Friday, August 1, 2014

Finding The Right BJD Shop

By Paulette Mason


People who enjoy collecting ball jointed dolls tend to have very specific tastes in the styles they prefer. Things like how complete the product arrives, facial features, hair, clothing options, skin tone and several other factors can all influence the individual's choice. Finding a BJD shop that caters to one's particular needs and preferences is a must.

Deciding which vendor best serves one's individual needs can be somewhat challenging. While there are thousands of companies who provide these products, having so many options does have its drawbacks. The large pool means that one actually spend countless hours perusing different websites until they find one who can satisfactorily meet their needs.

Modern style ball joint dolls are mostly manufactured in Japan, South Korea and China and made from cast Resin, though it is possible to find plastic or vinyl figures as well. Available sizes range from a petite 4" to a substantial 27.5" tall. They are also found in a variety of skin tones, body types, ages representations and may be androgynous, gender neutral, male or female.

As one scans through the mass of provider websites, there are some factors that could help narrow the search field. It is key to remember that not all companies sell their products exclusively as completed pieces. Since a good many collectors enjoy personalizing their dolls, many stores will offer the option to purchase individual parts such as torsos, legs, arms, heads as well as the chance to hand pick the eyes, makeup, hair and accessories.

Each company will have their own way of selling their product, but generally speaking, a basic doll set will include a nude body in the chosen form and skin tone, a pair of eyes and a head with items like wigs, clothing and accessories being offered separately. Of course there are also those vendors who will offer completed figures that are fully details and ready for display.

A lot of hobbyist like to take part in the completion of their dolls and there are several companies that will cater to those desires in various ways. One option is to order the figure totally disassembled with no paint and the edges from the molds still raw and in need of sanding which permits the collector to attend the details. Products may also be purchased assembled but still in need of the finishing touches.

There are quite a few options that may be available from various vendors. One thing that makes this product unique is that their bodies may be purchased without gender or as a male or female in different stages of development from toddler to full grown adult. Some pieces such as the wigs, heads, breastplates, hands, heads and eyes are interchangeable and can be changes at any time.

Perhaps one of the most important thing to consider when shopping websites it the cost of a vendor's dolls. Generally speaking, this type of figure can have a price tags as low as $100 or it may exceed $1200 depending on certain factors. Those influences include manufacturer, designer, special edition or stock item, construction material, size, accessories, wigs, costumes and many other details.




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