyone not just you, misses out on limited edition dolls they want. There are some older dolls that were sold out when I got into bjds and thats bound to happen. Instead of complaining you should either move on or not give up hope and keep searching for ur dream.

 

A "fact", now? I know for a fact that owners of limited dolls do sell them all the time. I have bought the vast majority of my rare LE Volks dolls on the secondhand market-- and I started buying them as soon as I discovered BJDs. One friend of mine has purchased a secondhand LE20 Tan Soo Ri and a secondhand LE10 Tan Lion, both right here on DOA. Another friend has purchased a secondhand LE SD16 Yukinojo, another friend has cobbled together a whole LE Soom Sard set out of 3 separate split-auctions, and yet another friend has purchased a secondhand LE SD13 Irvin. Shall I continue? ^^

But you have to go looking for them. A rare, hard-to-find, long-sold-out LE will not usually just drop out of Heaven into your lap.

(There are exceptions: I did a desultory eBay search one day & found the extremely rare Volks Isao v.2, in a virgin-fresh NRFB fullset. Since I had a special $1K set aside for this exact occasion, that doll basically DID fall out of Heaven and into my lap. Although I suppose I gave Heaven a little 'push' by saving & setting aside that Isao v2 Fund ahead of time.)

But that LE doll may not HAVE a standard edition available. The sculpt itself may be limited Therefore, somebody who's "not a collector" may still buy the LE, because it is the sculpt they want.

 

As a beginning owner, I'd like to see some dolls restocked.
More specifically, I'd love to see the Bluefairy Kissing Kyle restocked not only because it's a far off, "save up for a month" dream doll but because I can't find it on eBay nor anywhere else I can think of. This is disappointing because the doll is THE doll I want. Sure, there's others but this is one of those dolls that I favor the most. And if I did, in fact, have 700 dollars to spend on it, I would.
Sure, there's the whole collectors ideal that certain molds, clothing items, etc. shouldn't be remade or re-released to keep the old item original and not cookie-cut but I'd love to have the Kissing Kyle doll in my collection. In the future, that is.

 

I'm with those who DON'T like re-releases. Maybe that's because I come from collecting other types of dolls, where LEs can reach TEN times the price they originally had after a few years, since they don't ever get released twice. What's worse, in other doll fandoms, STANDARD releases might be just 2000 dolls or so, and that's IT! So people who collect those other types of dolls might find themselves unable to get a hold of a *standard* release from three years ago that they want (Pullip collectors wanting Fanatica, for example.)

If you paid a super-inflated secondhand market price of 3,000$ for a doll that you thought was limited to 15 in the world, and then see the company restock it a few months later for 750$, won't you feel cheated out of all that money? I know I would. Companies should be specific about what they mean by the word, and then honor the definition; if they said such-and-such was limited to 50, keep her limited at 50. Life's not fair, and some dolls are gonna sell out before you get to them. It happens.

 

I own some LE fullsets, and no, I don't think they should be re released.