Coronavirus concerns mega-thread

Good grief, you are a far better person than I! I am not even of Chinese descent, but every time I hear him say it, it makes my skin crawl. And no way is China to blame - a virus mutated, and it just happened to have been there. It could have been anywhere. Please try to hang tough - it's the meanest people who are generally the loudest!

 

@stargazer_i I’m really hoping that’s the case as well. SF Express is the name of the private courier they used. They are based in Hong Kong and have a few locations in Toronto. Alice’s Collections thought it would be a faster route, but it hasn’t really been. Plus I’m not familiar with the company at all so I’m a little anxious. I would have preferred EMS or DHL. Hearing that others have gotten their packages makes me feel better and worse at the same time. It’s just strange to see the tracking update everyday around the same time saying that it’s still under customs processing. Depending on the customs declarations I could be paying roughly C$40 or C$50 in taxes.

 

I just spoke with Alice and she said Doll Legend is back to work now and my boy will probably ship in 1-2 months, which is only about a month delay from what I expected, so maybe this won’t clog up production as badly as we thought it might?

@Kiki Happy Ive had several things come via SF Express. In my case, it’s always been significantly slower than EMS and on average takes about 2 weeks to one month, though I did have one thing that took 2 months around Christmas (but the company told me that was not normal.) Often, the updates don’t change day to day for a long time, then suddenly it pops up in the distribution center near me and moves quickly. I totally understand your worry, but I think it’ll probably be ok, just maybe delayed a little.

 

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I feel like I'm the odd one out here. I ordered some clothing and wigs from Luts and they took less than a week to show up. (I'm in the the US.) Everything came in a huge box. I was almost worried I got someone's doll by accident. I personally haven't experienced any shipping delays recently. I hope everyone gets their things even if it takes a while. Maybe there's some truth to bigger boxes moving faster right now. I sincerely hope that postal workers aren't purposely "forgetting" packages that are from Asia. I would think as long as postal workers are practicing social distancing and proper hand washing that they're not at risk for the virus, but there are probably fewer people working right now which is causing delays.

 

I have a registered sal parcel from japan that has been in customs for over a month now. It’s hard to tell if something is wrong or if stuff is super delayed. Hopefully we will social distance enough that we all get through the disease spread safely and we can get business as usually going again.

 

Everyone in my family worked in restaurants, they all have lost their jobs and I'm the only one working but my salary is not enough to pay rent for this huge house, all bills and food. I have savings that will last me to oay all that for two months. I've been thinking of selling all my dolls I hope the virus goes away when the summer comes...

 

what country are you in? Some countries are offering government subsidy to help people such as your family don't wait to find out if there is help possible from the government!!

 

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I'm so sorry for your situation. Are you in the US? If so, many large grocery store chains are hiring like crazy for people to fill online orders for pickup. Not the most glamorous job in the world, but enough to help make ends meet during tough times.

 

I was just going to post about that!! have your family apply!!

 

Thanks for the heads-up, @Lyrajean. I heard the TV news announcing the California safe at home order, and thought that would affect business at Volks USA; this confirms it. Wishing everyone well!

 

I had a package from Dearmine get stuck in customs purgatory in Los Angeles for a week before it (finally) started moving again today. Delays definitely seem like the norm right now (hopefully not just on mail from Asia, but this is America, so anything's possible ), but at least things are getting through eventually. Here's hoping everyone else's delayed packages start moving soon, too!

 

I'm just planning to do a bunch of layaways for now and hope that shipping stuff clears up by the time I pay them off.

 

VOLKS USA Email (as Lyrajean said above):

also in News here: /threads/【vo...rations-due-to-covid-19.820204/#post-12775554

 

China is almost recovered from it...They are not having any new cases for some days so I think it is safe to place orders. Also, they have very strict restrictions, checkpoints, and other methods that they took for the virus. Personally I think it is safe...

I am living in CA. Even we are under the state of quarantine but I do not think they are taking it seriously....the whole point of in is to stay in doors and not go out, but people do not seem to understand that.

 

In the Canadian news they said it could live on a cardboard surface (packages) for up to 24 hours, and on plastic for 2-3 days. It depends on how porous things are, humidity etc etc. I would not be worried about any package coming from China - it's your local post people's health that is the concern.

I live in a small town and my postal lady told me today that if anyone in their office gets it, they have to shut down the entire location for 2 weeks! This would shut down my business too, so I'm really hoping people are smart and don't walk in there if they're symptomatic.

