Volks LA Sumika::Common Questions

o_O The prices are.... so different!
I would have thought, with the conversion, that the price would be much less. With the current yen = dollar conversion, the FCS price in Japan translated to something like 768 the last time I checked (for sd13 boy). I last checked not even two weeks ago.
...Wow.

 

Hi Bailey,

I hope you won't mind if I give my opinion as to the answer to this question. ^^;

hi Gany,

Actually, it sort of makes sense. ^^ Volks needs to set a rate regardless of what the actual rate is, because the rate is volatile. At the moment, it's quite good for the dollar vs. yen, but for all we know the yen could rise again and we could go back to 103 yen to the dollar. Volks can't constantly change the price so needs to sort of set something.

The other issue is getting all the dolls here. In Japan, if one does FCS at say a Sumika or Sato, any transportation cost between Kyoto and that branch is included in the price. If you want the doll to go to you directly there is an additional 1000 yen feee. With the US, all FCS must go from Kyoto to LA (before they even worry about shipping within the US, which I think is additional also) Volks has to include that cost into the price they set for FCS as well.

Actually Bailey I have a question someone asked before, are those the prices with or without tax?

Thanks, ^^

 

The Volks dolls (or at least their parts) are still being made in Japan, and may be shipped over either as parts or complete sets, and may possibly have additional tariffs apply because it now qualifies as stock being shipped to a company distribution point instead of sold items being shipped to customers. Pricing may reflect that.

EDIT: Someone beat me to an answer! :p rkold also has a very good point about Volks needing a set price for the USA instead of adjusting for conversion rates each time a sale is made.

 

That's $902 without any esthetics? That's a lot x.x

 

Hi Baily,

Thanks for fielding so many questions, lol, you're our one source for intel...

I just wanted to ask one thing- well one, and a follow-up: Does the LA store take orders via the phone for standart stuff, and/or is there a phone number?

(not that I'm in the market for a doll at the moment- this is just a question for general info...)

 

I can understand that the dolls are made in Japan and sent over here. I could respect a difference in price that way.
However, there are a lot of companies that deal in foriegn cost, but sell in dollars. For instance, there is a Korean food store in a town near me, where all the prices are in won. Kinokuniya has all their prices updated *weekly* (so I was told by an employee) to reflect the change in the dollar vs. yen adjustment.
So I can understand Volks wanting to deal in dollars, here, in the states. But it isn't impossible to deal in Yen, and this sort of price isn't something that I had expected.

 

:/ Well, it isn't the Volks BJD store, is it? I don't know much, but I bet they are selling their other products. Garage kits, ect are a lot more profitable..
There's a big market for that.. People would be very pissed if prices changed.

And Volks isn't a small company, like a Korean market. Being able for a MANSION is LA is HUGE!

And this is still a lot less than what Kakyuu offered (Which was something like 1300 $$)

Thank you I'll start saving up for a FCS of my own!

 

Bailey, would they by chance have any oldskin normal F07 heads there? (T__T) I suppose they would keep them in Japan though, huh?

 

$902 is a fairly reasonable FCS price, all things considered. To everyone commenting on this - FCS is not cheap. It has never been cheap, and at least now you have the chance of walking into a store and doing it for yourself. Some of us don't, and we're just really grateful for the fact that there's another place we can potentially get FCS from. I don't think I've ever paid less than $1000 for an D13 FCS, so this is a good price, as far as I'm concerned.

 

Mitsuwa (major Japanese supermarket chain) doesn't change their prices on a weekly basis. California Market (fairly big Korean supermarket chain in CA) doesn't change their prices on a weekly basis. It's easier for Kinokuniya and Asahiya to sell based on the list price, that's why they do it (supposedly they don't want to have to reprice everything every week) but it doesn't necessarily mean it'd work for Volks.

Either way, their US prices are still cheaper than going through any shopping service, and their other list prices still come out much lower than their original prices + shipping.

