Volks Dolpa - Dolls Party in LA 2015 - LAX Marriot (9/5/2015)

Between the standard girls, the coordinate model midis and the assorted limited dolls, that probably does seem like a lot to Volks. They seem to only consider dolls to be available to us when they've offered them to us, and don't count that we've all used other means than a direct purchase to get current Volks dolls. I could never interpret the flicker of reaction when I mentioned I owned a Genji, but it was pretty clear they weren't expecting that name to come out of my mouth.

 

They MET my Genji (and a couple others) at New York, and I don't recally any reaction other than them taking his picture and cooing "coool". Same with dolls like Nathankatt's Scarface Cecile and other japan-only/cruise-only things. I just assumed they already knew those dolls float all over the secondhand market and wash up on all continents.

 

Yeah, but my point is that when they decide what items come to Volks USA, other than what info they get from our email requests, they can't factor in the secondhand market. So they bring something over that's "brand new never before seen at Volks USA", and the reaction is "Is that it? I already have two of those." By buying outside of their system, we kind of set ourselves up for disappointment, but it's absurd to tell people not to because there wouldnt even be a Volks fan base without the secondhand market.

 

I admit, I was really touched with how obviously excited Mr. Enku was to see a Ushiwakamaru outside Japan -- he said (through his translator) that they don't often see them at events. I was a bit worried that he might be offended that mine had been turned into a girl (he was the original sculptor), but he loved Anthea, and remembered her the next year when I brought her again

I agree that it's likely that, for business decisions, they may be taken slightly aback when we've managed to snag a crazy-limited doll . . . but the Volks staff has always come across as very pleasant and interested in owner customizations.

-- A

 

Well, I think if people are disappointed it is with both the selection and quantity. The LE dolls are old and there is only 1 or maybe 2 of each. So for most people the chances of getting one is low even if they are super happy with the selection .

The SDM CM dolls are not for sale at the Dolpa, making it a Volks usa webstore special instead of a Dolpa special.

The tea party dolls are both very limited and not available for Dolpa only attendees.

For a special event I do think the offerings are weak, perhaps they are uncertain about the demand of this market and want to play it safe.

Personally I don't like having to try too hard to get a doll, I am in this hobby to relax and have fun. I was initially disappointed since I have hoped and saved for a Dolpa doll, but I got over it. There are plenty of fun things to get with the money I won't be spending on this Dolpa.

 

I finally took a break from all my rushing around to see what is coming to Dolpa.
Hmm...I'm safe from the dollies. Of course, I was *hoping* that I wouldn't be safe...but I'm only mildly interested in a couple of them, and not interested enough to take away someone else's only chance of snagging their dream doll. Who knows. Maybe I'll fall madly in love at Dolpa.

As for clothes, I'm not a fluffy kinda person, so I'm safe there too (sadly). I love the trunk idea...just not the trunk clothes.

About the only thing I'm excited about is Velvet Paw.... but chances of that happening are piff.

Really wish I knew what standard clothes they would be bringing. There are a couple outfits I'd love to pick up, but who knows what they'll actually stock.

Other than that...hands. Maybe? My girls are both yellowed, so not sure on that front.

Who knows. Maybe I'll make it out without dropping any money! Wouldn't *that* be a miracle!

Never been to a Volks event before, so I didn't really know what to expect, but I do ooh and ah over the Japanese Dolpas, so I rather expected it to be more ... Oom-pah-pah than this But hey--better than nothing, right?

 

I'm going to agree with Etoile, I think the major disappointment is over the # of LEs. I mean let's be honest, so they're maybe bringing 20 LE dolls that people not attending the Tea Party will have a chance for? Those odds are probably better than some Japanese events, but definitely lower than others.*shrugs* After all the US events that had their own exclusive and the ability for all attendees to order them, and then the loss of Dolpa LEs having a special US/Mexico/Canada only lottery, it's a hard blow to bear. I do know from personal experience how hard it is to get a Dolpa doll in Japan at an actual Dolpa. And I know how hard it could be to get various Yo tenshi LEs in Kyoto as well. But I also went on the Kobe cruise where everyone was able to get their LE and pre-ordered a Yo Tenshi Yuki when anyone with VS membership had two week ends to show and be able to pre-order. I also found some of the in-person AE events much easier for getting something, and sometimes LE didn't sell out in Japan and stayed on the shelves for a long time.

I think Chiyo, Coco and Saki are all extremely pretty, and some of the nicest standards ever, but I also think it is sort of sad to be excited because *STANDARDS* are in stock. Isn't that the whole point of standards?

Personally, I'm really glad I'm not going. When I first heard about the event, I was really disappointed, I had already booked my trip to the LA area and it was earlier in the Summer. I like seeing doll people, but I also live incredibly far from LA and it's an expensive and long trip just to socialize. I am sure there are people who don't feel that way, but for me, it's just too much money and a good portion of the airfare to Japan.