There are so many vaccines in the works now, but it will still likely have the same outcome (or worse) as the Swine flu 10 years ago. I didn't pay attention to media much at that time (I was a teen), but that was some serious stuff and killed a lot of people!

 

The problem is - by the time people ARE symptomatic they might already have infected dozens of other people since when you're infected, you're contagious WAY before it shows. So, yah, the smartest thing to do right now is to not go out unless you absolutely have to.

I did get my two doll parcels from Japan alright, they both took about a week to arrive which, here, is actually pretty fast. I'm not gonna order anything else until we're through the lockdown here where I live.

 

Yeah, I'm less worried about packages getting held up or exposed overseas and much more worried that'll happen stateside. I'm holding off ordering anything for now. And with the possibility of my job shutting down (honestly, should have weeks ago), I'm afraid the money I have saved up for a doll is gonna have to go to other things. It's a bummer but it is what it is.

But oooooh, I feel that! No one here in Seattle is taking it seriously either! The people told to stay home are just going out and about, like it's a mini vacation, totally missing the point.

 

Thank you! I feel a lot better hearing from some else who’s had items shipped through this company. I’m hoping that there’ll be some movement from the item this week. Sunday will be three (3) weeks since it was shipped, and Tuesday will mark two (2) weeks that it’s been in Customs in Canada.

 

I really want a DZ Tit but I’m afraid she will never arrive because of the situation with Covid-19. I know that there is a similar thread but I really wanted to ask this specific question.

 

It is going to impact production to a degree, shipping has been canceled and delayed in various locations. Places have "stay in place" and "self isolate" recommendations and orders everywhere. DZ already has a long wait time, but chances are it will also be impacted by this as well.

 

Dollzone has long wait times as it is, and they're a Chinese company. The waiting room right now has some people who have been waiting close to a year at this point. I just placed an order early March for a Honey sculpt. I'm expecting the earliest I might see it is end of this year.

Sorry I don't have better news!!

 

I think it will make a big difference how long the quarantine drags on. For companies that already have long wait times, if the quarantine is a month or less, it might not affect it that much in the scheme of things. I expect to see more of a difference in companies that have shorter wait times.

 

Wow, the latest news for me is that our condo building’s concierge will no longer accept and handle packages or parcels for us starting Monday. Incoming packages had always been signed and accepted by the concierge. Over the past 2 weeks, I sensed increase unwillingness of the main concierge to handle or touch our parcels. I also get suspicious resentful looks from the concierge when I go outside to walk my dog. Tell me this isn’t the look of disdain because I am Chinese. Now about the packages. A lot of my small packages (non doll items) from China never arrived and I am writing off those as lost. I have no major incoming parcel for BJDs except for a package of outfit from Volks USA that is arriving next week. Now, this package will be caught in this mess. I will be waiting at the lobby when it arrives. Just like these people do not want to touch my package, I do not want them to touch my package either! The resentment is mutual. The point here is, the postal service parcel man handles these packages and they are not sick and none of these concierge staff got contaminated by these packages. I am very angry.

 

Tonight I've been "window shopping" for doll stuff on Etsy, and just thinking...it may be a bad time to order things internationally, but I think it would be good to order from shops within our own country--small businesses need help more now than ever. I have a friend who owns a small business and is very concerned about being able to pay bills right now. I'm sure most small business owners are feeling the same stress. Maybe if we have the money to spend right now, we could buy that thing on Etsy we've been keeping in our cart and not checking out? I'm not sure about other locations, but $25 will pay my water bill for a month, so buying just one or two things might make the difference in an artist being able to pay a bill. (And if they're currently home from their regular job/school, they may have more time to make the item and ship faster, though that's not the point.)

This is happening at my friend's apartment building too. I had to send a package to her roommate's dad to ensure she can get it. It's a huge hassle for everyone involved. I understand the people at the front desk need to stay safe too, but it seems like it would be safer to go ahead and accept things than it is to have all the residents hanging out in the lobby waiting on the mail carrier!

 

Same situation at my apartment complex, but it's one office for several buildings,so the packages will get delivered to the buildings and maybe set in the stairwell at the same floor.
Still concerned since package theft is unlikely but a big fear of mine.

I'm also sad that... Now that I have decently dressed dolls I can't go to a meet up.
I would like to see a virtual get together through discord or the like though.

