Would You Buy An Unstrung Doll?

I didn't even know that was an option, but it's something I would definitely consider. Stringing is a pain, but I can manage it if it's the only option for a doll I really like, or seriously decreases the price.

 

As long as all the parts are present and they are labeled so I can assemble the doll properly then I don't mind. Plus it saves money on shipping sometimes.

 

Absolutely! As long as all the parts needed are included in the package. I love the challenge XD

 

100%, but I learned the hard way most companies won't do it. Nor will they omit the fancy boxes that always end up in my trash. It's a liability thing - the foam protects the doll from damage in shipping.

Having said that, I've purchased many a secondhand doll unstrung, and the lengths sellers will go to blows my mind. We're talking individually wrapped parts painstakingly labeled. Whereas I always expect a bag of parts in a bag.

 

I sure will! I just bought a second-hand body that came unstrung.
It most certainly saved on shipping. And putting a doll together is part of the bonding experience.

The thing that I would be careful of is just how well packed the parts are. My seller was really meticulous and wrapped all of the individual parts separately and nicely. It's something the seller has to be willing to do. Otherwise there's a higher risk of injuries to the pieces.

 

I’ve received 3 of my dollshes unstrung and one of my twiglings. There are a lot of helpful videos on YouTube to help you string your dolls.

 

yes but I really like the option to just pay more shipping and have the doll arrive strung! for me it's not a good thing to arrive unstrung. So I would have to really want that doll.

 

Already have, stringing is a pain and I have smol noodle arms but no choice if a doll I want is sold outside of Europe, or the shipping would be as expensive or more than the doll u_u

 

Yes, because I can get my friend to string it. I just have to drive 45 minutes to her house.

 

Yes, because I've re-strung my own dolls before and find it oddly relaxing. As long as the parts are labeled, I don't see an issue.

 

I would probably be put off purchasing a doll that has to be strung. I have restrung a doll before and I absolutely hated it. I'm physically not very strong and I have considerable difficulty pulling the elastic onto the hands and feet.

 

I hope that you'll let any potential seller know this. I know I try to ask before selling, but there's a good chance a seller will assume you prefer cheaper shipping - which means an unstrung doll.
You don't need to go into detail. Just let the seller know, "Hey, I know it costs more to ship, but I prefer my dolls strung."
Also, I hope there are other collectors near you. I'm always happy to offer to restring a doll for anyone who needs help.

 

I think I would as long as the parts were labelled or in separate bags. I haven't restrung a doll yet, but I have a few floppy ones so it's an inevitability, and it would be a good chance to get a feel for and bond with the doll.

 

I definitely would let them know should I ever buy a doll second-hand or from an individual. So far I've only bought from dealers or direct. I'm not sure if there are any other collectors in my area, but I could probably get my fiance to help restring if I need to, he's big and strong.

 

I mean, I've bought a garage kit style BJD and 3d print model files, so I already have bought unstrung dolls. The kit's for an itty bitty one though so he'll just take patience and fanangling to string, not strength. Strung dolls are convenient, but to me personally it's no biggie if they aren't. However, I do expect the seller to disclose the strung/unstrung status of a doll if I'm buying one.

 

I never purchased unstrung before, but I wouldn't mind it. One of my friends helped me with restringing my first bjd and now it is usually part of my bonding experience with a new doll.

I buy a lot of dolls secondhand, so some of them come floppy and it is nice to restring them and bring out their potential.

 

As much as I've appreciated receiving strung dolls, I've also had to restring them all out of the box - I really wouldn't mind receiving loose pieces! Especially if the doll being sold is strung very tight, which can be a hazard both for storage and shipping, by warping them in temperature inconsistencies or chipping off pieces near joints (I have unfortunate experiences with both). I'm also more than happy to save on shipping fees if it comes with the price of hassling with the string for half an hour - great reason to get the body sueded from the get-go, too!

 

I'm happy to string my own doll. In fact, I was very excited to learn that Souldoll will ship unstrung upon request. My shipping quote from them (to the US) went from $100 to $40 -- big difference for me! I've only ever restrung one doll before, but I'm actually not scared to do it. If I do it wrong, I just have to start over. So I'm excited to try it on a Souldoll.

 

I can defintely relate! I bought a vito body from them earlier last year and once I saw that shipping price drop I was ecstatic! Thankfully they have restringing videos so that made everything super easy

 

Ooh that's great to know! I'll be sure to look them up when the time comes.

