How do I justify the price of the doll to myself?

I know the feeling and I’ve been in this hobby for a long time now. I don’t think it’ll ever go away when I make a big purchase. I feel guilty or that I don’t deserve it. I only buy 1-2 dolls a year and I figure everyone deserve to splurge every once in a while and we deserve to be happy.
i like to use layaway Or PayPal pay in 4. Even tho I have the money to purchase all in once for the doll I want I like to use those options so it’s not a heavy blow on my wallet all at once. It’s also a good motivator and something to look forward too

 

I’m an older collector, now retired, and by this time in my life I’ve already been through far more hardships and tough times than I’d care to remember. Life happens…to all of us. It’s a difficult world out there, and joy is so hard to come by, so do not kid yourself that the things that bring you joy are not of great value in this world of ours. I think of this hobby as an investment in my own joy. It’s brought me years of comfort and creativity through economic and personal hardships, recession, and a pandemic. So my only concern about the price of a doll is simply budgetary. A spectacular doll is most likely going to demand a high price. But if it truly makes my heart sing, I just figure I’m worth it, and I’ll put it on a layaway so I can easily roll the monthly payments into my regular frugal budget. I’m patient so I’m willing to wait, knowing that my valuable treasure will truly be mine one day.

 

So, what I most have to say is that I for one have thus far had a spending limit where on top of it I don't think I could possibly enjoy what I bought no matter how much I like it. Now I'm sure it's not always the case, but with dolls I've only had a couple where I was uncomfortable with their value being too far over my normal maximum budget and I had a nearly impossible time liking them.

I think there are some thought experiments you can do. Think about what the doll will be for you and how it compares in value to other things in that aspect of your life. Quick example, is it a collectible, entertainment and/or is it a creative tool? Think about how long it takes you to spend that much money on that aspect of your life. Equate it in things that feel reasonably similar to you. For example I was considering a doll as an art tool when I got my first, and I paid as much for my first (this was right after university) as I would pay for only paints for university for maybe half a semester. So did the doll seem reasonable priced to me at that point? Yes, and I'd say I actually get enormous mileage out of my dolls for what they cost me in the beginning.

Think about other large purchases you made before, how much they cost and how you used them in your life and how you felt about the purchase. All these ideas might make you ok with the cost, but maybe not. If not, I'd start trying to find other dolls you like in the same way/as much as the one you like now. Because of course it's possible you could find a different sculpt in a more comfortable price and be happier. It's also possible that trying to do this would make you realize how much you really do just want the first more expensive one.

Most importantly, it's wonderful that you are making an informed decision and that you think about planning for the future, but remember that for most people, some money really ought to be spent today while you can enjoy the purchase. So if it's within your means you shouldn't feel so bad. Perhaps you can compromise and bulk more into savings for a period after and it will make you feel balanced. I've known people in my personal life who absolutely will not spend money they could very well spend, to the point where it was damaging in their lives, so consider it and see how you feel.

 

What sorta helps me are the people who collect more "mainstream" things. You wouldn't believe the amount a sneaker collector will spend on shoes that aren't meant to be worn, or people who buy expensive handbags and then actually use them! It can seem frivolous, but people who collect luxury items are buying more than an object. A lot of times they're also buying status, something to show off and feel proud about for themselves, or even just the fact that they CAN buy it in the first place.

Try thinking about the intangible things you're buying in addition to the doll. For me, I'm buying an art piece that I can get creative with, and even if the doll turns out not to be what I wanted it to be, I'm supporting artists following their passions in the buying or re-selling of said doll.

 

This is long, but I promise there is a point here.

There are two different conversations about dolls being expensive: one about money going to affording necessities vs "extra" things, and one about sticker shock and spending money on something "unnecessary" for yourself.

For the first one, yes definitely make sure the things you need to stay alive are first priority for where your money goes. I think everybody agrees with that one.

