New or Second Hand For your First Doll

The only thing I've ever bought second hand was a doll bust by Batchix. I wouldn't mind buying stuff second hand, especially if they were a limited edition and you can't buy it from the shop anymore. But I generally find it easier to just order from the website, since shipping tends to be cheaper from them. Korea is closer to my country compared to the States after all.

 

My first was second hand. I have two dolls I've purchased second hand and two directly from the company.

 

I purchased my first and second dolls new. I wasn't on DOA at the time, didn't have much marketplace/secondhand buying experience other than on ebay, and in the case of my second doll, I simply wanted her to be brand new--I wanted her to only be mine, for as silly as that may sound. After that though, I've bought dolls new and used, and I see merits with either depending on the situation: uniqueness of the mold and whether it comes up for sale secondhand, waiting time, special requests, full-set or naked, secondary market price fluctuations vs currency exchange with foreign countries... So, I guess I think if you've done research and are informed, you can go either way to try to get what you want.

 

I dunno... it depends on if you want a fullset or not I think.

My first 2 dolls were direct from the company and I love them both dearly. It was a good experience I think and I have no real complaints. My third was actually second hand. She was though a monthly from soom, and I kinda wish I had the clothes that came with her! While I'm sooooo glad that I have her now (she has a faceup teehee!) it would have been nice to get her from the company direct when she was new.

So I really think it comes down to preference. C: What you want and if you can get the doll that you want with what you want from someone down the street I say go for it! XD I love Soom tinies, so I'll probably only be able to get them second hand. C: So... I say go for whatever is the best deal for you!

 

I tried to find second hand doll in HK market...but can't find any second hard doll for sell..
that i changed my idea...BUY A NEW DOLL!!

Here is my 1st doll - Merci form AE.

Merci is beautiful and cute....she made me love BJD more...then i bought one more boy.
His name is Lotta form RD.


Because i know the manager of AE and RD, that i can get it more cheaper.^^
it's made me save some money to buy outfits and wig for them~

Haha.............
Now....i started design the wig by myself.........and make 2 tones / 3 tones or highlights color for the wigs^^
How greatly for it~~!! Hahaha~~
Welcome to share me your ideas or experience ^^

 

Were I able to access the Marketplace here I expect my first would have been secondhand (to test the water to see if I truly like BJDs)

 

I bought my first doll new, a Bobobie Mei from Junkspot, I was beside myself! It came quickly and was perfect and then came ....CustomHouse, never going new again. I now will ONLY buy a pre-loved doll. You get to see real pictures, it comes within a YEAR or so and you almost always get a few extras. I love it! Just like the animal shelter, thats where all the really good dogs are

 

My first doll was new, my second was second-hand, my third was new, and my fourth was second hand. I eventually did end up breaking my pattern for my fifth being second hand and my sixth being new.

Ye gads, sometimes i can't even believe I have six!

 

Well i dont have my first doll yet but im definitely getting it new. Because as a noob im terribly afraid that if i buy secondhand its going to end up chipping or something terribly... and i like brand new conditions of everything. Im the type to buy stickers but never use any of them because i want it to look new :3

 

I think that, for your very first doll, it may be best to buy new straight from the company. It allows someone to become a bit more settled into the community and learn the ropes. This is easier when you actually own a doll I find. Not sure why. It's also nice to have a really good first experience, so you feel more confident when you go off to buy other things (perhaps second hand). I didn't use the DoA market until I had a doll because it just made me feel more comfortable for whatever reason.

 

My first doll is secondhand. She has some issues, but I knew about them before I bought her. She has a missing finger which when I repair it will be part of her persona. I also like the thought of Leia being a rescued doll (with the extra added attraction that she was inexpensive).

 

My first doll was new. It was an okay experience, but now I prefer to look second hand because there's lots of hybridizing to be done. ;P I brought home one of my two dream heads from the MP (someday you will be mine, Esthy Peroth... > 3<), saved a bit of money on a brand new body for my next doll too.

And Venus, I adore your wigs, human and doll-sized. They're so beautiful!

 

My first doll was secondhand . I think that if you can find a doll on the marketplace, it's much easier to purchase from there.

 

Above other concerns, I would say that used or new entirely depends on what doll you fell in love with. For a specific customized doll or a past limited, you can't buy new at all. For a manufacturer fullset that is still available, it is much easier to buy new.

Assuming that love isn't a factor, I would then say it entirely depends on how comfortable you are buying used.

I will suggest that buying new provides a more full service experience, possibly important for the picky or hands-off types. A company has more resources to "make things right" than an individual seller would--they can redo faceups, replace parts, possibly do exchanges, etc.

 

My first was straight from the company, I didn't have marketplace access on DoA so I didn't know how much money I coil have saved if I had just bought one on here. the decision is yours but don't pick a doll by her/his price, especially not for your first!

 

I bought my first doll new from a US distributor/dealer at one of the local anime conventions. At the time, it was really really rare to see them pop up at cons. That was also before I joined DoA so buying one from the MP wasn't an option. I had looked a bit on ebay, and most of what I saw back then were new dolls offered by various companies or distributors.

My collection now is a pretty good mix of new and 2nd-hand.

 

I think it really does depend on what you are looking for, and how much you're willing to spend. Sometimes MP can be cheaper when you factor in extras and potentially cheaper shipping. And sometimes second-hand sellers include cute little notes or gifts that can really make your day (yes, I speak from experience!). I like waiting for new dolls, though, since it usually gives me time to buy some basic extras like wigs and eyes from other companies while waiting so the wait for the doll itself doesn't seem that long.

My brood is a mixture of both and I love them all just the same - nobody is better for being new OR secondhand.

 

I've bought mostly new and gotten a few second hand dolls. You can sometimes save yourself abit of money buying second hand but I personally find you have to really hunt for a true deal. As well, I find I get more 'suprises' when I buy a used doll as well. Sometimes good ones like little extras thrown in for you, other times not so good like stains or other other things. I love my used boy doll very much, and my first tiny is going to be 2nd hand as well. But I'm definitely glad I bought new for my first and I still will buy plenty new. Most of the companies I deal with are very good at taking care of any issues that may arise and I'm very specific on what sculpts I want and the marketplace can't always provide.

 

I bought new just because I felt more comfortable buying from a company than someone I do not know. I figured if there was a problem with the doll, it would be easier dealing with a company than an individual person...sometimes not true though, I guess.