 

I have bought unstrung dolls and while it's not my favorite option I prefer it to super tight strung dolls the latter (I look at soom now) are a nightmare of its own

 

Depends on the complexity of the doll because if it's the standard two legged humanoid, yes, I would prefer a kit instead. However, if it's a fantasy body type with various different non standard parts, I would prefer it pre strung, unless the shipping fee is insanely high. I might consider a kit if it came with stringing instructions though, although I have a feeling I might not be able to properly string it together anyways.

 

During the start of lockdown there was a company that had to send me the body I ordered in pieces (three different small boxes) and I assembled it myself. That would have terrified me at the start of the hobby but I have restrung so many dolls it was barely a blip and shipping was vastly more affordable than those huge boxes for fully assembled dolls.

I wish every company offered unstrung as an option for packaging/shipping because I would 100% take them up on it.

 

I actually wish all companies offered the dolls to be sent well packaged but unstrung. That way everyone could be happy (those that want it and those that don't).
There has been times I've decided not to get a doll (especially big ones) because I know the shipping it's going to be crazy expensive just because it comes strung. Even local shipping skyrockets when it's such a long box.
I also like the process of putting dolls back together and I don't always like the box the doll has, take for example Dollshe, when I got my couple they came in plain brown boxes, and to think I payed more in shipping and for a box like that it's kind of frustrating.
I prefer when dolls come in travel bags or something that it's useful, and I say this being someone that I keep my dolls in my boxes when I'm not playing with them because I don't have cabinets or much space, but I can always get or make a box myself if I got them without one. A box for me is not part of the experience.
So I wish it was always an option for all dolls to be sent in pieces if the buyer so chooses.

 

When astronomical shipping costs could mean the difference between being able to afford the doll or not, I would absolutely choose to buy an unstrung doll. That being said, I've never restrung a doll, so it's a bit intimidating, but it's something that I'll probably have to get over anyway since several of my dolls have gotten loose and will need to be restrung eventually.

I also agree with others saying that all companies should offer the option to ship dolls unstrung. I think it would save them time not having to string the doll before shipping it, and I assume companies aren't making any profit from high shipping costs, lol. Plus, they may generate more business from people like me who can't always afford to pay for shipping a doll whole. Seems like a win-win to me.

 

I've done my share of restringing, and have no issues with receiving a bjd unstrung. It of course would be super helpful if the parts are labeled, but that's not a requirement. I'll eventually figure out the proper assembly.

With the cost of shipping these days, receiving an unstrung bjd might be the much preferred option (depending on size and complexity of course, i.e.: I'd prefer a yosd size bjd strung due to the tiny channels). I'm also fine with them being partially strung; I received my MGB Impldoll Bernice with the upper body and lower body strung and shipped in two smaller, separate boxes, and she was easy enough to put together. Also, I've not had an opportunity as of yet, but would be up to buying a kit version— both for the convenience and the ease of ability to do customizations.

So, yeah—I'm perfectly fine with receiving an unstrung bjd. As long as they're well-packed and come with all the necessary pieces, I'm cool with it

 

Even though I've had BJDs for about 2 or 3 years now, I've still never strung or restrung a doll before. I know I should learn how to but stringing a doll seems daunting. >__<

 

.

 

I’m super new to BJDs so I would feel a little scared to receive a doll unstrung. That being said, I think I will eventually have to restring a doll someday, so that might change!

 

Absolutely! I've been in the hobby since January of 2006 and don't really mind restringing. I keep a pair of forceps, some wire, and spare elastic in both 1/4 and 1/3 size for when my dolls need it. Maybe if I ever get time to find and go to my first meetup I might take my restringing stuff and see if anyone needs help.

 

To be honest... I've always preferred it with second-hand dolls.

After having dolls for as long as I have, I can pretty much restring one in my sleep, so there's no pressure there... And the very first thing that I do with any doll that I've purchased from another collector is take it apart and give it a good cleaning anyway. If it's already unstrung right out of the box? Excellent! That means I don't have to take it to pieces myself...

