First Time buyers
Some things to Think about.
1) What are you looking for?
A certain look? A certain body type? Do you want something realistic? Or something more Anime style? And what size doll do you want? BJD come in sizes ranging from 4 inches to 35 inches! Do you plan to make your dolls cloths and accessories? If you do, what size doll are you comfortable making things for? The smaller the size the harder but less expensive. The larger the size the easier but more expensive. And what about makeup? This is called a "face up". Do you plan to design your dolls looks yourself? Or do you want something professional? At least for the first time? This can add to your dolls price.
2) Now Research!
Ask around! Look stuff up! Cruz the Internet! There are plenty off sites with information out there. Find them! Find whats right for you!
Here are some that I like. But remember to always check reviews!
1) What are you looking for?
A certain look? A certain body type? Do you want something realistic? Or something more Anime style? And what size doll do you want? BJD come in sizes ranging from 4 inches to 35 inches! Do you plan to make your dolls cloths and accessories? If you do, what size doll are you comfortable making things for? The smaller the size the harder but less expensive. The larger the size the easier but more expensive. And what about makeup? This is called a "face up". Do you plan to design your dolls looks yourself? Or do you want something professional? At least for the first time? This can add to your dolls price.
2) Now Research!
Ask around! Look stuff up! Cruz the Internet! There are plenty off sites with information out there. Find them! Find whats right for you!
Here are some that I like. But remember to always check reviews!
3) Get What Makes You Happy!
No matter how you look at it if you don't get what you REALLY want, you'll like it but it wont... It wont DO anything for you. So look and keep looking until you find the doll that inspires you! Don't go for the doll that's cute but cheap because that's what you can afford. Or the first cute one you find because you might find one some where else that you like more. Look around! Window shop until you find the doll that makes you stop. Makes you think:
"That's her(or him)! That's the one!"
And who knows, the perfect BJD for you could cost as low as $100, but it could cost as high as $800+. If it's more than you can afford "right now", Save! Just save until you can afford it. And treat yourself. Reward yourself for working hard and saving your money. Buy them some shoes, or an outfit, if your not confident in your abilities to do a Face Up, buy the pro-default. You can always change it later.
Just get what makes you Happiest!
4) Pick a reliable source to buy from
No matter what your doll costs this is alot of money! Your Money. So always read the reviews left by other buyers before ordering. Contact the source yourself. Ask them questions. See how long it takes them to get back to you. And always check out their shipping! Who do they use? Depending on where the company is located and where you live the shipping charges could be either really cheap or really expensive!
For instance: I live in the united states and I like to buy from eluts.com, which is in Korea. They use EMS shipping. So when I buy from them the shipping costs could be anywhere from $20 to $100. It just depends on what you buy and how much it weighs. EMS is REALLY fast though. Once its shipped your order could be on you door step as soon as 4 days after you order it. From Korea! And their tracking is very detailed.
5) Decide.
More to Think About.
Decide if this is something you REALLY want. Now that you've looked around, researched, found your doll and want to save for it. You have to decide if this is a hobby you want to maintain. Even if you buy your doll at a really low price this is an expensive hobby. And One is never enough. Now that you've thoroughly explored what this hobby and all it entails you have to decide if its worth it to you. BJD is a fun hobby but also a big one. Cleaning, restringing, maintaining your dolls face, cloths, shoes, accessories, storage... All this can be very expensive. So you have to decide if this is a creative outlet you want to pursue.
This is not a short term hobby.
No matter how you look at it if you don't get what you REALLY want, you'll like it but it wont... It wont DO anything for you. So look and keep looking until you find the doll that inspires you! Don't go for the doll that's cute but cheap because that's what you can afford. Or the first cute one you find because you might find one some where else that you like more. Look around! Window shop until you find the doll that makes you stop. Makes you think:
"That's her(or him)! That's the one!"
And who knows, the perfect BJD for you could cost as low as $100, but it could cost as high as $800+. If it's more than you can afford "right now", Save! Just save until you can afford it. And treat yourself. Reward yourself for working hard and saving your money. Buy them some shoes, or an outfit, if your not confident in your abilities to do a Face Up, buy the pro-default. You can always change it later.
Just get what makes you Happiest!
4) Pick a reliable source to buy from
No matter what your doll costs this is alot of money! Your Money. So always read the reviews left by other buyers before ordering. Contact the source yourself. Ask them questions. See how long it takes them to get back to you. And always check out their shipping! Who do they use? Depending on where the company is located and where you live the shipping charges could be either really cheap or really expensive!
For instance: I live in the united states and I like to buy from eluts.com, which is in Korea. They use EMS shipping. So when I buy from them the shipping costs could be anywhere from $20 to $100. It just depends on what you buy and how much it weighs. EMS is REALLY fast though. Once its shipped your order could be on you door step as soon as 4 days after you order it. From Korea! And their tracking is very detailed.
5) Decide.
More to Think About.
Decide if this is something you REALLY want. Now that you've looked around, researched, found your doll and want to save for it. You have to decide if this is a hobby you want to maintain. Even if you buy your doll at a really low price this is an expensive hobby. And One is never enough. Now that you've thoroughly explored what this hobby and all it entails you have to decide if its worth it to you. BJD is a fun hobby but also a big one. Cleaning, restringing, maintaining your dolls face, cloths, shoes, accessories, storage... All this can be very expensive. So you have to decide if this is a creative outlet you want to pursue.
This is not a short term hobby.
Now That You've Thought About It And Decided You Can't Live Without A BJD... Let the Fun Begin!