And since this was brought up, people who live in Japan and want to attend a Dolpa that is far away from their homes generally do not take the shinkansen, so no, they don't pay $160 each way on a shinkansen. I knew Dolpa dealers who lived in Kyoto and would drive with friends whenever they went to Tokyo Dolpa. They refused to pay tolls and so took the longer toll-free ways. Certain holidays also have discounted tolls, I took advantage of that to be driven all over Tohoku in '09. People also use long distance buses which are much cheaper than the shinkansen. I had friends who did this to get to Tokyo and I took a 3-4 hour bus from Tsuruoka to Yamagata. They're nicer than Greyhound, but not as nice as the shinkansen. People also fly. There are a lot of domestic airports in Japan. I flew from Nagoya to Hakkodate. You can fly from Sapporo to Tokyo for around $200 if you book a month out. I knew a doujinshi dealer who lived in Hokkaido, and she use to fly to Tokyo for events. Generally, the people who travel far for events are either really hard core or dealers. They tend to hope some of their sales will help cover the cost of travel. Comparing this to people traveling in the US is really unfair. If I book super early, (ie. when this event was first announced) I might be able to get $400 at best roundtrip and it's a 6 hour flight. There is nothing comparable in Japan.

 

I'm lucky, I guess. I don't want to buy any dolls. (I often end up buying dolls anyway, but never go to any doll events wanting to buy one. I have a bazillion dolls already and more keep popping up that I want to buy, so buying dolls is never a problem for me, whether there are a bunch available at cons or dolpas or not... or rather, it's more of a problem for me if there ARE dolls I want...! I swear, the first time I thought I'd try for a One-Off, I got it, so that's enough crazy buying for me!)

I mostly go to these things to check out what's there. To look at stuff. To buy anything that looks good (or rather to try NOT to buy). And socialize a bit while looking at everyone's pretty dolls...

 

I have to admit that seeing other people's dolls is a big draw for me. There are so many I'd love to see (without having to buy them in order to see them) .

 

Talking about dolls, are people bringing their dolls to the Dolpa itself (not the tea party)? I assume we would not be allowed carrier bags for space and security reasons, so do people just carry their dolls the entire time? Or would it be better to leave our hands free and not bring a doll to the actual Dolpa?

 

They could get at least 50% more money from people if they'd simply diversify the gender of the items they're selling by 50%. Give us boy stuff to spend our money on instead of having 100% girl frills, and the math works out pretty simply from there. At this point my money's going to mostly go towards overtipping the Marriott's bartenders.

 

Do you know if bags are allowed? I'm staying with my sister and commuting in, so I won't have a place to stash my doll/s. Oooh.

As for planning/not planning to spend money.... I'm basically trying to figure out how much more I need to sell off. I already downsized my collection pretty massively to fund the plane ticket from East Coast and Volks companions. If Volks isn't announcing/offering anything amazing for Dolpa, I'm not going to kill myself to raise a lot more money, all in the slight hope that they'll come back next year with stuff I actually like. I'll be happy if I leave with a couple outfits and a couple pairs of hands

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

 

I am very excited that Volks is bringing so much for only one day. This is the first time doing a Dolpa for the new Manager of Volks USA.
I am thrilled about the Cruise Yo/Midis. I am very happy to be able to check out any new FCS Midi heads for the Coordinate models. This will help me with my next FCS. I love the Japanese vendor outfits. Hoping for Msd sizes. Can't wait to see the one-offs. Thank goodness for credit cards.

It will be lovely to meet other Volks fans in person. Coming early Friday just to hang out.

 

Do they usually post pictures of the one-offs before an event? The one time I won one, I hadn't seen her before, but luckily, I had wanted an MSD F-06 and she fit the bill. However, I also like to plan ahead, so I hope that Volks will give us a better idea of what will be offered.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you and I'll be there early on Friday too!

 

Just saw this from Volks...

Super Dollfie 16® size will be added to the ordering menu for October 2015!

We'll also be introducing a brand new head type for the SD16 line up too! ​

This new head type for SD16 will have their very own special debut at Dolls Party in Los Angeles 2015.



Hmmmm...strokes imaginary beard....

 

I agree, but BJD items are both expensive and specialized, if people are looking for specific things they might not be able to find alternatives they can happily purchase instead. I do think people are going to have a good time, just meeting each other, seeing the dolls, and be in a place with so many dolly stuff will be wonderful. I hope Volks will make the sales they needed too.

I think Volks does face a few challenges with Dolpas in the US. It is expensive for them to hold and expensive for attendees to come. People who are familiar with other collector doll events will likely have certain expectations. And I am sure they don't want to do things too differently from their regular Dolpas.

It would almost be better if the uncertainty could be decreased for both Volks and the cusomers with a preorder or reservation on certain items. It doesn't have to be a LE doll, outfits and accessories work too.

