Is there a unsaid rule about beginners and dolls?

No you won't be labeled as a "rich girl" or "show off" that's perfectly normal. I think most doll collectors order around this time when there's events going on and you can possibly get things for cheaper prices. I think that the line "I only want one." is said by everyone in the forum and we all know one soon multiplies to three and three to six . When I first got into the hobby I thought people would think of me the same way but only because I was eight years old. When you go to your first meet up and you see how other doll collectors spend time together you learn that it's not that way.

 

I don't think it makes you look snobby or rich at all. Tons of people own more dolls than I could imagine having (And I think they're so lucky to have all those dolls, too!) and I don't think they're rich or snobby. I think they budget wisely and love their hobby. To me it sounds like you're managing your hobby well, and saving and budgeting nicely.
I purchased my first doll in September and got her November, and right after that got my tiny BJD and I'm planning on putting a fullset doll on layaway. Then as soon as I can after that I'm going to be buying another doll, maybe even two dolls. But I'm not rich, and I hope you don't see me as snobby. I don't think neither of us would just go on a buying and spending spree and buy w/e we want without a second thought, and we don't act like we're better. If anything, non-BJD owners would look at you that way. They look at a lot of us BJD owners that way I think, once they find out the price of the dolls. But I don't mind, and you shouldn't either. Just do what makes you happy, and a pace that wont put you out of house and home

 

Nah, you won;t be. People might think I am rich cause my collection number 76, with that last one being made, but I'm not. I really don't spend money on anything else, unless it's doll related. Sometimes on Mangas, and on DVDs, but it's rare. It's just what I like. I average 10 a year, or did. I only have plans for five this year but the Soom Agate doll is tempting. Mostly for her dragon!

 

It's your money and you did what you want with it - if someone else has a problem with it, that's theirs to deal with. To be honest, I just started myself and I have two that's coming to me. It's your first doll and you want it to be special even if its a $400 second hand or the $1200 fullset LE that you have lusted over. I really do think that people that are going to start the hobby get more opposition from "noncollectors" over the dolls theyre thinking of getting vs the people in the hobby

 

Nobody in their right mind will judge you for enjoying the hobby the way you want to - be that the most expensive Volks fullset you can find or as many Resinsoul tinies as you can handle. My first doll was a fullset but with a different wig. I personally believe a fullset is a great way to start out the hobby. You get everything you need for your first doll - eyes, wig, outfit, shoes, etc. Then you can experiment and see what you do and don't like and move on from there!

I started the hobby when I was 24. If you can budget well then I think that shows a lot of maturity. More power to you!

Now I wish you lived near me so we can go to meets together.

 

This, this would be the problem. Do what you love, and let yourself be happy.

 

There is no such thing as a 'do not do', and there are no 'unsaid rules' about beginners and how many dolls you're 'allowed' to have. The only limit is your budget -- if you aren't unduly putting yourself into financial hardship to purchase dolls, then what right does anyone else have to dictate how many you 'should' have as a newcomer? Make yourself happy. That's all that matters, period. If you find a number of dolls all at once that charm you and you can afford to get them within your budget, then power to you, go for it. If you want to start the hobby with an expensive fullset, that's cool too. Do what you want, not what you think others might want or might judge more favorably. If people judge you as something unflattering, that's not your problem; that's theirs. You wouldn't want to be associated with those people anyway.

I purchased four dolls in my first year of collecting. Three are still with me. That was what my budget dictated, and my budget also dictated that after the acquisition of my first five I didn't add any more until this year, when two more joined the group. I'm sure you wouldn't tell me that I wasn't purchasing enough, or that four in one year were too many for a newbie collector. So why should I tell you what you should do with your own money? Just enjoy yourself and get what you want and what makes you happy. Your friends have jealousy issues, pure and simple. Those are their issues to work through, and you can't let them affect your enjoyment of the hobby -- if you spend all your time trying to cater to their issues, you'll never enjoy this.

 

My very first doll was a Soom limited. I was 26 when I was finally able to afford getting into the hobby. I'm 28 now and barely have a second doll, lol! I'm planning on two more at the end of next year. A whole YEAR of saving for me!

