New or Second Hand For your First Doll

For right now I'm planning to buy my first directly from the company, even if I could potentially save money buying secondhand.

 

My first doll was a second-hand doll, and while I love him, I overpaid for him (the price of being a BJD newbie). It would have been nice to get him first-hand so I would know what he was actually worth. I sometimes feel like I got cheated, or that I could have gotten something similar for a much lower price. With first-hand dolls, prices are a set standard. I would only buy second-hand when you do your research first. But if you know what you're doing, second-hand dolls can be just as awesome, if not more!

 

My first doll was a secondhand doll and I am glad I bought her! I have since bought a company doll and find its just as exciting for me either way!

 

I got my first doll from my friend. She sold him to me and I am so thankful because it got me into buying more. My first two dolls were second hand from her. My third was from the company.

 

My first doll was new. The wait drove me nuts I wouldn't mind buying second hand though, I've got a fair few dolls planned and if any of them ever show up second hand, I'd rather go for them, if just to shorten the wait. I don't think I'll have much of a chance though since I'm in Europe and not every seller will shop internationally.
Also, I'm both low on funds and pretty crafty (if I say so myself), so they wouldn't exactly need to be mint condition either - I do my own faceups and I've played with apoxie before, so unless they're badly yellowed or have some "unfixable" damage I'd still give them a chance.

 

I bought my first doll brand new, but since I ordered from TheJunkySpot there was no long wait, only three days, but second hand is sometimes a better deal

 

I got my girl 2nd hand. I saved over 50% from new, & think she's gorgeous. I was lucky to be able to get such a nice doll to start the hobby with. I couldn't afford her new, that's for sure.

My advise is to get one 2nd hand IF you find one for a great deal AND she's a sculpt you absolutely adore.
Especially when it comes to your first doll, don't buy one just because it's a bargain if you're not head over heels for her/him.

 

Oh yeah, and the no-waiting if you buy a 2nd hand doll is wonderful too!

 

My first doll was a new doll direct from the company. I wasn't really very familair with the concept of buying and selling in the ball jointed doll community so it made me feel better to go to a well established and reputable company at first. Nowadays I think I'd quite like to buy a second hand doll - rescue it from a shelf somewhere and give it a second lease of life.

 

I purchased my first doll as second hand but just casually, because I liked the doll a friend showed me.
But I think it's been a good thing to buy a doll as second hand for first... when you enter in this hobby the first time, still you are not sure what you really want (size, skin color, etc.) so purchasing a second hand doll, help you to save (eventually) your money to a second purchase and a better selection of what you really search in a doll, once you have it in your hands.

(I was lucky because my first was May of Bluefairy and she is gorgeous, there's no reason to think about it too much)

 

I feel like for your first doll it should be direct from the company, I'm saving up for my first doll and even though buying it brand new is more expensive it's part of the experience in my opinion.

 

My first doll was secondhand and i felt less overwhelmed by her because of it. she has a bit of odd things about her but i don't feel like if i do anything with her ill mess her up. So secondhand is wonderful for a first doll

 

I like buying pretty much all of my dolls secondhand, but that's because I like fixing things and modding them. I'd feel too nervous with a doll straight from the company. Also, wait times are a big factor.

 

My current first doll is second-hand. For regular peeps I would probably suggest something brand new from the sculptor or almost new second-hand.

I'm kind of a strange one for a challenge so I chose my first doll to have yellowing problems and mismatched skintones because I want every painted inch of her to belong to me. I'm sure some of my future dolls will have other people's paints and such but I want my first to be important and the most unique I can get my hands on.

 

My first doll was purchased straight from the company. It was only due to the reason that he was limited edition and I fell instantly in love with his sculpt. Being my first time though, I was really worried that I had ordered everything correctly lol.

 

If I found one I really like I would consider second hand, but I really think I prefer new for my first one. That way she's only every been mine. I think it feels more sentimental that way

 

I really wanna get a secondhand doll because it would feel like adoption!

 

I've bought both new and second hand and they didn't change how much I loved the doll in question. My second hand doll was my cuddler, Kaname and his old owner sent shoes, clothes and a gorgeous kimono for him. I didn't buy any of that extra I just paid for him all faced up the rest was a beautiful gift and I appreciate it. If anything it made me fall in love with him even more. I have to be careful though cause with my allergies sometimes buying second hand is dangerous.

 

I'm saving for my first, I prefer a new doll because....well...I would feel accomplished(?) Because It's going to be my first doll. I can be patient.

 

Both of my dolls were purchased new. When I first entered the hobby I was more comfortable buying from an established company, and my second doll was a limited edition that I bought straight from the company. I don't have anything against buying second hand though.