 

At japanese dolpas, there usually are a few tables for people to set their dolls and goodies on while they shop. (One person hangs out at the table and watches everything while the others shop). Bags have never been an issue at any dolpa I've been to in Japan. One popular option is to bring a basket to carry your doll in, which is also a good place to put your outfit and other purchases. The tables are a fun way to show off your dolls.

 

I asked Volks regarding the bags, they said they will have a baggage check in room at the hotel where customers can store their bags.

 

Hi Kellyhime,

I look forward to seeing you. Alway fun to see what dress creations you made for your dolls.

With One-off at Dolpa in NYC, Volks may post only few of the preview pictures. But never all of the one-offs offered. It is a wonderful surprise.

 

I am pretty pleased with this information too. I wonder if they will be offering that limited ebony skintone again. ;u; If not, I would love to have a tan SD16 girl...so I hope they have a beautiful new sculpt, hehe.

 

I'm not going to the Tea Party, so I'll have my doll with me. And, as I said, I'm hoping NOT to do a lot of serious shopping, carrying him shouldn't be a problem.

Of course, I totally manage to spend way too much money even if my hands are full of doll and I'm trying not to buy anything! I never seem to escape these things without getting stuff... *sigh*

Anyway, I'm sure Volks will sell enough to make it worthwhile. You know we bjd-types are just kind of crazy when it comes to spending vast amounts...!

Volks has also had previous events in the US, so they have some clue about what sells and how much. I think it will be fine for them.

 

Thank you for asking!

I also like the idea of the Dollie Table

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

 

I love the dress from the Dress up Box (the price is pretty good too), hopefully someone will put up the outfit in the MP
and those Komame cookies in the charity goods section look cool too, does anyone know if they're doll props or actually edible cookies?
and the Yo-SD Megu!
This sounds like a lot of fun, I wish I could go

 

I wonder how many of the dress up boxes they will have. I really really want one.

But I have terrible luck, so I will probably end up at the end of the entrance line.

 

They are edible cookies!

 

thank you pris84!

 

Sorry, rkold, but I feel I need to jump in here to clarify a few points.

I went on the Kobe Cruise in Kobe with the Yo-Midi release. The entrance for this event was lottery, so not all applicants were able to go. So, although everyone who could go on the cruise can buy something, not everyone who applies for a cruise can actually get to go, and as a consequence obtain the dolls they want. Furthermore, the cruise is not free. People have to pay for the meal and ensure they are properly dressed. Frankly, it would have been cheaper for me to purchase my doll off YJA than to go to the event.

As for the Yo-Tenshi Yuki, the pre-order is not something that has been at Sato for many years. But, that said, I recently went to the Yo-Una event and they had made a lot of dolls which was great to see. Everyone who went to the event could get a doll and that has not been the case for many years for some dolls. But, that event was also held after the recent survey results were released (I will get to that).

This has changed quite recently. With very popular dolls they now do not even have dolls at the AE's. For instance, with the most recent Tokyo Dolpa with Ami Ayase they had a "entry period" within which people entered for dolls. And, people were very angry because so few people could get Ami Ayase in Japan. I heard from friends that here on Den of Angels there were grumblings about no one getting her. Well, it is entirely possible they did not send very many to the foreign market after they realised people were so angry in Japan about that event and AE. They actually did a survey asking for feedback and the results are quite brutal (they are in the recent Volks News). I was very kind on my survey as the event itself did not influence me in any great way, and I mostly go for FCS dolls anyways. I was genuinely shocked to see so much negative feedback from Japanese collectors, but I think the fact it was Ami Ayase was a huge factor. I cannot comment with specific examples, though, because I am trying to avoid negativity (aka, Mixi) and want to focus on creating positive experiences when I attend various events.

I would like to think the scarcity of standards has more to do with high demand and a high attention to quality. Naturally, I cannot know this for sure, so it is my best guess based on my experiences.

I have collected Volks dolls since 2008 (only in Japan) and I have seen very few quality issues. There have certainly been some types of issues I have had such as mediocre face-ups, but I feel Volks has made great strides to evolve and make genuine efforts to improve not only their face-ups but also their dolls over the years. The sculpts seem to get better and better, and I think their clothing, despite a period of lower quality last year (which included some delays with releases), has rebounded after seeing the outfits at this past Kyoto Dolpa. It pleases me personally they will not sacrifice quality to meet demand. To be honest, I would rather not have the doll than to have a doll that is not well-made, but perhaps I am in the minority with that perspective.

This is both true and not true today. As you mention there are a variety of options for travel in Japan. But, there can be no denying that some dealers/doll fans will take a shinkansen on the day of if they have work obligations or if they cannot book a hotel. Some events, such as the March Kyoto Dolpa which is held the same weekend as the Kyoto marathon, are held at peak hotel times making reservations a necessity three months in advance. One dealer on Twitter was recently lamenting about that while others will only sell/attend in their regions which was something I used to do but now I go to Tokyo Dolpa and I do take the shinkansen and book a hotel room. The cost, though, is "reasonable" as it is a package deal offered through many travel agencies. As you mentioned, the bus is another option, and I have taken that as well but it can take a very long time. Flying is usually, but not always, chosen by those who cannot take the train because check-in and check-out take a long time making the shinkansen a more convenient option. As for the airfare, though, there are also airfare-hotel packages, but I cannot quote specific prices as it varies from region to region.

