My biggest difficulty was realizing that I’d much rather look at dolls than own them! I LOVE looking at your dolls and other peoples’ dolls on social media. I keep lists of dolls that I like, and I browse available dolls CONSTANTLY. When I first got into collecting, I bought a few (I have never been an impulse buyer), but a few months later, I’d realize I had never bonded with the doll, so I’d sell it. I currently have 5 dolls, and that seems to be the perfect number for me. I’m not opposed to having a larger collection if I come across something that I really love and bond with, but most of the enjoyment I get out of my dolls is from making things for them (I knit, sew, and crochet). I can make the same five dolls a billion different outfits and not get bored, so I don’t feel much need to increase the size of my collection. I seriously admire folks with large collections who genuinely love every doll, like you clearly do!
I think that's awesome!! I find sometimes that I also like looking at a doll a lot better than having it...just like the Tinies. I think everyone has a number they're comfortable with too 💜💜
This is REALLY AWESOME! I love watching other people’s doll collections as well! Yet, I have been buying dolls… a lot I don’t need! I have been thinking of reducing my doll collection even if I just bought them. I live in an apartment and really don’t have the space for all of my dolls and want to appreciate the ones I have… Right now they have taken over my walk-in closet. I really like the idea of just keeping my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES and making items for them. If you don’t mind can you please say what 5 dolls you have?… I’m just curious.
@@princessmyhand I like to make outfits for my dolls (mostly my minis). I have a Strawberry Shortcake, a jointed, artist-painted mini from Etsy, a Lemo doll from AliExpress, a Wellie Wisher and a reborn.
This is such a thoughtful comment. It makes complete sense that you sell a doll if you don’t bond with it. I recently realized this, and in the process of selling off a large chunk of my collection to redirect the funds to the doll lines I love. Fortunately my dolls are clean and in great shape so they’re selling very quickly, most people that sell online aren’t doll lovers they just sell dirty and matted dolls 😮
I didn’t think there could be 10 difficulties but you nailed it. I can relate to all that covered. Funny, I had to pause the video because the delivery dropped off a doll package. Tomorrow, if I can wake up early enough going to the flea market to look for….dolls! I didn’t think I’d turn into a collector when I got my first Blythe but 3 years later I probably have a hundred different dolls! Yikes! I’m in a 1200 sq ft condo and need to figure something out. I love your doll room by the way. Oh, and your Tuttle is adorable!
One of my difficulties is being understood and accepted as a collector of dolls and toys. Sometimes I don't feel completely understood by the people around me. I have no friends in collecting and therefore I don't even have the problem of competition or who comes first .. The budget I have is very limited as is the space that is finished. I'm not a completist and I don't even try.. Thanks Allison for this video, I like your top ten videos! 😉💜
I feel this!!!!! Most people don’t understand! I’ve had people asking me why I spend money on “useless things” 🤷🏻♀️ good thing I don’t care! 😂 they filled me with so much joy and I work really hard to earn 💵 to do whatever I want with it! And Allison is right! There’s a huge community online and I’m so thankful for it 🙏🏽💕🥰
Really enjoyed the list. Customs fees make me very angry, but my biggest difficulty is WAITING. Everything takes so long. I'm so impatient! I'm enjoying this hobby, but I'd love to just go into a shop, see what I want and buy it. I did smile when you said about buying things for yourself. I haven't batted an eyelid at some of the prices of the doll clothes I've bought and then I'm in a shop looking at dresses for me thinking 'I'm not paying that much for a dress!'
For me one of the biggest doll collecting issues is the customs fees! Lol, just recently I had to pay £160 (around $200) in customs fees for my new Volks SD girl! Your collection is wonderful and I really admire your dedication to dolls 🥰. Like you, I often find myself buying expensive doll things when I really should be buying things for myself, like new clothes or shoes etc! Lol. I would much rather spend my money on my dolls/doll stuff though 🤣. I don’t have a space issue as such because I don’t have many dolls anymore, I love a small collection. I’ve noticed that if I don’t redress a doll occasionally or play with it, I cannot just leave it sat on the display. I need to play with them in order for them to stay. At least someone else can give them the best dolly lives that I think they deserve. 🤣🌸💗
I'm a new doll collector (2yrs) and I can already identify with most of those difficulties. Trying to limit my purchases to dolls I really really want but you know how it goes...I buy one doll and next thing I know I'm in a buying frenzy. I think I need to pace my purchases so I can give myself time to enjoy and bond with each doll before the next one arrives. Thank you as usual for your thoughts, as a newer collector it's nice to know I'm not alone!
Yes!!! I'm trying to do a better job of pacing my purchases this year - that's a big problem I have even when I do pace them a lot of times they all land together - so it's hard to bond.
Oh my god, the FOMO story you told really hit home for me. As a young college student, I was at the Disney Store the night before the Limited Edition Snow white came out. The very first one. I had mentioned to the lady at the store that I was a doll collector, and she ran to the back and brought one out to show me, and she told me that they'd be for sale in the morning. As I was a college student, I couldn't afford it, so I didn't go back for her. LITTLE DID I KNOW.
One thing that's hard for me like you said with downsizing is some dolls aren't really worth anything so I can't really sell them but I also don't want to throw them away or send to the thrift so I just end up keeping them. On the other side the more expensive dolls I don't want to sell.
Dolls do multiply exponentially and I think they adopt more when I am not looking. I can relate to all of these in some way. I am not such a big artist doll person because I like to adopt play dolls and refurbish them but I definitely enjoy your collecting artist dolls so I get a vicarious fix. Trouble is, the more I see your dolls, the more I think about getting one, just one. Right!
My most difficulty is once you started to collect dolls, from time to time you realize that it becomes difficult to organize everything well in a limited space due to the sizes of the dolls👍💜
Great video, I could relate to a lot! I've lost a doll collector "friend" over a doll. We weren't close friends, friends in the Instagram doll community,we would chat, and had sent each other doll items before. Well, I came across a basic Barbie that had a face sculpt of a collector doll, I think it was a manufacturing error. Anyway, she asked me to be on the lookout for another and get for her. I never have to this day, seen another. Welk, she stopped communicating with me. As far as artists asking you to purchase their dolls, I think they should donate one to you and then by you reviewing and posting, other collectors might purchase so they wouldn't be really losing money.
One difficulty I have is that I will really focus on doll collecting for a few months, and then focus on something else the next few months. When I'm at the start of my “dolly downtime“ 😉 I feel a bit guilty. But I will be a doll collector for life, so I guess it's okay. Another difficulty for me is finishing creative projects. Sometimes lack of time or inspiration will put plans for a face up or sewing on hold for weeks. And the last one is a bit controversial... In my opinion the wait times, exclusivity and prices of some dolls are ridiculous! Spending money, especially on something you do for fun, should simply not be as hard. So I kind of refuse to do aal of that and mostly go for the more easily accessible (but still pretty special) dolls, or make an old or blank doll all pretty 😍 I've learned it's just more fun for me that way.
I love how this doll collector is always changing up her nail polish , so interesting and seems to go naturally with her artistic fervor for dolls. Love her videos
Hi there, I lost everything on my computer awhile back so I have missed your channel for awhile. But, here you are with this great, thought provoking video. I probably have too many dolls, but I have sold a few and given away SO many. Of course I can't seem to stop collecting, and I have never known a particular reason that I do...I have also experienced seller's regret. I also got into the wigs and accessories, especially for my two BJD's. But, as finances remain a challenge for all of us, one has to wait for such things. Currently, I have wanted to complete my American Girl historicals, the first few that were made. I don't have any white bodies but I will some day. Thanks for all you do for the doll community, I always enjoy your content.
I always go back and forth with trying to complete my historicals...I think I probably never will but it's always so tempting to me especially when prices drop as they sometimes do in the market
You're 💯accurate & hit the mark on everything about doll collecting. I can sell clothes,shoes,bags etc.. without any emotional attachment, I could care less about that (as unthinkable & absurd as it is to clothing /shoe/bag lovers or collectors of other items I dont care for), but I'm emotionally bonded with my dolls that I've kept (I do downsize & purge the ones I don't like as much anymore like any normal collector does, we know its a revolving door lol ) & any meaningful jewelry or gifts my friends or grandma has given me I cannot part with bc of the sentimental value, plus I love the stuff. BTW, about housing costs you're right prices are absolutely atrocious. I've moved so much all my life, a gypsy nomad thathas never settled in one place in my 31 years & now more than ever its a shame to not own a home bc homes are by far the most valuable possession that anyone (middle class) can own (aside from wealthy individuals whose net worths exceed their home value),home leasing costs are exorbitantly soaring & out of reach for so many struggling low income individuals & families its awful & renting is not only ridiculously expensive, but wasteful bc you will never recover that money you've spent the way a homeowner is able to make a profit, as we all know homes don't lose value like cars do. Didn't mean to go off topic, but you're right about that too.
I've been struggling hard with this lately as I've reached capacity in my home and am working to let go of some of the sentimental stuff 😆 I'm glad you can relate to some of this 💜💜
My most common issues with doll collecting is space , and since covid finances. I’ve been very creative in finding space , because I can’t stand clutter , but my doll area is looking cluttered , I’ve got to do something.. …After covid hit I’ve been very picky with every doll I buy, because covid has made me paranoid about spending , So I’ve let go of being a completist on certain doll lines, only buying 1, or two of my favs, and it hasn’t been easy , but maybe that’s a good thing. …Loved the video
I've been trying to cut back on spending myself this year and I've done a fairly good job of it - the economy is certainly got me worried and thinking about having a bigger emergency fund.
