Volks NYC Dolpa, June 19-20th, 2010.

My take: I'll be socking money away as though there will be a Dolpa NYC 5. If this doesn't happen, I'll use that money to buy other dolls, like an FCS doll via a shopping service, any limiteds from other Dolpas that I've had my eye on, etc. It doesn't have to be all about disappointment.

When I moved here, I was really surprised there wasn't a store for BJD's in Manhattan (at least, not one that I've been able to find). I would think that NYC is the place for it, if anywhere is!

 

It is super unlikely they will move to another city or even leave FIT. As mentioned before, Pat Henry and the FDQ staff do a lot of volunteer work to get Dolpa NY together. Without this unseen legwork, the event simply doesn't happen.

The only other city Volks may logically invest in otherwise is LA simply because that's where Volks USA is. But there, they would lack affordable event space (Pat is an FIT professor) and volunteer labor (FDQ is based in NY). Volks USA itself isn't exactly heavily staffed.

Despite the high values of the items sold, the costs of running an event in the US are also similarly high, so I don't think "more sales" is really a catch-all solution. It isn't the revenue, it's the costs.

Simply consider airfare from Japan to NY... I'm thinking $2k per person or so. (That's coach!) They probably need to sell at least 5 large dolls to make that up. Per person. And you have to pay for hotels for these people as well. At least $100 per person per night, probably closer to $150-200 for a decent room somewhat nearby FIT. That's an extra doll or two per person. And then $100+ more per person for transportation to/from airport and while within the city.

Giving away tenshi?
Making custom decorations?
Don't forget shipping! Merchandise, supplies (FCS display heads, ow) and decorations. Must arrive safely!
And you haven't paid for event space yet.
Or food.
Or insurance for the precious resin.

How much did you think Volks needs to sell again? Would any attendee enjoy being aggressively nickel-and-dimed while there?

The prices they have to charge to do everything without the FIT discount or volunteer labor would be quite staggering. I don't believe Volks wants to charge much more than they already do at the door. I believe they are trying to be inclusive.

Personally, I think Volks fully expects to run Dolpa NY at a loss; FDQ's cooperation merely makes the loss tolerable. They do it anyway as a labor of love.

The only other way is to blow Dolpa NY up to a full-on Black Friday-esque Japanese Dolpa, something the US can't support at this time. (And honestly never will IMO.)

 

They have already done several LA events. I truly hope there are more in the future.

 

I hope so too.

(It would cut my airfare in half!)

 

muffin the difference is the sales tax but it won't be that much in the end as they tack on shipping and handling.

Lisianthus: They dd run out of the dolls they had on hand at Dolpa. The dolls in the web lottery are ready for delivery since they are at the LA store that what is says. I guess with respect to third chance since everyone at Dolpa was originally given a sure chance option with #1 if you were unlucky on the #2chance then you have toput your equal chance with everyone else on #3 whether you went to Dolpa or not.

For the Another Yourself book it was not a certainty to get it so they did offer special preorder slips for those who could not get the book on Sunday so it can be signed. But I think even those slips were limited.

 

Heheh - we managed to run & finish GoGaDoll 2009 on a profit-margin that was thinner than a bulimic's hair, and we sure as hell didn't start with Volks's seed money or venue connections! So they'll be fine. I have faith that their partying mood will bring them back to one American coast or the other, soon enough.


(I'm secretly pulling for LA again too, though. If I don't have to fly, I can carry the dolls who don't fit in the overhead-bin-sized carrier bag, and I can take more of 'em. ^^ And Jimmy wouldn't have to deal with TSA.)

 

In fall 2008 Kajiwara was leaving as manager of Volks USA and Kayo was taking over so planning an event was going to be to challenging so they opted for the Web event. In Fall 2009, Volks USA held a small event as a warm up for holding larger events. So now that they've got one under their belt hopefully we'll see more events. LA is definitely easier for them to do events since they are located in LA (sort of).

