Coronavirus concerns mega-thread

I'm currently concerned about the availability of 'tools' for modification.

I'm looking at customising a toy horse for a doll I have on layaway when the horse comes in, but I haven't got any isopropyl alcohol 90 to strip back the current paint. The strongest I can find online is 70%. I'm guessing people are buying up the stronger stuff for homemade hand sanitiser. Which is kind of more important right now than stripping paint off a toy.

Also, just packages sitting. I've had a couple of pairs of shoes for my bigger boys coming from the US [to the UK] that have been stalled in LA since April 11th. I've had a couple of clothing orders with Alice's Collections made in March that have not even shipped. They weren't even massive orders. But production must have been affected. So, it'll take a little longer. I felt the need to message a seller on eBay, to clarify whether there would be issues caused by Covid-19 before I bought from them. They said there wouldn't be currently. I haven't bought the item, yet, because I've got my next payment for my layaway doll going out of my account in a couple of days. I don't want to spend too much beforehand. And I've purchased a fair few bits nationally-based already, for my layaway doll.

There is also the slight concern that the doll in question will be delayed somewhere down the line. Even though restrictions look to be lifting slowly. So, in a month or so, he will hopefully be able to find his way home on swift wings.

 

Thats my worry to. I'm not completely out of the appropriate filters and there seems to be no way to get any. Even long before the virus actually came to the US I couldn't find any locally. I should have ordered from Amazon in December

 

I think packages are mostly sanitize upon arrival. Tho if youre not sure, you can definitely resanitize the boxes, or leave it untouched for sometime before unboxing

 

I have some Etsy orders that are completely MIA that I ordered at the beginning of April. One from Poland, one from Austria, and two from the UK. No idea when any of them will arrive here in the US to me. Domestic shipping is working great, though. I haven’t experienced any delay with those packages. My latest was from DDE in Colorado that was sent on Saturday, that I received here in Florida today (Monday.)

 

I have the same with missing packages from Etsy. Mostly from Europe to me in Australia. I am not worried yet though ,especially as two out of the four missing did arrive today. Mine are purchases from the end of March so I would not be too concerned. It must be hard on sellers.

 

Haven't gotten a shipping notice for the fabric I ordered from Etsy (store is in California) but I did get a note apologizing for the delay.
On another note Texas is opening up a bit, our governor has lifted stay home restrictions but wants people to wear masks. They weren't wearing them before when doing necessary trips so I doubt they will now. I guess they could be refused entrance into stores, I don't know.
I wonder when my packages from Japan and China will finally find a spot on an airplane headed to the US.

 

Angell-Studio finally shipped my order but through UPS instead. I'm guessing that with the delays EMS is having, they opted for another carrier instead.

I hope my doll doesn't get stuck at the airport!

 

No dice on my Japan EMS package. I’ve come to terms that I’ll have to wait a couple months.

 

Quick update: The Mandarake parcel shipped on Friday, that was supposed to arrive here tomorrow, actually got here Monday. That makes it four days of shipping, including a Sunday. Not bad.

 

I ordered a doll from myou doll right before the epidemic began in China. She’s estimated to be ready for shipping at the end of the month but now I’m worried they won’t be able to ship her Has anyone gotten their packages from China shipped by EMS recently?

 

Yes, I had one shipped at the beginning of March that hasn't even had an update since 3/14. I'm starting to get quite nervous about it. It was just two wigs but they were from an artist and very expensive so I will be upset if they get lost. I think larger things may be moving at a bit of a faster pace.

 

@corina I also just saw in the MYou tiny discussion that someone's is arrived in the US at least. So not all gloom and doom, though that might depend on your country and local post office. Generally speaking, It's very rare that a package gets lost for good, I've heard a few times if it comes down to it, filing a lost package claim can get the postal service to find lost dolls.

Though if they can't, in that case you can talk to the company/dealer about that. Each doll company's policy varies, but I'm fairly certain almost all ship with insurance so you could get a refund etc.

Either way, prepare for the worst but know that it'll probably not get that bad, though there may be hitches- particularly in these times.

@I<3MySD I think it might be time to ask the company, post office, etc and see if you can file a lost package claim. If you haven't already? I hope it gets sorted out! D:

 

@Mutation I tried but the seller wants to wait for more time. I'm starting to get really nervous though. Japan Post said EMS could be delayed up to 4 months so I'm assuming the same would apply for China EMS. But I wish they would put out a statement!

