Selling: Do we need to justify it? (Sentimentality in sales threads)

I just have to say, the reality of the market is that the resale value is what ever people are willing to pay, what seems over priced to one person may be perfectly reasonable to another. There are plenty of reasons someone might want a '5 yr old yellowed doll', it might be rare or be well modded or just have a gorgeous face up


Anyway... Personally I try to leave personal details out of sales and purchases as much as possible. As a seller I simply state the facts about the condition of a doll as it's no ones business but my own why I might have decided to sell and likewise I'm not particularly interested in hearing a buyers life story, as half the time it just comes across as an attempt to guilt trip the seller. I like to keep it a simple transaction where money and goods changes hands rather than complicating things with sentimentality.

 

Nppe I do not feel the need to justify why I sell my dolls. It can be for various reasons, but that not really everyones business, so I just keep it business-like.
As for if it's more likely for me to buy a doll if other people justify it, neither.. I want to buy it or not, that has nothing to do with the reason why (except for damage and stuff) the previous owner wants to sell..

 

I don't have marketplace access yet, but yes, I would want to know why a doll is being sold, because it reassures me as a buyer that it's not the fault of the doll. Bonding issues to me are a bit of a polite way of saying "I don't like this doll but can't put my finger on why". It's less subjective than saying "In the resin, I think her mould looks like a surprised duck" or "He looks cheerier/more depressed/duller than I'd been hoping for" because as every owner knows, your mileage may vary. And yes, I can read between the lines, so whatever the seller says is still helpful. Maybe they ordered one in a weak moment because they were tired of saving for another one. Or developed a better character concept during the LONG wait for the doll. The seller's tastes may have changed since they got him. Of course they aren't going to admit that, but there are handy codes and everyone knows the shorthand. "I'm thinning out my collection" means "I've a similar doll I like better" or "I'm just not into SD size any more". To me all these explanations reassure me that the owner is someone a bit like me; a human being who takes care of their dolls, knows their dolls and isn't just ordering and reselling without any care or concern whether the faceup is ok, the joints are working and the resin is undamaged. On Ebay I usually say why I'm selling something, but I don't say something as subjective as "'I'm selling it because I don't like it," because that's an indirect insult to the potential buyer's taste!

 

Does it matter whether or not a seller lists their reasons for selling?

To me, not really, no. I like information, though, so I don't mind if they do.

Do you want to hear why a doll is not working out for them?

I don't care if they don't say, but I tend to be a little curious. I won't ask them, though - unless it's because of a defect or something. I understand that pointing out a doll's crooked/big nose or something would turn off a buyer, but I do crazy amounts of research already, so I'd only be looking at a sculpt I'm sure I'd want already.

Are you more likely to buy a doll where the reasons for selling or stated, or do you just see them as an attempt to garner attention or facilitate a fast sale?

Doesn't affect me at all. I'm just looking for a deal on a doll I want. If the price is right, it's all good.

Unrelated, but what I do look for in a sale is a frontal, three-quarter, and profile shot. :P

 

I don't think we really need to have it per say, but sometimes when I see someone selling a beautiful sculpt that's brand new and fresh out of the box, I do tend to want to know why exactly the person didn't want to keep it. I don't need to read things like: "I love him/her so much but I needs monies right now" as I don't really care <--- harsh I know, but I don't know how else to put it, I'm just not interested.

However, things like "He/She just doesn't look like the promos to me" might be something that I'd want to take into account.

 

I don't think it is anyone's business why someone is selling a doll and I think it is kind of weird that people think they need to justify why they are selling one. Most of us buy and sell as part of the hobby to fund another acquisition and we all know that.

 

Short answer: Yes and No.

Long Answer:

Yes: I feel the need to justify selling a doll because of the fact that in the roots of the hobby seems to be this fact that once you have a BJD, it's like your child. I know that this goes back to volks and all, but a lot of us do put a lot of time and effort into a doll. I know that I'm always curious but, like it has been said, it's not really my business. Hate the sculpt? Well, I've hated sculpts too. Need the money? Sorry for your troubles, I hoep it works out. Just don't love the doll? Hell, I'm right there with you on some things.

