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How do you feel when you buy a new doll?

Jan 13, 2013

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    1. I understand some may perceive this question as obvious. A few words that come to mind are "happy", "excited" and "thrilled". But... my feeling? A little overwhelmed.

      Please let me explain.

      I have a few dolls, not a lot (only nine BJDs since 2007), but each and every doll has had its own journey to achieving what I have determined it needs to become in general terms. First, there are wait times. Then, there is the "what do I want the doll to be" phase. And, then, I need to choose a face-up artist and determine a "feeling" that I want the doll to achieve. The result has always been a wonderful surprise, because I choose a face-up style I love and give the artist a lot of freedom to create. And then, there are the eyes I need to consider. The enjoyment, for me, does not begin until the doll is complete. I consider the purchasing of the doll as a "cheap thrill" that often fades and is easily addictive, so I have become very cautious about purchasing new dolls and think long and hard about the dolls I want. That said, sometimes considering the process can cause me to talk me out of getting dolls I genuinely want which is not generally such a bad thing sometimes.

      I doubt I will ever feel my collection is "complete" because I live in Japan and purchase all my dolls in-person since I can often see them in-person before I buy them and know what I want. I meet with doll friends all the time who inspired me. I go to events where I see other collectors who inspire me. I go to doll shows where I see so many inspiring things. I enjoy the hobby immensely, because it is incredibly exciting. But, I must admit the process of getting a new doll to where I want it to be can be a little tiresome for me, because the time and money invested in the new doll takes away from me enjoying my existing collection. After it is said and done, though, I am always incredibly glad I did it.

      So, I ask you, how do you feel when you buy a new doll?
       
      #1 elphsnt, Jan 13, 2013
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    2. I'm so jealous that you live in Japan and can meet your dolls in person in advance, how cool is that?!

      I enjoy the planning phase probably the most - deciding which doll to get and which accessories and wigs and clothes and shoes. I love thinking about all the options and spending hours looking at different websites. Once the doll is actually on the way, I confess I'm already thinking about the next doll. (Bad!)
       
      #2 Momiji2010, Jan 13, 2013
    3. Seconding overwhelming for all the reasons you listed, but I'm going to also throw in buyer's remorse as well. I'm always really apprehensive up until I click "buy" and submit the payment. I often hold my breath, and my chest feels tight. Then all that nervous energy just sits there, and I have to go do something else, often while experiencing disbelief ("I can't believe I did that").

      Then I'm pretty apathetic (or just in shock) until the doll actually arrives, so I like to get all of my planning done beforehand, else it'll never get done. Sometimes I'm excited when the doll arrives, at other times I'm still stuck in that disbelief zone. Then the real work begins, and that can be exhausting/overwhelming.
       
      #3 satoru, Jan 13, 2013
    4. I still feel excited when I buy a new doll, but there's also always a feeling of apprehension.
      The reason is that I still haven't gotten over that hurdle of completing my collection. Wigs, eyes, faceups, default outfits, etc - they ALL need them. Not one member of my crew is complete, and that does affect my enjoyment.
      So, I'm still excited to buy a doll because I know what they will become, but there's still that looming shadow of having yet one more doll that needs to be completed. I do, however, still look forward to that process of completion, as immense as it will be!
       
      #4 cinnabar_rose, Jan 13, 2013
    5. The main reason I collect Volks is because I can see the dolls in-person. For me, that is very important. I collected dolls for a long time before BJDs and never got that opportunity, so it is something I really do appreciate now.

      I admire your planning! I often do not plan for a doll until after its arrival and let myself be surprised by the face-up to avoid disappointment. I like the doll to tell me who it is rather than the other way around, but it can make for a very lengthy process.


      I understand exactly what you mean. When I bought my first big boy from the shop my heart was pounding in my chest and I was like "what are you doing?!" even though I knew exactly what I was doing. Although money was not the issue for me, I was not sure why I had to add this doll and had not really planned for it. I got in line to help a friend and then when she got the doll and I had the chance to get the doll I got it for me! Crazy. It is when I do not plan for a doll my heart beats in my chest and it can create a bit of stress. I have no regrets, but I really like to plan, so FCS dolls work better for me than limited dolls.


      I really admire you knowing which dolls you want for your collection. I have this "thing" or annoying habit of only buying new dolls so that I can take them to Volks for after-service work. It limits me to new releases or FCS which means sometimes I have to think really quick. It is exciting but also can be stressful even though, I agree, it is fun to look forward to completion. Best of luck completing your collection!
       
