Is BJD-Shop a safe website?

[emily6940]

Although I do not currently own a BJD I've been researching different websites to see which sculpts I like the best and things like that.

Yesterday I came across http://bjd-shop.com/ and I noticed the prices were lower than some of the dolls I was looking at earlier (I was browsing the LUTS website early yesterday so I was comparing the prices on the two sites).

I just wasn't sure if it was a trustworthy site because of the low prices, or I was wondering if the dolls were recast since they were cheaper. I don't really care about other people buying recasts and I don't wanna start a whole debate or anything (since I'm pretty new here and still have much to learn), however I personally would not like to purchase a recast, especially if it is my first doll.

Thanks so much for answering ^^
~Emily

[Greyhaunt]

I am not familiar with that site myself, but after looking at it my gut instinct is that they are selling recasts. There is no way in hell (pardon my French) that they could be selling normally $800 dolls like an Unoa for less than $300. I bought a male Unoa doll a few years ago second hand with some slight damage (a tiny chip on his butt) and still paid close to $500 - and that was a bargain!

If you've never owned a BJD before and are looking to not spend a small fortune on your first one (quite understandable) I recommend starting out with one of the naturally lower cost companies like Bobobie or Resinsoul. You can always build up to one of the high end dolls or save your pennies for one (hey, I have a coin jar near my laundry and right now it's filling up with doll money).

Should you buy a doll from that site just know that some forums flat out ban recasts from being on their forum. We don't ban them here, because innocent buyers can be tricked into purchasing them unaware and it's not their fault, however I do strongly discourage purchasing what amounts to an illegal item. In the end what seems like a bargain usually ends up being an item of inferior quality that won't live up to your expectations.

[she_flame]

BJD shop IS selling recasts. Good way to spot it is thta they have limited edition dolls (like Soom or Luts) on sale as new, and not as secondhand dolls. Also stupidly low prices are second good way to spot recast sellers.

And as Greayhaunt said, if you don't want to buy pricey doll first, there are many legit companies (and not only RS/Bobobie) that sell their dolls in reasonable price.

[emily6940]

I am not familiar with that site myself, but after looking at it my gut instinct is that they are selling recasts. There is no way in hell (pardon my French) that they could be selling normally $800 dolls like an Unoa for less than $300. I bought a male Unoa doll a few years ago second hand with some slight damage (a tiny chip on his butt) and still paid close to $500 - and that was a bargain!

If you've never owned a BJD before and are looking to not spend a small fortune on your first one (quite understandable) I recommend starting out with one of the naturally lower cost companies like Bobobie or Resinsoul. You can always build up to one of the high end dolls or save your pennies for one (hey, I have a coin jar near my laundry and right now it's filling up with doll money).

Should you buy a doll from that site just know that some forums flat out ban recasts from being on their forum. We don't ban them here, because innocent buyers can be tricked into purchasing them unaware and it's not their fault, however I do strongly discourage purchasing what amounts to an illegal item. In the end what seems like a bargain usually ends up being an item of inferior quality that won't live up to your expectations.

Yeah I bookmarked a lot of websites and dolls that I'm interested in and one of them has always been a Bobobie/Resinsoul. I would never intentionally buy a recast and I was sure that site wasn't legit, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to double-check

Thank you for the help ^U^

[emily6940]

BJD shop IS selling recasts. Good way to spot it is thta they have limited edition dolls (like Soom or Luts) on sale as new, and not as secondhand dolls. Also stupidly low prices are second good way to spot recast sellers.

And as Greayhaunt said, if you don't want to buy pricey doll first, there are many legit companies (and not only RS/Bobobie) that sell their dolls in reasonable price.

Yeah I don't think I'd ever have the money for some other dolls like a Volks or something along those lines. I was looking around and I thought that for my first few dolls I wouldn't spend over $300 (not including things like faceup, wig, clothing etc.)
Currently the doll I like the best is a Dreaming Doll Lovely Betsy (plus she comes with a wig yay)

[Fyrsiel]

I'd read in some cases that recasts can sometimes be more poorly made, and as the resin isn't treated correctly, then they could even be a health hazard... .___. ;

[Greyhaunt]

Yeah I bookmarked a lot of websites and dolls that I'm interested in and one of them has always been a Bobobie/Resinsoul. I would never intentionally buy a recast and I was sure that site wasn't legit, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to double-check

Thank you for the help ^U^

Hey we are all glad to help!

I wish Bobobie had been around when I started collecting - although my first doll was under $300. I bought a 1/4 Dollzone Xi from Junkyspot. They don't make that sculpt anymore, but I do like him and have never regretted him

Just don't ever let anyone tell you that just because a doll doesn't cost the earth to own it's "cheap". Like all hobbies this one has elitists who believe that if you don't own a Volks, Luts, SOOM, or Iplehouse then you've "settled for second-best". Not true! The right doll is the one that make you happy! I've got dolls from all sorts of brands, and I like every one of them (though I'm probably a bit biased towards my 50cm obitsu girls LOL).

[emily6940]

Yeah I bookmarked a lot of websites and dolls that I'm interested in and one of them has always been a Bobobie/Resinsoul. I would never intentionally buy a recast and I was sure that site wasn't legit, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to double-check

Thank you for the help ^U^

Hey we are all glad to help!

I wish Bobobie had been around when I started collecting - although my first doll was under $300. I bought a 1/4 Dollzone Xi from Junkyspot. They don't make that sculpt anymore, but I do like him and have never regretted him

Just don't ever let anyone tell you that just because a doll doesn't cost the earth to own it's "cheap". Like all hobbies this one has elitists who believe that if you don't own a Volks, Luts, SOOM, or Iplehouse then you've "settled for second-best". Not true! The right doll is the one that make you happy! I've got dolls from all sorts of brands, and I like every one of them (though I'm probably a bit biased towards my 50cm obitsu girls LOL).

Yeah I've heard about those type of people. I've seen many dolls from companies like Volks and Iplehouse and so far I've never seen a sculpt from them that made me think "I must have him/her!". There are a few from Luts that I really admire and I also like the Unoa dolls but I always end up liking the cheaper dolls better.

[Greyhaunt]

Unoa are lovely - I've wanted a girl for ages, but I just can't bring myself to pay a fortune for one Still, persistence in the second-hand market often pays off, so if you see one of the high-priced ones you want, eventually you may come across it at a reasonable price second hand - it's worth the wait

Whatever you end up with as a first BJD we'll enjoy seeing it here

[DollyKim]

I love my "cheap" "ugly" Dollzone. And I've got some Obitsu love too.

It's all about how much you love your doll. You'll find the right doll or maybe it'l fine you.