Oh, man. I kept wanting to yell, "Personally attacked!" during the whole video. 😁 Space is already a huge issue (my dolls are taking over my house!), and I've only been collecting BJDs for two years (Barbies for six). I realized very early on that I get the most joy from modifying dolls - taking them apart, swapping things around, switching up outfits, etc. Since I know that about myself, and I know that limited sets could be someone else's grail, I try very, very hard to avoid buying anything that is a limited release. I've sold almost all of my "limited" dolls to collectors who really wanted them as is. My BJDs and playline dolls are almost all common dolls that anyone can get. If there's a wig or an outfit/part of an outfit I don't like - it either gets added to a sale as a "gift", swapped, or given away. I'm ruthless in that sense. Going off of the completionist discussion - optional BJD hands and feet! I have bought several used dolls, only to realize that the company offers different hand/feet/bust options - but you can ONLY buy them with the full doll! (Seriously - TRY to find a company besides Dream Valley that sells flat feet!) And unless it's Volks or Fairyland - good luck trying to find them on the second-hand market. Or, the doll company may sell them separately, but shipping is insane - we're talking $20 for feet, and $50 for shipping! *cough cough* Iplehouse *cough* Downsizing is painful - my dolls are all so special to me! But what makes the pain easier is either (1) knowing that the money will go towards purchasing a new doll I really want, or (2) giving it away will bring someone else so much joy. If a doll isn't worth much on the second-hand market, often I'll just give it away to another collector. I appreciate your thought process, and I'm going to use it in the future. I try to stick to my "no-box" rule - I do not leave my dolls in boxes (for the most part). If a doll is still in the box, I sell/give it to someone who prefers to keep their dolls in boxes. Of course, when you have cats... there are exceptions. And the biggest issue for me - finding exactly what I want. Every doll I buy is perfect! Except... I would change this. I want to modify that (another reason I try to stick to "common" dolls). I have yet to find the One True Doll - the doll that is so perfect, I wouldn't change a thing. (I think I just need to learn how to make my own already, lol.) Also - 16-inch fashion playline dolls. Please bring them back, toy makers! I am BEGGING you! (sorry for the mini-novella)
LOL at personally attacked 😆 I love to buy a Fullset but I do redress them from time to time and I think some people hate me for that 🤣 but they always eventually go back into their fullsets
I’m so obsessed with my 16-inch fashion dolls. I don’t have playline 16-inch just collector dolls (Tonner and Alexander), but I love them so much. I knit outfits for them and have so much fun dressing them up. It’s just frustrating trying to get reasonably-priced shoes, because they have fashion feet and not the larger BJD feet. Also I love buying handmade clothes for them, knowing that someone hand-made the outfit just makes it that much more special to me. I got rid of my sewing machine eons ago because I suck at it and have no patience 😂 so I admire others’ sewing talents.
Great video! 😊👍 I can relate with most of the things you listed. Limited funds, space, having friends you are competiting against for the same dolls. One other challenge I have is loving so many different types of dolls lol! Because then I want so many and my wish list is a mile long! Sometimes I wish I just wanted or collected one type of doll. It would be so much easier lol
I think your #10 is currently my #1. I honestly can't figure out what I want my collection to be. I know a collection doesn't need a focus, so I am wrestling with that, too. Financially of course, especially now for me, I am extremely limited. I guess my worst issue is completing an historical doll line. I don't want all the extras like furniture, I just want the dolls. Currently, it is Skediddle Kiddles. I am not able to purchase more, right now, so I content myself by searching through selling venues. I ooh and ah over what is available and wish for the dolls to find new happy homes. One day, it will be me bringing one home.
I think a lot of us spend time trying different dolls or looking at different dolls before we figure out what we like...and then once we figure it out, our taste changes. That's the great thing about collecting, it doesn't have to have a focus and it's all for fun 💜💜
Let me tell you my biggest shipping disasters… and it happened, not once, but TWICE!! A rare monster high INBOX doll I grabbed for a fantastic price. It was in the delivery truck and the truck was hi-jacked and BURNT DOWN! My doll went up in flames. Then I lost another doll I had been hunting down for ever and she also burnt down in a delivery truck. Was hectic!
I love listening to you talk with such passion about your dolls! Your videos are so wonderful! :) Thank you for giving us this great line up of dolly related troubles!
This was an exhaustive list! I could only imagine 2 things before I clicked play but as you went down the list I found myself agreeing with everything 😂😅 99 problems but the hobby is worth every one 😝
Speaking of FOMO, I missed out today on a vintage Barbie item on eBay that I've wanted for years. It went for a great price, too. OUCH! All my own fault -- I shoulda set an alarm! I think a limited edition of 100 or less is something one can invest in safely Even if you don't bond with the doll, you'll always be able to sell it at a profit. I recall the rest of that Susie Ormond quote being: 'First people, then money, then things.' And I'm working on saving money, but I'm not so sure I wouldn't rather have Dolls than Money! lololol Space is a huge problem for me, too. I hope to buy a house in the next couple years and have a dedicated doll room like you! Also, I have a lot of 'aspirational clutter', which goes: 'I'll get a dress pattern for this doll, and now I want that fabric and those buttons...etc. etc. etc" and then I do nothing with what I've collected.
Noooo I'm sorry you missed out on your item 😢 I love your quote "aspirational clutter" I've never heard that before but it fits so perfectly well to so much I have around here
Use a sniper if you don’t want to miss something you’ve been waiting for! I use Gixen and put in the max price I’m willing to pay for something; then Gixen places a bid for you in the last few seconds of the auction. That way the other bidders don’t know you’re interested in the item, until it’s too late to up their bid 😅 I’ve gotten some dolls for amazing prices by using a sniper. People seldom put in the max price they’re willing to pay when they first bid. And if it sells for more than I was willing to pay, using a sniper protects me from paying too much haha 😂 and the last thing that using a sniper is good for, is that you can easily cancel a snipe without getting into trouble, unlike an actual bid on eBay which is a binding contract.
One difficulty is waiting times, especially for BJDs. You see a doll you really want, plan her looks by looking at endless photos on the web etc…but then it’s 4 months waiting time for casting and shipping, another 2 months to ship the head to my favorite faceup artist in Hong Kong and get it back. By the time the doll gets back to me it’s often 6 months and the initial pleasure rush of getting that doll is often dulled.
What a treat to come home to one of your videos after work! Love your responses! The FOMO gets me every time! Saying “no” is one of my biggest difficulties. 🤪 By the way, I’m so glad you bought yourself some matching earrings! They’re gorgeous! Purple is my favorite color! And I went mining for crystals in Arkansas once! Such fun!
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you! I’m trying my best to resist some of the temptations this year too! But you’re right… it’s SO hard! 😅
Do you store the boxes or packaging just in care you resell them? I bought my dolls primarily to do face ups on them or make clothes for them. My biggest struggle is stopping myself from buying more materials and accept the fact that my limited time, skills and energy does not allow me to even put a dent on my to-do projects. I just feel guilty and stressed out over all the clutter from materials that have accumulated for my future projects.
Very interesting video! I definitely agree with all the difficulties you mentioned. My biggest challenge is being super indecisive about what dolls I want to collect. I am interested in many dolls but often don’t bond with them once they arrive. So my doll plans constantly shift! My husband says my doll collecting style is “catch and release.” 🙈 I’m a completist too - right now I’m hoping to find a Forever Virginia Evie to complete my Charm collection 😍 She is such a sweet sculpt 💗 and I love the Charms displayed on my old Barbie furniture! (Nostalgia I guess)
Space is definitely the number 1 problem in my house. Of course I also need to be careful about the spending, as there are always so many dolls I like, more than I can ever afford to get. Another question I ask myself, if I'm considering selling a doll (or more dolls) to get a doll, is if I really want the new doll more than I would like to keep the older one. If the answer is no, maybe the new doll is just not for me.
That's a good question that I ask myself too....would I rather trade in this doll for another one? If the answer is yes then yes! But if I'm worried I'll regret it then no
I relate super hard to no space D: I wish I had a doll room and I'd love one when I eventually can buy a place. At the moment it's a case of having as many dolls as I can fit into my display cabinet and it's pretty crowded! Still, always seem to be able to squeeze one more in ;) You'll be adding more to your collection after the Wonderland Of Play event no doubt!😁
I comment a bit late but as always this was such an interesting video 💕 it really highlighted things I can personally relate to (I am not a BJD collector though, I collect Barbie and Integrity Toys, but those difficulties can really apply to my case as well 😅). A thing that makes things worse for me is that I live in Europe (🇧🇪) so getting some dolls can really be complicated or at least more expensive with customs (for example being a member of the WClub or preorder dolls on the barbie official website is just impossible for me due to the fees, I also followed a brand which sold only from the US and decided to give up on it, partly because of those extra fees which make the dolls and accessories way more expensive than what I can afford, but I think we all have this issue at some point, but as you said even in the US, like in any other country this can happen, we can always find a doll which is not sold in our country and that just gets way more expensive than expected with all the fees added 😅
I'm going to test ordering a doll and having to pay customs on it this week, I've never had to do that before but I think it's going to be ... An interesting experience lol
Oof. I feel the shipping stuff. I got a Anthro Cat doll from Elleo dolls and they shipped it just as the sanctions started. Heart was pounding for weeks until he showed up.