I know that I go through the process of telling people why I'm getting rid of a doll. First two I sold were because I didn't 'bond' with them. Third? Too afraid to wipe the face and make her mine (She had such a pretty face up... I couldn't do it >.> ). And so on and so forth... So I suppose the reasons for selling a doll gives a buyer an idea of waht could be wrong with the doll?

At the same time... No. No in the sense that while these are treated so well and like our children (for god's sake, Michelle has a bed, table, and rocking chair!) They are still Stuff. Objects. We for an attachment to them and while we like to share that attachment with others, why should it be anyone's business why we break that attachment? I suppose that's why I've explained my getting rid of a doll in the past--So I don't have to stand up to questions that make me need to justify my actions regarding belongings.

 

To buyers and sellers: Why do you feel there is a need to explain the reason for selling a doll?
I don't feel there is a need.

To sellers:
Do you feel the need to justify your sale in your thread? (IE, do you mention "not bonding" or state the reason you are selling the doll?) If so, why?
I usually do because that's just how my thought process works; I like explaining things.

Do you feel you have to justify the reason you are parting with a doll so you don't seem like a bad person?
Nope, I don't feel like I NEED to, but I do.

Do you think that adding a personal story will encourage buyers?
Nope, if anything, it might discourage them I would think unless it's a really tragic story. In that case though, sharing such a deep, tragic story seems like it might be fabricated to try and convince people to buy. Not saying it would always be fabricated, but if the story is absolutely heartbreaking, then I might wonder if the seller made it up to try and make me more likely to buy.

For buyers:
Does it matter whether or not a seller lists their reasons for selling?
No, UNLESS the reason is something like "I hate the fact that DollBrandX can never stand up!" or "DollX always punches herself in the face with her right hand and I hate it and am not willing to fix it." Those things don't qualify as damage, but they do qualify as big annoyances that seem like they should be disclosed.

Do you want to hear why a doll is not working out for them?
I just like knowing people, so I always like to hear a story, but I don't require it unless it's similar to reason stated above.

Are you more likely to buy a doll where the reasons for selling or stated, or do you just see them as an attempt to garner attention or facilitate a fast sale?
I wouldn't say I'm more likely solely because the reason is given, but it does make more likely to be intrigued by the seller, thus more likely to want to take their doll in.

 

I like an idea of why people are selling because otherwise I tend to feel as if there could be a problem with the dolls ie posing. I know I periodically change dolls so I can check out other companies.

 

To buyers and sellers: Why do you feel there is a need to explain the reason for selling a doll?
I am both buyer and seller of dolls here on DoA and I don't think there is a need to explain the reason for selling a doll. =)

To sellers:
Do you feel the need to justify your sale in your thread? (IE, do you mention "not bonding" or state the reason you are selling the doll?) If so, why?
I usually don't write anything about it, unless I am selling a "famous" doll of mine: I explain the sale reason mostly for my friends and for the fans of the doll (it happened to me sometimes, taste changes...). ^^.

Do you feel you have to justify the reason you are parting with a doll so you don't seem like a bad person?
Not really. The doll is a thing, anyway, and the owner has every right on it, so the right to sell it too (even the first day he received it).

Do you think that adding a personal story will encourage buyers?
No. I am not encouraged by "sad stories or such". I think there are other more useful things that encourage buyers (nice, clear photos is the first one of them).


For buyers:
Does it matter whether or not a seller lists their reasons for selling?
Not really.

Do you want to hear why a doll is not working out for them?
No, unless the seller is a friend of mine with my same taste for dolls.

Are you more likely to buy a doll where the reasons for selling or stated, or do you just see them as an attempt to garner attention or facilitate a fast sale?
Well... honestly I find disturbing when certain kind of reasons are wrote (I need money for surgery, my cat is dying, or such) cause I find them very personal reasons, no need to write them and sometimes I am not really sure they are the truth. I look at them in a suspicious way.

 

I've sell one doll and I didn't give any reason to the buyer. I know them and potential buyers don't need to know, it's no concern of them, just mine. It's a doll, you know, a piece of resin or plastic, very beautiful with lots of owner love, but at the end, just inanimated plastic. The reasons are not really important, the facts a buyer need to know such as the state of the doll, who did the make up and its characteristics and that sort of things are what really matters.