 

I honestly think 902 is a fantastic price, considering all the shopping services sell the SD13 FCS for $1050 and more! I hope they take orders over the phone.

Question: Do they have an FCS catalog? Is there any chance of being mailed copies so we can pick our FCS if we live far away and can't come to the store? Or is it in store only, like the ones in japan??

 

Oh man... now Im going to HAVE to start saving up! T_T

 

If Volks gave you the moon, would you complain that they hadn't included the stars? *sweat*

The exchange rate that XE.Com is giving you is NOT correct. It is the best possible exchange rate available, which is NOT the exchange rate that most companies are capable of using. Most people have to deal with what their banks give them. I never use XE.com when making deals with people outside of Japan -- I can't get that good an exchange rate, and would lose out a lot of money. I use a calculator and the exchange rate that my bank actually gives me. So, do not use it to make judgements and think that things are much more expensive than they are.

I just wanted to add that on to other people's very pertinent comments about other extra costs.

 

Personally I think the prices are excellent. They're not that much higher than the standards considering that you get to choose every aspect.

 

It's store only, like in Japan. The Volks people were very adamant about it.

 

I think it's an extremely reasonable price. Really, we should be greatful we have FCS here in the U.S. at all and the price is better then any shopping service. It makes sense for them to set a price in dollars like this.

 

Thanks for the response, Connie! Ah well! I really wish I could see the catalog in person before ordering FCS, since I live on the other side of the country! But it was too much to hope they would change their rules for the US :P

Yeah.. I don't know why people complain about the price, this is so much lower than anywhere else and for what you're getting ( a custom order doll!) its cheap, to me! The most expensive part is flying out to LA from Maryland! When I order, I really really want to pick up my boy in person.

It's still a long ways away, but I am so glad Volks decided to make a store in the US, even if it is so far away- it's MUCH closer than Japan!

 

$902 isn't a bad price considering you don't have to pay fees on top of it. Also, shipping within the US is much more reasonable than EMS from Japan. For 2 dolls shipped to me in one box it's $20.
Also, Kinokuniya's book prices may be updated weekly but they aren't the conversion rate you are looking at. A book might say "1900 yen" on the actual book and you will be paying "$26" it says on the sticker...

 

another question: how often does the LA store take FCS? Do they have a limit on how many they are accepting? I heard someone comment once they wanted to order FCS but didnt make it in time?

And when will orders be opened again? Two months?

^_^;; sorry for all the questions, but I'm curious! XD

 

Can somone please post the exact address?

Thanks!

 

So how much would a SD13 boy be with makeup sanded and sealed?

 

Not to beat a dead horse, but another comment on the price differential and Kinokuniya vs. Volks...

While foreigners shop in Kinokuniya, it is targeted towards a the Japanese expatriate community. A lot of items, come in on a weekly basis like Shonen Jump. The LA Volks store is being marketed more for US buyers and while it will get new stock, it's not going to be getting in weekly publications. The Korean food store you mentioned also has a higher turn over rate because groceries have shelf lives.

I think overall more people would be upset if the price fluctuated. Volks isn't the only place that does this. I adore Blue Fairy's products, but the price they are using for their dolls in US dollars is much higher than the conversion of their won prices and the same holds true for the price they set their dolls in yen.

 

I forgot if sanding and sealing were in the same 'package' but each 'package' was $35-$45 roughly. Also, makeup is included in the price.

 

Sanding and sealing is my least favorite thing to do.. but I know how to do it. But to have a custom makeup by volks.. ::dreaaams::

 

Thanks for the response Bailey! (^_^) I appreciate it, I'm really hoping to bring my chibi home soon. (still jealous of your job like whoa) C:

I agree with the price, but even if it was even more expensive then in Japan even, I would still be uber happy because Volks is in the US!!! Squee!

 

Yes please the exact address of the new volks store would be nice including zip code.