I've had people ask me to do faceups for them and I have always refused because I would not be able to live with it if a limited doll head got lost when I shipped it back hahaha...big big fear
A difficulty I have is that I customize dolls and I always go into a repaint thinking “ok when it’s done I’ll try and sell this one so I can buy other ones” but I get sooo attached to them while making them and haven’t sold any 😅
My grail doll at the moment is American Girl Doll Courtney Moore and her entire collection. I was a young girl in the 80s, so she’d mean a great deal to me 😊
Such a fantastic video Alison! I desperately want to downsize but bit stuck. As soon as I pick that doll off the shelf, then suddenly I want her again arghhh. Is there any chance one day you could do a top 10 on the best places to sell dolls and ways to downsize? It's sooooo hard.
Fun vid👍! I think many of us doll collectors are obsessive too & my hubby always reminds me of that 😂 my biggest issues are doll prices because a lot them are over $20 so it can get pricey when you want to buy new dolls 😞 also space since there's never enough of it 👎 my collections are all in our living room because that's the only place I can display them & so I've literally taken over that space 😆
USPS lost my Dreamshyre baby, and I was devo-ed! Honestly, right now, I'm loving Speedex. It's used by a bunch of Chinese sellers, and it's pretty quick, and they always deliver my stuff! Also, in NYC, the Amazon shipping company is pretty good. It used to be the worst, but they really got it together! My #1 doll issue is shoes! Finding shoes especially for my fashion BJDs...I have taken to just buying every single shoe a doll maker makes so that I have a variety and options, because if I don't I'll never find anything else that fits and I get soooo frustrated...Also, the space. That's always going to be an issue not only because of the dolls, but the accessories...I HOARD doll clothing...
How about that other difficulty, competition for sought after dolls. Just today I had my alarm set for a Moppie Doll sale where there were 8 dolls available. I actually thought about not trying because of how disappointed I would feel if I didn’t get one. But I thought what would Alison do? She would go for it! So I made my plan, got everything set up and ready and was able to check out in time. But the pressure was there and it was a little stressful.
Funny...as I was watching this video my husband walked by and mentioned that you talk very fast and well meaning no ummmms and pauses, stopping to think about what you're going to say. He said maybe she is reading a script. I said no, Allison does her research, has a good memory and knows her subject well. So anyway how do you prepare for a video or do you just wing it, lol.
That's a really awesome compliment, tell him I said thanks! I have a journal where I write down my video ideas and make notes about what I want to do. So for this one I made a list of 10 to start, then I ranked the list in order (that part can be hard), then I think of examples for each of the 10 so that I know what I'm going to talk about or what I'm going to show each time - but that's the extent of my preparation. I don't do any script writing because I am horrifically unnatural when trying to read a script 🤣
My biggest difficulty is shipping - I’m in the same boat as you with Nothing Sapien. I told them to hold on to them (four dolls). I placed an order for a fifth doll, but now I can’t pay them due to the suspension of PayPal😔. My worst, worst nightmare happened - I had my Popovy doll shipped to an artist for makeup; the artist mailed the doll since October 2021 and she’s lost😔 - so annoyed. ShornaR
Love the top tens! Agree with all, except, I only wish I had a doll friend who was as interested in a doll the same as me! 😂What a nice situation to have to navigate 😂... I'm the only doll "freak" in my world 😹... and thanks to you Allison I now have a Creamsoda Weebitz heading my way 😃.... sorry, did someone mention being fiscally responsible when doll collecting 🤔🤣🤣🤣🍄💖
I think one of the reason I am willing to spend more money on doll clothes than on myself it because on my dolls the clothes will look beautiful but on me there will be little difference between a 2 dollar goodwill top or a $150 top from a nice store. No point in putting lipstick on a pig as they say lol.
If an artist wants you to feature their work, they should either gift it to you or lend it so you can show it here. They ABSOLUTELY should never ask you to purchase just so they can get a shoutout. That's very tacky.
My biggest problem is I like to customize my dolls, so I feel like I can't purchase a true artist's BJD because I would feel guilty changing it. I buy bits and pieces of dolls, mass produced dolls, or heavily damaged dolls to customize. I feel like I'm too destructive/constructive and don't want to ruin someone's work of art!
This was fun. And I think I'm a little like LJ. There are so many dolls I want - yet when I have a bit of $ it all goes to art supplies....so.....I am living my doll life vicariously through you and others :). If one day I am richer well that could change . Ha!
Charlotte, NC? Yeah I'm house hunting right now in Charlotte... It is really expensive especially since I'm looking for space for my dolls and all my hobbies. Why do we love things that take up more space then us 😆
Great video, I really enjoyed this and can relate to every topic. Ever thought about time sharing dolls with a good friend? Can be a solution for many of the topics you described!
Do you have an age that you are more drawn to? Do you only buy BJD's? How do you feel about repaints (Monster High etc...). Have you ever purchased a reborn doll, how do you feel about those?
Yes I'm much more drawn to mature dolls. I have two Monster High repaints that I was gifted and I think they're just lovely! I don't like baby dolls so reborns are a hard no for me - I can appreciate the artistry but I've never been a baby person - didn't even want any of my own. Unless they're kitten babies then those are okay 🤣
I am a completist too I don’t know any doll collectors here in Buffalo don’t have any doll collector friends wish I had some I been collecting 8 years now but haven’t gone into y tube yet I m a grandma love ur videos ❤
having so many sizes of doll is difficult ..I wish years ago I had stuck to collecting one size ,but there are so many new cute little ones .....so you also end up needing different sized clothes too haha..... I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every night for months to buy my first bjd 18 years ago haha.. ..another big problem ,I only have a grown son ,and after seeing my 3 shelves full of dolls in the living room for years ,he doesn't want to inherit and keep ANY of them LOL.... he told me they better all have price tags on them if anything happens to me, so they all have a little suggested price sticker on the bottom of their feet heehee { so yea ,doll legacy is real }
hi and thanka for all you do!!! Wondering if you have ever reviewed or owned a GlamourOz doll- from Australian designer....it was mentioned once on the Jude channel!!
Allison I would love to see also your limited Disney collection likewise you did with Lady Di. One day you have to explain how to buy online (YES....I´m still one of those, a little bit antediluvian, and afraid of even Amazon) .....do not judge.....hahaha. By the way, money at 8th place is quite indulgent....
10) Likes & Dislikes - I only like Mattel "Barbie" dolls and porcelain dolls. 9) FOMO- I do not have a fear of missing out because I will create my own OOAK . There is a doll I want that cost $900. I cannot afford her so I made my own. 8) Financial- Yes doll collecting is an expensive hobby. I buy my dolls for keeps. My problem is storage. I store them in my library with my books. My library is full of books and dolls on the shelves!!! 7) Spending money on other stuff- my "other" are books! Your KiKi earrings are cute. 6) Shipping issues- Yeah, It helps if you know your mail person. I ship with USPS also. 5) Completist??? I will create something that is missing as I am a doll crafter (my hobby). It is fun to make it and gives me a relaxing hobby. 4) Not an issue for me 3) Not an issue for me 2) Supporting artist? Again, not an issue for me and 1) the space!!!! I limit myself to 100 dolls. I have been collecting 40 years. I have a library. I put all the dolls in the library on the very top shelves because when my grandsons were little boys they would want to get rid of the Barbies. I have playline and collectible Barbies. So, I have to dust the top shelves a lot. The doll must put an idea in my head for me to purchase her/ him. Thank you for sharing your video. I truly enjoyed it. I also like your collection.
For me : 1. Most things i buy is on lay-a-way 2. Buying something undressed to be cheaper. 3 . Wanting a doll that gets sold before release date, not even preorder sold but somehow sold out. 4 collectors buying out multiple editions then not wanting them. 5. Collectors having more money for dolls than you. İ.e. Smart dolls . Some doll collectors seem to have endless money i have seen people buy everything of entire collection. Buying a doll just so another person can't get it.
I use USPS for all my shipping (selling) and never had a problem; I always insure pricey items, just for my peace of mind. You never know sometimes your buyer can be a dishonest person and try to scam you out of your doll, but I have to say eBay is good to protect you from that happening. The other platforms aren’t as good. Being a completist got me into a lot of trouble in the past (space and money) so now I make a huge effort to only get the dolls and outfits I truly love. I used to try and complete all the early articulated Barbie fashionista waves (2009-2012) but they came out with many waves in that time and I don’t think it will happen anytime soon, so I’ve slowed it way down. They’re actually very popular, I’ve paid $70-$80 for some of the rarer articulated fashionista dolls (new in-box). That’s just crazy prices for Barbies that aren’t even vintage or collector line.
