Is it 'OKAY' to PM an Owner about Selling a doll they had NO intention to sell?

I don't think I could ever bring myself to ask something like that. There's dolls that I find absolutely gorgeous and would simply love to own... but I still don't see myself asking the owner to keep me in mind should they ever decide to sell it. I'm pretty sure they'll put it up in the marketplace if they decide to part with it. It's up to me to keep an eye opened. I think I would only inquire if the owner brings up the fact that they might possibly consider selling their doll.

I'd be too afraid of the seller taking it the wrong way and then refusing to sell it to me later should they change their mind and put it up for sale.

 

I think it is ridiculous and tasteless. I don't even think I would answer a PM like that if I were to ever recieve one.

 

I'm not sure I could ever do it myself. That being said - unless the person is rude about it I wouldn't mind someone PMing me to ask. Heck, since I'm known for selling most of the dolls I've owned - I've kind of earned that kind of PM if someone was ever interested in my dolls. ^_^; I've had people love my dolls and want first dibs if they were ever re-homed and they were always very polite about it. I've given them first chance to buy in a few cases, it's nice to know they really adore the doll! Now I'd definitely be miffed I stated clearly "NOT FOR SALE" and someone PMed me with an offer. I'd assume they didn't read and/or are just being ignorant. "I adore your doll, please let me know if you ever decide to part with them!" and "So hey, can I buy your doll for $xxx? kthx" are so very different.

 

No, it's not ok- I think it's quite disrespectful.

 

I guess it's because I've come from different hobbies, where offer-making is a pretty commonplace practice, but it wouldn't really bother me any if people inquired. I mean, so long as they're respectful about it rather than demanding I sell something to them, I'd think it was flattering, even if I wasn't interested in selling.

Granted, this hobby is a bit different from some other collections, with the extra issues of customization and characterization of dolls making them more individual and sentimental than some other types of collecting hobbies. As such, I can certainly see why people view it differently within the frame of this hobby.

 

I don't think it is ethically wrong perse, but I see how it could become annoying and impolite. Especially if you have people badgering you every day asking to buy a doll you clearly don't want to sell. So no, I don't think its wrong, but just because it isn't wrong doesn't mean you should do it

 

I'm pretty neutral about it. It would depend on the content of the PM and the tone of the person.
If they're are just asking to buy my doll and assuming I will sell to them (like "I would like to buy your doll. Let me know how much you want for her."), I would find it annoying.
But if they ask another way, like if I would consider parting, like Apricotkiss mentioned: "I adore your doll, please let me know if you ever decide to part with them!" I would take it as a compliment, and respond with whatever my answer was, politely.

 

In this situation... I think the best thing to do is give a very polite letter in return to the person interested. Let them know that the doll is not for sale, but at the same time offer the company from where you purchased the doll, eyes, clothes, etc. Encourage the person to look into their own inspirations to make a unique doll of their own. After all, the doll you create is close to you for just that. Everybody should have that opportunity.

 

^ I'm pretty much in agreement with VonMonSTAR on this. I also think it shows poor social skills and self-centeredness. You know you're probably going to put the owner in a very awkward position if you ask about the availability of an unavailable doll, so why do it?

 

No, it's not okay. I would be offended if this happened to me. I've had people do that to me with my dogs before and it's always hurtful. If they say something like what Summer Kittie said it's okay, but not if they're just like "Will you sell me doll for x dollars?"

 

I don't think its okay either it's just plain rude. Also I would think that the only reason the person would be PMing you in particular is because they love what you've done with the doll not the sculpt itself, especially if its one that's easy enough to get hold of, in other words not a limited. So that seems unethical in itself its almost like they want to just steal all your hard work from you and take credit for it (that is if they actually ever got around to buying said doll).

I guess if its a limited the temptation would be greater especially if it was the persons dream doll or they'd just missed out on buying it themselves but that still doesn't give them the right to PM you asking, (I suppose for some people it could feel like pressuring) you to sell it.

I guess in the bluntest of ways my philosophy is if other people can be polite and put up a WTB thread or save up to buy their own version of the same sculpt why can't everybody else? I would never be so rude enough as to send a PM like that.

I'd probably reply with where I bought my doll from but this is the assumption that the PM hasn't been worded 'I love the sculpt where did you get him from' and just 'I love your doll I'll buy him for X amount'

 

As long as the PM is polite I would not mind. I'd just reply that ??? is not for sale, but IF they ever are, I will let them know. Or I can let them know where I got the doll, and if it was not limited, they might get it for themselves and be happy with it.

If it turns out that there were particular photos that person saw of that I did with my doll or mod's I'd made, then they are out of luck. Or if they continue asking me to sell after I said I would not, then I might report them. Maybe. Depending on how I feel about it and how polite they are. After all, maybe such a discussion will lead to an interesting debate about something or other.

However a PM "I will buy ?? for $??" would offend me. I know that some people here do not speak English so well, so they may not realize that they are being rude, but I would either ignore such a message or reply by telling them that they are being rude and I am not selling.

 

well, it has happened a year or so back for a couple of molds which are no longer for sale new, was surprised and a little flattered to tell the truth and did respond back saying that they weren't for sale (one of the molds will probably be the last one to let go should I leave the hobbey as I love the mold so much). Would need to add that the PMs were very nicely worded so didn't make me feel afronted.

 

I've thought it to myself, seeing a gorgeous doll and thinking "wow, if that person ever were to decide to sell him/her I'd jump on it!" but never thought I should actually contact the person to ask if they're selling the doll. I'd be afraid they would be offended, as a lot of you said you would be. But if I were to receive the PM? As long as it was polite and not pushy (DEMANDING that I sell my doll would be unacceptable for example) I think I would be flattered.

 

I think I'd be a bit conflicted on how to feel if it happened to me. I'd feel a little flattered but at the same time I'd feel a little offended. If the doll was for sale I'd have a for sale thread. If not, I'm keeping them.

 

I think I'll feel a little offended if standing in the situation. No, if the content is all cute and bubbly and not all that seriIous then I guess I could tolerate it, but if it's someone sounding all business-like and blunt asking me to sell a doll I had no intention to sell then I'll get annoyed. I mean.. there's a reason that doll is not up for sale ^^
(Okay.. maybe I'll look at the offered price before going anywhere..?) Haha, just kidding.

 

I actually wish I had PMed someone on a doll...I saw later she no longer owned him, and he had been sold...I loved that doll! But I never see Volks Neons up for sale...or Covell's either....

 

I have no problem someone PMed me for a doll because it won't hurt me if he or she just asks.

 

Good grief, is this serious??? I have asked and been asked several times and several times I have said yes and a few times the other person said yes. I have 3 friends here in DoA and we have bought and sold and traded with one another and it all started by asking.

Big deal

" Hi,
I am crazy about your ---------- if she ever needs a new home I'd love to know.
Cheers,
Miako"

How in the world is that offensive, rude, lacking "Social skills" or obnoxious???? At least once a week someone asks about my DD Cooki, I just say " She is my favorite and if she ever needs to find a new home I will let you know"! So many times I ended up chating with this person and we become friends. Apparently we both love the same quirky type dolls and have something in common.

Famous Russian saying... " It costs nothing to ask '......