 

Good to hear that at least some people are getting their dolls from China! I’m from Finland (Europe) and at least packages from Japan seem to get here without huge delays so let’s see how it goes. I’m really nervous though, I’ve been waiting for the doll for about 5 months now

 

Unless it's shipping from the States or domestic Canada, I'm just being patient. Until Canada accepts international mail, there's not point in being anything else.

 

Currently waiting on several things. I preordered a Simply Meant to Be Dohwee back in November; he was meant to be shipped by mid-March. No one has heard from the sculptor since their last Instagram post on March 7, and personally I'm concerned for her wellbeing. I ordered two DIM heads through a group order in January, although we've had some communication with the middleman —the heads are with them in Russia, but international shipping is still on hold there. I've got an etsy order from Russia, too (just a doll outfit) that I ordered on April 1, but it's been stuck in St. Petersberg for a month now. I paid off a Loongsoul body in March and after a month and a half, Alice's Collections emailed and let me know that it's been shipped as of April 30th. Their customer service has been awesome throughout all of this; I've been really grateful for their quick replies to my concerns.

As for domestic shipping, I've received packages just fine. Some have slightly longer shipping times, but nothing too bad.

 

Just wanted to update yall on this-- the sculptor is okay!! I'm so relieved

 

My doll Chateau from Jeeryama.
She sent parcel by 8, may and today it’s held by Japanese custom already

It takes 5 days to pass Way from posting to local custom. It’s usual EMS posting, no priority. That’s unbelievable. I feel much positive now i hope other directions will move soon too.

 

My Angell-Studio greater snow arrived on time yesterday! So looks like UPS is working fine. I'm still waiting for my accessories order from Korea and its been stuck at the korean post office (not airport that I assumed previously) for 3 weeks now. Honestly I'm not too worried and tracking still works so I just have to be patient.

 

My super-slow China EMS package that hadn't moved since 3/14 just made it to Beijing But at least I now know it is moving!
My Legend Doll order, on the other hand, shipped 4/30 and arrived today! So bizarre.

 

I ordered a Myou tiny just before Valentines Day aka just before everything shut down. He ended up shipping in less than two months on March 30th. After 41 days he safely arrived at my door yesterday. I also ordered two more Myou tinies on April 24th. In hindsight I probably should have waited but they finally started the sale I had been waiting for and I'm hoping by the time they ship the shipping situation will be better.

Then I have some doll clothes from Lithuania that were shipped March 28 that I have no tracking on so I have no idea where those are. And I ordered some shoes and wigs from Clover Singing on March 31st and those arrived May 9th.

 

Just ordered a doll from Cocoriang which should be done in two to three months, I'm hoping everything calms down a bit when it's time to ship it out! International shipping right now concerns the heck out of me

 

I guess I'll never learn cause I just ordered a resinsoul tiny

 

@Cap'n I don't think we ever tend to learn in this hobby. Nevermind my impulse purchase of mermaids.

I got one doll on the way from China via DHL, hopefully it all goes well.

 

@Mutation Did you also order one of those tiny mermaids via Clover Singing? Cause I did too. XD

 

So like someone else said earlier in this thread, faceup and art supplies aren't too much of a problem... but masks are. They're going to much more vital locations like healthcare, and about 10% of 3M masks are still being sold commercially instead of medically.

I was just thinking that I can't find someone that captures all elements that I want in a faceup, so time to learn. However... looks like I'm going to try brush on, non-toxic sealants with makeup sponges. Wish me luck.

@Cap'n I ordered two with, and also a pair of horns and a shell. :3

 

@Cap'n happy to read this kind of story, that after really all this months of waiting without any updates, dollies come home safely
41 days for delivery, that’s really pain... But who said so, I’m waiting almost same, and still Somewhere in between ...

 

My Granado Zen hands have been shipped, I have a tracking number but when I get them is anyone's guess.

 

I ordered a doll from Luts in April with EMS shipping and you can imagine my surprise when today I got a message from UPS saying I have a package coming from the sender LUTSDOLL I don’t mind them sending the doll by UPS but it’s typical of Luts to never notify on the shipping of their dolls (but wow I never expected it to be so fast!!). However UPS seems to be more expensive than EMS so I guess this is a treat from their side in this situation, which is really nice!

 

After my Iple Leon finally made it out of Seoul, he now languishes in Frankfurt customs since 11 days ... and I am not the soul of patience. Tracking for updates every 10 minutes doesn´t help either ... I really hope they will release him soon!

