Dolls Party 23 Tokyo Big Sight [5-4-2010]

I have no problem with double names being removed (and think that it is a great idea), but if Volks needed to wait for dealers to get back to them with names then they should have sent out noticed to the dealers before today. I'm annoyed that they didn't keep to their schedule...

 

I hope those who are waiting on Volks gets theirs tomorrow!

 

I won my Chika and Kakeru from KL and I'm quite excited. I really like the mold a lot.

I'm sure by this time tomorrow everyone will have heard from VolksUSA. I know it is a bit stressful, but honestly I still remember before we had the benefit of VolksUSA (and our two official retailer KL and WLD) and the only way to get things was the mad rush to crash the servers via the International Event, Commissioning someone, or Y!J ^^;;;;

Even waiting with VolksUSA still beats the heck out of trying in person at a Japanese Dolpa, particularly since you're more likely than not to pick a bad lottery # ^^;;;;

 

10:41PM Eastern, and Volks USA hasn't emailed me yet.

I can understand trying to keep people from winning both at dealers and at the official store, but the fact that they didn't get everything resolved soon enough to take care of their own customers is asinine.

It would be one thing if they were simply late. It's completely different now that the two dealers have emailed their own customers. It's totally disrespectful to the customers of Volks USA.

This is my first time in a Volks USA lottery, but I'm hoping that if I do win, I have the option to cancel due to the delay and the fact that other companies provided their customers with a timely response while Volks USA didn't. I hope I am able to vote with my dollar, and I will vote to let Volks USA know that I don't appreciate being treated like a second class customer.

I love ordering regular stuff from Volks USA and have had nothing but positive experiences from them, but this is inexcusable. This should never happen again. I have other stuff I could be spending my money on where I am treated with respect as a customer by being serviced in a timely manner. I hope one of those things is a reworked Volks USA lottery in the future.

 

chuplayer, every single lottery since Volks USA has had official dealers, those who pick to order through said dealers always find out before those who put in with VolksUSA that they've won their dolls. At one point, those who picked to go through a dealer actually found out before the Dolpa had even taken place in Japan that they had won their dolls. However, those of us who pick to go through a dealer will be the last to receive our dolls. VolksUSA ships the dolls to the dealers at the same time they start shipping the dolls to their customers, so if it makes you feel better if you win the lottery you'll be receiving your doll first.

 

So the infrastructure was always there to let Volks USA customers know on time and let dealers' customers know when they usually got informed? But they didn't do it this time? That makes things even worse.

I know your post tried to explain things, but it did too good of a job. Now I'm even more upset.

And knowing that I'll receive my doll before dealers' customers does not make me feel better. That would have happened anyway.

 

VolkUSA stopped telling dealers their total amount of each dolls before Dolpas took place a few Dolpas ago.

I really think you're overreacting, you'll have to wait all of 48 hours longer to find out if you won your doll.

 

I'm having trouble understanding your upset. Is it because you were not emailed exactly on whenever, even though thanks to the lottery you're allowed to put in for a doll and not have to travel to Japan, pay for Dolpa admittance, and then stand in line for hours? They've never been on the dot exact with notifying winners, and in the past we would get vague ideas of when they would let us know. This time they tried an exact date, and it didn't work.

 

We need to relax for a second before jumping to the conclusion that VolksUSA has forgotten about us. Like mentioned several times, dealers find out how many dolls/limited items they will be receiving and from there, they decide who win from their list of interested customers. The winner lists are then sent to VolksUSA to prevent people from winning two of the same doll. This system is a bit recent and never had any problems. I believe that they are only behind because NY Dolpa is approaching real soon and they don't have the manpower to handle a major Dolpa lottery and NY Dolpa all at once. Their USA staff isn't really huge. Just a handful of people. Yes, VolksUSA could have noted on their site about the delays, but I think it's too hasty to suddenly say they are treating us like dirt. Give them a benefit of a doubt. Things happen. As long as they can recover from this and manage to email every single entrant eventually, that's all that matters.

