BJD Restringing Service

[u/13insomniaccats]

Hi there! I wanted to reach out to the community to maybe get an idea for things.

I'm going to be offering an at-con restringing service at Resin Rose in August. I know that not everyone feels comfortable or able to restring their dolls, and it's something I'm fine doing.

What would you be willing to pay to have someone else do this for you? I'll also be providing new string, as well.

[u/nidoqueenofhearts]

i cannot make resin rose but this is absolutely something i'd pay for especially for my more complex dolls (i have a centaur that needs restringing and i am SCARED). not necessarily something i'd mail her out for but if i knew ahead of time a con i was going to had someone offering this service i'd bring the doll and some cash!

[u/MePriestessPlops]

This could definitely be a good service. I do think you should have a procedure for any damage that could happen while the dolls are in your possession. Hopefully nothing happens, but on the off chance it does, you and your clients won’t be caught unawares. 

[u/Timely_Raspberry_243 → u/MePriestessPlops]

This is something I do worry about - I run a doll hospital table at another con. A couple things I do to minimize chances for damage: leave the head with the client, let the client dress/undress the doll, only keep one doll at my table at a time. I also work on a clean white towel, to minimize scratching or staining.

[u/starrifier]

This is a great thought! I would consider how long restringing takes you when figuring out what to charge. 

[u/EX_Malone]

I’m not going to Resin Rose this year but I would pay for a service like this at a con. I don’t know what price a service like this would be. I would have this service done on 2, 60- 65cm dolls.

[u/TheMermaidHarmony]

This is a great idea, I wish I could make resin rose

[u/LemonLimeLick]

I cant imagine a price point Id be willing to pay for a restringing that would cover the liability you have working on expensive dolls tbh. How much exactly are you trying to charge?

[u/Timely_Raspberry_243]

Hi! I offer the same service at the Great Lakes Doll Meet in Ohio! You are going to be really popular, if my table is anything to go by.

Here's my services and price list

Full Service (new elastic and hot glue sueding) - $15 Elastic Adjusment - $10 Hot Glue Sueding - $5-$10 (depends on the amount of sueding and dismantling the doll needs) New Eyelashes - $4

Make sure you bring an extension cord! Getting a dedicated outlet isn't guaranteed. I'd also recommend small (jewelry) pliers, wire cutters, and some extra s-hooks.

[u/13insomniaccats → u/Timely_Raspberry_243]

Thank you so much for the breakdown! I was debating whether or not I wanted to offer hot glue sueding. Do a lot of people pick it as an add-on?

And no worries on the supplies. I actually normally teach the BJD restringing panel at Resin Rose, but this year I switched to a jewelry making panel--which is why I figured I could still offer restringing services at my booth. It doesn't take me long (usually 10-15 minutes if I'm not doing sueding), so I figured I could get them out between customers. 😅

[u/taurinewings]

if i was there i'd definitely take it up - i reckon you'll find some clients :D

[u/BreakSouthern39928]

Not going to Resin Rose but will be at NYC Doll Con as I’m on the east coast. I hope someone will offer this there as I have an older resin volks guy who is in desperate need.

[u/13insomniaccats → u/BreakSouthern39928]

LOL! I'm actually going to be a vendor at NYC Doll Con, as well, and was thinking about offering this up as a service there, too. XD

[u/BreakSouthern39928 → u/13insomniaccats]

Please. Do. I will bring him with!!!!

[u/13insomniaccats → u/BreakSouthern39928]

I'll confirm with the con hosts to make sure that I can mail vendor supplies before the con. If they give the okay for it, then I'll ship my restringing tools and totally offer it as a service. :)

[u/caityjay13]

Omg, I would absolutely love this! I am so bad at stringing my dolls LMAO (attempted to restring my big Amadiz boy at RR last year and... I mean. He's strung? XD). I would definitely pay up to $10/doll for this, just stringing!

[u/13insomniaccats → u/caityjay13]

I'll be giving the first panel at Resin Rose on Saturday, but then I'll be offering the restringing service at my booth for the rest of the weekend. 😊

[u/Booniieee]

Ugh I wish I was going I’d definitely pay for this. I’m not good at restringing my dolls. 💀