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New or Second Hand For your First Doll

Oct 18, 2010

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    1. First I'm going to confess I skipped the whole page so I'm not aware of all the other answers above x)

      I'm on the process of buying my first doll as well but I'm confident enough to say it doesn't matter to me if the doll I'm going to get is brand new or second hand.
      Here's my plan: I'm still researching. Well, I've been researching for quite a few months now for the perfect doll. And at the same time I'm saving some money already.

      As we all know, BJDs can be really expensive so second hand dolls could be a little more affordable (even if most of them don't lose their value when sold because their previous owners keep them in really good shape).
      Also, in my opinion, if we are buying our very first doll, a second hand cheaper doll would be the best thing to do. Sure, a brand new doll seems so more exciting to get but think for a little bit: you're just getting into it, are you willing to spend a big amount of money on a brand new doll and in a few months from now you'll lose total interest in it?!
      Sure, you can always sell it but if you're like me, you would like to customize your dolls (I say this because I want my dolls to have a punk/rock/emo kind of style so I'm definitely going to pierce them) and then they won't be worth as much as you paid for them. Unless there's someone looking for a doll with holes...

      Anyway, I'm not trying to say you should get a second hand doll as your first doll (I'm net even sure I'm going to do it myself). All I'm saying is that you should keep that option in mind. First research the doll you want and when you're absolutely sure what doll you want to get then try to look for it in the MarketPlace and maybe you'll find it there for a reasonable price, in a very good shape AND maybe even from someone in your country! :D
       
      #141 xSushi, Dec 18, 2011
    2. My first doll was new. To be honest, at the time I got him I wasn't really aware of the all the second hand dolls available.
      Now I have both dolls that were bought new and second hand. I don't have a strong preference, really. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, right? It's more about finding the perfect doll with the price can afford. It doesn't matter if it's a preloved doll or brand new.
       
      #142 erika2, Dec 18, 2011
    3. My first doll was bought new, but at the time he was also a newish sculpt so it wouldn't have been easy to buy him second hand. I did get him through a dealer though, and not directly from the company. That made the ordering process a bit easier.

      My second doll was bought second hand and I love him to bits. He's my favorite (yes I play favorites). But he was sold out and no longer available so it was the only choice I had. However, he came with a lovely faceup and he was in perfect condition. The hunt for him sort of made me love him even more!

      I just purchased a new doll direct from the company and, to be honest, I only did it that way because the American dealers I could find that also sold that companies dolls were not giving the Christmas extras the company was. If they had been, I'd have ordered domestically since the wait time would have been shorter and the shipping would have been less.

      So, I've done it both ways and I've been happy with both. It just depends on the situation. I think, typically, I prefer buying new unless the doll is discontinued.
       
      #143 Alchemical, Dec 18, 2011
    4. My first doll was 3rdhand (the previous owner bought her secondhand)... because the company quit and she was my dream doll. I am still verry happy with her.
       
      #144 DragonElf, Dec 18, 2011
    5. Well... a few days after I ordered my dreamdoll (Asleep Eidolon Blueberry) new from the company, I bought a second hand Angell-Studio Leira right here on the marketplace, lol, which suddenly made her my first BJD. I am now still waiting for my Blueberry and I've bought another second hand, she'll be sent to me shortly, plus I'll be buying another doll new before the end of the month. So, um, yeah... my case is a bit weird I guess XD
       
      #145 Evelien, Dec 18, 2011
    6. I would buy second hand doll just to skip all this long waiting time! If you fell in love with the doll and the price is right-why wait?
       
      #146 Safray, Dec 19, 2011
    7. I bought my first doll from Junky Spot--so, it wasn't like I had to deal with mega customs charges or anything (thank god there are dealers in the US!), which was great. She came with a faceup, "ready to go," and it was great having a new doll to start with, so that I really knew what to expect, what was "standard" with bjds (though, if your first doll is bbb/rs, this might be a little different--only because their stringing varies so much).

