First doll second hand?

I don't have my first doll yet, but as with my other hobbies, I'd most likely prefer to buy used. Then I can probably save a little on total cost, save on shipping if it's domestic, get my doll faster since I don't have to wait for it to be made, and possibly depending on how loved it was by the previous owner some things like suedeing could already be done and save me the effort. Also being a first doll I wouldn't be quite as scared to handle a loved doll that may already have scratches or chips.

That being said, I will definitely own my own ordered-new-from-the-company doll someday because nothing can really beat that whole he/she's new and no one else has played with her but me feeling. minemineminemine.....

 

My first doll was bought secondhand for me as a present by my best friend. She was an introduction into BJDs for me (though I know my friend's well) and I couldn't have asked for a better one. She was from the Marketplace here, and although she has chips from being attacked by a dog, and she's yellowed slightly, that's exactly how she was described on the MP. She's still absolutely beautiful, and she's unique. I couldn't have a better doll. I think second hand is a good way to get a first doll, as it will cost you less if you find they aren't the right sculpt for what you wanted, and if they're slightly damaged, it means you don't have to worry so much as you might with a fresh-from-the factory example.
Just my two cents!

 

I bought my first doll second hand. It didn't cross my mind whether there would be yellowing since I was new to the hobby, and hadn't researched it. I just plunged in as soon as I could, and quickly bought the doll that helped me overcome the cost for the first time without thinking much. I still don't have a problem with him being second hand, because he was pristine when I received him. Now that I've been in the hobby longer, I really do prefer new dolls since I want to be the first person to experience having it. The only exceptions would be limited editions.

 

I think there's no problem with buying a secondhand doll as your first. You don't have to wait as long and sometimes you get some nice bonuses from the seller. On the other hand, it's also nice getting a brand new doll from the factory
My PukiPuki came from FL directly but if I had found a secondhand one, I would have gone for it. I am not a patient person. I've since adopted 2 FL dolls from other people. One has an amazing faceup

 

my doll was second hand as well, I was so desperate to have a doll! But I bonded with her, so I'm happy. I bought her for almost halve of the price and she was nearly one month old!! Bargain isn't she?

 

The 3rd and 4th dolls I got were second hand, they are really great actually

 

I also bought my first doll second hand from the marketplace here, and the seller listed the doll as having a few play scratches but overall there was no visible yellowing or damage.

Upon receiving him the play scratches are not even visible (I asked for photos and you could kinda see them in the photos), but there is a bit of dirt in one of the knee joints that I can't seem to get off and some other little things that are just probably the result of it being used and played with (nothing major at all, so its fair to assume the previous owner just didn't notice them).

At first I was kinda like, "oh man... thats kinda lame." But after like an hour or something I came to terms with the fact that things like this are part of buying second hand (at a discounted price, no less) and now they don't bother me at all.

Overall I was very pleased with the transaction and would have not bought my boy any other way.

I think part of the appeal of buying second hand is the slightly cheaper price, but you do have to deal with possible imperfections as a result of getting it used. For some people these little imperfections are enough to detour them from buying second hand. And I don't blame them. Some things I will not buy second hand, like clothing or shoes for myself, for instance. Some people love to do that, and feel very good about the money they save buying clothing second hand, but I just... feel weird about it. Its all about personal preference and comfort.

 

I think as the first doll, so long as you are in love with it, it shouldn't matter too much if it is second hand. you can just think how special the doll is to get a new and better home, if it is second hand.

I think personally i'd prefer a first hand doll, because i know that the personality it gets is it's first, and that i am the only one to have ever owned it but it is looking likely that i will be getting a second hand doll at the moment because the ones i am looking at are the soom limiteds. i wanted the shaman that has just been out but i couldn't afford it so i have to look at the market place now to see if i can find one. so, i guess, i don't really mind if it ends up being second hand so long as i'm getting the one that i really like.

If it was damaged or yellowed then i wouldn't be as happy, but it depends on the extent of the wear and tear. a little bit is okay, but as a first, i'd like it to be in good condition because it will be the one i have for the longest and will probably have to put up with being dragged around and loved very much.

 

I personally think it's better to buy a new doll as the first one.
Since new doll has all certificate,box,default items and stuff(and it's more neatly packaged),
It gives the owner the sense of how their doll should be treated. ^^;
Then after that doll, if owner is looking to buy secondhand doll, he/she can know what is good/what is not.

 

Yes, my first doll is a second hand doll.

 

I'm considering a secondhand doll in the near future and I haven't really been worried about things like resin yellowing and chipping/damage until now. I was told that the marketplace here is really useful and I should try buying when I have access to it but after reading this forum I'm a little hesitant.
Would you say that the traders here are generally good to buy from? or is it a bad idea?

 

My first doll was secondhand and I don't regret it at all. It was a very economical way to test out the hobby before I dived in.

Doll owners in general tend to treat their dolls like gold. So even if they aren't perfect they are often in GREAT condition.

 

The first doll I ever ordered/paid for was new, but while I waited for her, I spotted her big sister on eBay and bought her. So the first doll I ever had in my possession was second hand.

 

Probably a third (?) of my bjds are second hand. The first 3 I bought were. It does not bother me at all. And I actually like buying a used doll as I can see the doll and there is not a several month wait to get the doll.

 

I have done both! My first doll was second-hand, and she didn't have any issues at all. Most sellers will state any damage, scratching or yellowing to the doll. I have also bought new from the company- and if you disregard the long wait that is fine too. Often you can get a fairly good price at the MP though, where as buying directly often are more expensive depending on the doll.

 

I'd say the my first 5-6 dolls were second hand dolls! And I still have every one of them. Its the same as my first 3 cars, they may have been used but they were NEW to me The last 2 cars have been brand spanking new as have most of my dolls, but I still find second hand dolls that I want and buy.

 

My first doll was fresh from DoD. I live in a country where there weren't many people into these kind of dolls and my hobby started ten years ago. At that time I was unaware of DoA and all i knew was a small forum back in my own country, a forum where the dolls cost as much second hand as hey did fresh from the factory. Because of this my first three dolls were from the stores before I found DoA and started purchasing second hand dolls. Now I don't mind if the doll is brand new or second hand, the dolls are lovely either way.

 

I will say that 60% of my collection is comprised of secondhand dolls, 30% were bought through the dealer Denver Doll Emporium, and only 10% were bought direct from the company.

While my first doll was not a secondhand, it was bought through a dealer who may have had it stored for some time.

Still, I seem to enjoy second hand dolls the most. There is something special about a secondhand doll that has been loved and cared for. These dolls are unique to me.

 

my first doll was 90% secondhand i bought his head new from the company and his body from here! i think it's a really good way to save on cost because the body is usually the bigger expense, while also having a "new" aspect in your doll! ^^

 

My first and only doll so far was listed on ebay as a practice doll. It was a very good description because I've had a ton of fun doing my own face ups on her without my mom screaming about me ruining a pricey doll.