 

@Mutation A virtual meetup sounds like a great idea. There are virtual doll conventions but I've never attended one before. There can be live workshops, even panel discussions! A full convention is possible. In my lifetime, I was an instructional designer, I design online courses for universities, I can help with organizing and designing virtual events. Now, this youtube video is not about BJDs but it's the virtual doll convention promo video, it's very long but you get an idea what is possible. I like the virtual cooking idea. The virtual version of convention banquet.



We can do something if there's a suitable virtual software. It can be a small scale interactive event or a large scale event that is not so interactive.

I woke up this morning envisioning how Anime North Convention in Toronto will appear if it goes ahead in May! Everybody will be decked out like Darth Vader complete with real respirators!

@CloakedSchemer I am not making any online purchases right now. If this continues, it's only a matter of time that Canada Post stops service altogether. They did it before, they can do it again.

 

Thank you! I appreciate your help a lot, I will look into it! It seems I will lose my job too since my boss is 67 years old and he is very afraid to even come to the office, he might close soon. I already applied to amazon part time, I'm desperate. I went today and many people were coughing and sneezing...I just pray I don't get sick because there are two babies and two elderly people at home. This situation is really bad, we can't afford to stay home. I hope all of you stay safe too. I pray this virus goes away because my hopes on the USA government to protect us is 0.

Now I need to apply to the marketplace to sell dolls (

 

Dream Valley, too.
I'm coming up rapidly on the 11-month mark waiting for my Athos. <_<

 

I'm in NY, USA. Here the government has done absolutely nothing to help the people. The only thing they've done is ask us to stay home and work from home ¬_¬ nothing about rent, bills or any financial help, not even about the coronavirus test. I was sent home when I wanted to get tested, they said I had no symptoms and only people with strong symptoms could get tested and if you get tested you still have to pay the visit to the hospital. There is also a shortage of masks and hand disinfectant.

USA is a joke really, this country has failed us. In El Salvador there is only ONE case of the virus and the government is giving 100% free testing, 100% rent and bills until the situation gets better. They have even built a huge hospital just for the virus, they are so prepared and have supported the people financially even though there is only one case. While the USA is... idk wtf happened to this supposed first world country.

 

I can't find brigadoon anywhere? Sorry but I have no idea where it is

 

Here you go...
/forums/brigadoon.144/

 

Makers wait times and shipping delays aside, I'm so worried about being losing my job for a whole month so it's REALLY not the right time for me to order anything :/

okay and now my other parcel from Asia is stuck on "cleared customs. expected Delivery: march 20" :/

 

Yesssss……literally all of my friends are going out and hanging out in public places with crowds....They think quarantine is just a time for them to get out school/work and have fun....This is exactly why the numbers are increasing so much every day

 

I couldn't find it either, where is it in the menu? I don't want to keep coming back to this thread for the link

I just checked the link, there are no threads for this topic and I was only saying how I have to sell my dolls now because of the virus, because USA is the most incompetent country in the world. I'm aware of the miserable check the government will issue for each person, no one can survive with that misery. People have lost jobs and...*sighs*

 

I just got myself an early birthday gift (well, not THAT early, it's Thursday next week) on Y!A via Noppin today. Now I wonder - should I have her shipped right away, before things get worse in Japan, too, and possibly have her held up in customs here in Germany? Or should I have her stored at Noppin's warehouse for the next two months (they will store things for you up to 60 days) and hope things get better here, by then, and at the same time not get worse in Japan? I mean, it isn't like postal services are shut down here, I just wonder how I'm supposed to pay the customs fees when all the mail persons aren't supposed to actually hand over parcels but drop them off at your door ... Are they gonna send me a bill per mail or what? I do lean towards having her shipped my way as soon as possible, I really want her here, but it might not be the wisest decision ...

 

I'm trying not to buy more dolls, but I just put another on layaway. I figure things might be better in 5 or so months... but if not, at least I'm supporting doll-makers! (Yeah, well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

I have one layaway that will be paid off soon... from China... I'll see how that goes! I'll tell them to hold off shipping if they think that would be best. I'm telling that to every artist and individual sell that I'm buying from. These days, I just don't expect things to arrive quickly, no matter where it's coming from. There's no official news from the USPS, but I figure there's still a risk of slow-downs for various reasons.

 

An Alice Collection thing I ordered back in December is finally on its way. Dunno what's going on with the tracking. It was "put on an airplane" multiple times and I have no idea how many transfers it's supposed to have to get to the USA's international hub.

Holding off on any big purchases just due to the work situation since my job is neither one that can work from home nor essential enough to keep doing. Only ordered some crafts supplies to keep busy now that I can finally stop putting off freshening up my dolls. Now only if it would stop raining so I can spray sealant.

