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

It depends on what the main release. If Soom for example, released Sard without the hooves, horns, and outfit as a standard Super Gem, I don't think I'd mind. Because the items he came with as a Monthly doll were what was limited. Not his face. Same with all of Soom's other limiteds.

If I bought a Sard fullset, full price with all the bells and whistles, I don't think it'd bother me at all if they released a plain version. I've still got what's limited about him.

Granted, Soom gives you at least some kind of choice in how much you pay for their limiteds, but if I had to pay $1000, no less for a doll, and then they made a standard version, unless I wanted the limited outfit, I'd probably be really pissed off too.

Never really thought of that.

 

Personally, limited fullsets with clothing, wigs, eyes, etc shouldn't be rereleased.

But the head mold or other parts as basic pieces I would definitely be for, as it would mean there would be less limited edition fullsets being butchered and stuff (I'm a customizer and hate limited face sculpts/other things that you can only buy if you EVERYTHING ELSE with it)...

Even if they decide to release a new limited fullset, it shouldn't be exactly the same as the first one as to keep the uniqueness of the dolls themselves...

 

Honestly? It wouldn't really bother me. Prices on collectibles are always hard to predict--I feel like the best you can do is buy the doll because you love it, pay the price it's worth to you, and enjoy the doll. Nothing is definite over time--especially value. I've been involved in other collectible hobbies, and that's pretty much the way it goes. Most companies release LEs where it's the oufit, wig and faceup (or perhaps a special skin tone) that makes the set LE rather than just an LE sculpt (there are exceptions of course), so it shouldn't be something that really catches a lot of people off guard.

 

No, simply because limited has the meaning LIMITED to it. If you're not going to limit it and makes us sweat and save and sacrifice because we thought it was limited and just bring it back a year later, dont. I dont own a limited, but I know the feeling.

I like what Fairyland is doing. They are 'partially' limiting their products, and they are specifie it. Which is nice, so we know whats going.

 

Not quite. Things like that can still ruin the limited aspect of the item.

Look at the Jadite dishes.
Jadite, as vintage dishware, was highly collectible due to its limited availability attributed to its age and the time frame of standard production being long, long over. Making the supply of the item lower than demand.

Then a poor decision on the part of the company was recently made to re-release, for a limited run celebrating the company's anniversary, EXACT reproductions of the Jadite collection. New dishes, same production style. The only difference were stickers marking them as the new run.

As a result, the collectability of Jadite crashed and the idea bombed because the items not only were not really limited, due to having been a standard identical release prior, but it crashed the value of the original dishes by re-releasing more into circulation. Placing the Jadite on the same shelf as older Corelle dishes (like those at wal-mart).

If a Limited edition or collectible is re-run in exact reproduction, it directly effects the standing as a limited or collectible of the originals. As well their market value and collectability.

The more circulating, the less collectible.

And Limited is advertised as holding a specific Charm. If that advertisement is proven false at a later date, its no longer any different than standard sold on an annual or seasonal basis. Its like calling a Christmas ornament sold only one month out of each year a limited edition merely because its time of sale each year is limited.

Where as a time based limited edition is not based on seasonal release. But rather a ONE TIME opportunity window with which to purchase the item and then the item NEVER being re-released. If it is, it becomes the christmas ornament in question.

And similar with a production based limited edition. If they advertise that only 50 will be made and released. Then if more than 50 are later released... They again become like the ornament and lose their limited guarantee advertised at purchase.

 

if dolls are restocked/re-released... then they aren't limited. it goes against the definition of limited. if a company is gonna charge extra for a "limited" doll, it's a betrayal for them to re-release them.

 

Limited re-releases are something I'd like to see, but only during special times.

For example, the SOOM monthlys: Releasing them again for a week during their original month next year. Possibly with different face-ups/clothes.

Or other dolls, making them available for a small time window again. Same idea.

They are still 'limited' because they are released in small quantities, only during short order periods. Or at least, that's how I see it. I'm planning on getting SOOM's December doll if it is right for me. If it's re-released later for a small time, even if it's every year, I won't mind. It spreads the love of the doll, and allows more people to have a chance they'd normally never have.

Edit:
This is of course, baring the dolls that say "Only ____ amount will be made". If they say that, they should stick to it.