I know you love dolls artists more than anything but I would like to know which is your favorite bjd’s dolls company or make a video about the top 10 best BJD dolls companies you love 😄💕
-Money is a huge thing. I have to sit down and actively put aside a couple dollars a day for dolls. It's so hard to choose which doll to prioritize. When I was buying my Smart doll it lined up right with Mela's second preorder. It was so hard to choose which doll I was going to buy because I knew It was Mela's last preorder for a little while but I had been fallowing Smart doll since 2015. I ultimately got my smart doll not Mela. But I am currently a couple hundred dolls into saving up for a Mela. I've talked to the Artist, who is an absolute sweetheart, and told her I'll have the money for her by the end of July so that if the stars Align I'll be able to get a Mela. -About the things for me rather then always doing doll things is I almost never sew for me. I want new clothing for me but I almost never sew for myself. I have a stack of clothing cut out just waiting to be sewn for me. I keep sewing for my dolls intead. -Downsizing is terrifying. I'm So scared of the day where I'll have to face that reality. Though I am starting to get to the point where I might be finding out that I might be okay not buying every doll ever. I have a couple dolls I really want to get in the next couple years. But if I for some reason never get another doll I've gotten the dolls I've been obsessed with for years and after Mela It'll just be the doll I'm already in love with that I want. -Wanting all the dolls and supporting all the artists is such a hard thing. I want so many but there's never enough funds. There are so many beautiful dolls. -The space is a huge deal. I went from living at my parents house to an apartment that is only about double the size of my childhood bedroom. That means that I can't have the majority of a doll collection. It pains me that I am separated from them for the most part. One day I really want to have a larger space. A doll room and I have this insane dream in my head. A doll room that has not only a doll house. I miss my doll house. But I want to set up a street view of the doll town in my head. Actually I want a full on doll town with a park and streets and everything but I'm trying to be more realistic here. If I had the space to start working on that I think I would be fine keeping my collection size pretty stagnant in favor of setting up the town. But There's no space for that. The housing market is insane. I wouldn't even be able to afford any new dolls if I weren't renting from Family.
I don't really like fedex but man dhl has been amazing whenever I order something from Japan it comes in less than a week I also like usps and ups is just meh
The hardest thing for me is the place. 😫 I don't have enough place to put my dolls. They share my bedroom and my wardrobe. This is really annoying, but fortunately, I love small bjd dolls, the exact opposite of you. I only have two SD and two 18 inch dolls, and the rest are MSD and small dolls shipping. Something most of us fear and fear. In the past, I lost the certificate one of bjd doll because of customs, and it was my first doll. It was very frustrating. 😢
Hi I reached out to you on Instagram to ask you what type of shelving do you use I know you got it from IKEA but I don’t remember what line it is thanks
My biggest difficulty is picking a bjd to buy! I’m so indecisive and a little bit of an over-thinker. I’ve been wanting a bjd for nearly 2 years and been searching for the doll to buy! Hehe what can I say I’m a 1st year uni student so the money I’ve saved I’m very picky on what I spend it on 😂😂😂
When I was in school I was also EXTREMELY picky about what I bought. The only doll I actually saved money for and bought was a bubble cut Barbie - the rest all came from the flea market.
It's a little morbid, but does anyone else worry about what will happen to their collection when they die? My collection isn't nearly as valuable or impressive as yours, but I worry if the people in my life will know what to do with them when I'm gone. Do people will their dolls to museums or something? lol I'm curious if anyone has a post mortem plan for their dolls?
I wouldn't say I worry about but I do have a plan for it - right now it goes to my partner if I die and he knows approximate values etc, but if we are both gone it will go to my niece and nephews and I plan to include the names of some doll professionals/auction houses who can help them sell IF my collection still has any value at that point.
I have two granddaughters so I told my husband to offer the dolls to them if they want them. Otherwise list on eBay and they will go to other doll lovers’ homes. 😅
HI MUNECAS TODAY I FOUND 2 OLD VINTAGE BARBIE DOLLS 1 HAS BAD HAIR AND BARBIE HEAD LOSE HER BODY SO I DID PUT HER BARBIE FASHION BODY AND I RESTORE HER NEW EYES BROWS SO I WILL SUPER GLUE HER EYES BROWS SO THEY WON'T COME OFF I LOVE RESTORES MY OLD BARBIE DOLLS LOVE DAVID
My grail doll is popovy or pashapasha but due to my financial situation and the limitations of them, all i do is dreaming and everytime i look at your unboxing video to make myself happy 🥹 if only i have one of them that would made me the most happiest boy in the world to have one of them or both😭
For me Space , getting everything organized & deciding what to keep and sell are my top 3 . When i moved here i had alot of dolls and i bought more . i originally had the 1971 mobile home and right next to it a 1980s cabin . originally i had all the doll stuff stored in the cabin not displayed . a pipe broke so the cabin flooded and i had to move things into the mobile home making it look like i was a hoarder then once the cabin dried i began moving things back into it Then my brother deliberately flipped a switch Flooding it again knowing what he did but it took me days to find out by then the next street over was filled with my water and i had a 500.00 water bill . a normal water bill for me is 50.25 per month so, i had to wait for the cabin to dry out again . That is when i got fed up and bought my 1994 larger mobile home that i am moving everything from the cabin and the 1971 trailer into,, so i can get organized . which now faces the 1971 mobile home on my land . so my 3 buildings form a circle or more of a Q because of where the cabin is with land in the middle . once the 1971 house and cabin are empty i will deep clean and repair both while separating what to keep & sell that are in the 3rd house . then i must sell what i don't want and eventually have a room or building where i can display the doll stuff i'm keeping and i hope to turn the 3 buildings into 1- 6 bedroom 4 bath house .
My biggest difficulty was realizing that I’d much rather look at dolls than own them! I LOVE looking at your dolls and other peoples’ dolls on social media. I keep lists of dolls that I like, and I browse available dolls CONSTANTLY. When I first got into collecting, I bought a few (I have never been an impulse buyer), but a few months later, I’d realize I had never bonded with the doll, so I’d sell it. I currently have 5 dolls, and that seems to be the perfect number for me. I’m not opposed to having a larger collection if I come across something that I really love and bond with, but most of the enjoyment I get out of my dolls is from making things for them (I knit, sew, and crochet). I can make the same five dolls a billion different outfits and not get bored, so I don’t feel much need to increase the size of my collection. I seriously admire folks with large collections who genuinely love every doll, like you clearly do!
I think that's awesome!! I find sometimes that I also like looking at a doll a lot better than having it...just like the Tinies. I think everyone has a number they're comfortable with too 💜💜
LJ, I get a lot of joy from collecting photos of dolls on Pinterest! I envy you your 5 dolls!
This is REALLY AWESOME! I love watching other people’s doll collections as well! Yet, I have been buying dolls… a lot I don’t need! I have been thinking of reducing my doll collection even if I just bought them. I live in an apartment and really don’t have the space for all of my dolls and want to appreciate the ones I have… Right now they have taken over my walk-in closet. I really like the idea of just keeping my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES and making items for them. If you don’t mind can you please say what 5 dolls you have?… I’m just curious.
@@princessmyhand I like to make outfits for my dolls (mostly my minis). I have a Strawberry Shortcake, a jointed, artist-painted mini from Etsy, a Lemo doll from AliExpress, a Wellie Wisher and a reborn.
This is such a thoughtful comment. It makes complete sense that you sell a doll if you don’t bond with it. I recently realized this, and in the process of selling off a large chunk of my collection to redirect the funds to the doll lines I love.
Fortunately my dolls are clean and in great shape so they’re selling very quickly, most people that sell online aren’t doll lovers they just sell dirty and matted dolls 😮
I didn’t think there could be 10 difficulties but you nailed it. I can relate to all that covered. Funny, I had to pause the video because the delivery dropped off a doll package. Tomorrow, if I can wake up early enough going to the flea market to look for….dolls! I didn’t think I’d turn into a collector when I got my first Blythe but 3 years later I probably have a hundred different dolls! Yikes! I’m in a 1200 sq ft condo and need to figure something out. I love your doll room by the way. Oh, and your Tuttle is adorable!
One of my difficulties is being understood and accepted as a collector of dolls and toys. Sometimes I don't feel completely understood by the people around me. I have no friends in collecting and therefore I don't even have the problem of competition or who comes first ..
The budget I have is very limited as is the space that is finished.
I'm not a completist and I don't even try..
Thanks Allison for this video, I like your top ten videos! 😉💜
I'm sorry that you have those difficulties but I'm glad the online doll community can be here for you 💜💜
I feel this!!!!! Most people don’t understand! I’ve had people asking me why I spend money on “useless things” 🤷🏻♀️ good thing I don’t care! 😂 they filled me with so much joy and I work really hard to earn 💵 to do whatever I want with it! And Allison is right! There’s a huge community online and I’m so thankful for it 🙏🏽💕🥰
Yes I dont have family or friends that have an interest in doll collecting and that's why I'm glad I found Allison and her videos
Really enjoyed the list. Customs fees make me very angry, but my biggest difficulty is WAITING. Everything takes so long. I'm so impatient! I'm enjoying this hobby, but I'd love to just go into a shop, see what I want and buy it. I did smile when you said about buying things for yourself. I haven't batted an eyelid at some of the prices of the doll clothes I've bought and then I'm in a shop looking at dresses for me thinking 'I'm not paying that much for a dress!'
Ugh the wait is so hard!!! That one has to go on the list for the next time I make one of these!