      #5 elphsnt, Jan 13, 2013
    6. I completely agree with your feelings! I have gone through the same thing and am going through the same thing with the last doll I just bought, it's overwhelming. I always have my doubts….
       
      #6 mydaffer, Jan 13, 2013
    7. Deciding to buy and what to do with the doll if you do buy it is the hardest part of this hobby for me. Every time I look for a new doll to shell out my characters, I always hear this voice saying "Do you really need another doll?" or "Can't you be happy with the collection you have?". And often times, I don't know how to respond. That voice is what keeps me from getting too large of a collection really, because it's really remorse before the buy. Afterwards though, I just get pretty excited and start sketching out any ideas that I get, along with starting to search for the perfect eyes, hair, and clothes for him/her.
      I love making dolly plans for what to do with them, it's just so much fun!
       
      #7 kiraabsol, Jan 13, 2013
    8. I don't get overwhelmed these days-- the avenue of What I Like is pretty specific, so when I go window-shopping, I know whether it's there or not. I don't always see a zillion things that I absolutely must have. These days when I window-shop, I mostly see a lot of foofy girl stuff and repetitive styles and not much new that I need. I know what I like, so I generally know what I need to do/buy for each doll, and I know where I don't need to waste any more time looking. I've had this collection so long that almost everyone's pretty much finished by now, anyway.

      Losing my job recently has imposed a moratorium on new dolls, however-- so it's making me focus on & enjoy the dolls I have-- which I'm appreciating so much. But, I'm still looking forward to That Next One who's supposed to get here (someday, post-hire) to fill in an unfinished plan! ^^ I still love the happy excited new-doll feeling. I love getting a new doll in the house & seeing how he plays out and fits into the crew, seeing what changes to my ideas he'll impose on me, and photographing him repeatedly till we get to know each other better. It's fun.

      The key to never feeling overwhelmed is to remember that these are inanimate objects, who aren't going anywhere without you, and will wait till you're ready to finish them up.
       
      #8 JennyNemesis, Jan 13, 2013
    9. Hmm... I only have 2 dolls so far and I feel happy to say that I don't remember feeling any 'negative' emotions while buying my dolls.

      In preparation for my first BJD, I just kept saving up money until I had enough to pay for him. In the meantime I had done a lot of research over the web, compared prices and companies, and eventually fell in love with a sculpt I really wanted to buy~! I was patient and worked hard, then finally bought my first doll with my hard-earned money.:) With my second doll, I guess some people may call it an impulse buy, but it didn't really feel that way. I always knew that I didn't want just one doll, and after getting my first doll I started saving up for a second. I decided that I had a few specific requirements I wanted for my 2nd doll and by coincidence several things just happened to fall into place; just as I saved up enough money, I fell in love with a doll that fulfilled all my requirements and looked absolutely adorable. *Clicks buy.* So basically, I always had the money already saved up and payed for the doll in one go.

      After I click the 'buy' button and let go of my cash, I kind of push it to the back of my mind. I do feel excited about my doll being on their way and feel anxious to get them in my hands, but most of the time I just kind of feel like a "they are not in my hands=they do not even exist yet" kind of feeling? If the company takes too long (as with my 2nd doll) I sometimes even forget about them. Ha ha.

      Only when I open the box do I actually feel, "YAY!!! NEW DOLL!:aheartbea". Then I end up going in a 'new-doll-high' for a few days afterwards where I gush about how all that money was completely worth it, he/she is so cute, etc...:sweat I feel bad about talking about them non-stop after I calm down and end up apologizing to my 'victims' with a red face.
       
      #9 SoapBubbles, Jan 13, 2013
    10. I second the notion of "buyer's remorse". I purchased my first 2 dolls at a time where I should have saved the money and waited, but I didn't and it quickly descended into a "D'oh!" moment. Then my husband put in a payment for my third doll, but I actually physically set up the payment and I kind of sat there forever staring at the "Submit" button like if I did so long enough the doll would buy itself and I could avoid pangs of guilt. Due to the cost of the dolls, I am sure it will always be this way for me. We don't have endless extra funds and sometimes I feel bad that the hobby I have become most attached to is the most expensive one I've been part of yet.

      Once the doll is bought and the guilt subsides, I go into hyper-excited mode. Deciding on clothes, make-up and personality is my favorite part of the hobby. I love clothes shopping, picking out eyes and wigs, all that. It's really thrilling for me so that's the time I enjoy the most. The wait is hard, but what I'm doing while I wait is fun.
       
