Has anyone ever heard of...?

[mochi.kochi]

Secret sales.

I read in a blog about how to buy a cheaper doll. Asking if you can order a doll unstrung, go no-faceup and then there was secret sales. It said that you could ask the seller/dealer if they have any rejects with reasonable faults. Like yellowing, surface scratches, rough edges or seams. And buy them for a cheaper price.

So I was wondering if you can actually do this?
Has anyone done this before?

Any opinions welcomed
Mochi~ :>

[SoapBubbles]

First I've ever heard of this. I can see smaller companies allowing people to buy cheaper dolls/parts with a few imperfections if they ask. I've never done it with BJDs, but I have purchased collectible teddy bears for a cheaper price because of a few flaws they had.

I know that sometimes companies actually have events where they allow you to buy the doll in its parts (not assembled) for slightly cheaper. Bluefairy has an option to buy their doll bodies, not for complete dolls though just if you're only buying the body, as assembled or not and it's about $20 cheaper if you opt not to assemble it I believe..?

[Nella]

I've never heard of it either. For BJDs, some companies have events where the dolls are shipped unstrung and blank. These are often called 'kits' because you have to assemble them yourself.

[mochi.kochi]

I'll see if I can find the blog. It got me curious XD

Can't believe I found it XD
http://dollycare.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/12-ways-to-save-money-on-bjd.html

[SoapBubbles]

Hmm... I kind of question some of the tips listed there. They may be possible for smaller companies, but many major companies (especially ones located in Korea) have policies NOT to allow specially customized orders in case people start taking advantage of that and things begin to get out of hand.

Actually, now that I re-read it over, these tips sound like ones that'll work great for 2nd-hand dolls. I have noticed that unstrung dolls tend to sell for cheaper in the DoA market (although I've only seen a few examples of them), seamlines and aged resin will definitely allow for more haggling room, and refusing the company box will actually lower the weight of the package leading to cheaper shipping costs.

Still find it a little difficult for major companies. Well... There's no harm in trying it, I guess. The most the companies will do is give you a rude reply (which most of them probably wouldn't for the sake of business)..?

[DollyKim]

I can see asking a small company or if it's an artist making a few at a time. If I was a few steps further along I'd have a few "factory seconds" that could make some beautiful truly OOAKs if someone gave them time. Even now I can see myself parting with some prototypes when I make replacements.

[K2!]

Secret Sales sounds so much better than Factory Seconds.

[Nella]

Most of her tips apply more to the second-hand market and dealers, not the companies that make the dolls. Dealers, such as Mint On Card, will sometimes get dolls that get damaged in the mail. They will sell these for a lower price due to the damage. Also, if a dealer is stopping working with a company, they often put thier remaining stock from that company on sale.

Yellowed dolls are found on the second-hand marketplace and yes, they cost less, as do the older single-jointed bodies. Dolls discounted due to damage is also more likely on the second-hand marketplace.

[Evelien]

I'm sceptical about the calling on the phone and haggling tip...

[Nella]

I'm sceptical about the calling on the phone and haggling tip...

Oh I forgot about that one. I really wouldn't suggest doing that. I know that in the second-hand marketplace, unless the seller states the price is negoitable, then haggling is seen as very rude.