I will go to Tokyo Dolpa in the winter and I will meet friends. I will travel with another friend from Osaka via shinkansen and we will book hotel rooms. Other friends are flying in from the US. And more friends are flying in from Canada. Then, I am hoping for more friends to come in from Singapore. None of us are dealers. I also would not consider anyone "hard core". We are simply making the most of an opportunity, in my opinion, with a focus on the overall experience rather than solely on "the stuff".

As for those "hard core" doll owners, though, I know what you mean. I know of people who lived in Hiroshima who travelled to Kobe Sumika and/or Osaka Sumika on the day of a one-off release to try to get dolls. And, when I first got into the hobby I went to a Japanese-owner doll meet that lasted three days and one of the women drove into Kyoto from Hiroshima three days in a row. But, if it made them/her happy, then I am happy for them/her.

How people enjoy the hobby is all about personal choice. Personally, I feel everyone sacrifices to some extent to make their doll dreams happen whether it be to obtain a doll or to simply enjoy their dolls no matter where they are from. Volks can provide doll-enjoyment opportunities, and those of us in Japan are very lucky to have so many compared to other regions in relatively close proximity, but it is still up to us as doll-fans to choose how to best enjoy the doll-enjoyment opportunities provided to us by Volks. Volks does not need to give us these opportunities, but they do, and for that I can personally say I am grateful.

~ ~ ~

Personally, I cannot comment further on this upcoming LA Dolpa, because I am not going, but I will say that perhaps if one is inclined to make comparisons it may be better to compare this LA Dolpa to a Korean Dolpa as both the US and South Korea areas are considered as "Volks Sumika". Kindly note, I do not wish to offend and only hope to clarify a few issues about the Japanese situation as I felt some points were a bit out-of-date.

I sincerely hope those who go to LA Dolpa have a wonderful time!

 

Well said.

 

Very well said elphsnt.

I'm a little bummed about the one-off models Volks will be offering in LA. I was hoping for a badass SD17 Shiro but, alas, tis not the case. Dare I hope that the new SD16 FCS head being premiered will be that of the SD16 four sisters? And do I dare even further to think that, if it is so, they offer it on a SDGr boy body?

 

Thank you for all the great information, elphsnt!

 

I think that is correct. The new sculpt will only be displayed, not sold. The SD16 is more popular here, so it's only been part of FCS with our online ordering system. The hard part is not knowing which other body types they'll have on offer at the same time. If you wanted an SDGraffiti boy with an SD16 head, you'd have to buy both dolls complete and swap parts. Last time they offered SD16, SDGraffiti boy was one of the other options, so it's possible that might be the lineup for October. I hate that they don't tell us ahead of time so we can plan for the expense. But we've all spent so many hours staring at the full FCS menu, anything less is never enough.

 

All things well said yes, but for Japanese Volks collectors I think should be further pointed out. The things being said were from the point of view of someone who lived in Japan, as have I, but now lives in US and collects Volks here. There is quite the difference in being unable to get a Volks doll at an event of which is only one of many that may be held that year, some smaller than others, some with more dolls than others, as compared to the US base or another foreign base of collectors who have not experienced a single Volks event in 5 years, and who must obtain dolls off the secondhand and online offerings. In Japan, the dolls are available to you on a much more regular basis, at a higher frequency of time and quantity, which I know is somewhat offset by the number of collectors, but is generally going to mean, unless you just really didn't try that hard, you will not only be able to attend many events, but have a much greater chance at winning something on sheer number of lotteries available.

I too am not trying to offend, but these are kind of glaring facts, and ones that not everyone in the US or other countries can really abide by. I am of the mind, that if you are going to do an event after a stretch of years of not much of anything else, and which could be the only event offered for an unknown number of years, you should do so with a greater sense of offering so that all feel like there is still welcoming from the company to our fan base. Some feel that what is being offered here is generous, many do not. It is hard to dispute people's opinions and feelings in general, but it is clear there is something there that needs addressing and this LA Dolpa isn't doing that perhaps.

 

It is true Japanese collectors have more opportunities. Why? IT IS A JAPANESE COMPANY. That simple fact cannot be ignored. And, at the end of the day these are dolls. These are wants. And no one in any country in the world is entitled to them. How Volks sells, what Volks sells and at what frequency they hold events is up to them. That is the reality and nothing anyone says or does will change that.

On a personal note, please stop making me defend Volks. I honestly do sympathise with your frustrations and have some of my own. I do not deny I am lucky to live in Japan - as acknowledged above - and that I have some wonderful opportunities. That said, LA Dolpa is also an opportunity to enjoy a Volks event in-person with other collectors. That cannot be a negative thing in my mind.