      #10 Yurusumaji, Jan 13, 2013
    11. I generally spend the few weeks' wait in a combination of excited anticipation and complete stressed-out dread. It is one helluva lotta money that we shell out for one of these beauties...and I've heard too many stories of disappointment and dissatisfaction NOT to spend the whole time worrying that I'm going to open the box and say, "Oh, poo..." This goes double because I tend to order the faceup, and whether it's custom or standard, there is certainly room for more interpretation than I might like.
       
      #11 celga, Jan 13, 2013
    12. My first full, non-floating-head doll will be arriving next week, third hand. I don't feel overwhelmed, or anxious or anything. I'm doing his faceup myself, making all his clothes myself, but I don't feel overwhelmed by it
       
      #12 Syri, Jan 13, 2013
    13. I can understand that, particularly with online purchases, but personally I do not have doubts since I buy in-person. It is more of a "I have so many projects right now and am not sure I can handle one more on top of work and I hate leaving things undone" kind of thing for me. But, I can definitely understand where you are coming from, Melissa. Sometimes, it is hard to pass up yet challenging to completely accept.

      I think you are so smart! It is important to get all set and plan it all out, and I agree with you that the putting together of the doll (once the idea is decided on) is a lot of fun. But, I do not see reluctance as "remorse". I see it as being selective which I feel is so very important. There will always be new dolls. There will always be dolls snatching your heart strings and saying "buy me". Knowing what to buy and questioning it before purchasing it is very important.

      The situation is that I had talked myself out of Kanon, because I had enough ongoing projects, and then I pulled number two at the After Event at Tenshi no Sato (and saw a smiling rainbow!). How could I say no? I couldn't! Kanon has been on my WL for quite some time, but I was trying to be "responsible" after buying Hasekura (similar situation, actually) and a FCS Sunlight Elena with origin body only this past December. I am not a patient person by nature, I have to work hard at it, so when I start to see myself buy a lot of dolls so close together (for me) I get a bit worried that I may be buying "too much". But, at the same time, I was taking the opportunities to buy when they arose to add new dimensions to my collection.

      I really like the "getting to know the doll" phase as well, no question about it, but I feel when I have too many projects up in the air I cannot focus on one and can become a bit scattered. Naturally, they are all inanimate objects, but I like it when my collection brings me calm and peacefulness. When I bring in too many new dolls, I feel it is a bit overwhelming because that calmness is disrupted. That said, planned purchases are not so much of an issue like FCS. It is the limiteds that can throw a wrench into my plans.

      Best of luck with the job situation, and I am so glad to hear you are enjoying your dolls so much!

      My issue is not money-related, nor do I see "hesitation/questioning" as "negative". I see it as healthy and necessary, because I know my style, but it is impossible to always buy everything. I do not spend $200 on an outfit even though I want to (and could). It is more about me trying to maintain a healthy perspective about my hobby that includes spaced-out purchases. With the release schedule of limiteds, however, one cannot predict nor plan when the "right" dolls are released. Sometimes, it is overwhelming to have a lot of projects ongoing because my attention is needed elsewhere yet at the back of my mind what I really want to do is finish the dolls.

      Congratulations on your first two dolls! I am sure people you speak with are pleased to see you enjoy your new dolls.

      I can understand that. This is indeed an expensive hobby, and we are taught that money is so important, even more important than things that make us happy. But, I also think with time those feelings will subside. I go into a bit of a panic myself for unplanned purchases only because I have not taken the time to really think about it, but it is amazing how the feelings disappear once the doll is home. This is a great hobby. One can always make more money, but there are some things that really do need to be acted upon in the moment.
       
      #13 elphsnt, Jan 14, 2013
      • x 1
    14. It is tough to order on-line, I think. I recently was very surprised by a head I saw on-line and then in-person. It was totally not what I thought, so I was slightly disappointed. But, usually, I have the rare opportunity to buy in-person and I always customise them anyways. It is a matter of how and creating a plan for unexpected purchases that can kind of preoccupy my thoughts. With everything going on at the moment it is a bit overwhelming.

      I hope, though, that every doll you have brought home has been a pleasant surprise!

      But, that is a project! I agree, that when I did the same thing (for projects I never really started, oops) I felt the same way. It is for dolls that I had not really thought through, but still loved, that I get this feeling of hesitation. It always fades with time and I get super-excited! After buying my Hasekura, for instance, I modded the head and felt so liberated and free and knew why I had to have him. He is now on his way to the face-up artist and I am soooo excited!!! It is the little Kanon that is sitting on the shelf that will simply have to wait. I am not sure what to do with her, because it was kind of spur of the moment. I am sure, however, it will come to me eventually once my other two dolls bought before her are completed.
       