 

It is a bit more then I expected. But the way I see it it's still much cheaper then the cost of flying to and staying in Japan to have it done there. lol

And why is all the focus on an SD13 boy? I was thinking about a mini myself

 

386 Beech Avenue, Unit B-4, Torrance, CA 90501

Volks updated their website including a schedule of opening.
Maybe some of you can check it out first before asking question.
http://www.volks.co.jp/en/event/volksusa/sumika_usa.html

 

I'm just saying I was surprised, not that it's a bad price. It seems like a lot since I could have one ordered through my cousin in Japan, get full esthetics and pay less (not counting shipping, which only is about $30 more than the LA price counting US shipping). But I know probably like 90% of American Volks owners aren't so lucky to have another Japan freak in the family ops:

 

Ah okay thankyou

 

FCS is now available in the U.S., Volks is considering opening other U.S. shops if the LA one does well, and people are complaining? ops:

Also, I see a lot of fixation on that SD13 boy price - SD13 boys have always been the most expensive FCS option, period. I probably paid about that much for Lucien before esthetics. And that was when yen conversion was decent, though not (I think) as good as it is now.

Just because Kino updates their prices every week doesn't mean every Japanese business does -- or has to. Many consumers would appreciate a fixed price over one that fluctuates every week and possibly throws their budget awry. "I budgeted for $80 worth of groceries and this week it's $110!"

Personally I appreciate the fixed price. I would rather say "okay, I need to save up about $950" and be sure of that price, rather than save up $950, forget to check the conversion rate that week, and discover that I needed an extra couple hundred or more. With an item this expensive, compared to retail book prices, I think that giving your consumers a fixed price is important.

And don't forget, as usual, the overhead for their LA real estate is included. Given that, I think the prices are very reasonable.

 

Do you know if you can order FCS in L.A and pick it up in Kyoto? That would be great to know...

thanks!

 

I really like the prices actually~! And im sorry if i missed this somewhere, but is it possible to buy just a head? or only full fcs??

 

does anyone know if the FCS resin is the UV resistant kind? (some of the new school heads are)

 

Hi Bailey,

First off, thanks for answering so many questions we all have about Volks new store. I have one more to ask you though...is there anywhere online to see the current heads, bodies, eyes, and wigs available for FCS? Thanks again, and congrats on your job!

Hugs, Juli DC

 

What are the prices for standard dolls like Link and Yori?

Thank you Bailey for being so helpful!

 

What about those registration slips that they were giving out when you bought an LE? What are they for? Are they cards for the SD Owner's Club or something else? I wasn't there, but someone managed to get the doll I wanted for me, and neither one of us knows what to do with the slips. xD

 

What will the address of the US website be? I'm anxious to order some WTG clothes for the new Mini-Gem coming this way. ^_^ Thanks

 

The US website is at www.volksusa.com

 

Ug, I didn't mean to come off as saying, "Ew, Volks, so expensive!" It was really just shocking to me; I had expected a lower price.
But in all honesty, it's still an amazingly low cost, for an FCS that you can order yourself, without having to go through a buying service, and you get it yourself? Pfft. No question. ^^

 

Thanks for link ~ it answered my question (^^)

 

I know all the options Aimee lists we can't get at the LA store...Bailey, think you might be able to tell us what we can get on FCS? I'd hate to pick something, send someone to get the doll only to find out it's not availible there.

 

am I the only person that thinks the prices are reasonable for a fcs? XD

 

I'm surprised I haven't seen this asked yet (at least, I don't think I have), but will they be offering the omukae ceremony at the LA store?

 

Thanks! That's very helpful ^_^

 

We can get everything that's not Sato exclusive.. which is most of what's offered with FCS.

 

Considering the alternatives, yes, I find them quite reasonable.

Though I might save my FCS for the next time I go to Japan, so I can get Sato choices (I know I'll be over there in 2007 for sure; but maybe hopefully also swing by in '06 on my next Asia trip. ^^).

 

I'd like to know, too! I want to have it done with Lucien at the very least when I visit the LA store. I'd like to have it done with Stefan and Shouko, too.