 

Going to Japan isn't an option, not that I would want to do it anyway. It isn't even that they missed the date. It's an "on or about" thing anyway. It's because the dealers' customers got their timely notifications while the Volks USA customers get left out in the cold.

I wasn't aware that they didn't give a date for notification in the past, but it doesn't matter to me. The fact that my first lottery happens to be the first one they tried giving a date for notification isn't my problem.

 

Chuplayer, please take this opportunity to reread the notice on the VolksUSA site regarding the lottery. For your enhanced comprehension, please allow me to interpret that notice:

We are planning to contact the winners of the lottery on about May 14th

'About' May 14th. As you can see, Volks did give warning in advance that circumstances may cause the notification of winners to deviate somewhat. Volks is staffed by real people, and real people often have emergencies and other concerns that may exceed those notifications in importance. As a community of collectors, I believe most of us make an effort to remember the human element at work behind our dealings. I would encourage you to lay off the tantrum and do the same.

 

Chuplayer, Volks has given out approximate dates for the last several Dolpas/Events. This time, they were off, but they will still email every customer, winner or loser. Not many companies, doll or otherwise, do that.

I feel that these sort of complaints don't really belong in the News/Event Chat area of the board, but maybe Buying and Shipping FAQs? Perhaps this is a misunderstanding due to lack of information on that section on the forum, and you could explain Volks' lottery system, relationship with its US dealers, and the approximate dates it gives?

 

I won Kakeru via KL! n.n I'm soooooo through the roof right now!!!!!!

Side note: I'm sure Volks hasn't been twiddling their thumbs the whole time we have been waiting. As Midori said, THINGS HAPPEN. Life isn't perfect, and behind the Volks name, are PEOPLE just like you and I working to get a million other things in order. Give them a break before ragging on them for a few extra days. In case people haven't noticed Volks works their tail off in order to do these sorts of events for their overseas fans. Like others have said, remember when your only option for these dolls was to fly to Japan, pay dolpa admittance and wait in line for hours? Lately Volks has been really great about hosting web lottos for people here to have a shot at them. We sure are second class customers huh?

Did I nearly go insane yesterday when I received no email? YES. However, in the end it was worth the extra time to know I'm getting a brand new doll directly from them for the retail price; I'd rather wait a few extra days than have to head to YJ and pay a higher price for the doll I wanted. Overall, it sounds like the doll doesn't mean that much to you if a few extra days ruffle your feathers that your willing to cancel your order. I think you are overreacting over a short wait. Volks hasn't forgotten their customers. I'm sure with NY Dolpa around the corner they are working harder more than ever to make sure every single one of us hears some good news from them.

 

I don't believe you correctly interpreted what was said up thread. The customary MO for the lottery has been that the customers who entered via a dealer are informed first, then the names of the winners are turned over by the dealers to VolksUSA so they can be removed from their lottery drawing. This enables more people to win their desired dolls because one person is not winning dolls in three different places. In the long run, this method increases a person's chance of winning.

I'm sorry if you've chosen to feel disappointed or 'left out in the cold'; however, as my mum has always said, you can get glad in the same pants you got mad in. For what it's worth, I do hope you win your chosen doll and get to experience the lottery joy.

 

They only email people who win

 

...oh, crap. I blame my recent streak of luck! But, well, that just makes the wait more exciting, so thank you!

 

Fair enough. Nobody has gotten their emails anyway, so that's still a problem.

Anyway, I agree that this has gotten off topic. That's why I created a new topic in the buying and shipping forum. ( link )

 

I won DD Sakura Matou from KL!!!!!! I am sooooo excited ^.^

And taintedrose I wish you luck for Sakura with VolksUSA!!!!

 

I won Chika through WLD

and I love the way Volks runs this. And not just because I already know. If I didn't and was waiting on Volks, I'd be happy my odds were increased as some duplicates were removed from lists.