 

I think it's about managing expectations. If I anticipated viewings things in person and picking up a couple small things then it's all good. If I anticipated to get a special event doll and other limited items, then not so good.

It also depends on what Volks is trying to achieve. Are they trying to get their name out or are they actually trying to make sales? Is this geared towards seasoned collectors or are they trying to court new collectors too? It's hard to capture a foreign market. This event sets the tones and expectations for possible future events, I know I will not be willing to do air travel plus hotel for something like this.

 

^ Both interesting points to consider! Volks is a Japanese company, and as discussed before, similar to what Etoile said, I personally think that by bringing their products internationally (to the US), they're not doing it to boost sales. They're doing it to either promote their business, get the word out, maybe make a few bucks here and there, but I don't think its essentially geared towards profit, because we've seen how the Japanese BJD market is, there are enough collectors and doll enthusiasts there to keep Volks up and running. If there wasn't, then we would see more events like this internationally

 

Well, I am glad they are holding another Dolpa in the US. I didn't think they would do so again after the dolls were stolen in NY. Of course I'm disappointed that I didn't get into the Tea Party (but I'm not surprised at all).

I hope there are more in the future.

On the other hand, I am really looking forward to the opportunity to meet more people I have only talked to online. That's pretty exciting.

 

Yes, I know quite well that the Kobe Cruise that you needed to pay for to go on, as I said, I did go on it myself several years ago. However, again, everyone who attends is guaranteed a chance to pre-order a doll. Is everyone attending the Tea Party guaranteed the chance to p-reorder a doll? And sure I've been to Sato events where they ran out of dolls/outfits/etc. But there have also been free lotteries where again everyone who won a space got to pre-order.

Could it be there was negativity because people do not enjoy traveling long distance to events and having very little chance of getting a doll? (Which was exactly my point, above.) I applaud you for not wanting to focus on negativity, however, since Volks has obviously in the past been able to make lots of dolls, it feels very much like this is a planned scarcity and color me not all that impressed.

And I got my first Volks doll in 2002, when there were few options for getting *ANY BJDS. Yes, the dolls are lovely quality, but this is a manufactured scarcity. There has not been some sort of huge upswing in Japanese doll collectors or foreign collectors. If anything, Volks has more competition as other companies dolls have become a lot more accessible in Japan. Volks *COULD* make more dolls and still keep the quality high because Volks *DID* in the past.

Except Kyoto is not some tiny city with terrible public transportation. I've traveled to Kyoto during busy times and I ... stay in Osaka if I can't book in Kyoto. There are lots of hotels and towns an easy and cheap train distance away and you can still get to the event nice and early. I think when I attended Kyoto Dolpa I actually stayed in Shin Osaka because it was cheaper and easier.

And again, even if the bus trip is long, it is still an option and it is not all that expensive. If you live East of the Mississippi, you do not have any other option but to fly to LA. Driving takes DAYS. Buses take DAYS. Even flights are going to take HOURS + a time change. It is just not comparable. It is just much much much easier to get around Japan and it is not as crazy expensive as people seem to think it has to be. It is really no harder than getting around CA except there might be more airports options. If we were simply discussing people from San Francisco or Sacramento or even Portland, Oregon attending this event, travel within Japan would be more comparable but we are talking about the entire US.

We are still talking about much shorter distances, other than people actually traveling from foreign countries to Japan, which I have done numerous times.

A Tokyo Dolpa is going to have 700+ dealers all selling interesting and unique outfits. If you want a kimono for your doll, there will be one. If you want something gothy or H. Naoto inspired for your doll, it will be there. Do you want beautiful handmade eyes or an amazing one of kind wig, yup, it will be there. I rarely attended a Japanese Dolpa in hopes of getting a doll, I went to see what those 700+ dealers had to offer. And I was never disappointed. Volks is bringing a very limited and curated selection of Japanese Dolpa outfits. And having seen what Volks has brought in the past (which is exactly the same sort of stuff they are bringing this time) it's not to my taste in the slightest. As I said, I would much more happily put the ~$500 at a minimum I would need to spend in airfare to the LA event towards airfare to Japan, where the cost is at least worth it. I want to point out now, I have never lived in Japan. I've just visited many times.

I don't begrudge Japan having special LEs or events because of course this is a Japanese company and Japan *SHOULD* have special offerings. What I do begrudge Volks is announcing how this event is going to be run in a haphazard way and ignoring the fact that the US is not the size of Japan. This is something Volks should know since they've held events in the US before and the Shigetas have sent most of their children to college in the US.

Again, Korea is much much smaller than the US. There is no equivalent of someone traveling all the way from the East coast, spending lots of money, taking time off from work, only to discover their chances of getting a doll or even finding an outfit they want is zilch at a Korean event.

