Would You Buy An Unstrung Doll?

I didn't even know that was an option, but it's something I would definitely consider. Stringing is a pain, but I can manage it if it's the only option for a doll I really like, or seriously decreases the price.

 

As long as all the parts are present and they are labeled so I can assemble the doll properly then I don't mind. Plus it saves money on shipping sometimes.

 

Absolutely! As long as all the parts needed are included in the package. I love the challenge XD

 

100%, but I learned the hard way most companies won't do it. Nor will they omit the fancy boxes that always end up in my trash. It's a liability thing - the foam protects the doll from damage in shipping.

Having said that, I've purchased many a secondhand doll unstrung, and the lengths sellers will go to blows my mind. We're talking individually wrapped parts painstakingly labeled. Whereas I always expect a bag of parts in a bag.

 

I sure will! I just bought a second-hand body that came unstrung.
It most certainly saved on shipping. And putting a doll together is part of the bonding experience.

The thing that I would be careful of is just how well packed the parts are. My seller was really meticulous and wrapped all of the individual parts separately and nicely. It's something the seller has to be willing to do. Otherwise there's a higher risk of injuries to the pieces.

 

I’ve received 3 of my dollshes unstrung and one of my twiglings. There are a lot of helpful videos on YouTube to help you string your dolls.

 

yes but I really like the option to just pay more shipping and have the doll arrive strung! for me it's not a good thing to arrive unstrung. So I would have to really want that doll.

 

Already have, stringing is a pain and I have smol noodle arms but no choice if a doll I want is sold outside of Europe, or the shipping would be as expensive or more than the doll u_u

 

Yes, because I can get my friend to string it. I just have to drive 45 minutes to her house.

 

Yes, because I've re-strung my own dolls before and find it oddly relaxing. As long as the parts are labeled, I don't see an issue.

 

I would probably be put off purchasing a doll that has to be strung. I have restrung a doll before and I absolutely hated it. I'm physically not very strong and I have considerable difficulty pulling the elastic onto the hands and feet.

 

I hope that you'll let any potential seller know this. I know I try to ask before selling, but there's a good chance a seller will assume you prefer cheaper shipping - which means an unstrung doll.
You don't need to go into detail. Just let the seller know, "Hey, I know it costs more to ship, but I prefer my dolls strung."
Also, I hope there are other collectors near you. I'm always happy to offer to restring a doll for anyone who needs help.

 

I think I would as long as the parts were labelled or in separate bags. I haven't restrung a doll yet, but I have a few floppy ones so it's an inevitability, and it would be a good chance to get a feel for and bond with the doll.

 

I definitely would let them know should I ever buy a doll second-hand or from an individual. So far I've only bought from dealers or direct. I'm not sure if there are any other collectors in my area, but I could probably get my fiance to help restring if I need to, he's big and strong.

 

I mean, I've bought a garage kit style BJD and 3d print model files, so I already have bought unstrung dolls. The kit's for an itty bitty one though so he'll just take patience and fanangling to string, not strength. Strung dolls are convenient, but to me personally it's no biggie if they aren't. However, I do expect the seller to disclose the strung/unstrung status of a doll if I'm buying one.

 

I never purchased unstrung before, but I wouldn't mind it. One of my friends helped me with restringing my first bjd and now it is usually part of my bonding experience with a new doll.

I buy a lot of dolls secondhand, so some of them come floppy and it is nice to restring them and bring out their potential.

 

As much as I've appreciated receiving strung dolls, I've also had to restring them all out of the box - I really wouldn't mind receiving loose pieces! Especially if the doll being sold is strung very tight, which can be a hazard both for storage and shipping, by warping them in temperature inconsistencies or chipping off pieces near joints (I have unfortunate experiences with both). I'm also more than happy to save on shipping fees if it comes with the price of hassling with the string for half an hour - great reason to get the body sueded from the get-go, too!

 

I'm happy to string my own doll. In fact, I was very excited to learn that Souldoll will ship unstrung upon request. My shipping quote from them (to the US) went from $100 to $40 -- big difference for me! I've only ever restrung one doll before, but I'm actually not scared to do it. If I do it wrong, I just have to start over. So I'm excited to try it on a Souldoll.

 

I can defintely relate! I bought a vito body from them earlier last year and once I saw that shipping price drop I was ecstatic! Thankfully they have restringing videos so that made everything super easy

 

Ooh that's great to know! I'll be sure to look them up when the time comes.