Whenever I sold dolls (I haven't put any of the gang up for sale in years, but back in the day I *did* sell a fair few-), I almost always shipped them unstrung, or at least gave that as an option. It was usually much less expensive for my buyer and I think it's just a safer way to ship. I tend to "pack for the apocalypse" when I send out a doll, and being unstrung lets me wrap and pad each and every part to within an inch of its proverbial resin life. It's harder to secure a doll that completely in a long box with a couple of slippery little pillows or a generically-sized foam cut-out.

 

Yes I will. I already did it, and I already sold unstrung dolls. Not often, but sometimes.
I'm willing to buy unstrung dolls if that lowers enough the shipping fees. With french post, shipping is not very much impacted by the size of the box (aside huge packages), so I usually do not offer unstrung dolls for sale. Aside when I don't have original the original box (= when I already bought it unstrung).

 

Although I do prefer strung, I don't mind unstrung. I feared it for a long time but eventually decided to just learn and bought the tools. Work gloves help too if you're worried about your fingers. It's been a huge savior for collecting (a brat if you want to save your wallet though lol). I missed out on too many worrying about restringing and I refuse to now.

Best advice is to definitely learn or try to see if you can get help.

 

The second doll I bought was an msd kit from Volks, so I had to string her myself. When I got my first doll I was taking him apart to wash every piece way too often, so it didn't seem like a daunting prospect at the time. I'm not sure /why/ I was doing that anymore lol

 

I wouldn't be too put off by purchasing an unstrung doll, especially if it coming unstrung saves me money. I need the practice anyway, to be honest. The first time I strung a BJD was my 3D printed anthropomorphic bunny doll and he's 4 inches tall from the tips of his ears (standing up vertical) to his feet when standing upright. It was a hassle because of his size and I used cut to size paper clips glued into the peg holes as pegs. I had also used 2mm elastic cord, if I remember correctly. So if I had the option for the doll to be unstrung to save money, I would do it.

 

I have bought and sold dolls unstrung in the past. But I dislike restringing so much, that I won't buy them that way anymore I don't mean to scare anyone into avoiding restringing if they never tried. My main reason for avoiding it is a personal medical issue.

If I can at least get the doll strung, even if it's floppy, I can work up the energy to restring them later, and have their floppy cuteness encouraging me on the shelf in the meantime. But nah, not enough willpower to buy dolls in that state anymore.

 

MSD or bigger, yes. I’m used to stringing dolls- I spent a year working for an antique doll dealer after college, and many late 19th century dolls were ball-jointed. The really tiny ones are a bit more intimidating, and I’d prefer to avoid restringing them if I can. It’s just hard to get correctly-sized tools for them, I’ve found.

 

I enjoy stringing my dolls, so it wouldn't be an issue for me as long as it saves me a few quid! I keep my doll boxes in case I buy a full doll/body, buy it wouldn't be something that would put me off buying.

 

Probably not. I'm too intimidated to string a doll!

 

I have never restrung any of my dolls (me scared) but I would love to get an unstrung one so I can overcome this irrational fear!

 

I would buy a bigger doll unstrung to save up on shipping. I'd also love to try stringing its fascinating

 

Restringing isn't so bad so unless it's something crazy like an octopus doll, I'd be in for it. Less chance of damage as well.

 

I would buy an unstrung doll, yeah! But I am very weak and I know I would struggle stringing the whole thing on my own, so I definitely prefer them strung. Still, shipping to my country is very expensive, so the cheaper cost would be much welcome. There are ups and downs with both choices, for sure!

 

Definitely! While restringing isn’t always the most fun I can do it with not too much hassle personally. It makes it easier to ship too and a way to bond with your doll right away ^^

 

I prefer keep the original box, so normally the dolls are strung. I understand that this save the shipping but....box are important

 

Speaking as someone who just did buy an unstrung doll, yes—BUT not without the elastic or hooks included. I haven't strung a doll in over ten years and relearning how to do it with a brand new elastic was surprisingly difficult without the knowledge of how long it should be, plus I didn't have a second string for the arms so I had to rob one of my old boys for the elastic. It genuinely took me something like four hours to get her in one piece! As for the box, I thought the seller would be saving on shipping because why ship an unstrung doll in pieces in her original packaging... only to be handed a 70cm long box at the post office.

 

No I would not buy, id rather pay the bigger shipping. Im saving the company box to when unexpected things happen in live, I've just moved and all my dolls have lived in their boxes so fare. I'm also rather new in this hobby, and like to not have too much to do at start ( there is a lot to learn, so one thing a the time ). I fear that if I ever buy a doll that is unstrung, that I would end with I never come around to do it.