Partly because I am less busy and spending more time doing the internet equivalent of pacing around a room by flipping through all my online haunts, I'm also a little antsy about a doll modding commission I have out because the artist hasn't responded in about a week. Hope they're okay.

 

What is the situation in Korea? I am waiting for one body (from Nobility) and one head (from Supia) and both packages are "before shipping". I don't know what to do... Does anyone have any new information? I think the post offices in Korea are still closed.

 

@Arengil packages are still getting shipped from South Korea, although there are delays of couple of days. About Supia... orders had remained on "before shipping" for about up to 8 weeks even before the virus outbreak, so you shouldn't worry about that.

 

I bought a doll outside of DOA. We both are in the US but with the shelter in place in the seller city (now in mine as well), not sure when the seller can ship it until after it's lifted. It's fine with me because I rather everyone stay safe than risk going out for a doll. Thank goodness PayPal have a 6 months policy.

I can assume all my orders from overseas will be delayed in production and shipment. It's just my luck all dolls I tend to order end up being 9 months + now lol

 

Well, I live in Bavaria/Germany. We are basically locked down right now. I am still waiting on a black male business suit from MaryamDN's from Canada. Tracking says it just made it to German customs. But I guess it won't move a lot until things are going more or less normally again...Anyway, no stress here, as I do not need it urgently (anyways, is anything BJD-related urgent?).

As we are having a downtime anyways, I am seriously considering continuing with the Gothic armour...I have still a good sheet of aluminium. As soon as I have figured how exactly that arm harness goes together.

 

I believe mailing things would still be considered "essential," at least in my country (USA). People mail things for businesses, so you may need to prove you're doing it for a business reason? To be honest I don't think there is going to be as much enforcement as there should be to keep people safe. I personally will hold off selling any additional doll items until this passes. But I hadn't stopped buying until recently! I think the mailman has been bringing me a package every day for the last 5 mail days straight. A lot I had ordered before this all started, and now I won't order anymore for fear of putting someone in a bad situation.

 

I am in Canada, yesterday, I sold somethings on eBay to 2 US buyers. Today, I had to drive 34km to the USPS agent’s office just to find it partially closed due to the virus. I was unable to complete my postage. So, I drove another 34km back and tomorrow, it’s another trip to and from the post office now that I’ve printed the labels at home. It’s a hassle.

On the bright side, gas is super cheap and there was little traffic. I also got a good shipping rate for USPS Priority Mail with full tracking from Canada to the US. I am thankful USPS has an agent in Toronto, otherwise shipping would be a lot more expensive. I don’t mind driving the distance. The postal branch nearer to my place is 100% shut due to virus. I admire postal workers on the front line. They put their health at risk to keep the service open. I can tell that they are scared. Amazing people.

 

@zekarmisama good to hear that. I hope mine will get ship anytime soon too. I believe my town will get lockdown next week... or soon btw... just hope acbjd's package arrive safely after all this time

 

An update on my package from ACBJD shipped via SF Express: I finally broke down and message ACBJD on the 24th day since shipping. They were able to learn immediately that it had a customs tax charge of $22 ($3 tax and $19 brokerage fee). Within 24 hours the company contacted me to collect the fees and now I’m waiting for shipping to me. So they definitely had the package and it passed through customs like regular no backlog. The backlog was on THEIR end. They would have kept my package much longer if I hadn’t said something. I’m not impressed.

I understand some delay with situation with it is right now but I also appreciate transparency. I don’t like uncertainty and I don’t think it’s fair to keep me anxious like that. Just communicate what’s going on. I’m just happy the package is safe and on its way soon.

 

Do you guys know if events, such as Doll Chateau's discontinued dolls, will be extended due to the situation? Haven't been able to reach the dealer for over a week since placing the order for any confirmation and the deadline for the event is ending, so I was thinking if I should just order from elsewhere (which would be a bummer, since it would cost me a lot more to get it from someone else)?
I had saved up for over a year for one particular sculpt and now I'm afraid of missing it completely.

Though of course it's really understandable that something serious might be going on at the other end, which makes me feel ashamed of being this persistent and impatient with material stuff, which is not even a necessity. Not knowing what's going on makes me speculate a lot, which might be not very emphatic and kind of me...

I wish there was at least some sort of update on any social media account or on their site which could explain the delay and silence.
Makes me think if it's the worst case scenario that has happened to them. I sure hope they're okay.