I think it's definitely set up to please the greatest amount of customers they can without stretching themselves too thin. Sure waiting stinks, but it comes with the hobby and it's nice to see that most people agree that the dolls are worth it. Because if I didn't win, I'd sure have found a way to purchase her in the future.

 

I won Kakeru through KL, I'm thrilled. It's not often I prefer the boy Yo to the girl, so I'm delighted to be able to bring him home.

 

Congratulations to everyone who has won so far, and sending lots of luck to those still waiting to hear from VolksUSA. I struck out with both dealers last lottery (still won through VolksUSA, but that was a killer wait), but I guess that made me doubly lucky with them this time, both emailed me with winning news. Fortunately, I only needed one doll, so there will be an extra Kakeru at KL to make another hopeful a winner!

Now it's back to waiting...for the dolls from last lottery. Is it 'the end of May' yet??

 

Well, although I haven't received a winning email, since my order status hasn't changed to cancelled yet (still says "This order is pending review."), I'm telling myself there's still a chance...

 

I have won chika from KL !~ woot!~ I cannot wait to see what she'll look like in person!!~

 

I am happy that my payment has not been cancelled. That gives me some hopes This is the second time I eneter the VolksUSA lottery, and I am satisfied as always.

 

I got my notice from KL, I won Hweitt!!!
This was my first time to enter lottery other than VolksUSA.
I would never knew about it if it wasn't for all the informations I get
from DOA. Thanks DOA!

 

I think I'm weird... I don't mind the wait from either a dealer or VolksUSA. ^^; I only start to become anxious when other people announce that they've started to receive their emails.

I've actually attended a lot of events in Japan and compared to the excruciatingly long hours spent standing in line at an actual Dolpa (even when you win a doll!), I love that I can just send an email/place an order with VolksUSA and wait in the comfort of my own home and well... get on with my life. ^^;; It's such a lovely luxury and so much more fun than the alternatives.

Usually (at least in my last lottery for Yo SD Suzuna) VolksUSA lets their winners know about 12-24 hours after the dealers are told their allotments (to give time to hopefully remove duplicates) So I suspect everyone waiting on VolksUSA will find out sometime later today.

 

Just sent in my payment for a Hewitt from WLD! I double checked with Debra that name is removed from the Volks US lotto, and she confirmed this. It sounds like the dealers are trying to round up confirmations so they can send them off to Volks to open up chances for more people.
Good luck to everyone who is still waiting!

 

That's good to hear, Anielle! I'm sure that this process will take at least another day, I assume.
But that's okay, since in the meantime I'll be busy studying for finals and not worrying about dollies (or trying to) lol xD

 

Only 20 minutes until the store opens today~ Yay!

 

Still waiting on my paypal invoice from WLD So I'd know how much to send.

 

Woohoo! The store is now open~
Anyone get any news yet? lol

 

Yay.. I won chika.. I got email from VolksUSA

 

I got an email from Volks USA too! ^__^ I won Chika!

 

A Chika for me, too!


Edited to say that even though I got the winning email, my order status has not changed at Volks.
It said "confirmed" on the top as soon as I placed it, and still says that.
The "order status" farther down is still blank.
Just in case anyone is watching those things, I wanted to say that nothing on mine has changed.

 

Woo hoo!! I also won DDdy Alna too !!!! I'm so happy now

 

YEAH!!! Got both Maria and Alna. Happy happy!

 

Congrats, everyone!

 

My friend won his DDdy Alna from VolksUSA. Still waiting to hear on my confirmation, if any. So keep an eye on your boxes, folks!

EDIT: And there's my confirmation for Alna too~ woot!

 

Yay! I won Kakeru! He's so adorable and I'm really excited.

 

I won DDdy Alna and Sakura's Every Day outfit, hurray! August is gonna be a fun month. XD

 

I won Alna, but I lost Sakura Matou T__T I really, REALLY wanted her for a character of mine that I've had
since I was 10, and it took me over a year to find the perfect one for Evelyn (my character), and then Sakura
Matou popped up and she was perfect, but I lost her. T__T I don't know. I'm just so upset right now. I'm glad
I got Alna, but still.
.
.
.
Is there an After Party at all by any chance?