I have a Soom Silt, and a Souldoll Yurr. I may get two more Souldolls, or get Dollzone dolls. Not sure yet, and I have a whole year to wait, save and figure it all out. :P

Budgeting is very important for all aspects of life. You saved up to purchase what you wanted, many of us do. Infact, that is the better way to do things, if you aren't fortunate to have a family member or friends to gift you monies or a dolly for an special occasion. It took me a couple months to save for my first, and even longer for my second. I don't believe in credit cards, so I don't use them. (heh...can't handle them, tbh.)
But I know people who are very responsible who use credit to buy a doll, and make serious arrangements to take care of their purchase. Some use layaway.

I can understand the stigma about people dropping a lot of money on their dolls, and how that can make them look snobby and/or spoiled. However, I've noticed that not many people are like that here on DOA. At least I haven't come across many. Though, we all have dolls that cost a lot of money regardless, so I feel we shouldn't be saying a damn thing about who does what in this hobby.

 

Well, my friends and I had never really see eye-to-eye about interests. It's sad that you went through a bad experience with them but you also have to look at it that its your money, not theirs, you worked hard for this and not them. You shouldnt feel guilty because of your friends dont "approve" what you bought. The dolls that I am buying are just ones that I have been staring at since I was interested. I really want a Unoa Lusis and managed to find a nice deal on one and the other is a Iplehouse Eva that my boyfriend will be helping me with :3

 

I did the same thing. Though I shopped around for lower priced dolls for my first dolls. I love them but these are going to be my guinea pigs for learning to suede and face up and such. I totally have gluing lashes down to a science *thumbs up* I bought my first girl in Feb and saved and ended up buying another a month or so later. My BFF said "Where are you getting this crazy money from to buy these dolls!?" When to be honest depending on the company my two put together cost less than one. It's a fact that the hobby takes money ( and what some people consider to be ALOT ) but don't all hobbies cost in the long run?

You're not a "rich girl". You're making an investment into something that makes you happy ^-^

 

*Please do not take any of the following to offense*

I'm sure you're a very nice kind person, so please don't assume I think of you badly or anything.

Based off what you said, it seems as though you need to do a little more thinking. See, getting 'tired' of your dolls, is kind if a bad thing. They're expensive, I just don't think it's very easy to afford 'getting tired' of your dolls... And if you are getting tired of them, then you obviously didn't get the right doll... The doll should really call to you.
Another thing that's really important thing about the hobby is you kinda have to have long term plans (?if you will,) BJDs aren't really bought simply to just have, in my opinion. Making clothes, taking pictures, buying wigs, accessories, etc. is what makes them last.
So, obviously you're interested in dolls, but maybe you should wait to get further into the hobby. Maybe take a break from looking at other dolls and pay more attention to the ones you already have :')



But I definitely don't believe you're snobby or going to labeled. Just based on my beliefs and such, I just feel a little bad for your dolls!

 

The way I see it is to each their own.
I've studied, researched, searched, and changed my mind for over 12 years about BJD's before getting my first one.
My first is a AOD MSD and I have two more on the way.
Do what you like, like what you do, and who cares what people think.
I am just recently following my own advice by the way.

 

How sad that people have to be so judgemental. You should be able to get what you want. What, are you supposed to spend less, and get something you don't even like? That's silly. I admire anyone who does their research and works hard for what they want.

 

@AngelicLies

Whoops! Looks like I miss read some information! But say everything you said was true, that's how I would think.
If all you're asking is whether people will look at you accusingly because your first doll is expensive and or limited - No problem at all. People do it all the time! And if I recall correctly, someone made a point in the above comments, if your first doll is cheap and isn't really the one you want, but you bought a cheap one because it was your first, then that is pointless. My first doll was $550. I even modified my first doll. Lots or people would say that's a big risk to take. But you should follow your heart.

Sorry for the misunderstanding!

 

Aside from health and care issues, there isn't really any 'rule' you should ever follow. My first doll was a fullset and I also received a small gift doll because of the event at the time. A month later, I bought another doll. Nothing negitive happened, and there wasn't any problems.

If someone says something snarky about your choices, it's not your fault. People like that will find anything to critisize. And, honestly, I would recommend rather than discourage getting a fullset for a first doll. For beginners it's a little more easy to have a doll that dosn't need to be shipped out for a faceup, and you already have clothes and a wig for your doll to wear while you find other outfits you would like to buy.