 

I’ve so far had good communication with Legenddoll for a AE custom order, Alice’s Collections for a Popodoll order and Dollmore for one of their dolls. Shipping may end up delayed but these workers are providing outstanding customer service. I’ve received next day responses and notifications. I feel very comfortable parting with my money right now and it makes me feel enormous relief to see our favorite companies are still going strong. With a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, this has been a huge comfort for me.

 

BJD related I got the 5mm snaps and setter I've been waiting for and hope to get my velvet for the vampires outfits sometime tomorrow!

Non-BJD related my granddaughter will graduate on Saturday with a double BA in Sociology and Psychology from University of Texas. I'm so proud of her.

 

My Luts doll arrived to me yesterday from Korea with UPS shipping. It took less than a week to arrive so super fast!

In other news, my Myoudoll was shipped from China with EMS and no updates since May 14. I’m starting to get worried

 

I think it should be okay. There have been significant delays due to Covid19. My Loongsoul doll that hadn't been updated since mid-March suddenly arrived today. Was also shipped from China using EMS. Still awaiting one more. The Ringdoll I had preordered with DHL shipping arrived a lot quicker. I think DHL was less than a week still? EMS had me waiting months.

 

@Denovo Thanks for the assurance, it’s good to hear that China EMS packages have at least arrived safely even if after a long wait. Though I wish more companies would offer alternatives during this time, I wouldn’t mind paying extra for not having to stress over a package for months!

 

@corina ; That's true. Waiting also makes me feel a bit anxious, especially due to the current uncertainties! These were all preorders I had paid for last year long before Covid19 so it wasn't due to any delays on my end or anything. They were meant to be shipped as soon as they were ready, which unfortunately coincided with this outbreak. Usually EMS gets here in under two weeks so the long wait is really unprecedented. I had initially feared they were lost.
If you have anything on preorder that hasn't yet shipped you can perhaps try contacting them to ask about changing the shipping method. The tracking on my other preorder from Loongsoul also updated recently after showing no movement for more than a month. It's still in China though... It seems EMS is moving veeeery slowly.

 

The virus doesn't live long on objects so, I'm not worried about that.
What I'm worried about is that the shipping really is more expensive right now, FEDEX and DHL are the only ones delivering to my country. But, I wouldn't let this make me take an hiatus from my dollie plans (but my credit card will hate me haha).

We are all anxious and very scared. But this will continue for at least a few more months. I do know though that there are few countries that declarated that they have a cure for this, but it is the tests that must be accepted by the ethics committee, which have delayed its launch. However, it is understandable, as it would likely require human testing.

We all just have to believe in them
This virus will end with the help of all and new discoveries by laboratories, scientists and medical specialists on the subject.

You are not alone, so don't let this stop your plans, just when they could really affect your health.
your health, including mental health its first!

 

I ordered some resin parts from dollmore on May 22 and they've reached the states already and are expected by may 26 O.O. I was floored they made it to the US that fast when the estimated arrival date was July 7. Dollmore is really chugging along!

 

I have 3 orders coming from different countries each. France, Russia, and Korea. I'm in the states. The ones from France and Russia have yet to make it here, and the one from Korea is in customs... and I read online that US customs takes 7 to 10 days, but that's been extended to possibly 4 to 6 weeks I'm not buying anything overseas again until things let up... I'm not stressing over my two orders from Alice that are processing, since they'll take a while anyway.

 

Honestly, for dolls... it depends on which International Mail Facility you get. I've definitely experienced waits in excess of a week in the past with New York's IMF, and one of the California ones took a long time, too (can't remember which I hit now). The one you hit is supposed to be based on your (destination) zip code, though, so normally (and even with a recent shipment coming from Korea) I hit Chicago, which is in and out in a matter of hours usually; even the package I had recently didn't take more than a day. It probably is 4-6 weeks at the NYC and California locations, but if you get one of the other locations, you might luck out.

 

Oh boy I'm not even sure where mine went. They usually go to Chicago, however mines been trapped there for about a week now? I'm in Texas so I'm not sure... i hope its not too much longer, I'm ready for them to get home

 

Bought a secondhand doll using Buyee. Shipping price with DHL would be around ¥10,000 vs EMS at ¥6,000.

I’d choose EMS but considering the fact that my other Japan EMS parcel is stuck in limbo, I’d rather not.

But the DHL shipping is so expensive

I’ll maybe let him chill in the Buyee warehouse a bit until I make a decision...

 

I'm ordering from Mandarake soon and was wondering, are there customs fees/taxes upon arrival to the USA if the doll is sent through DHL from Japan? Normally I don't have any issues when it's sent through EMS, never done DHL before...