 

Ah this virus is frustrating.
Just went to ship a doll to Austria and was told shipping is suspended indefinately. I'm sure the buyer will be understanding but it's still awkward.
I'm glad that a lot of people are taking this seriously though

 

I hope everyone is doing ok!
I was facing some uncertainty here with everything going on; I work three different jobs part time (I'm a college student and I have a research assistant position at my university, and I also work part time as a secretary's aide and as a gas station attendant), so I was really anxious when everything started to close down: I wasn't sure about the position of my jobs, or my boyfriend's, who is a teacher whose school closed down.

On one hand, I am thankful as I am near a lot of vulnerable people (my mom & both my grandmothers are vulnerable and hit a lot of the risk factors; asthma, high blood pressure, and more), as well as my boyfriend's mom who has chronic asthma and his immonocomrprosed sister, so hopefully everything will slow the spread, but the financial hit was really scary for awhile there.
Luckily my boyfriend is still getting his salary during this time, and I am able to work remotely with my student research job. My gas station job is considered essential, though the aide one is on hiatus for one, which is fine. We both have part time jobs as gas station assistants, though, so it's very frustrating to see so many people just... out and about for really nothing.
I've handled so many orders for just lotto tickets or red bull, for example... and some people who would pay for gas, which is fine, but also bring in their coughing children for seemingly no reason... The quarantine is meant to both protect those staying home, but also those whose work is considered essential (and their families), so it is very frustrating. But the city I live near by just got a F grade for social distancing, apparently, so I am not surprised.

Fortunately, I've been able to distract myself a lot with my dolls. I'm currently about to pay off my Doll Leaves Teresa order with DDE, so I am really excited to get her soon... I plan on trying to do a removeable mod for her with some paper clay to give her some teeth, rather than just painting them in! I really wish I put off ordering some (pricey) doll shoes internationally though ^^'

With the security that I (thankfully) still have, I've been tempted to participate in the Fairyland event once we get some photos... I've been planning for a few months to do either a layaway with DDE for a minifee sircca or a "layaway of doom" for a mirwen & klaus (who is finally a la carte!) so I can swap their legs around for a tall moe and short aline, and use the a line body for a hybrid and get Klaus a taller body (maybe a luts model delf eventually or a dollzone XD)

 

I'm sure your buyer will understand, as long as you keep them updated.

I'm currently dealing with a commission from France and the artist let me know they're in lockdown and she can't ship. I'm totall ok with that and really glad she let me know.

Another note, my Dollmore order shipped yesterday, so South Korea is shipping to US right now, but who knows what may happen in US customs. It's not a big deal if it's delayed since most of it is for a doll who isn't home yet, but I hope it doesn't get lost.

 

Hm, I am not sure I did not catch the sh** (please pardon my French). Problem is, I am very overweight (+50 kg), and I have asthma already (due to said allergies). I have several allergies and I started coughing a tiny bit after I went shopping (had to, wore a mask meant for airbrushing and gloves). I felt I had really trouble with the sharp, cold air outside. I am anyways doing nothing doll-related. But I think I will call my doctor today and stay away from anything dusty or colour-spraying. After all, there no reason to take any risk right now.

Maybe I will start with Dr. Strange's magician outfit...that should be safe enough.

 

Hey has anyone been able to contact alice collections? I sent an email I wanted to know how they were going to go about the virus and shipping. No message and its march. So I am asking you guys. Also are the wait times being pushed out longer because of the virus?

 

Hi I just received a package from Alice’s Collections. I emailed them. About 3-4 days ago and I got an answer next day.

The wait times from some companies are longer but I think the impact will be on shipping. A lot of countries have limited international flights and that severely impacts airmail delivery. My package was in Hong Kong for 8 days before a flight left out with it. Now my country (Canada) has basically banned international flights, so some companies aren’t even willing to ship here.

 

For the folks asking about Korea, I live in the US and just got an order from Korea yesterday. It had an abnormally long window that it could arrive, but ended up taking 9 days in total to get here from when I got the shipping notice.

 

In the meantime, the suit has arrived as well. This also took a good time longer than usual. But this is just how things go right now.

 

Yes she is being totally understanding. I'm so relieved.
It's amazing how this horrible thing is in a way making us more patient and uniting us

 

Has anyone had any delays with China EMS? I have a package that was shipped on 3/14 and the tracking stopped in China. I am starting to get concerned as normally my EMS packages arrive so quickly (3-5 days). Even other EMS packages I have received from Japan have come in normal time.