Shipping Purchasing insurance for shipping

I'm in Europe and usually have the value of my packages marked down (generally without my input even) So there can't be insurance. I've never had anything dissappear so that hasn't come up as a problem. I think most dealers are good about fixing mistakes or damages even if you didn't specifically insure your packages. Of course getting them faster via DHL is very nice. I get my packages from AC via Fedex and they arrive in around four days usually. They're still marked down and as such not properly insured though.

 

Most of my dolls have been shipped via EMS without insurance and I haven't had any problems so far in more than a decade in the hobby. However, our postal service is also very efficient here in Hong Kong, so that might be one of the reasons.

Not sure what the postal situation is like in your location but DHL can get very expensive for larger dolls.

DHL charges mainly by size rather than weight, while EMS charges mainly by weight. In my experience, DHL is sometimes cheaper than EMS for small packages but for large ones, they can be way more expensive.

 

So rule of thumb for me and my friends:

Doll manufacturers stand for damages in transit from them. It's not a blanket rule but I've never heard of a doll maker not replacing things damaged/lost in transit FROM THEM. This is usually because they've chosen shipping partners or options they feel are secure for transporting their creations. You're new baby is also their baby!

Private people and Dealers on the other hand, ALWAYS go insured. If it's not posted as an option, contact them about insured option or get in writing (email) that they stand for damages/loss in transport.
If you are dealing with a private person (sending parts for faceup ect) always insure for full doll replacement value. Because losing just a leg, you won't be able to order just a leg, you'll need a while new body!

Insurance can be pricey and almost never do dolls disappear/break in transit but it CAN and HAS happened on rare occasions. Better safe than sorry!

 

If it’s seller selling a doll secondhand on here or fb/ig I always just get insurance even if there in the same country as me. I just want peace of mind and not have to worry extra about losing money since i don’t have much money to begin with and I rather just pay the extra fee than lose hundreds. With dealers I don’t get extra insurance as most dealers/doll companies are pretty good with helping if there is a problem

 

I advise paying with Paypal goods and services, because in the event the doll is lost or damaged you will have the buyer protection whether the doll is shipped with insurance or not. The insurance is what protects the sender if the doll is lost or damaged, so most sellers who understand this will not ship without it.

 

When I buy from places like Mandarake, I choose DHL without the insurance because it’s super fast to the USA and I feel like they watch their packages a bit better. This is my experience so it may differ for you, but I’ve not had a problem getting things, including full dolls, from DHL without insurance.