 

I guess one of the things that disturbs me the most about this thread is all the people who are complaining about their doll won't be as "unique". As if the only thing that matters is they have a doll that is 'one of only x number of dolls in the world'. I have several dolls from production runs that are quite limited & personally I would love for everyone to have the chance to own those sculpts. Not necessarily the clothes or face-ups because that's what makes a limited to me. But I think the sculpts should be fair game.

The thing that disturbs me the most though (and I hope it's just me misreading posts) is that it sounds like a lot of people are buying these dolls as a kind of investment of sorts. And by that I mean they are EXPECTING to be able to resell at a higher price if they do resell them. Not a smart move at all even if the doll is a limited.

Morgan

 

Two quick points:

As a new collector, I've seen some dolls that I'm just too late to get - like the Volks SD16. If they re-released them, I'd snap one up!

As someone who likes to do photo shoots and take my dolls out and about, I worry that if something tragic happens, I will never be able to replace my doll.

 

Okay first to admit my shame nearly all my dolls are limited barring 2 (6 limited either here or paying off) So I do understand the love of the fullset but I personally hate the idea of limited editions I still would have gotten my dolls if they were not limited and the competitive nature of how they are released is a joke (oh there are only 25 ever then I had best get in quick before anyone else..grr) If I am happy enough to pay the extra $200 -$500 more and to wait the extra time then why have limited at all? Imagine what interesting mods you'd see on some utterly beautiful dolls if they were not limited? Therefore I can only applaud DOD for E-an as a alternate to I-ra (if only they had alternate ear option..) Sorry for my babble but well I have not chatted in a while!!

 

I addressed this misconception two posts above. Its not as simple as that.

Remaking a doll they state "Will only be made from date X to date Y", even if only for a short time...

Is EXACTLY like stating "Will only make 50" then making 50 more later.

Its not that simple and destroys the future marketability of "Limiteds" from that company as well as shoots down the collectible value of the original limiteds. And with Soom, its not the face up and the outfit that makes the monthly's limited. Its the SCULPT ITSELF that is the monthly limited. The limited accessories are merely to accentuate and advertise the appeal and potential of the sculpt. But it is the sculpt itself that is limited. Changing its face up and clothes doesn't change that.

 

You have to remember that some people in this hobby are actual COLLECTORS.

Limited Edition is a term applied to special COLLECTIBLES or COLLECTIBLE VERSIONS of a product.

Collectors often tend to add limiteds to their collections for a variety of reasons. Including adding value to the over all collection. Some collect things as potential heirlooms. Heirlooms are generally items of potential monetary value or of Sentimental worth for the enjoyment or reflection of future inheritors or for the future inheritors to sell in a time of need.

And it occurs in every area of collectibles. Coins, stamps, dolls, action figures, dishes, books. And believe it or not, in the long run certain limiteds or collectibles will increase in value and act as an investment. Its a matter of supply and demand. If supply is low and demand is high, the value of an item becomes as high as a buyer in demand is willing to pay for it.

For example. Beryl fullset sold for $1,210.30 after shipping. Due to its limited nature and supply, and an apparent demand for her. Someone recently was in the marketplace offering $2,000.00 for the set. That is the effect of supply and demand, and its often more applicable with limiteds than standards of the collectibles in question. Same goes for dolls like Barbie, the less of the doll there are, higher the demand, higher the potential rise in value.

And in the case of many company's limited dolls. Its the sculpt itself that is the limited. Not the face up and clothes. Part of the reason Soom stated they had no intentions of releasing a standard beryl. Because its the sculpt, not the outfit and face up, that was the actual limited. The accessories and blushing was to add appeal to that particular sculpt. Just as other companies release outfits JUST for their standard sculpts, like the DOD Ducan, Shall or Petsha outfits. Thats all the Beryl outfit is. Sculpt specific outfit. However, the sculpt its specific to isn't a standard.

 

I really only thought heirlooms were something that got passed down because of sentimental value. We have a set of my great grand mother's original wine glasses used at her wedding. (Being that the people in my family tend to have kids rather late, her wedding is closing in on being 200 years ago XD)

I always thought items destined to be heirlooms usually wound up that way because they meant something to their owners and everyone could see that, thus they kept it as a keepsake after their passing. The cycle basically continued, as the items became family heirlooms. o.o"

From what some people have explained about it, it does sound a bit weird to buy a doll with the intention of making it an heirloom.

"Karol. . . this is a doll from your grandmother's collection. It's a Limited Edition Volks Irvin, she paid $1500 for him back in the day. . . he's worth $20,000 now."