      The second doll I bought, I bought blank from MoC. Then the third I picked up on the MP here, and I love her (I already had a good understanding of faceups and restringing by then, so putting her together and painting her face was very easy for me to do). I ordered two other dolls as gifts for my partner and my friend second-hand from here, too (and all three secondhand dolls are just wonderful!)

      Whether I buy first or secondhand just depends on what deals I can find, and whether or not the dolls I'm after are on the MP. But, for a first doll--it depends on what the secondhand would entail (if it'd be shipped strung, or taken apart during shipping....whether or not s/he comes with a faceup, if they need new elastic, etc.) and how "brave" the first-time buyer is, whether or not they feel they can tackle that with their first doll. For me, it was nice having one ready to go, and being able to learn the ropes one little challenge at a time. :)
       
      #147 little_sapling, Dec 19, 2011
    8. I bought mine new and, after hearing one story in my BJD Facebook group, I'm glad I did.
      This girl bought a used doll and the person who sold it said it only had "little to no yellowing" and, when she received it, it was really really yellow. But only on the body so the head was a different color.
       
      #148 CCKitty, Dec 19, 2011
    9. I wasn't really active yet on DoA, especially not the marketplace, when I found my first doll. I wouldn't have had anything against buying a doll second hand, though.

      Often for your first doll it can be cheaper and better, too. Like when someone already improved the posability or it comes with gifts like clothing, wig and eyes you want, rather than random wigs and eyes like most companies just give you.
       
      #149 Laoky, Dec 19, 2011
    10. I prefer new, I think is more special.
       
      #150 .LiS., Dec 19, 2011
    11. I don't think I'd have any if I didn't buy used. I prefer it, actually, and don't know if I'll ever buy one new or not. For some reason, to me, they have more personality if they come to you from somewhere other than the store.
       
      #151 Girl A, Dec 20, 2011
    12. My 1st doll is new. But I don't mind having a second - hand doll which they are in good condition.
      The main point is that I love that doll so much, XD
       
      #152 cardoll, Dec 20, 2011
    13. I would suggest new for first doll although I bought mine second hand but that was because is a limited edition doll that was long sold out by the time I joined the hobby. if at all possible, try to buy new for first doll so that you feel confident with a peace of mind that your doll will be "perfect". Of course, I'm assuming you buy from a reputable company and have done sufficient research on the quality of product and service of the company you are buying from.
       
      #153 stargazer_i, Dec 20, 2011
    14. I brought a new doll for my first doll. Because he was cheaper than a second hand doll and I wanted a doll no one had befor me. Maybe my second doll wil be a reowned.
       
      #154 strawberryfrog, Dec 20, 2011
    15. My first two dolls were new and I prefer new but buying used has its merits, like finding sculpts that are no longer available. I think though, that I like the idea of being the first and only person to own my dolls.
       
      #155 manga-inu-chan, Jan 2, 2012
    16. I've ordered my first doll new. I want to be able to have a shiney box to open and know he was made just for me ;.; I plan to buy most of my other dolls new too, but that doesn't mean I wont look into second hand, because I plan to as soon as I can x3
       
      #156 Lyulf, Jan 2, 2012
    17. I totally agree. Having my first doll made especially for me just makes my doll all the more special to me. Although I wouldn't hesitate to buy a second hand doll either if I know that it was well taken care of by the previous owner. But for me I just feel the first doll should be a very special doll.
       
      #157 babachu, Jan 5, 2012
    18. I prefer to get them new if I can.
       
      #158 Dubious Nashira, Jan 5, 2012
    19. I prefer new, i feel like is more mine @__@
       
      #159 aderina, Jan 5, 2012
    20. My first and second dolls were both second hand. It's honestly great for me. You're helping someone else out as you get the doll you scrimped and saved for and possibly helping them bring a new doll home too, and there's no waiting for shipping time from the companies. I've been lucky enough that I got my JID on a sale and she arrived in two weeks, and I got my AE donut from instock. Three day wait! but if you as impatient as I am, then second hand market is beautiful. <3 there are bonuses to either way, of course, but I won't ever hesitate to buy used.
       
      #160 TatsuKitty, Jan 5, 2012
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