May be sentimental people need to express their cause, I am not a very communicative person and selling or buying, I just speak about them if I am asked or told and I'll try to be as nicer as I can, I respect the people's need of justifying themselves. Sometimes I've bought material from someone who offers their reasons, but that doesn't move me to buy it, just the fact I want what they offer.

 

To buyers and sellers: Why do you feel there is a need to explain the reason for selling a doll?
I think people have the need to explain the reason for selling their dolls is because people want to come across to buyers are genuine people.

To sellers:
Do you feel the need to justify your sale in your thread? (IE, do you mention "not bonding" or state the reason you are selling the doll?) If so, why?
I think people state a reason in selling a doll is because the buyer is going to ask anyway or perhaps is curious. I would be curious as to why a person was selling their doll.

Do you feel you have to justify the reason you are parting with a doll so you don't seem like a bad person? Please define bad. How is it bad to sell a doll?

Do you think that adding a personal story will encourage buyers? I believe it will perhaps give a buyer a justification in buying something. For example, oh I'm helping this poor person to bring home a doll I want forever. However, I also think these sob stories are annoying. It feels as if the seller is pushing the buyer into a guilt trip sometimes.

For buyers:
Does it matter whether or not a seller lists their reasons for selling?
I would be curious as a buyer.

Do you want to hear why a doll is not working out for them? No.

Are you more likely to buy a doll where the reasons for selling or stated, or do you just see them as an attempt to garner attention or facilitate a fast sale?
It depends. I came across a seller months ago that I was interested in a doll in. She gave a sob story as to why she needed the money. I told her I needed to decide for a week. However, she was very rude as to post a bump on her sale thread that someone was interested but did not answer quickly. Looking back, I am glad I did not buy a doll from her.

I do believe that people tend to price things high for things that they feel like they do want to let go of.

 

Why the need to say things like "we aren't bonding" or "I would keep him but...?" If a decision has been made to sell, should/do the reasons behind it matter if there is nothing wrong with the doll itself? Or, to put it another way, should sentimentality enter into a business transaction? Why or why not?
To tell you the truth, until I saw those justifications on sales threads, it never occurred to me that some people felt guilty about letting go of their dolls. I don't particularly care about those things, but I don't really mind if a seller feels the need to put it out here. It won't affect whether or not I decide the doll though.

Some (more) questions to consider.

To buyers and sellers: Why do you feel there is a need to explain the reason for selling a doll?
I do not give a reason for selling my dolls, unless I'm asked, which no one has. I'm selling some MSD-sized accessories right now because I no longer own an MSD, but I don't feel it's important to the buyer if I no longer have an MSD for these accessories. While my dolls are beloved objects, I don't feel the need to explain to others how much I adore them. I don't feel guilty selling them anymore than if I were to sell my clothes or furniture. I might feel sad if I decide to sell a doll that I liked for reasons other than my not liking the doll, but it's not my style to publicize it. I'd only feel a need to explain myself if I were selling a pet, because in essence I am relinquishing a living creature that I thought I was responsible enough to care for.

To sellers:
Do you feel the need to justify your sale in your thread? (IE, do you mention "not bonding" or state the reason you are selling the doll?) If so, why?
Nope.

Do you feel you have to justify the reason you are parting with a doll so you don't seem like a bad person?
Nope.

Do you think that adding a personal story will encourage buyers?
For me, no, but for others it might. An effective sales thread for me include all or most of the information that the DoA squad suggests in their MP effective sales thread sticky. If they have that, then I at least know the seller is organized, careful, and hopefully responsible enough if anything goes awry with the sale. Original pictures for me are definitely a must. They don't have to be up right away, but I won't buy anything without seeing original pictures. Pictures from the store or original manufacturer makes me wonder why the seller isn't putting up their own pictures. What really draws my attention are when sellers include extra, well-taken, photographs of their dolls dressed up to show their full potential.

For buyers:
Does it matter whether or not a seller lists their reasons for selling?
Nope.

Do you want to hear why a doll is not working out for them?
Don't really care (I'm repeating myself ).