I don't know why, but I don't think the abjd hobby will last all that long. ^ ^;; Besides, how do you know that doll won't wind up in a garage sale after its passed along? I don't think these dolls are widely known about enough for someone to be willing to pay more than $50 for one if they just happened to find one.

Overall, I don't think it's too smart to do that. Especially if you got it just because you're a collector and it doesn't really have much of a special place to you besides its collector's value. No one will know that it was special to you, thus I doubt they'd be likely to keep it around for long after you're gone. Unless you attach a note to its box saying "This is my LE, it will be worth $XXXX.00 in the future if you keep it around. Grandma o.o"

XD

 

i think if a company is going to restock a limited atleast, as a non limited version (no clothings no speical face up) it would help to know it when they release the limited version.

i got a limited fullset doll, because i loved his face and sculpt however i sold or traded off most of his clothes due to they didn't suit him. but then they came out later with the doll with the same faceup no clothes at a cheaper price. adn i was a bit sad, i could've waited (glad i didnt but could've if i had too) to get him. and in a different skin tone (hates ws which the only way the fulset came) but oh well. i still like him and i'm not mad for them re stocking it makes me quit happy incase something happens and i need replacement parts. but a little sad.

 

The hobby doesn't have to last for it to become an item of value or an heirloom.

And an heirloom can be an item of sentimental value to the original owner and not to the inheritor. An Heirloom is any item passed on or kept in the family for multiple generations or an item intended as such. Sometimes these items are kept for sentiment and sometimes for the value or for both reasons. This is why heirlooms often include valuable Crystal, China, jewelry, furniture, dolls believe it or not, wedding gowns, decor, paintings. Many of these items can increase in value over the years depending on what they are and how well they are cared for. And as such, Heirlooms can be sold to preserve the family's well being in a time of need.

If someone truly adores their doll, it stands to reason that one could very easily become an heirloom and passed on.

I'm considering making Alice an heirloom. She isn't particularly valuable but she is something that means a great deal to me as far as sentiment goes. And I'd like to pass her on along with the leather bound family albums and genealogy books I am putting together and the jewelry, dishes, decor and traditions that have been passed onto me by my parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Some of the items I'm passing on DO have significant monetary value to them. Others are purely sentimental. All in question are considered heirlooms by the family. Such as the broaches I received. They were my Great, great Grandmothers. Passed onto her daughter. And then skipped two generations to be given to me since she had no direct daughters or grand daughters. And I was her eldest direct great grand daughter. These weren't items of sentimental value to her, but rather items of value that she no longer needed and wanted to give to me to ensure I inherited them.

Some items that aren't worth much now may be worth more later. Which is how collectibles tend to go. If you select them carefully.

And if you're close knit with your family and those you've selected as inheretors of your estate... They most certainly WILL know what was of value to you or that there is value to various items in your estate. Thats generally the point of wills. Wills are an "I want these things to go to these people... And FYI...)

When my grandmother died... Even without her will the family knew which items to take extra care with. Both in regards to sentimental value and market value. Our family is very close knit. We know each other's hobbies and interests, and in doing so learn about values. And we make it clear regarding inheritances and such. My mother, Aunt and grandmother are avid dish collectors. I don't collect them. But since they've taken up the hobby I learn from listening to them, from looking for gifts for them or being sent on searches for them. As a result. I know what they have and the value of their collections. Because I listen to their enthusiasm and I help them with their collections. Similarly, they know about my interests and do the same.

And some heirlooms do end up in yard sales. Its how many people find great deals at the loss of the seller. And yes, most people off the street wouldn't pay much for one. But if one takes even the simplest attempt of finding info about the item, they could easily find the market of people who would pay for it. For example, I could put Beryl in a yard sale and struggle to make even $50 off her today. But I could just as easily list her here on the market place and get at least what I paid for her. Passing on a collectible just changes one variable: The owner. If the owner doesn't take the time, they face the greater loss. If the owner does take the time, they may make a good bit of money off it. Either way, for the one inheriting the item and then selling it... They didn't pay for it so its still pure profit for them.

Even still... That does not change the nature of collectibles. Which ABJD are.
Nor does it change the nature of market values, limited editions and the effect supply and demand has on market value and how the value of LEs are more so effected by S&D in regards to their fluctuating value.

Its just how collectibles and markets work.

 

I must say I like the idea of no limiteds at all. I have a limited doll and I would not mind he was realeased again. It would be better not having to be sad that I'll never be able to get this or that mold... That would be explendid!