I think it's lovely that you're so positive, really. But I also think you and the other people on this thread need to be a little more accepting of others disappointments. Because it is disappointing to spend a lot of money to travel to a distant event only to find out after the money is spent, that you didn't get an invite to the tea party portion, which you had no idea would be so exclusive. It is disappointing that there is no LE, or even the guarantee of a doll outside of possibly being able to purchase a standard. It is disappointing that Volks choices for Dolpa outfits as usual are girly dresses and kimonos. And I don't think it's right to try to force voices of dissent into hiding because people want to pretend there is nothing for some people to be disappointed about.

 

I'm really ambivalent about going, although I did enter the second tea party lottery, on the off chance. No email notice from Volks, so obviously I didn't win. That just leaves attending the general dolpa, which if I understand correctly, ends prior to the start of the tea party.

So I'd be flying myself and my disabled partner from Hawaii, just to attend a roughly half day event, with the hope that I would be lucky enough to draw an early entry and possibly find an item or two that I wanted to purchase....

Even if I didn't find anything to buy, I would have considered it well worth attending for the chance to have Lue restrung with new elastic by the doll doctors. However, when I read about the Beauty Salon services, it said something about having to bring your doll's birth certificate with you.

Well, Lue was purchased second hand in 2004 or 2005, and I'm pretty sure I didn't receive his birth certificate from his previous owner, nor did I receive a birth certificate with his SDC body which I also purchased second hand around the same time.

That wasn't a requirement at the previous U.S. Dolpa I attended, nor was it required the two times he was seen by the doctors at Tenshi no Sato! Why now? I'm sure I'm not the only second or third hand owner out there with no birth certificate for their doll!

Anyway, I guess that means there would be no visit to the Beauty Salon for Lue..... Sadly, I really can't see much point in trying to attend now...

 

Maybe email them and double check? Mention that you've brought these to dolls to Sato before and they are older dolls that may never have had papers? I find it frustrating too that some people will be turned away from doll maintenance because of a slip of paper.

 

I have never been to a Dolpha before so after the New York scandal, I was thinking that we would never get anything from Volks again. All I had was visiting the Volks USA store once in a while or accompanying my friend to a dollie meet-up to fulfill that BJD itch. When the physical store closed in Torrance I had figured that was the last time I would be able to go to a place where BJDs and things were accessible. So from that perspective I'm SUPER happy that there is going to be this event in L.A. Honestly, I'm not aware if other BJD companies do US events like Volks does so I'm grateful for whatever I can get as a BJD owner. Hahahaha. Again, just really grateful that the NY incident didn't totally ruin things for us and am hoping that this coming Dolpha will bring more good things to come even if only on a "small" scale.

On that note, is anyone else dressing up or at least dressing up their dolls? If so, what styles? I'm thinking of going a little Steampunk-ish while my husband will dress normally. Hahahaha. I don't have any Alice in Wonderland outfits for my Marie, but I'm thinking of dressing her in the Volks "Classical Lace-Up Lolita - Bordeaux" while my husband is thinking of bringing Naomi in full on Jun Tachibana gear. I'm debating whether to get my hair done that day or not. Is it sad to think that I could use hair money for dollie accessories?

 

I do think it's rather generous of Volks to bring back the Dolpa after having such a negative event in NY.

I do share the opinions of some that wish that Volks had released a limited doll for the event though, as it has always been that way in the past. I mean, even a re-release would have been really nice. I don't know. I'm still happy to get what we got this time -- maybe next time it'll be better?

It's hard to say though, because I'm local. @_@ If you're a fan and live outside of CA, the costs are much higher. And that's incredibly frustrating. Tbh, Volks probably didn't consider that fans would fly in from so far away either.

 

Are you both referring to the dolls that were stolen from the NY Dolpa venue in 2009? I'm just curious because Volks had another NY Dolpa in 2010 AFTER the dolls were stolen, so I'm less sure that negative experience was the reason Volks stopped having US events. If it was some other NY Dolpa experience you are referencing, I'd like to know what it is, because as my memory serves there were no issues with the 2010 Dolpa and it went off beautifully. Volks also had a small Tea Party I believe when they closed/moved the VolksUSA storefront. It was a small event, but once again was post the 2009 debacle.

Honestly, I think that is part of the problem with this event. Had Volks said, we're having another Tea Party, and before the Tea Party, we're going to have some limited sales. People from further away might not have rushed to book their trips. But hearing the word "Dolpa" people thought this would be an event more similar to the past events in NY and LA.

Honestly, I think the pullback from the US market was more economic related over anything else. 2010 was an economic slump and with the yen worth 80-90 yen for the dollar it made sales more challenging. It's much easier when the dollar is worth 120+ yen.

No other company as far as I know has special events like a Dolpa. All the other companies are much smaller than Volks. However, I know Soom came to a few NYCC and possibly some San Diego Comicons. BF went to a BJD event in Seattle and the DoA sponsored event in 2014. I am pretty sure a lot of other Korean companies went to the DoA sponsored event. I think Volks went to IDF not so long ago and I am pretty sure has been a dealer at a few European events. I think some of the Korean brands have gone to some European events as well.