I can relate to almost all these issues. I have a space problem too. Letting go is hard! Thanks for sharing this thoughtful video.
It's soooo hard! I took a week off after Christmas to go through my room and try to do it 😩
Number 1 difficulty?
Restringing.... enough said, lol.
🤣🤣🤣 oh MY GOSH I forgot about that one!!! I need to make a new video lmao!!!
For me one of the biggest doll collecting issues is the customs fees! Lol, just recently I had to pay £160 (around $200) in customs fees for my new Volks SD girl!
Your collection is wonderful and I really admire your dedication to dolls 🥰. Like you, I often find myself buying expensive doll things when I really should be buying things for myself, like new clothes or shoes etc! Lol. I would much rather spend my money on my dolls/doll stuff though 🤣.
I don’t have a space issue as such because I don’t have many dolls anymore, I love a small collection. I’ve noticed that if I don’t redress a doll occasionally or play with it, I cannot just leave it sat on the display. I need to play with them in order for them to stay. At least someone else can give them the best dolly lives that I think they deserve. 🤣🌸💗
I know customs has to be such a BUMMER for some of you collectors 😩 I think spending money on ourselves will always be the doll collectors struggle 🤣
I'm a new doll collector (2yrs) and I can already identify with most of those difficulties. Trying to limit my purchases to dolls I really really want but you know how it goes...I buy one doll and next thing I know I'm in a buying frenzy. I think I need to pace my purchases so I can give myself time to enjoy and bond with each doll before the next one arrives. Thank you as usual for your thoughts, as a newer collector it's nice to know I'm not alone!
Yes!!! I'm trying to do a better job of pacing my purchases this year - that's a big problem I have even when I do pace them a lot of times they all land together - so it's hard to bond.
Oh my god, the FOMO story you told really hit home for me. As a young college student, I was at the Disney Store the night before the Limited Edition Snow white came out. The very first one. I had mentioned to the lady at the store that I was a doll collector, and she ran to the back and brought one out to show me, and she told me that they'd be for sale in the morning. As I was a college student, I couldn't afford it, so I didn't go back for her. LITTLE DID I KNOW.
Noooooooo!!!!! Those Disney LE really have us questioning all our life choices 😆😆😆
One thing that's hard for me like you said with downsizing is some dolls aren't really worth anything so I can't really sell them but I also don't want to throw them away or send to the thrift so I just end up keeping them. On the other side the more expensive dolls I don't want to sell.
OH MY GOSH YES!!! I can't throw a doll away, I literally CANNOT!
If you donate, you can write it off on your taxes.
I agree, no dolls in boxes or put away in storage. They don't do well.
Definitely not!!
Dolls do multiply exponentially and I think they adopt more when I am not looking. I can relate to all of these in some way. I am not such a big artist doll person because I like to adopt play dolls and refurbish them but I definitely enjoy your collecting artist dolls so I get a vicarious fix. Trouble is, the more I see your dolls, the more I think about getting one, just one. Right!
It always starts with "just one" 😅 I can relate to the play doll collecting because I LOVE playline dolls and love fixing them up 💜💜
My most difficulty is once you started to collect dolls, from time to time you realize that it becomes difficult to organize everything well in a limited space due to the sizes of the dolls👍💜
Yes that is so hard! Shaira was giving me tips the last time she was over about how I should group some of my dolls together
@@MunecasPoupeesDollsThank You and I will check her Instagram and videos for some ideas🤗🤗🌷🌷🍀🍀
Great video, I could relate to a lot!
I've lost a doll collector "friend" over a doll. We weren't close friends, friends in the Instagram doll community,we would chat, and had sent each other doll items before. Well, I came across a basic Barbie that had a face sculpt of a collector doll, I think it was a manufacturing error. Anyway, she asked me to be on the lookout for another and get for her. I never have to this day, seen another. Welk, she stopped communicating with me.
As far as artists asking you to purchase their dolls, I think they should donate one to you and then by you reviewing and posting, other collectors might purchase so they wouldn't be really losing money.
Yikes that sounds like it wasn't a real friend I'm sorry that happened to you
One difficulty I have is that I will really focus on doll collecting for a few months, and then focus on something else the next few months. When I'm at the start of my “dolly downtime“ 😉 I feel a bit guilty. But I will be a doll collector for life, so I guess it's okay.
Another difficulty for me is finishing creative projects. Sometimes lack of time or inspiration will put plans for a face up or sewing on hold for weeks.
And the last one is a bit controversial... In my opinion the wait times, exclusivity and prices of some dolls are ridiculous! Spending money, especially on something you do for fun, should simply not be as hard. So I kind of refuse to do aal of that and mostly go for the more easily accessible (but still pretty special) dolls, or make an old or blank doll all pretty 😍 I've learned it's just more fun for me that way.
I used to have A LOT more dolly down time than I do now, and I would feel guilty too so I understand that.
I love how this doll collector is always changing up her nail polish , so interesting and seems to go naturally with her artistic fervor for dolls. Love her videos
Thanks Jeanette for the love 💜💜
Hi there, I lost everything on my computer awhile back so I have missed your channel for awhile. But, here you are with this great, thought provoking video.
I probably have too many dolls, but I have sold a few and given away SO many.
Of course I can't seem to stop collecting, and I have never known a particular reason that I do...I have also experienced seller's regret.
I also got into the wigs and accessories, especially for my two BJD's. But, as finances remain a challenge for all of us, one has to wait for such things.
Currently, I have wanted to complete my American Girl historicals, the first few that were made. I don't have any white bodies but I will some day.
Thanks for all you do for the doll community, I always enjoy your content.
I always go back and forth with trying to complete my historicals...I think I probably never will but it's always so tempting to me especially when prices drop as they sometimes do in the market
You're 💯accurate & hit the mark on everything about doll collecting. I can sell clothes,shoes,bags etc.. without any emotional attachment, I could care less about that (as unthinkable & absurd as it is to clothing /shoe/bag lovers or collectors of other items I dont care for), but I'm emotionally bonded with my dolls that I've kept (I do downsize & purge the ones I don't like as much anymore like any normal collector does, we know its a revolving door lol ) & any meaningful jewelry or gifts my friends or grandma has given me I cannot part with bc of the sentimental value, plus I love the stuff. BTW, about housing costs you're right prices are absolutely atrocious. I've moved so much all my life, a gypsy nomad thathas never settled in one place in my 31 years & now more than ever its a shame to not own a home bc homes are by far the most valuable possession that anyone (middle class) can own (aside from wealthy individuals whose net worths exceed their home value),home leasing costs are exorbitantly soaring & out of reach for so many struggling low income individuals & families its awful & renting is not only ridiculously expensive, but wasteful bc you will never recover that money you've spent the way a homeowner is able to make a profit, as we all know homes don't lose value like cars do. Didn't mean to go off topic, but you're right about that too.
I've been struggling hard with this lately as I've reached capacity in my home and am working to let go of some of the sentimental stuff 😆 I'm glad you can relate to some of this 💜💜
My most common issues with doll collecting is space , and since covid finances. I’ve been very creative in finding space , because I can’t stand clutter , but my doll area is looking cluttered , I’ve got to do something.. …After covid hit I’ve been very picky with every doll I buy, because covid has made me paranoid about spending , So I’ve let go of being a completist on certain doll lines, only buying 1, or two of my favs, and it hasn’t been easy , but maybe that’s a good thing. …Loved the video
I've been trying to cut back on spending myself this year and I've done a fairly good job of it - the economy is certainly got me worried and thinking about having a bigger emergency fund.
Oh, man. I kept wanting to yell, "Personally attacked!" during the whole video. 😁
Space is already a huge issue (my dolls are taking over my house!), and I've only been collecting BJDs for two years (Barbies for six). I realized very early on that I get the most joy from modifying dolls - taking them apart, swapping things around, switching up outfits, etc. Since I know that about myself, and I know that limited sets could be someone else's grail, I try very, very hard to avoid buying anything that is a limited release. I've sold almost all of my "limited" dolls to collectors who really wanted them as is. My BJDs and playline dolls are almost all common dolls that anyone can get. If there's a wig or an outfit/part of an outfit I don't like - it either gets added to a sale as a "gift", swapped, or given away. I'm ruthless in that sense.
Going off of the completionist discussion - optional BJD hands and feet! I have bought several used dolls, only to realize that the company offers different hand/feet/bust options - but you can ONLY buy them with the full doll! (Seriously - TRY to find a company besides Dream Valley that sells flat feet!) And unless it's Volks or Fairyland - good luck trying to find them on the second-hand market. Or, the doll company may sell them separately, but shipping is insane - we're talking $20 for feet, and $50 for shipping! *cough cough* Iplehouse *cough*
Downsizing is painful - my dolls are all so special to me! But what makes the pain easier is either (1) knowing that the money will go towards purchasing a new doll I really want, or (2) giving it away will bring someone else so much joy. If a doll isn't worth much on the second-hand market, often I'll just give it away to another collector. I appreciate your thought process, and I'm going to use it in the future. I try to stick to my "no-box" rule - I do not leave my dolls in boxes (for the most part). If a doll is still in the box, I sell/give it to someone who prefers to keep their dolls in boxes. Of course, when you have cats... there are exceptions.