 

Inmylove and mclamm7: I've been wishing the same for awhile now about a NY store but having seen the LA store and the location it's more likely for Volks to open a shop in an industrial area like Elizabeth NJ or Edgewater where Mitsuwa is. The LA shop is really tiny more like a two story boutique without the pretty frontage nothing at all say like the American Girl store. The inside though hd lots of stuff to look at.

It got really tight in the LA shop there at one point since there was a sale event while I was ordering my FCS and the staff was overwhelmed but doing a great job of personalized service.

Not official but I always thought that FIT was the location due to FDQ and Pat Henry. Also that Dolpa NY is possible at all is through partnership of Volks with FDQ which is based in NY.

 

Hmmm...I can see what GaiasWill is saying about the cost of expenses that I didn't think about previously, but I also think JennyNemesis has a good point in terms of the financial backing of the company as a whole, not just the revenue from the event.

I would guess (still not an economist) that things like travel, hotel, foamcore standees, banners, "zoo pops", doll give-aways, etc can all reasonably come out of the company's "Marketing & Advertising" budget, since the party is, effectively, a marketing event for the company.

As for sales/running the event at a loss.... I dunno.... I have no idea how much they pay for the event space, but when I consider probable & actual sales, like FCS dolls, standard dolls, wigs, faceup sets, school heads (& don't they give the option to buy a SD13 body w/the school head, too?), limited dolls & outfits, etc, I'm not so sure they run Dolpa at a loss...maybe it's not as big a profit margin as selling a standard-line doll via the website, but they probably do more than break even, I'd say.

As for marketing...I can use myself as an example & say there are definitely people who might not have thought much of Volks' dolls prior to Dolpa, but who now have several Volks dolls on their "want" list.

 

.... and I'm sure the Volkses are just as happy as we are to have you in the fold. It was extra cool to get to meet you in person. And in general it was really nice to see so many first-time attendees & converts this year (I counted at least another 3 ^^).

 

starzzz: i can relate to Dolpa making one a convert. Iremeber when I applied for my first Dolpa ticket I had no Volks dolls now I'm overrun and still the volks want list is not empty.

 

When I was in the LA store, it sounded like they are planning a party for LA maybe with a Halloween theme probably on the same scale as last year's face-up class and reception. I don't think there will be an LA Dolpa because Volks would have said so at the NY Dolpa. I think Volks probably lost money on the NY Dolpa and I also noticed there was no charity auction doll.

 

... and since it is an anniversary year for VolksUSA, I just can't see them letting it go by without at least a small party in LA....
They just like parties too much.

 

I must concur Jenny and I'd really like to be a part of that party

 

Well, I have at least 7 Volks on my wishlist, even if they aren't listed...I wish to do 4 FCS dolls, and the other 3 would be sheer luck and/or massive amounts of money as those three are rare. Williams, Genji, and Renee. (And yes, I know there are 2 Renees for sale right now, and there is/was a Williams head, but I do not have 3 grand as of yet!)

 

As to this, I'm sure if Volks asked for volunteers to staff the event they would get not only a LOT of volunteers, but volunteers with convention experience! People who have, or do , work cons like San Diego , and staff Goga and what not. I think there are a lot of people willing to put in the time and legwork on Volks behalf to make an LA Dolpa happen.

 

I think it would be neat if they were in Mitsuwa plaza in Edgewater, NJ. I've oft looked at the empty stores and imagined a doll store there.

 

I'd love to see a Volks store on the East Coast...then again...I'm not sure I could afford it lol. I think New Jersey's about 4 hours away from me (didn't pay attention to how long we'd been driving last time we drove through) so I'm thinking totally doable for a twice a year trip. (I'm going to go broke!)

I am planning on going to the next NY Dolpa and will be staying in White Plains to go. (my sister manages the hotel I'll be staying at, so it will only cost me $60 a night to stay and I'll be splitting that with a friend.

 

OOOOO! If only they had it in the Mitsuwa plaza . It would be deadly though... my wallet just shriveled up just thinking of the possibility of having a Volks store so near.

 

Hey hey, Bruce. You look FAR too young to have grandchildren! Congrats on the new little one.