For the second one, this is where the answers start to vary widely from person to person. The advice of "Only buy the doll you really love and don't settle for a cheaper doll" is a guideline, not a strict rule. Most people give this advice because there was a time where they had the money -or could make it work without hardship- to get the more expensive doll that they really loved, but they also knew of another less expensive doll and kinda convinced themselves that the second doll was "just as good" but then ended up not happy with the second choice after they actually got it. It's good advice for that context.

But it depends on what you want to do with your doll. If the goal is to have a specific doll to be the pride of your display, complete in direct-from-the dollmaker full set plus faceup that you never plan on changing and will eventually write into your will, then that is one way to go. If you are looking for a good doll to customize into your favorite RPG character then going for the less expensive doll makes perfect sense, because you want what the doll can be not what they currently are. Both are spending money on something you want and both are good reasons to get a doll.

A good question to ask yourself might be, " Do I want this specific doll for what they are or for what I think they could be?" Getting in touch with what you like about the doll can help you answer the question of why you want it and what the doll is worth to you.

Good luck and hope you find the doll that fits in with what makes you happy!

 

I would say to work yourself up to that expensive doll by buying what you are comfortable with now. I come from an extremely low income background in my childhood and young adult life and couldn't even spend $10 on a doll when I first started allowing myself to collect. I only increased the purchase price after buying said doll and realizing I could afford them without forgoing necessities. I gradually increased what I would allow myself to spend and kept getting comfortable with it until I bought my most expensive doll years later having a much higher income and years of experience knowing that I take care of bills first then dolls. I do, however, love buying those coveted dolls second hand now that they are less popular and getting them for a lower price tag than when they originally came out. Best wishes to you in your doll collecting

 

Personally, I have a limit of how much I'm willing to spend on a doll (including things like face-ups and clothes), which is roughly 1 week's salary (I'm working part-time these days to try and get a business off the ground so that amount is... smol). If it's more than that, no matter how much I love that doll, I don't think I can ever feel comfortable owning it (in the sense of, I will always be looking at that doll and wondering if I want to sell it to buy something else). And there's no real issue with that stance either. I keep a little list of "dolls I wish I could own but are too expensive" in case I come into money, but generally if it's above a certain price... I can't talk myself into it.

The trick is that if you DO make that decision, the last thing you want to do is find a cheaper replacement. Because... that cheaper replacement won't satisfy you. It's not what you wanted. So instead I focus on other characters and dolls that I do like, that may be completely different from the "too expensive" one, but are within my range. (For example, I just cannot in good faith plop down the money for an 60+cm sized doll... No matter how beautiful. I may even have the money for it but... nah, I'd rather have that cash in savings. So instead, I'm just collecting the child characters of mine, who are all smaller dolls that fall within my comfort zone)

 

It's really about where you draw the line. I'm all for saving up for the doll you want, but I think that's also part of deciding if it really is the "perfect" doll--even if everything else about it is perfect, if you know spending that much is only going to make you feel guilty, have buyer's remorse and not enjoy the doll, then it isn't the doll for you. When I was new to the hobby, my limit was $200, anything over that, and I would have been afraid to touch it! Now I'm almost 15 years into the hobby, and my limit is around $700, though I prefer to stay in the $500 and below range. Recently, I paid $675 for the perfect body for a head I already have. I had to take several days and really think about it. I ended up deciding yes because this character is one of my favorites of my crew, the body was perfect for him, and I am willing to spend a little more than usual to get my top 3 "perfect". If it were an impulse buy or a character I don't write/bond with as much, there's no way I would have done it.

 

I'm still a BJD newbie, so listen to others first, but two important things I've not seen mentioned yet:

1) BJDs seem to hold their value pretty well. Reselling a doll doesn't necessarily mean a big loss. At the same time, I don't know how fast the market is. If you needed the money out quickly, you might have to take a bigger hit.

2) The cost of the doll may not be the only cost. Clothes, props, parts (new eyes!), and craft supplies will also need to be paid for if you want them.