And the biggest issue for me - finding exactly what I want. Every doll I buy is perfect! Except... I would change this. I want to modify that (another reason I try to stick to "common" dolls). I have yet to find the One True Doll - the doll that is so perfect, I wouldn't change a thing. (I think I just need to learn how to make my own already, lol.)
Also - 16-inch fashion playline dolls. Please bring them back, toy makers! I am BEGGING you! (sorry for the mini-novella)
LOL at personally attacked 😆 I love to buy a Fullset but I do redress them from time to time and I think some people hate me for that 🤣 but they always eventually go back into their fullsets
I’m so obsessed with my 16-inch fashion dolls. I don’t have playline 16-inch just collector dolls (Tonner and Alexander), but I love them so much. I knit outfits for them and have so much fun dressing them up.
It’s just frustrating trying to get reasonably-priced shoes, because they have fashion feet and not the larger BJD feet. Also I love buying handmade clothes for them, knowing that someone hand-made the outfit just makes it that much more special to me. I got rid of my sewing machine eons ago because I suck at it and have no patience 😂 so I admire others’ sewing talents.
Great video! 😊👍 I can relate with most of the things you listed. Limited funds, space, having friends you are competiting against for the same dolls. One other challenge I have is loving so many different types of dolls lol! Because then I want so many and my wish list is a mile long! Sometimes I wish I just wanted or collected one type of doll. It would be so much easier lol
Gosh I feel that in my bones...it would be a lot easier if I only liked one type of doll 🤣
I think your #10 is currently my #1. I honestly can't figure out what I want my collection to be. I know a collection doesn't need a focus, so I am wrestling with that, too. Financially of course, especially now for me, I am extremely limited. I guess my worst issue is completing an historical doll line. I don't want all the extras like furniture, I just want the dolls. Currently, it is Skediddle Kiddles. I am not able to purchase more, right now, so I content myself by searching through selling venues. I ooh and ah over what is available and wish for the dolls to find new happy homes. One day, it will be me bringing one home.
I think a lot of us spend time trying different dolls or looking at different dolls before we figure out what we like...and then once we figure it out, our taste changes. That's the great thing about collecting, it doesn't have to have a focus and it's all for fun 💜💜
Let me tell you my biggest shipping disasters… and it happened, not once, but TWICE!! A rare monster high INBOX doll I grabbed for a fantastic price. It was in the delivery truck and the truck was hi-jacked and BURNT DOWN! My doll went up in flames. Then I lost another doll I had been hunting down for ever and she also burnt down in a delivery truck. Was hectic!
Holy crap that's crazy
Wtf omg!?!?! Burned down???? That is WILD! Was there insurance involved? Were you able to get the money back?
I love listening to you talk with such passion about your dolls! Your videos are so wonderful! :) Thank you for giving us this great line up of dolly related troubles!
Thank you so much for the lovely comments...dolls are definitely my passion and I enjoy sharing it with the world 💜
This was an exhaustive list! I could only imagine 2 things before I clicked play but as you went down the list I found myself agreeing with everything 😂😅 99 problems but the hobby is worth every one 😝
LOL it is totally worth every one!
Speaking of FOMO, I missed out today on a vintage Barbie item on eBay that I've wanted for years. It went for a great price, too. OUCH! All my own fault -- I shoulda set an alarm!
I think a limited edition of 100 or less is something one can invest in safely Even if you don't bond with the doll, you'll always be able to sell it at a profit.
I recall the rest of that Susie Ormond quote being: 'First people, then money, then things.' And I'm working on saving money, but I'm not so sure I wouldn't rather have Dolls than Money! lololol
Space is a huge problem for me, too. I hope to buy a house in the next couple years and have a dedicated doll room like you!
Also, I have a lot of 'aspirational clutter', which goes: 'I'll get a dress pattern for this doll, and now I want that fabric and those buttons...etc. etc. etc" and then I do nothing with what I've collected.
Noooo I'm sorry you missed out on your item 😢 I love your quote "aspirational clutter" I've never heard that before but it fits so perfectly well to so much I have around here
Use a sniper if you don’t want to miss something you’ve been waiting for!
I use Gixen and put in the max price I’m willing to pay for something; then Gixen places a bid for you in the last few seconds of the auction. That way the other bidders don’t know you’re interested in the item, until it’s too late to up their bid 😅 I’ve gotten some dolls for amazing prices by using a sniper. People seldom put in the max price they’re willing to pay when they first bid.
And if it sells for more than I was willing to pay, using a sniper protects me from paying too much haha 😂 and the last thing that using a sniper is good for, is that you can easily cancel a snipe without getting into trouble, unlike an actual bid on eBay which is a binding contract.
One difficulty is waiting times, especially for BJDs. You see a doll you really want, plan her looks by looking at endless photos on the web etc…but then it’s 4 months waiting time for casting and shipping, another 2 months to ship the head to my favorite faceup artist in Hong Kong and get it back. By the time the doll gets back to me it’s often 6 months and the initial pleasure rush of getting that doll is often dulled.
Yesssss!!! And sometimes the wait is over a year and your taste has changed by then 😭
What a treat to come home to one of your videos after work! Love your responses! The FOMO gets me every time! Saying “no” is one of my biggest difficulties. 🤪 By the way, I’m so glad you bought yourself some matching earrings! They’re gorgeous! Purple is my favorite color! And I went mining for crystals in Arkansas once! Such fun!
FOMO is so hard!! This is actually the first year I've been really good about it and telling myself no 😅
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls That’s amazing! I’m so proud of you! I’m trying my best to resist some of the temptations this year too! But you’re right… it’s SO hard! 😅
Do you store the boxes or packaging just in care you resell them?
I bought my dolls primarily to do face ups on them or make clothes for them. My biggest struggle is stopping myself from buying more materials and accept the fact that my limited time, skills and energy does not allow me to even put a dent on my to-do projects. I just feel guilty and stressed out over all the clutter from materials that have accumulated for my future projects.
Yes I keep it all up in my attic just in case
Very interesting video! I definitely agree with all the difficulties you mentioned. My biggest challenge is being super indecisive about what dolls I want to collect. I am interested in many dolls but often don’t bond with them once they arrive. So my doll plans constantly shift! My husband says my doll collecting style is “catch and release.” 🙈 I’m a completist too - right now I’m hoping to find a Forever Virginia Evie to complete my Charm collection 😍 She is such a sweet sculpt 💗 and I love the Charms displayed on my old Barbie furniture! (Nostalgia I guess)
Catch and release 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Space is definitely the number 1 problem in my house. Of course I also need to be careful about the spending, as there are always so many dolls I like, more than I can ever afford to get. Another question I ask myself, if I'm considering selling a doll (or more dolls) to get a doll, is if I really want the new doll more than I would like to keep the older one. If the answer is no, maybe the new doll is just not for me.
That's a good question that I ask myself too....would I rather trade in this doll for another one? If the answer is yes then yes! But if I'm worried I'll regret it then no
“When your dolls start multiplying”…😂😂😂 they certainly do that!!!!! 😜💕😘
I don't even understand how it happens 🤷🏼♀️
I relate super hard to no space D: I wish I had a doll room and I'd love one when I eventually can buy a place. At the moment it's a case of having as many dolls as I can fit into my display cabinet and it's pretty crowded! Still, always seem to be able to squeeze one more in ;)
You'll be adding more to your collection after the Wonderland Of Play event no doubt!😁
I probably will be adding a few more and like you, I'll probably be able to somehow squeeze them in somewhere 🤣🤣
I comment a bit late but as always this was such an interesting video 💕 it really highlighted things I can personally relate to (I am not a BJD collector though, I collect Barbie and Integrity Toys, but those difficulties can really apply to my case as well 😅).
A thing that makes things worse for me is that I live in Europe (🇧🇪) so getting some dolls can really be complicated or at least more expensive with customs (for example being a member of the WClub or preorder dolls on the barbie official website is just impossible for me due to the fees, I also followed a brand which sold only from the US and decided to give up on it, partly because of those extra fees which make the dolls and accessories way more expensive than what I can afford, but I think we all have this issue at some point, but as you said even in the US, like in any other country this can happen, we can always find a doll which is not sold in our country and that just gets way more expensive than expected with all the fees added 😅
I'm going to test ordering a doll and having to pay customs on it this week, I've never had to do that before but I think it's going to be ... An interesting experience lol
Oof. I feel the shipping stuff. I got a Anthro Cat doll from Elleo dolls and they shipped it just as the sanctions started. Heart was pounding for weeks until he showed up.
It is so nerve wracking!!!
I've had people ask me to do faceups for them and I have always refused because I would not be able to live with it if a limited doll head got lost when I shipped it back hahaha...big big fear
A difficulty I have is that I customize dolls and I always go into a repaint thinking “ok when it’s done I’ll try and sell this one so I can buy other ones” but I get sooo attached to them while making them and haven’t sold any 😅
🤣🤣🤣 I can imagine!!
My grail doll at the moment is American Girl Doll Courtney Moore and her entire collection. I was a young girl in the 80s, so she’d mean a great deal to me 😊
She's so awesome 😎
My daughter really loves smart doll..but it's too expensive...watching from Philippines..
