PhynixCaskey.org: Art from the Ashes

Asian Ball Joint Dolls, or ABJD’s as they are more commonly known, are artistic dolls that are fully customisable. No two are really the same.

These Dolls are articulated using Ball joints. Many are limited numbers and can start at a hefty American or Canadian price. My first one cost over $300.00USD to buy from a Canadian company. It is one of the cheaper dolls available without being a Pirated cast of the Doll giving no money to the original artist.

Phynix’s Tips to buying Ball Join Dolls: Note: These tips are common sense really and the reason I don’t own more then one is because the next one I want is up wards of $1000.00 Usd so it will take me some time to save for it.

-Do your research! This is the most important tip and anyone who talks to you about the dolls will tell you this tip as well. Without doing your work ahead of time you can end up buying a doll that will not hold up to handling, will often come in bad condition and often but not always is not what you were looking for.

-Talk to other Doll owners! This is just as important as doing stand alone research. Get with a Doll Community and talk to other owners. Most owners were once in your boat and are a great resource. They often have more knowledge then you will find.

-Find the doll that SPEAKS TO YOU! Remember most dolls come with no face, no hair, no eyes. So they are soul less and just shell less pieces of art that need you to help them.

-Don’t be afraid! Okay this one is a long tip. Mostly when you are out in public and you see a Ball Joint Doll feel free to go to the person and talk to them. They will often tell you what they can and you can hold the doll and see just how they move. Don’t forget to ask the maker of the doll they have! It is often the one you will look at first for extra information. Go to Doll meets even if you are doll less! You will make friends get to play with others dolls and they will often help you out with finding who is right for you.

-Watch the Currency Marker! This one I can’t stress enough. Check for what the dolls currency is before you start saving, or buy it. If it is not listed by the doll or in the FAQ section of a site then ASK! Send a email to the company and ask. They will tell you the currency that they work in.

-Where is it being sent from! Another great question to ask! Due to the fact that in most places you have to pay duty on an item over a certain amount. I try to buy from Canadian company’s or do pick up due to this. Also a second to this post some company’s will write a price less then what the doll is worth if you find out that is the company’s practice then you will want to find out if they cover the cost of the doll if broken or lost! If they say no tell them you want the full price of the doll insured!

These are just a few things that I have learned through my wait for my own doll, the two years it took me to decide what doll to buy! And now the worry about clothing said doll.

For great Doll links please check my links section. I will list a few places that I personally use!