It was absolutely fantastic to see so many people with whom I've had the pleasure of chatting before. Ann, you lucky so-and-so ... what is your first Ruby project? Spampy/Jen, I wish we'd had more time to talk. I love these functions. The Shigeta family and their staff are magnificent, as are Pat and the Tri-State dolly volunteers.

 

Dude, I have zero pity for you. I live five minutes from Mitsuwa Plaza. May as well work there, as I would be living there.

 

Oh no! Please don't even say such things! An East Coast Volks store... Gah! I now have like 10 Volks dolls on my wishlist. The thought of being able to actually visit a Volks store in person? My bank account weeps and begs for mercy!

 

It was rumored a year or so ago that Volks might have Kerby Lane in TX, a Volks dealer, hold an event there. Maybe that will happen in the future. There is a lot of space here.

 

It would be amazing if there were a Volks store (or any BJD retailers) on the East coast. Baltimore, NYC, D.C even somewhere like Boston or Philly. I doubt I'll ever see one in Pittsburgh though I loved being able to go to Volks stores in Japan and just look. I didn't have a Volks then, but it would have been fun to take her to Tenshi no Sato too.

 

I don't think I happened to get one of all three!! I didn't have a camera with me ;_; Actually, the girl in the fabulous corset was my friend Miesuku. I was wearing a skirt and white t-shirt. I'm kind of blonde and wear glasses with clear yellow frames =)

 

has anyone heard from FDQ regarding FDQ limited dolls? It's been more than a week now and I'm getting little nervous that I might have missed their email or something hope it's not that case.

 

Ah, I was close - at least it was one of you. I've been Bigtime Name-Fail this year on people's Japanese usernames. ;;^^ OK now I remember everyone! Your Genji in his pretty grey sweater. Couldn't've been three more different-looking identical hotties.

 

Aww! Warm fuzzies for everyone! It was awesome to meet you, too! I was afraid I came off a little 'strange', since I was a little overstimulated from taking in all that resin action all day!

So, between you, me, & the 3 that JennyNemesis mentioned, that's at least 5 people who are now planning to give absurd amounts of $$$ to Volks.

Team Volks: 5
Team Budget: -48billion

Go, Team Volks!

Is that the little doll shop in Austin? If so, I'm sure they've grown since I lived there. When I was there the shop was tiny, & they seemed to be all about Gene & Madame Alexander & I was all about Barbie (& Beanie Babies, but we don't talk about that ).

 

Starzzz, you are funny. I think you left some of your Beanies at my house, I sure didn't buy them.
All of my monies are belonging to Volks. That is after I pay for my Pearl!

 

At the risk of going broke, I'd put forth that I live in a wealthy town thats smack dab in the middle of NY and Boston. (Of course the population is mostly Italian...but the taxes are lower then either city

 

So, what's wrong with a townful of Italians? We spend piles & piles of money on Volks dolls too, just like Wasps! XD

 

We also have the best food EVER! Sorry totally OT, but I just had to add it lol.

I hope those who ordered from FDQ hear from them soon. I am still a little tempted to see if there are any Crystals left.

 

Nothing here either

 

I only got an initial email from Pat saying I had won, and to email back to confirm, which I did. Don't worry, I'm sure all is well! FDQ will take care of everything!

You know, it wouldn't surprise me if we don't hear for a while. they said they aren't shipping until august.

 

FDQ is busy. It's doll convention season for several other different fashion dolls and they are getting ready to travel to various cities and do their coverage so I don't expect anyone to hear anything until August when they can take a breather.

 

Hey, Stella ... you might be able to answer a question. I noticed on the Japanese blog that Pearl was to have been ordered by June 30th. My book will be dropped off sometime today, if UPS is kind enough to actually get the darn thing to me for a pleasant change of pace. Was there an extended deadline for those of us at the NYC Dolpa who were unable to pick up the book(s) on site?

 

I beleive the order period for U.S. fans is July 17-30. She is a stunner! She is much more attractive in person than in the grainy cell phone pics. LOL!

 

Thanks for all your answers!