Thank you for joining me! That's one of the huge difficulties 😩
Such a fantastic video Alison! I desperately want to downsize but bit stuck. As soon as I pick that doll off the shelf, then suddenly I want her again arghhh. Is there any chance one day you could do a top 10 on the best places to sell dolls and ways to downsize? It's sooooo hard.
Check this one out; czcams.com/video/SvHMBHghtvc/video.html
And then this one 💜 czcams.com/video/Ysc2aGpXg0o/video.html
Fun vid👍! I think many of us doll collectors are obsessive too & my hubby always reminds me of that 😂 my biggest issues are doll prices because a lot them are over $20 so it can get pricey when you want to buy new dolls 😞 also space since there's never enough of it 👎 my collections are all in our living room because that's the only place I can display them & so I've literally taken over that space 😆
USPS lost my Dreamshyre baby, and I was devo-ed! Honestly, right now, I'm loving Speedex. It's used by a bunch of Chinese sellers, and it's pretty quick, and they always deliver my stuff! Also, in NYC, the Amazon shipping company is pretty good. It used to be the worst, but they really got it together! My #1 doll issue is shoes! Finding shoes especially for my fashion BJDs...I have taken to just buying every single shoe a doll maker makes so that I have a variety and options, because if I don't I'll never find anything else that fits and I get soooo frustrated...Also, the space. That's always going to be an issue not only because of the dolls, but the accessories...I HOARD doll clothing...
How about that other difficulty, competition for sought after dolls. Just today I had my alarm set for a Moppie Doll sale where there were 8 dolls available. I actually thought about not trying because of how disappointed I would feel if I didn’t get one. But I thought what would Alison do? She would go for it! So I made my plan, got everything set up and ready and was able to check out in time. But the pressure was there and it was a little stressful.
It is so stressful!! But I always try to go for it because you never know 😆 I'm so glad you were able to get one, congratulations 🎉
Space is my biggest in a tiny house. I agree with your entire list.
Space is also my #1!!
My favorite dolls are the ones I have thrifted. The hardest part is getting display shelves up because I am alone. And space and money too. LOL
I love thrifting dolls 😍
Funny...as I was watching this video my husband walked by and mentioned that you talk very fast and well meaning no ummmms and pauses, stopping to think about what you're going to say. He said maybe she is reading a script. I said no, Allison does her research, has a good memory and knows her subject well. So anyway how do you prepare for a video or do you just wing it, lol.
That's a really awesome compliment, tell him I said thanks! I have a journal where I write down my video ideas and make notes about what I want to do. So for this one I made a list of 10 to start, then I ranked the list in order (that part can be hard), then I think of examples for each of the 10 so that I know what I'm going to talk about or what I'm going to show each time - but that's the extent of my preparation. I don't do any script writing because I am horrifically unnatural when trying to read a script 🤣
My biggest difficulty is shipping - I’m in the same boat as you with Nothing Sapien. I told them to hold on to them (four dolls). I placed an order for a fifth doll, but now I can’t pay them due to the suspension of PayPal😔. My worst, worst nightmare happened - I had my Popovy doll shipped to an artist for makeup; the artist mailed the doll since October 2021 and she’s lost😔 - so annoyed. ShornaR
Shorna I'm hoping we both have a good outcome! Shaira received her Naora just this week via DHL so there is definitely hope!!
Love the top tens! Agree with all, except, I only wish I had a doll friend who was as interested in a doll the same as me! 😂What a nice situation to have to navigate 😂... I'm the only doll "freak" in my world 😹... and thanks to you Allison I now have a Creamsoda Weebitz heading my way 😃.... sorry, did someone mention being fiscally responsible when doll collecting 🤔🤣🤣🤣🍄💖
Wooo hooo on the Weebitz!! They are exquisite 😍😍
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls YAY! 😃Can't wait! 🍄👏🏼💖
I think one of the reason I am willing to spend more money on doll clothes than on myself it because on my dolls the clothes will look beautiful but on me there will be little difference between a 2 dollar goodwill top or a $150 top from a nice store. No point in putting lipstick on a pig as they say lol.
I have been feeling that same way up until I signed up for stitch fix and I love the stuff they send me 😆
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls I've always been curious about stitch fix I do like getting packages so I might give it a shot some time.
Loved your countdown. Space is my number 1 issue. Another difficulty for you. Wich doll(s) are you taking with you to Brugge 😁.
I'm not bringing any dolls to Brugge so I can bring some home 😆
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls 😂 The best idea!
If an artist wants you to feature their work, they should either gift it to you or lend it so you can show it here. They ABSOLUTELY should never ask you to purchase just so they can get a shoutout. That's very tacky.
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Very cute earrings
Thank you 💜💜💜
My first difficulty is the number one in your list: My bedroom size is 3x3 m2! LOL.
There's never enough space 😆
You are right with all the 10 difficulties. I'm in the hobby for almost a year and I already relate to all of them :)))
It's good to know we all face the same ones 😅
Well I spoke too soon, no.3 doesn't apply though :))
My biggest problem is I like to customize my dolls, so I feel like I can't purchase a true artist's BJD because I would feel guilty changing it. I buy bits and pieces of dolls, mass produced dolls, or heavily damaged dolls to customize. I feel like I'm too destructive/constructive and don't want to ruin someone's work of art!
I can totally understand that 💜💜
This was fun. And I think I'm a little like LJ. There are so many dolls I want - yet when I have a bit of $ it all goes to art supplies....so.....I am living my doll life vicariously through you and others :). If one day I am richer well that could change . Ha!
We all have our hobby priorities 😆 for me I almost always allocate money towards new dolls instead of new clothes for said dolls
Charlotte, NC? Yeah I'm house hunting right now in Charlotte... It is really expensive especially since I'm looking for space for my dolls and all my hobbies. Why do we love things that take up more space then us 😆
The housing market is NUTS here right now!! Good luck on your search 💜💜💜
Great video, I really enjoyed this and can relate to every topic.
Ever thought about time sharing dolls with a good friend? Can be a solution for many of the topics you described!
I have done that from time to time with my friends and it works out great 😍
You could put the doll on display with a revolving shelving for the doll's. Similar to what stores do for some jewelry
I definitely relate to all of these, especially Fomo and wanting to complete certain lines 😅
The fomo is so strong sometimes 😅
Do you have an age that you are more drawn to? Do you only buy BJD's? How do you feel about repaints (Monster High etc...). Have you ever purchased a reborn doll, how do you feel about those?
Yes I'm much more drawn to mature dolls. I have two Monster High repaints that I was gifted and I think they're just lovely! I don't like baby dolls so reborns are a hard no for me - I can appreciate the artistry but I've never been a baby person - didn't even want any of my own. Unless they're kitten babies then those are okay 🤣
I am a completist too I don’t know any doll collectors here in Buffalo don’t have any doll collector friends wish I had some I been collecting 8 years now but haven’t gone into y tube yet I m a grandma love ur videos ❤
having so many sizes of doll is difficult ..I wish years ago I had stuck to collecting one size ,but there are so many new cute little ones .....so you also end up needing different sized clothes too haha.....
I ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every night for months to buy my first bjd 18 years ago haha..
..another big problem ,I only have a grown son ,and after seeing my 3 shelves full of dolls in the living room for years ,he doesn't want to inherit and keep ANY of them LOL.... he told me they better all have price tags on them if anything happens to me, so they all have a little suggested price sticker on the bottom of their feet heehee { so yea ,doll legacy is real }
Yessss on the different sized clothes things OMG it's so hard!! I love that they have price stickers on their feet 😆
hi and thanka for all you do!!! Wondering if you have ever reviewed or owned a GlamourOz doll- from Australian designer....it was mentioned once on the Jude channel!!
Multiple times, it was my last video czcams.com/video/Kd53BVDkPew/video.html
czcams.com/video/O3QMCR-W4cU/video.html
Allison I would love to see also your limited Disney collection likewise you did with Lady Di.
One day you have to explain how to buy online (YES....I´m still one of those, a little bit antediluvian, and afraid of even Amazon) .....do not judge.....hahaha. By the way, money at 8th place is quite indulgent....
Maybe one day I'll show the LE dolls 😆
My biggest issue right now is buying dolls with no space! 🤦🏾♀️
Same 🤣
10) Likes & Dislikes - I only like Mattel "Barbie" dolls and porcelain dolls. 9) FOMO- I do not have a fear of missing out because I will create my own OOAK . There is a doll I want that cost $900. I cannot afford her so I made my own. 8) Financial- Yes doll collecting is an expensive hobby. I buy my dolls for keeps. My problem is storage. I store them in my library with my books. My library is full of books and dolls on the shelves!!! 7) Spending money on other stuff- my "other" are books! Your KiKi earrings are cute. 6) Shipping issues- Yeah, It helps if you know your mail person. I ship with USPS also. 5) Completist??? I will create something that is missing as I am a doll crafter (my hobby). It is fun to make it and gives me a relaxing hobby. 4) Not an issue for me 3) Not an issue for me 2) Supporting artist? Again, not an issue for me
and 1) the space!!!! I limit myself to 100 dolls. I have been collecting 40 years. I have a library. I put all the dolls in the library
on the very top shelves because when my grandsons were little boys they would want to get rid of the Barbies. I have playline and collectible Barbies. So, I have to dust the top shelves a lot. The doll must put an idea in my head for me to purchase her/ him. Thank you for sharing your video. I truly enjoyed it. I also like your collection.