 

@Aiko-chan, there are no customs fees on dolls in the US.

 

@Aiko-chan you might want to check out the Dollfie SD discussion thread (post 74 and 75) as there is mention of a US person buying a bjd from Dollyteria recently with shipping via DHL and being charged 20% tax as the item was marked as merchandise not dolls/toys. I’m waiting on a DHL shipment from Japan (from Mandarake), it just hit the US and no mention of any fees/taxes so far (I’m in the US). Hope this helps!

 

Thank you both, @vicemage and @kurogane ! I’m hoping it’s marked as doll/toy since Mandarake has sold quite a few, they should have it down by now. I’ll check out that thread, and I hope all goes well for you @kurogane !

 

Ah man DHL from Mandarake is so expensive. I only knew the cost of shipping after I got the invoice but I bit the bullet anyway. I’ve got a SD13 body on the way now. Shipping options before Covid were a lot cheaper.

 

I'm still waiting for doll head that has been stuck in korea post office for two weeks!

 

I could deal with things being stuck in foreign customs, but my stuff has cleared US customs and then just vanishes. I have one package that manage to make it to my state on the 4th and then vanished and another that cleared customs on the 28th and has not been seen since.
Super frustrating!

 

Lately stuff has been making it to the states, and then the tracking just stops. It is like U.S.P.S. is not updating anything. Sometimes I can find the packages though different tracking, but I never know when the packages are getting close, or when the delivery date is going to be.

I have a Ringdoll on the way, and there is no way for me to keep track of the package. Even if I am stuck at home and going no where because of the virus, I still need to know when the package will get to me, I could be out walking at the park, or on a grocery store run.

U.S.P.S. used to be really great at tracking, and I know they are swamped an short on staff, just like the rest of the world, but it is still a bit worrisome.

 

Did you call the forwarder?

 

I'm getting a little concerned about a clothes order I've got incoming, while at the same time I'm tearing myself up inside over selling the dolls they're intended for. My finances took a hit last month, with car repairs, so I'm having to look for ways to make it up. Selling a doll or two would be a big help. Selling all of them on layaway would be even better! And I have been contemplating the notion of starting again, from scratch. In a smaller scale than the clothes that I've got incoming. They've been on order or incoming for so long...

 

I am just getting into the hobby of BJDs and have some things being shipped. I don't know the difference on how long things normally take to get shipped from China, so I guess that's a good thing. It took a month and a half for the 1/3 BJD lolita dress I ordered to arrive. Is that unusual?

 

Yes, clothes can take a couple weeks to a couple months depending where you ordered from, wigs and shoes as well. Many places have the accessories in stock so they ship right away, but shipping can take awhile, and it has been even slower due to the virus. Some places don't keep the items in stock, and that can take even longer as they have to wait for the items to get to the store that you ordered from before shipping to you.

Most of my stuff has only been taking a couple of weeks, but I have been waiting on some doll shoes for over a month.

 

I've had 3 things shipped into me into the USA via DHL now, and haven't had to pay taxes or "import fees" on any of them.

One of them was totally a goof up though... I bought a Soul Doll on Dollyteria. Not much information listed, and Dollyteria has bad photos, so I'm like, excellent, this doll is cheap, and I need an MSD body.

DHL charged me FIFTY USD to ship it. $50.

Turns out it was an old Soul Doll Double boy... so it was freaking SD sized, and that was at least part of the reason I got charged $50.

 

Still waiting on an order of doll clothing from Austria to me in the US that was shipped at the beginning of April. I contacted the seller and she’s contacting her post to do an inquiry on it, but that will take another month or two just to hear back. Hopefully it will show up at some point. I have another order from the same seller from the beginning of May that I haven’t received, but I’m waiting on a bunch of other stuff from others sellers from May, so I’m not too concerned about that one yet.

 

One of my packages has arrived since I last posted. Two of them are still trapped in limbo and they're still not on the USPS site...

 

I received my Myoudoll package today finally! She was shipped from China via EMS on the second week of May and she arrived in my country (Finland) last week. Quite a journey but I’m happy and relieved to finally have my doll!

 

Not sure what you mean by forwarder... I did contact USPS, but they said the tracking numbers are not valid, even though they were scanned into and out of customs and the one package was scanned again after that. I can see the scans on the foreign site, but USPS is no help.

 

Hooo boy my package from Russia finally has arrived to the states!! Now... fingers crossed it arrives here safely. As well as my other package, because it still hasn't moved.