I know it will take long to get the doll but what I'm worried about is payment. I haven't paid for the doll yet since I decided to pay by paypal. I hope FDQ would confirm my order soon.

 

I believe they won't charge our cc (or paypal) until the dolls are ready to ship, so late July or August? - Barb

 

hmmm but I did not even get an inital e-mail for me to confirm?? that is what I thought I was waiting for. Should I e-mail pat??

 

I didn't get an e-mail but was there Sunday and confirmed in person when my name was called. I think that if they pulled a name and the person was not there, then they e-mailed to confirm. I e-mailed Pat last week on something else (lost and found), and haven't heard back yet.

 

Oh, I thought so, too! I don't think I would ordinarily have noticed her, but a table mate pointed her out on Sunday, I had to go look, and .... ;-p

 

Funny, but I haven't even gotten charged for the one-off yet!
Alex

 

Oooh Julie, I almost had a heart attack reading your first post. Very relieved here, as I actually got the book second hand from another member. I did get the pre order slip at Dolpa, but this member was going to sell the book anyway, so I figured why not just buy theirs. This way I can get it faster.

 

Last Dolpa I went too Volks took their sweet time charging my card. If i remember right it was about 15 days.

 

Yo-SDG Little Alice !!! So cute

 

My CC was just charged yesterday for the One-Off I won.
Marianna

 

Me too NabeeRain! Ahhhh Cristal....I keep pronouncing it like the champagne! I even got a photo at Dolpa of her wearing my "Rock Royalty Tiara", she is a Queen afterall! LOL! Now if only I could figure out how to make that darned money tree sprout, I'd be all set!

 

Yes! Absolutely. I wish Volks would have a store in New York too :-)

 

That tiara is AMAZING Juli! It was just made for Cristal :-) Where did you find it?

 

julidc Let me know if you figure out how to get that tree to sprout, I would love to have some funds to snatch up a Crystal and get a new doll from the up-coming Dolpa ^_^

 

Hi Mary, It's in the jewelry line I carry, LMK via PM if you'd like one.

Oh yeah NabeeRain, I've tried all kinds of fertilizer...LOL! That Queen C is just growing on me, and that pretty Pearl in purple too. After missing out on the first Olivia, I'd pretty much decided to love SD16 girls from afar, but those at NY Dolpa really turned my head. If Volks had offered the Ruby that was on display, I think I would've been hocking some stuff to get her! I mean just LOOK at this Goddess!!!

 

Well, you just might get your chance for Pearl VolksUSA is offering the Another Yourself book 2 along with a chance to enter for Pearl when you purchase it http://site.volksusa.com/blog/2010/07/03/take-your-super-dollfies-out-with-you/

Ohhh the temptation!!! I totally agree that the Ruby was lovely (as was the One-Off too). I have owned a couple SD16 girls, but end up selling them because they make my SD girls look so young lol. I might have to make an exception for Pearl or Cristal though.

 

Oh I know! I was able to buy a copy of Another Yourself 2 in NYC, so I have the entry info for Pearl, and am seriously considering her. I really love her outfit too! I have 2 SD girls (Shizu "Passion" and Rose "Rose-Aurore") but if I get an SD16 girl, I think perhaps she'd be a Goddess and incorporated into my "dream family", that includes the everybody with wings or pointed ears, vs. the more reality based characters. It's sure sign of trouble isn't it? Planning where a doll will fit into your collection even before you have it, a sure sign that I should stop this for a while and go find the local chapter of "Volks Anonymous" or something! LOL!

 

I wish I could afford the book and Pearl! She is lovely!

 

Is it just me or are the prices for the Third chance Dolpa dolls cheaper than what we paid at Dolpa?

I just checked the Tenshi no Sumika website and they have the items listed and times they'd be selling the lottery tickets, but the price seems a lot cheaper. (Ie Little Lorina went from $538.93 to $495.00 >_<.)

 

I believe they had sales tax included in those prices...but I could be wrong.

 

NY sales tax were added to those prices. You might have paid more, but you have your doll in hand, instead of having to wait for a lottery to happen and maybe not win one. Consider the price difference as peace of mind?