Thank you so much for sharing your 10 and for watching 💜
For me : 1. Most things i buy is on lay-a-way
2. Buying something undressed to be cheaper.
3 . Wanting a doll that gets sold before release date, not even preorder sold but somehow sold out.
4 collectors buying out multiple editions then not wanting them.
5. Collectors having more money for dolls than you. İ.e. Smart dolls .
Some doll collectors seem to have endless money i have seen people buy everything of entire collection.
Buying a doll just so another person can't get it.
Lay away is a really nice option that I use a lot with different artists
I use USPS for all my shipping (selling) and never had a problem; I always insure pricey items, just for my peace of mind. You never know sometimes your buyer can be a dishonest person and try to scam you out of your doll, but I have to say eBay is good to protect you from that happening. The other platforms aren’t as good.
Being a completist got me into a lot of trouble in the past (space and money) so now I make a huge effort to only get the dolls and outfits I truly love. I used to try and complete all the early articulated Barbie fashionista waves (2009-2012) but they came out with many waves in that time and I don’t think it will happen anytime soon, so I’ve slowed it way down. They’re actually very popular, I’ve paid $70-$80 for some of the rarer articulated fashionista dolls (new in-box). That’s just crazy prices for Barbies that aren’t even vintage or collector line.
Storage and display pace is a big one for me now!
I just sold my vintage 1990's ASI doll. Made in Spain, limited edition. Only took two days. I was happy. Do you have any ASI ones?
I do have one Asi doll I purchased when I was in Madrid - she is really sweet
Number 7 is a BIG problem for me. 99% of the time, I'll choose the doll!😍
I would love to see a review of your Natalia Loseva bjds!💕
Have you seen this already czcams.com/video/lfUnkx4NQwQ/video.html
I know you love dolls artists more than anything but I would like to know which is your favorite bjd’s dolls company or make a video about the top 10 best BJD dolls companies you love 😄💕
I don't even have 10 BJDs by companies so that would be really hard for me 😆 I only have Minifee so I guess that would be my favorite
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls 😄😄😄😄👍🏻
-Money is a huge thing. I have to sit down and actively put aside a couple dollars a day for dolls. It's so hard to choose which doll to prioritize. When I was buying my Smart doll it lined up right with Mela's second preorder. It was so hard to choose which doll I was going to buy because I knew It was Mela's last preorder for a little while but I had been fallowing Smart doll since 2015. I ultimately got my smart doll not Mela. But I am currently a couple hundred dolls into saving up for a Mela. I've talked to the Artist, who is an absolute sweetheart, and told her I'll have the money for her by the end of July so that if the stars Align I'll be able to get a Mela.
-About the things for me rather then always doing doll things is I almost never sew for me. I want new clothing for me but I almost never sew for myself. I have a stack of clothing cut out just waiting to be sewn for me. I keep sewing for my dolls intead.
-Downsizing is terrifying. I'm So scared of the day where I'll have to face that reality. Though I am starting to get to the point where I might be finding out that I might be okay not buying every doll ever. I have a couple dolls I really want to get in the next couple years. But if I for some reason never get another doll I've gotten the dolls I've been obsessed with for years and after Mela It'll just be the doll I'm already in love with that I want.
-Wanting all the dolls and supporting all the artists is such a hard thing. I want so many but there's never enough funds. There are so many beautiful dolls.
-The space is a huge deal. I went from living at my parents house to an apartment that is only about double the size of my childhood bedroom. That means that I can't have the majority of a doll collection. It pains me that I am separated from them for the most part. One day I really want to have a larger space. A doll room and I have this insane dream in my head. A doll room that has not only a doll house. I miss my doll house. But I want to set up a street view of the doll town in my head. Actually I want a full on doll town with a park and streets and everything but I'm trying to be more realistic here. If I had the space to start working on that I think I would be fine keeping my collection size pretty stagnant in favor of setting up the town. But There's no space for that. The housing market is insane. I wouldn't even be able to afford any new dolls if I weren't renting from Family.
The housing market is insane here too it's so difficult for anyone to buy anything 😢 I hope one day all your dreams become a reality 💜💜
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls it's so crazy. I really hope so. I think it'd be so cool and imagine all the amazing pictures I could take
Just open a doll museum. Space problem solved. :)
🤣🤣🤣🤣 you gonna help me do it??
@@MunecasPoupeesDolls of course! I'm down.
since you own your house ...add a room and an enclosed porch for your cats = goals
I don't really like fedex but man dhl has been amazing whenever I order something from Japan it comes in less than a week I also like usps and ups is just meh
DHL for the win 🎉
Great vid! Space and budget for me
Space space space I wish there was more 😭
My BIGGEST difficulty/challenge is by far space limitations 🌸
Same same same 😅
The hardest thing for me is the place. 😫 I don't have enough place to put my dolls. They share my bedroom and my wardrobe. This is really annoying, but fortunately, I love small bjd dolls, the exact opposite of you. I only have two SD and two 18 inch dolls, and the rest are MSD and small dolls
shipping. Something most of us fear and fear. In the past, I lost the certificate one of bjd doll because of customs, and it was my first doll. It was very frustrating. 😢
Oh losing the COA would be so frustrating 😣
Who makes the Stella dolls? They speak to me.
Those are by Connie Lowe 💜💜
Hi I reached out to you on Instagram to ask you what type of shelving do you use I know you got it from IKEA but I don’t remember what line it is thanks
Billy
Right now June 4th.2022....... Harrods L . Edition Frozen (the 2 sisters) ... Ebay $15,500 !!!!!! Wuuuuut !!
😭😭😭😭
Omg your so right on everything you said and I’m trying to get better but it’s so so hard.💖✨💖✨
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Do you have any Doll Leaves or Resinsoul dolls?
I had a doll leaves body once that I really liked a lot but I sold it along with the head that was on it ( a DIM head)
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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My biggest difficulty is picking a bjd to buy!
I’m so indecisive and a little bit of an over-thinker. I’ve been wanting a bjd for nearly 2 years and been searching for the doll to buy!
Hehe what can I say I’m a 1st year uni student so the money I’ve saved I’m very picky on what I spend it on 😂😂😂
When I was in school I was also EXTREMELY picky about what I bought. The only doll I actually saved money for and bought was a bubble cut Barbie - the rest all came from the flea market.
It's a little morbid, but does anyone else worry about what will happen to their collection when they die? My collection isn't nearly as valuable or impressive as yours, but I worry if the people in my life will know what to do with them when I'm gone. Do people will their dolls to museums or something? lol I'm curious if anyone has a post mortem plan for their dolls?
I wouldn't say I worry about but I do have a plan for it - right now it goes to my partner if I die and he knows approximate values etc, but if we are both gone it will go to my niece and nephews and I plan to include the names of some doll professionals/auction houses who can help them sell IF my collection still has any value at that point.
And it's not morbid at all, you should DEFINITELY plan for those things 💜💜
I have two granddaughters so I told my husband to offer the dolls to them if they want them. Otherwise list on eBay and they will go to other doll lovers’ homes. 😅
HI MUNECAS TODAY I FOUND 2 OLD VINTAGE BARBIE DOLLS 1 HAS BAD HAIR AND BARBIE HEAD LOSE HER BODY SO I DID PUT HER BARBIE FASHION BODY AND I RESTORE HER NEW EYES BROWS SO I WILL SUPER GLUE HER EYES BROWS SO THEY WON'T COME OFF I LOVE RESTORES MY OLD BARBIE DOLLS LOVE DAVID
That sounds great David!! Excellent finds and it's so fun to fix them up 💜
I only collect tiny dolls they are the best
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Oh my gosh girl you have a popple
Yes! I had it since I was a kid
Haha I never buy things for myself
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Space 😢
My grail doll is popovy or pashapasha but due to my financial situation and the limitations of them, all i do is dreaming and everytime i look at your unboxing video to make myself happy 🥹 if only i have one of them that would made me the most happiest boy in the world to have one of them or both😭
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For me Space , getting everything organized & deciding what to keep and sell are my top 3 .
When i moved here i had alot of dolls and i bought more . i originally had the 1971 mobile home and right next to it a 1980s cabin .
originally i had all the doll stuff stored in the cabin not displayed .
a pipe broke so the cabin flooded and i had to move things into the mobile home making it look like i was a hoarder then once the cabin dried i began moving things back into it
Then my brother deliberately flipped a switch Flooding it again knowing what he did but it took me days to find out by then the next street over was filled with my water and i had a 500.00 water bill .
a normal water bill for me is 50.25 per month so, i had to wait for the cabin to dry out again .
That is when i got fed up and bought my 1994 larger mobile home that i am moving everything from the cabin and the 1971 trailer into,, so i can get organized .
which now faces the 1971 mobile home on my land .
so my 3 buildings form a circle or more of a Q because of where the cabin is with land in the middle . once the 1971 house and cabin are empty i will deep clean and repair both while separating what to keep & sell that are in the 3rd house . then i must sell what i don't want and eventually have a room or building where i can display the doll stuff i'm keeping and i hope to turn the 3 buildings into 1- 6 bedroom 4 bath house .