Bootlegs and Recasts

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A "bootleg" or recast is an illegally produced doll. It may be presented as a the original product in an inexpensive alternative to its source doll, it may be presented as the original itself as a means to fool an inexperienced buyer, or it may be presented as a "new" product without reference to the original.

What is a recast?

A recast is a doll that is created by making molds of an existing doll, then casting exact copies of the pieces. In these cases, the bootlegger may purchase a rare or limited doll from the original company, then create molds to make multiples of the doll to sell. In some cases, the bootlegger will openly admit that the doll is a copy; in others, the fake will be presented as the original item. For example, Lolidoll, a Chinese recasting operation, is very clear about the fact that their products are recasts. In another example, a seller on eBay sold 10+ copies of a Customhouse St. Mina head, claiming they they were from the original release.

Some bootleggers also create modified recasts; in these situations, the bootlegger might enlarge the eye openings, sand the cheeks, add putty to the face, or otherwise make alterations to a doll before making new molds. In these cases, the bootlegger normally will try to present the doll as a new creation, rather than an illegal copy of an existing doll.

Recasts are typically similar in size to the original doll, though they are often 2-10% smaller due to the processes involved with molding and casting.

What's the Big Deal?

When a bootlegger sells an illegal copy of a legitimate doll, they are stealing the opportunity for the original artist and company to sell that doll. This hurts the original artist, who invested their time and money into sculpting the doll. If the artist is not able to make money selling his or her creations, there is a very real possibility that he or she will stop making dolls. If you like an artist and want to see more of her work, support the original artist by purchasing a legitimate sculpt!

Bootlegs are also frequently made using inferior materials, molds, and techniques. Some bootlegs that have been purchased have been reported to be brittle or breakable, filled with blemishes or bubbles, or have a strong, toxic odor.

Another major problem with bootlegging is that while someone may purchase a bootleg with the intention of keeping it forever, there is always the possibility that the doll will end up on the second-hand market. This means that someone could purchase a much cheaper bootleg for the same price as the real product, thinking that it was the original product. The original company will not stand behind a bootleg of their product, so that second-hand owner has no alternatives if their doll is broken or damaged in the future.

Finally, bootlegs and recasts are banned on DoA. Members who are caught selling them may permanently lose access to the forum's Marketplace subforums; members who post pictures of their bootlegged dolls in the Gallery may receive a suspension or ban.

How can I avoid buying a bootleg?

Always research before buying a doll; if you are buying directly from a company or dealer, research them in the Company Reviews section of the forum. Be aware that high feedback scores on eBay do not guarantee that a doll is legitimate. If you are buying from an individual, check their feedback in the Feedback subforum.

Be cautious for deals that seem "too good to be true." While the second-hand market may be slightly less expensive than purchasing directly from the company, the price difference is not always significant. If you see a doll for considerably less than its market value, it may be a sign that the seller is selling bootlegs... or that it's a scam and you may not receive anything at all!

Den of Angels maintains a list of banned dolls that lists many of the known bootleggers.