      #14 elphsnt, Jan 14, 2013
      • x 1
    15. Oh yes! This^. You'd think that after seven years, I would be a little more relaxed, but no... Everytime I hit that buy-it-now button, all my excitement over the doll changes into downright panic. And unlike satoru, I don't get apathetic when I wait for my doll, but I check tracking at least four times a day, just to make sure everything is still fine.

      It's when the doll arrives that I can finally enjoy the process again. That's why I usually wait a day or so before I open the box, because I like that nervous anticipation that comes from looking at the box and knowing something I really want is in there.

      The thing about buying new dolls I like the most, is the hunt for a sculpt. Usually I'm only interested in hard-to-get dolls and searching the market places for one is fun! I'm really patient when it comes to this, because to me the game is not only to find the sculpt I'm looking for, but also to stay well within my budget. Especially with my Williams this was tricky, but I did it.
       
      #15 Silk, Jan 14, 2013
    16. First Doll arrival was different. Then, I was clueless and did not know what to do. I had not prepared as much as I thought (no clothes! No camera!). And the whole thing was very unexpected. I also had problems getting the doll (wrong doll was sent), and probably was a lot in shock, too, since I had never seen a bjd in person and didn't know anyone who had them and thought the price was crazy-expensive, and overall was very uncertain.

      But it was still OK. It took me a while (was not used to resin or skin tone and how much choosing my own eyes and wig and outfit would affect the way the doll looked). But after a lot of worry, he started, coming together and I still love him so much (he was bought in 2004 and I will not let him go!).

      NOW... I have been through so many new dolls. The experience is different than the first, of course. But it is still similar... I worry about things... the price, the waiting, whether I will like the doll on arrival, whether I will have the right things for them.

      Each doll is a bit different. I am lazy, so I often will react to a doll as a whole when I think I might want one or not--so I really rely on official photos and I often will fall in love with that look and wish for the fullset, or at least the faceup. In these cases, there is not a lot of preparation because I will often have a doll with everything ready to take a picture right out of the box!

      Other dolls, I will have to think about making the faceup and about the character and what wigs and eyes and outfits will work. This is very involving because it is hard to tell right away... and sometimes the doll arrives and things do not go the way I had thought!

      I do not shell pre-existing characters, so determining what the doll will be is often totally undecided. I will spend the waiting time (I will do layaways when I can--so waits are LONG), thinking and shopping and searching around. These arrivals are different because if I need to work on the doll (faceups, blushing, etc), that will take a LONG while to get done (I am slow), and it is difficult because often it will take months and months--or years!-- longer, trying to get bodies or the right looks together. So opening is very slow and drawn out and I often will not know if I truly like a doll until it is all together! (I am not process-oriented, for sure.)
       
      #16 april, Jan 14, 2013
    17. Maybe you're just a little burnt out.

      I always feel excited, in the begining I used to feel quite anxious as I'd had two problematic orders out of three so I was always waiting for something to go wrong. Then I switched companies and I haven't stressed about it since.
       
      #17 jacobean, Jan 14, 2013
    18. I feel excited and guilty

      Excited because I do love my new hobby and I love getting new dolls to play around with, I love trying to find the perfect eyes and wigs and sowing clothes to make the doll into my character

      And I feel guilty because I should really be saving money, however I don't feel regret because I only buy the dolls that I really really want
       
      #18 cheesedemon88, Jan 14, 2013
    19. A mix of excited and "OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE" then followed by that part where I forget I bought a doll until I get a shipping notice and then I go crazy all over again.
       
      #19 zekarmisama, Jan 14, 2013
    20. Wanting: Doll becomes Wishlist doll until I can't stop think about doll to point it drive me crazy and I click buy (add to cart) button.

      Buying: I'm excited, but worry that I'm going regret buying the doll when I have bills pay soon.

      Per-ordering: Wait sadly until the day when shipping notice with tracking is sent to my e-mail. In meantime I buy few thing for doll as welcome to your new home gift.

      Shipping Time: Worry and excite at same time as I hover over mail box each day. Checking my tracking to make sure I didn't miss my package each day too. I'm worry wort.

      Welcome Home: New Doll is home and I'm super excited. By then I believe it worth wait and cost. After few hours I realized I need new clothing for doll, but still happy with new doll.
       
      #20 shuichichan, Jan 14, 2013
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