 

If they re-stocked these "limited" dolls, they wouldn't be limited anymore. They would be "standard".

And, as it was probably said before, that wouldn't be fair.

 

True, it may [OR may not] affect the value of the original release... BUT, the fact remains that both runs are still limited.

Random example: Volks's Shiro version 1. Limited run. Three years later, they released Shiro version 2. Not identical, but same sculpt. Also a limited run. Both versions of Shiro are still limited, i.e., finite, i.e. not-regular-stock. Shiro 1's value has not been affected.

At least not yet. With these dolls, it is kind of hard to tell, because everything is so recent. In 20 years, we may find that Shiro Tachibana v.1 DID go the same route as Jadeite dishes... or, we may find that Shiro v1 became even higher in value/desirability even next to Shiro v2.

There's also differences in whether a company (of any kind) declares the number/availability of that run. In this example, Volks never tells you how many there are, and they never promise they won't release again. As a result, their limited-sculpt rereleases remain as desirable as the original runs (Shiro, Lucas, Sasha/Masha, Michael, etc)... Nobody feels they've been "lied" to when the rerelease happens.

Likewise, if Soom decided to release a totally different Beryl next year, and make that a limited: Then both the New Beryl AND the Beryl Neverending Dream sets are still considered limited. Both are different limited editions of the same doll.

But it IS still limited. Each year's edition is limited. I've seen those ornament collections-- people break their necks to get the limited ornament every year, and each one is different, because it's got a different year on it. (With my best friend, it's Star Trek ornaments. ^^ I know far more about the market for those ornaments than I ever wanted to.)

 

No, no no.

You're not getting it.

If a company promises the SCULPT (such as with SOOM) is limited, and then release it again... The term limited as applied to it no longer means ANYTHING. As it becomes standard. Even if the second run is for a short time or small number. Because the first one was supposed to be limited and they broke the limited run for it.

With ornaments. I'm not talking the collectors pieces, which still goes the same way.

I'm talking that Christmas ornaments are only sold seasonally each year, rather than year round. That does not make them limited. But people seem to think its the same thing.

A limited would be the ONE TIME RELEASE or LIMITED NUMBER RELEASE of a special ornament. Such as Breyer does each year. They never repeat the ornament, and its only available for that year. THAT is how a "Limited Edition" is supposed to work.

If Tachibana was re-released with the same sculpt, then it may have been the face up and clothes alone that were foundation for the limited and not the sculpt.

But Soom's sculpts are the foundation on their limiteds. Which is why they stated they had no intentions of creating a Beryl Standard when asked. Its the doll itself that is the limited, the attire is to enhance appeal of the sculpt. Just like the sculpt specific fullset outfits released with standard sculpts like DOD's products.

Look at Dream of Doll. They have standard sculpts with their own limited outfits specific to the sculpt. Those dolls are standard, but the only way to get the outfit is with the sculpt. But their One offs and Limited Editions are different. The sculpts are the limited editions, not the outfit. The doll itself. THAT is the limited. The outfits are merely the same advertising ploy they use with their standards. This is something most people don't seem to get.

A limited edition is such only in the understanding that it is handled as such. Meaning that if its a time limited: Its not repeated a second time. At the end of the sales period, its over and done.
If its a production limited, its not supposed to be made again. Once the slots are filled its over and done.

Once that standard is broken, the company breaks the Advertised guarantee of the limited edition nature of the originals.

There is very little leg room around it. The only way they could re-release a limited SCULPT would be extensive changes to the original.

For example...

If DOD decided to re-release their One off Tan elf luke... They'd need to entirely change his color and outfit.
If Soom decided to re-release Beryl... She'd need to be with normal SG body only, no pointy ears. Human Super Gem. Or create a different creature off of her head base. Or MAYBE change her to Tan. But to re-release her normal or white skin limited sculpt, even with a new outfit, wouldn't cut it. It would bring her sculpt to be Standard, rather than limited. It would just be a random or seasonal release. As the consumer could no longer trust the company to not do so a second, third, fourth, fifth, ect. time.

 

That's just part of having a limited item period. If you can take advantage of the offering then great, but if not then you just have to wait till the next one comes along. However that said it would be nice to have more notice when a limited doll is comming out so you could save and take advantage of the offer. That would be nice, but truly there are enough regular dolls out there to buy and it's nice to have something special. As long as there are artist, there are always going to be limited and one of a kind.

Christal