 

I give myself a few months at minimum to mull over large purchases like this. If I’m still thinking about it/returning to the page months later I’ll do it. I did this most recently with a non-doll purchase (a gaming console I’ve wanted for a few years now).

This does suck when there’s a limited order period but if a limited sculpt doesn’t immediately speak to me it’s unlikely it’d pass the “wait a few months” test…

 

I feel like @Seafoam Shade and @soulsoaker put it best. If the doll is not a limited model, take the time and think on it. You can also save up for it.

For me, I tend to buy dolls based off of what I see in company photos. I have only bought 3 dolls blank and that was after deciding that yes, those sculpts I can have painted the way I want them to look. I always use layaway to pay for my dolls when possible because then it doesn't feel like I got hit so hard financially.

That's just me though. My current issue is possibly reducing the number of dolls I have...

 

That’s completely up to you. I don’t understand why some people spend so much on certain dolls. I’m sure others think the same for mine. As a self employed artist, I have few things in mind to justify value on things.

-Is the style one of a kind or you can find similar items from other makers?

-How much of technical skill does it require?

-Individual maker/artist or industrial/bigger scale than one-man company?

For example, my Rati from Nakana Workshop, I don’t find anyone else with same aesthetic concept as mine (antique, realistic)and it obviously take a lot of skill to achieve this much of details of realism, unlike anime style. Plus they are individual company. So I’m very satisfied even though their price is higher compare to same size dolls from bigger major companies (not that I know of a lot of doll makers tho. I’m still new to this hobby)

 

If I find a doll to be too expensive for me and what I am willing to spend on a non-electronic toy, regardless of how much it actually costs to justify purchasing it, then I don't purchase it. When I was younger, and first learned about these dolls, I wasn't willing to splurge unless I knew I loved the doll, because I was still in college. Later into my BJD-collecting days, I got one doll that I still feel was too expensive for me. So much so, I would never pay as much money on a doll ever again! I have trouble justifying Barbies that cost over 25USD, even when I find them beautiful, and I know I would love them, and I'll regret not adding them to my collection later. So that one doll was way too much for me. Although, I do own a DIM Minimee custom-order head sculpt that was almost as much as the whole doll. That head sculpt was based on a character I love dearly, and I got two actual physical copies of the sculpt so I kind of justify that, or at least it seems more logical to me because it is a OOAK sculpt, and it will only belong to me for the rest of time as we know it (I kind of wish I would have gotten the master as well, although that wasn't really a choice). My most expensive doll on the other hand, wasn't popular and was later lowered to a much more reasonable (to me) price, and it kind of left a sour taste in my mouth for a long time. I still love the doll and will always love it as much as inhumanly possible, for a material possession, but it made me realize even more that if I find a doll to be too expensive for me, then it probably is.

I don't feel that everyone has to have the same reasoning for their own purchases. Not everyone has the same financial, emotional, or psychological background. Some people will be happy only owning popular, highly sought-after, limited-edition dolls that cost as much as a Bently. Others will be happy with less expensive, not popular or lesser known sculpts that are less detailed. Or even a mixture and everything in between. Others might not purchase dolls based on costs, or popularity or just because they can. I only look at the dolls I know I'll want to own, and know I'll love for as long as I live -- I don't sell my stuff, so I own a bit too many OT toys and dolls already, I don't really need more (and yet I keep adding OT stuff to my hoarding). I do set limits on the amounts of money I am willing to spend on certain types of toys, whether I can actually afford them or not. However, I don't usually do or follow what most other people do, because I am a weirdo. I follow whatever feels best or works for me at the time. If I don't feel I can justify owning a certain toy, I won't purchase it. I won't settle for a less expensive "option" either, I just won't purchase the toy/doll, and that's it. Even if I regret it later, because I can't sell my toys, I know I rather regret not owning a certain toy than having one I regret owning forever! (I don't sell my toys, so yes, it would be forever or at least as long as I am alive). (:

 

If the doll hasn't convinced you, then you probably don't love the doll and should keep looking. The first time seeing my favorite dolls I thought they were the most beautiful sculpts ever! They really stole my heart and I kept looking at them for years. Even if I had no way of affording them at the time, they came to me eventually.