 

I prefer strung dolls; however, I would buy unstrung! I am interested in garage kits where you have to sand and assemble them yourself! I think it would be a fun weekend project.

 

I routinely buy unstrung dolls!! I’m very accustomed to restringing dolls, and I don’t mind having to do it when a doll freshly arrives!

On the flip side, I sell dolls fairly regularly, and I’d say it’s about a 50/50 split for whether people want their dolls shipped strung or unstrung when I ship. Some people prefer to have the doll’s original box, or to take out a fully strung doll, some people prefer cheaper shipping. As a seller, I prefer to give people the choice of how they’d like to receive their doll!

 

While I prefer buying dolls strung, I have bought them unstrung. As long as I have a restringing guide, I’m usually okay.

 

I would rather buy dolls that are already strung, because I struggle with fine motor skills. Plus, I like having the company boxes. I’d be willing to buy an unstrung doll if it was a grail of mine or if it was a really good deal. I’d definitely need to follow a restringing guide or have someone to assist me though

 

I personally do not mind getting a doll unstrung if:

• The shipping cost is incredibly high. I am from EU and I found some quite negatively shocking surprises buying overseas when it comes to shipping costs...
• There is no box. If the doll does not contain a box, I would rather have it unstrung to save shipping fees.
• The doll is sent as 'broken' or 'junk' for repairing reasons.

I will always prefer a doll with its original document and box, not only as a legimacy proof, but for collectible-related reasons. However, if I want to purchase an old or 'junk' doll for projects, I would not mind as long the price is reasonable, can be sent unstrung and there's any proof of its legimacy.

 

I would buy a doll unstrung assuming it is either a secondhand doll or is otherwise fairly cheap, such as a printed BJD kit. To me, having a doll come strung in its original box is nice, but I've bought plenty of dolls without their original packaging and it doesn't bother me any, assuming provenance otherwise checks out.

I will not join a pre-order for a new cast doll if it comes unstrung. While I recognize that not stringing is a cost-saving measure for shipping, I think it's a bit stingy when a brand new, $5-800USD (or more!) doll comes in pieces that I have to assemble myself.

 

I wouldn't buy because I've never strung a bjd before, it seems really intimidating, also I love the company boxes that the dolls are in.

 

I remember a time u-noa all came unstrung and you had to sand seams and assemble them yourselves. They still arrive in the company box so it's not really as if you saved on shipping. Now they're loosely strung and still advised to restring them yourself. I never found I actually needed that much strength to string a doll. Too much tension and the arms and legs snap to the bend position, for me that always caused more accidents than a floppy doll.

I'm either or, if the head I wanted only came as an unstrung kit then I'd still buy.

 

It depends on the doll and whether I really want it, but generally I prefer strung, because I'm lazy.

 

Eh.......if it was a doll I REALLY REALLY wanted, but it could easily be a dealbreaker, especially if it doesn't come with its own elastic. I've strung dolls before, don't get me wrong. But I don't like doing it.

 

I got over my fear of restringing when my Volks Maki arrived last year and he was rattling. Quickest I've ever unstrung a doll. Thankfully only the top piece of his lower torso had come unstuck and it was an easy fix with glue.
With most of the English-speaking secondhand bjd market located in the US while I'm in Australia, shipping costs can be quite high for me unless I'm buying from Asia, so if a doll/body/part etc is coming from the US, I'm happy for the seller to send it unstrung, and have sold dolls unstrung for people in countries far from Australia to save on shipping costs for them.
So in a nutshell, I have and most likely will again!

 

I would, and have bought unstrung dolls before! Like many other people, I prefer them to come strung, but I'm fortunate enough to have the ability and desire to restring a doll if it's unstrung. You can't go wrong with a long ribbon and/or a stringing tool.

 

Sure - as long as the doll in question was in good condition (or at least in the condition I would care to purchase it in). I don't have an issue restringing - a sturdy shoelace or ribbon, along with some pliers or surgical style clamps typically take care of the worst of it.

Sometimes sellers offer to take apart a doll because it takes up less room / can ship in a smaller box. My preference is to keep boxes and paperwork for specific dolls, but stuff happens and sometimes folks don't have the room to keep them.