Congrats on everyone who got what they wanted ^__^

 

There is an After Party coming up on the international website, but no confirmation of which dolls they would have available. Just keep checking that site for updates, taintedrose.

 

Sorry you didn't win Sakura.

There will be an AE on the International Website on May 29th/May 30th http://www.volks.co.jp/en/event/dolpa23/index.html

What items will and will not be available has not been announced yet. Occasionally Character dolls are not available because of licensing issues. Good luck!

 

Yay! I got ALNA. (Why is her name all capitalized anyway?)

Still upset about the late email from Volks USA, but I'll take it for what it is.

 

"Yo-SDG Chika: Congratulations!"

WOOT!!! My Chinatsu has a sister again!!!

 

Thanks. ^^;
Oh well. I suppose I'll just have to wait and hope for another chance to own Sakura. ^_^
I'm still really glad I got Alna though. I'm thinking of (re-)naming her Yasuko. ^^

 

*excited* Congrats everyone!~

 

*happy dance* I won Hewitt the Third! He's been on my grail list for years, and years now.

 

I got Chika!!!! My very first Volks Lottery attempt. and now according to my hubby ...my last. He only let me enter because he didn't think I would get her. I withheld the fact that it was a pretty high possibility that I would and pretended that my chances were really low. He is not happy now LOL.

But I am extatic. Gotta find her a lighter wig though and she will look exactly like my baby girl.

 

*SCREAM*

I won both Chika AND Ran! Aahahhhhhhhghhfjd!!!! : : : So happy! ...but ouch, wallet.

 

Chika for me too, yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats everyone!
It looks like for anyone who didn't win, there's going to be a chance to get some of these dolls in the afterevent on the other Volks site...

 

Seems like a lot of people won Chika. I was kind of hoping to win Kakeru out of the two. =/

 

I won Hewitt!! DREAM DOLL GET~~~

 

I am still waiting for Volks to clear my order. I won from Kerbey lane so I hope they clear it soon. My hubby won from Volks so now we have twins He won last time for Kurumi. I have never won from Volks. He has the better luck I guess. Now I just need those outfits!!

 

Just went back from a long day and found that I won both Chika & Kakeru!

 

Alright, so yesterday I e-mailed Volks asking if there's going to be a Dolpa 23 After Party, and this is the response I got:

Thank you for contacting us regarding this matter.

We are sorry to say that Volks USA does not participate in
the After Event. It is held exclusively throughout our locations
in Japan. The International website is a part of our headquarters
in Japan, which is why they participate.

We hope that this was helpful for you. Please let us know should
you have any other questions.

With that settled, I have another question. Can USA folks use Rinkya/similar services to participate in the Volks Japan After Event? I don't see why not.

 

The After Event Webpage is up on volks.co.jp/en :

http://www.volks.co.jp/en/event/dolpa23/index.html

 

Chika was the leftover at Dolpa and everyone who wanted one got one. So guess this is why so many have actually won her as they made loads.

 

You can apply via the Volks English International site yourself if the items you want are offered there. You do not need to commission or use a service for it. ^^;;;;;

I'm hoping to try for the outfits I want via the International Site.

However, if the dolls you want are not offered via the International Site (because of licensing issues or whatever) then you will need to commission or find someone to apply for you in Japan w/a Japanese mailing addy or is going to the event in person. I've never heard of Rinkya, Celga or SMJ putting in for the Japanese AE for someone but you're welcome to ask them. You can also look into privately commissioning someone. Some of our members in Japan take commissions however not all of them do and I would not recommend just PMing people randomly. You could try making a WTC thread in the marketplace.

All of these events are still lottery though and so nothing is guaranteed. Going by people who attended the Dolpa upthread, the DDs were quite popular this time around.

 

Aww sure d.ark ruin it for me. Here I was thinking I was special and now I find out everyone is special LOL. iz ok I still lub her.