Just liking a doll shouldn't be enough. I like hundreds of dolls but that doesn't mean I'm going to drop $600 on each of them.

Don't rush. Keep looking. Don't spend more than you have. It's okay to take time to save up.

 

I justify my spending by telling myself I can afford it. I have a fun budget that's about 5-10% of my income and I save 40% of my income. The fun account is for things I want but don't need. For example, eating out, books, toys, gadgets, and traveling. The money rolls over if I don't spend it all, and I spend only what's available in that account. If I want something big, I cut back on something else in the "fun" category. I never touch my savings or necessities fund. I do think to myself that I can save more, but I also reason with myself that I do need things that bring me joy. I like large dolls and can never believe I just spent that much when I make a purchase. However, it's really brief and I don't really dwell on it. If you're going to end up fixated on the price, you're not going to enjoy the doll.

Like others have said, if possible wait and think over if you really want that doll. If you really want it, your brain will come up with justifications for you.

 

In my mind, things will still be uncertain even if you don't buy the doll. You can just cut out some other "non essential" thing or activity out to save the money though.

Oh and theres sometimes free shipping events or "small" discounts at the end of the year and January.

 

I mostly justify my purchases by gifting them to myself for my birthday, Christmas, or the anniversary of buying my first bjd. I also cut back my spending on other things and I set a budget for dolls. Sometimes I sell bjd or other things to make up for the spending even if I don’t need the money.

 

I don't know how to justify the doll for you. If you can afford it... all the bills paid, retirement paid into, emergency savings built up, whatever charity donated to... then, there really isn't a reason to feel bad. You might anyway and I will suggest that you could resell the doll if it drives you mad. You may not get what you paid into it, but you'll probably get most of it back. And then you'll have the answer to your question.

What I've personally found is that inexpensive or expensive, it's best to know what you want in a doll and do your research to compare. I've found that many different dolls can fit what I'm looking for. Sometimes, just stepping away and going for a long walk will help sort FOMO from actual want.

 

Everyone here has given some really excellent advice with plenty of different perspectives. I don’t have much to add in regards to the price point, but a note on whether or not to buy a cheaper doll:

I have a friend who was looking to shell a particular character. She fell in love with a doll and was really looking to get that one, but it was something like $500-$600. So she took a step back and analyzed what it was about the doll that she liked, and made a mental note of those things. It was skin tone (blue), the makeup, and the ears (long and elven). Then she went and shopped around at other companies to see if she could find something for a lower price that also had these features. She ended up finding a sculpt for $200 that shared all of the same things she really loved about the original doll, so she ended up going for the cheaper one. She could get a faceup to match the makeup of the first doll, and the skin tone could even be more customized to her preferences.

This is a scenario where looking for and finding a cheaper doll worked!

Now an example from myself. I have also been looking to shell a character, and about a year ago now I found a doll I thought would be perfect for him. I held off because he was quite expensive ($600) and when I inquired with the artist, he said there would be another preorder the following year. So I waited, and in that timeframe I looked at tons of other sculpts and none of them ended up comparing to the one I originally wanted. Some had similar features, but ultimately the biggest draw of the original doll was the face sculpt itself, not the makeup/styling/clothes/color. I determined this was the right choice for me, and I now have him on layaway!

All that to say, I might make note of what it is you really love about this doll. Is it the makeup? Is it the sculpt itself? Is it the body? The styling in company photos? A certain feature like elf ears or a pointed nose? And then go and look around, see what your options are. If nothing compares, it’s probably meant to be.

As an additional side note, if it is a limited doll and you aren’t likely to get another chance but really find yourself loving it, I say to go for it.