Questions to consider before buying a BJD

Here are some things you might want to ask yourself.

1. Do you want fullset or basic?
A fullset doll will always cost more than a basic one, but it comes with everything.

2. Do you have a budget?
If you can't afford to buy the doll you want, keep saving. You could also set a max amount for yourself that you want to spend on the doll and not spend over that.

3. Is the doll limited?
BJDs can be limited in number or by season. Some companies are on a rotating schedule and only sell certain sculpts (different head styles) at one time of the year. Make sure you check this so that you know if there is a certain date you need to buy the doll by. Dolls that are very limited in number sell out quick!

4. Will you need layaway?
If you can't afford that limited doll that you really want, you might consider spreading out your payments into a few months. This is also an option if you can afford to put a set amount towards your doll every month.

5. How much is each item going to cost (make you take eyes, wig, clothes, shoes, etc. into consideration)?
Some people forget to consider when they buy a doll that it will cost more money than just the amount for the doll since they will need to dress and clothe it.

6. What size do you want?
First think about if you want a tiny, msd, or sd and then if there is a specific number or cm (in) you want. Some people find that the tinies are too small or that the sd are too large, it's all up to the individual.

7. Face-up or no face-up (or maybe a custom face-up)?
A face-up means getting your doll's face painted, you can get it painted like the picture from the company, do your own, or send out the head to an artist to get painted. This might also include body blushing, which simply means painting the body of the doll.

8. Have you considered buying second-hand?
Second-hand dolls are often times cheaper than the ones that are offered at the company website, consider this as an option as a way to save money.

9. Have you joined a forum to check out all the types?
You should make sure that you absoulutely want the doll you are buying, since it is a big investment. One of the more well known forums for BJDs is Den of Angels.

10. Is your doll supposed to fit a particular character or personality?
Think about if you will need a certain face shape, body, shape, or size to fit the character you considering.

11. Do you want a single jointed or double jointed doll?
This is really a question of poseability vs. aesthetics. A double jointed doll can take on more positions than a single jointed one, but a single jointed one will have less joints (oftentimes meaning you can show more of the body off/take more aesthetically pleasing pictures).

Other things that you should think about?
Have questions?
Please comment!