 

Yeah, there have been USA events since the NY doll theft. That's not what made them pull out. Nobody knows why they do anything. We invited Volks to Dollectable/GoGaDoll every year it was on, and they refused every year, but nowadays they're regularly accepting invitations to American conventions. Who even knows what color the sky is in their world?

 

When I saw Mr. Shigeta speak at the San Diego BJD con last year I got the impression that he really wanted to bring Volks back to the states in a big way. I'm guessing his hands are tied with what he can do without the permission of the home office. I'm a little bummed too about the offerings but it's still better than nothing and I'm grateful Volks is taking another chance on us. Perhaps if this one goes well we'll get more in the future.

 

Volks pulled out of the USA events after the 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami. There was fund raising to do to rebuild parts of Japan. That what their charity "One for All" is about. We are lucky they kept VolksUSA going with new management.

I am going to show my support VolksUSA. I booked vacation around this event so it pays off for me. This is a smaller scale event one day event for the new manager. Hopefully they will do bigger events in the future so more people can come. They are also traveling more to other doll and model events.

I am impressed with the amount of good and dolls they are bringing. They brought tons of Japanese vendor clothes at last New York Dolpa and the LA Dolpa. So I expect a great selection. I will be excited to see co-ordination models in person so I can check out the new head molds for online Fcs. Those Yo/Midi pirates will also tempt me. Thrilled to have them available to check out and hopefully win. If not then will get a chance of a One-Off. The auction doll is for charity so will be tax deducible. So many of my friends are going that will be fun in itself. Hope for meets and get together on Friday and Saturday.

 

I'm pretty excited for it regardless. And oops, you guys are right, there was another tea party. @_@; Guess I'm surprised that party happened after the debacle too, haa.
[MENTION=236]ginarolo[/MENTION] And ooh, that makes a lot of sense. ;u; That's fantastic that you're going to show your support.

I really do hope Volks continues to bring it back to the states. u_u

 

Elfdoll had a store and events during the time Ms. Cholong was their rep, but nothing as formal as a Dollpa. Probably the closest was the Korean BJD Show last April, but that was a multi-company effort, and more an overall attempt to expose the Korean companies to the American fan base.

Alas, Soom has never been a vendor at the San Diego show, only at the New York show, which is unrelated to us. We've had Goodreau Dolls as a vendor in the past, but the majority of our doll exhibitors are vinyl (Tonner, etc). Volks did have a booth at AnimeExpo this past year, but I'm not certain if they were doing sales from it or it was just for display. While it would thrill me to no end to have a popular BJD company as an exhibitor in San Diego, I'm always concerned that it will be more difficult for them, with it being such a challenge to get badges. Established fans may not be able to attend due to lack of access. However, our attendees are definitely used to making big-ticket purchases, so who knows what new collectors they may attract if they actually had dolls for sale.

I believe the change in acceptance of being a part of other conventions is something brought on when Hideyoshi Shigeta became actively involved with the US arm of the company. He seems sincere in his wish to expand the US market, and has been actively been working to touch base with collectors and fans.

I'm excited to be going, and while I will likely not return with a doll unless I am very lucky, it's never been an expectation and won't make the event any less enjoyable for me. I guess I never really *expect* to buy a doll at the various events and shows I go to...they just end up sneaking home with me somehow

 

We (locals from San Diego), talked with Mr. Shigeta in the month before the store closing. He was very sincere in listening to what the US fans wanted. We all told him - 'for Volks to go to more conventions/do more teas/get out there'. And they HAVE. I have seen Volks and Mr. Shigeta at many events since then, and he's been making an honest effort to be as many places as he can. Often some don't work out because of other conflicts, but that's why they have been going out to more doll cons. If you are having a con Invite Volks! They might not be able to come because of some web event or plans with Volks Japan, but they do make an effort.

Yea, Mr. Shigeta can't often say yes or no, he always has to get approvals, but the more options he has, the more likely they'll be out and about. I'm glad he's doing this teaparty - and I'm a little surprised at all the negativity. Volks has done lots of tea parties with a lot less notice and no forewarding and no extras. That they are actually attempting to give lead time and do some additional activities is a big plus! If this one goes well - I'm sure they'll be able to do bigger events in the future.

 

I have my issues with Volks and understand your frustrations, because I have spent a lot of money on an event where I could not get a doll. The truth is I do not disagree with you or anyone else on this thread - everyone's views always have value in my eyes - but I wonder about some of the negative undertones in some posts. Volks USA is a member of this forum. Are those who are complaining aiming to eliminate the chance for future events that do not meet their needs? Do they feel that if they cannot enjoy the event then others shouldn't either? I do not know. But, they are questions I have asked myself.

To clarify, the only issue I had with your post was you were quoting examples from years past and things are NOT as positive here as they once where as I tried to demonstrate but I shall try again. To give you a better idea of the situation here, please let me expand a bit.