Are you more likely to buy a doll where the reasons for selling or stated, or do you just see them as an attempt to garner attention or facilitate a fast sale?
Words of that nature aren't likely to effect my decision. I'm not against someone putting up a beloved doll for a higher price if they feel like they'd kick themselves for selling it for less, but I don't think they should expect for buyers to pick theirs if there's a similar doll for a lower price. If a doll is well cared for or if beautiful customisations are done, then I can obviously tell the seller cared for the doll. That might affect my decisions.

 

Yes, I agree with this.

If the doll didn't look like the promo pictures (especially if the promo pictures were the only thing that were included in the sales thread, which is technically not good anyway), and the seller said so, that would be a good heads-up.

Otherwise, whatever reason the seller has (besides damages, mods, problems with the sculpt I'd like to know beforehand), I'm fine with, like not bonding, etc. I once tried to sell a doll, and out of guilt said that I wasn't bonding with him as a reason for selling him. However, I never did post that sales thread because I decided to give him one last shot, and we bonded fantastically.

Anyway, all that to say, I'd like to be informed of weird things with the sculpt, but I'm fine with people saying that they weren't bonding/need money, etc. Whatever floats your boat.

 

Why do you feel there is a need to explain the reason for selling a doll?
I haven't sold any dolls as I just bought my first doll, but I would not expect any seller to explain why they are selling their dolls. I DO want to know if the doll is damaged or have other defects like if the resin has yellowed.


For buyers:
Does it matter whether or not a seller lists their reasons for selling?
Nope

Do you want to hear why a doll is not working out for them?
Nope

Are you more likely to buy a doll where the reasons for selling or stated, or do you just see them as an attempt to garner attention or facilitate a fast sale?
Neither. It doesn't matter what the reasons are, unless the doll's damaged. I would have researched and decided what doll/s I wanted beforehand.

 

So, I wanted to add a bit to my post but am too lazy to go and find it ATM. I DID have to justify selling dolls today at a meet up. Well, I didn't have to but I did anyway. It seems that when you're selling six of your seven dolls people in person seem to want to know why. >.>

 

To buyers and sellers: Why do you feel there is a need to explain the reason for selling a doll?
I don't think so, unless it's fundamental to the dolls quality.

To sellers:
Do you feel the need to justify your sale in your thread? (IE, do you mention "not bonding" or state the reason you are selling the doll?) If so, why?
No I don't but it sometimes feels more comfortable to put a reason, perhaps it's to help myself go through with it?

Do you feel you have to justify the reason you are parting with a doll so you don't seem like a bad person?
Not at all, I would almost like the buyer to realise why am selling. This is a hobby that has an emotive element to it, we get attached to our dolls and it's somewhat heartwarming to see people giving a little story of how their doll must leave them.

Do you think that adding a personal story will encourage buyers?
I don't think so, no. I mean, it may make you feel more benevolant to that doll (I know I did when someone was clearly quite sad to be letting their boy go) but I don't think people will be drawn into spending hundeds just by a sob story.


For buyers:
Does it matter whether or not a seller lists their reasons for selling?
Nope.

Do you want to hear why a doll is not working out for them?
I don't mind, if they wish to tell me I won't stop them.

Are you more likely to buy a doll where the reasons for selling or stated, or do you just see them as an attempt to garner attention or facilitate a fast sale?
Like someone said earlier, if it's "need money for cat surgery" then I may be a little suspicious about how true that is but things like, "I just can't bond with this boy" or "my girl is just too tall for me" is fine.

 

I agree with many of you that if it doesn't have anything to do with the condition of the doll then I don't need to know your reasons. It's always tough to sell something that you saved a long time for but I think it's ok to do so-you don't have to justify it to anyone!
glory

 

I usually include maybe a sentence length explanation of why I'm selling particular dolls, but I don't go into "emotional" details (most of the time there aren't any anyways). It's my way of pointing out that there's nothing wrong with the dolls themselves--my reasons for selling them are based on personal tastes.

 

I may give a sentence explanation - especially if I *just* got the doll. I know I sometimes wonder if it's a just arrived doll or really cheap or whatever. I don't want a sob story just a short explanation like "Don't want them afterall." or "My finances died." lol.