There is a current transfer of management ongoing but not yet completed in addition to a lot of work to do in terms of customer relations in the foreign and domestic market. There is a culture gap not only between foreigners and Japan, but also between Japanese and Japanese. Volks is a Kyoto company and when I tell my non-collector Japanese friends from Osaka about what they do, they become embarrassed and quickly clarify "That is Kyoto! Not Japan!". In other words, Volks is having problems in Japan. People are upset with them. And, I think they are struggling in many respects to meet demand here in their domestic market making foreign markets a second priority. I also heard that they are having some production issues with the Dear SD line which I think is affecting other release plans. It could be the reason that the Kyoto Dolpa this month did not and the LA Dolpa will not have a limited doll offering.

In addition, and I am not sure if you are aware of it, there were a bunch of new rules at various Dolpa events within the past year. The reason? People, likely smalltime criminals, were hiring homeless people to stand in line to try for limited dolls that the criminals would then sell on YJA. Why? My guess it is money-laundering so to buy something in cash and then receive legitimate cash (hopefully more of it) in return. Who buys off YJA? Many foreign collectors, and earlier in this thread there were a few people going on and on about their limited dolls admitting to buying off the secondary market possibly unknowingly supporting the criminals Volks is trying to fight against. Essentially, those who buy off the secondary market are not supporting Volks financially. They are supporting the middle-person. How do you think that makes Volks perceive foreign collectors? Not so long ago on Twitter someone Japanese photographed a Chinese buyer with her hands full of 20 guidebooks and with 10 outfits and accused her of being a reseller. Then, at an event in Tokyo, a Japanese woman accused other foreigners of reselling even before the event started. Why? The people she accused were foreigners and not Japanese. There are deep-rooted cultural differences surrounding the secondary market alongside a growing suspicion of foreigners' intentions.

I get the distinct impression that Volks is playing it safe at LA Dolpa. The situation in Japan will ~always~ dictate what happens in the foreign market, but is is possible some very strong positivity could pull Volks back into the US market after the negative survey results from Japanese customers, in my opinion. Without positivity, however, I am pretty sure Volks will withdraw back into Japan and work on improving things here, perhaps limiting access to some dolls to foreign markets further although I hope not.

There has been an interesting shift here as more doll shows emerge showcasing non-Volks dolls while really famous dealers start to show more support for other doll types as well beyond BJD. Atri is designing more for Unoa or Momoko, for instance, while CTB is making clothing for a Soom type of doll. Rosenlied has seen a surge in popularity and I have even seen quite a following for various Soom lines. The mood is shifting here mostly out of frustration, a frustration many not Japanese collectors know all too well.

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I shall now exit from this discussion. I have said all I can say about the situation in Japan to better create a point of comparison. I do not feel it is my place, however, to discuss the offerings at LA Dolpa because I am not attending the event. My only hope is that those who are attending have a wonderful time! And, I sincerely hope there are future events for you all, too.

 

Actually, they were more than just a display. ^^ They did sell dolls, took further pre-orders for DD Snow Miku, and even hosted a couple of lotteries for some leftover limiteds (I.e. Sasara ver. 2).
It was primarily Dollfie Dreams and then their figure line though. SD was not at all sold there as far as I was told. (It being AX this makes perfect sense.)

I hope that this means that they'll do similar things to this down the line. Anyways, just wanted to say that because I thought it was exciting detail haha.

 

Thank you for another fascinating post, elphsnt! It has me a bit worried though that at some point, Volks may get tired of all the problems Super Dollfie are causing them and may stop making them altogether. From what I understood, at least in the past, their main profit came from their models and figurines and SD were almost a vanity project at first. Not sure that's still the case though, since SD are much more expensive than models. Still, I'm going to do my best to continue to support them and will hope that their current problems will settle down soon.

 

Anyone planning a meetup in LA for DOA? I will be going on the 1st through the 6th.

 

We've got a thread over here discussing when everyone will be arriving and a possible swap meet on Saturday night.

 

Although I'm not attending I'd like to say congrats to those who are! ^^
Anyone see the new news for the One-Offs and Charity models yet? Holy cow Suigintou!!??
http://volksusa.com/event/2015dolpala/oneoff.html
http://volksusa.com/event/2015dolpala/auction.html

 

Thanks elphsnt for the great insight! With all this information that you have shared with us, I'm going to try my best to enjoy my time at the LA Dolpa. Again, this will be my first Dolpa, so I look forward to seeing all the different dolls owners will bring with them, what it is like to attend a Dolpa, and seeing all the different things there is to see and hopefully taking pictures of anything that tickles my fancy but I know I cannot afford to buy. I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing all the lottery dolls, especially Suigintou, Shinku, Alice, and even Mai. Maybe after this event I'll be a little more brave and try other BJD events in the area once I can afford to do so and have time. For anyone else attending the Dolpa, looking forward into bumping into any of you there!