Full Set BJDs vs Blank BJDs: Pros and Cons of Complete Packages and Customization Freedom

Embarking on your journey into the enchanting world of BJD collecting, you’re bound to encounter a crucial decision: full set or blank?

The terminology might be puzzling at first, but fear not! Today, we’re diving deep into the full set versus blank debate, unraveling the mysteries and shedding light on the pros and cons of each option.

Join us as we navigate through this decision-making process, helping you determine the perfect choice that aligns with your preferences and collecting goals.

Key Takeaways
Full Set BJDs
Pros:
– Dolls come with everything you need
– Clothing/items are designed to fit the doll
– Potential cost savings compared to buying externally
Cons:
– Some full sets can be expensive, especially limited editions
– No picking and choosing specific pieces
– Limited customization options for faceup
Blank BJDs
Pros:
– More affordable option
– Full customization freedom
– Ability to shop for clothes/items and save money
Cons:
– Need to do faceup or hire someone
– Finding clothes that fit may require research
– Total cost can increase depending on chosen items
Choose Based on Your Preferences and Collecting Goals
– No right or wrong answer
– Full sets suit those who prefer a complete package
– Blanks suit those who have specific character ideas

What is a full set BJD? What is a blank BJD?

When ordering your BJD you may see the option for a full set or blank. You may also notice that there is a price difference. Sometimes it is a hefty price difference too.

Looking at a full set

Full set means that it will come with additional items. Now it varies with companies and certain releases what that the items will be. This is why it is so important that you read everything in the listing.

Take a look at this example.

So for this doll in the photo you will see a $200 increase for a full set. If you go this route know that your price before shipping will be $678.50.

Now what is that full set? Will it be worth $678.50? You will have to read the descriptions to see what will come in the full set. When you scroll down you will see they state.

“Fullset Includes: Basic-set, face-up, clothes, shoes, wig.
Face-up is already included in Fullset price, so if you’ve chosen Fullset please choose the face-up as ‘no’.”

So for this full set you get a faceup already done (faceup is the face painted already for you), clothes, shoes, and a wig. But what about the eyes? If you look at what already comes with doll you will see that it will come with a random set of eyes.

If you purchase this full set you will have everything you need for your doll. They are essentially complete and ready for display.

Looking at a basic or blank doll

What is a blank doll? Well the name explains itself. It is a doll with nothing else included and no face up. The doll will come with no clothes and no faceup (the face will not be painted on).

Let’s take a look at an example.

The base price is $308.00 with no faceup, clothes, shoes, or wig. You can read further in the details to see what the blank doll comes with.

When you buy a blank doll you are getting essentially just the doll and that’s it. Some companies are really nice and will throw in a free set of eyes, but that is not the case for all.

Why would you get a blank doll?

Personally I usually have a character set in my mind when I look for a doll. It makes no sense for me to spend extra money on things for the doll that are not their character. I would rather that money go towards what I want the doll to have. It is also easier to customize a blank doll and put your own faceup on it.

This is a good option for people that want to be more frugal and maybe buy things for their doll bit by bit instead.

Pros and Cons of Full sets and Blanks

At the end of the day it is going to boil down to what you want but there are some things to consider when making this choice.

Full Set

Pros:

Dolls will come with everything you need

You get clothing/items that are made for the doll (guarantee fit)

Potentially you could be saving money with a company faceup/clothes vs buying them externally which could cost more depending on what you get

Cons:

Some full sets can be very expensive especially if it is a limited set

There is no picking and choosing certain pieces – you pay for it all

You can’t customize the faceup – it is only what is pictured

Blank

Pros:

-It is an affordable option

-You get to fully customize the doll to what you want it to be

-You can shop for your own clothes/items and save money / buy items in pieces over time

Cons:

-You will need to either do your own faceup or hire someone else to do so

-Have to find clothes that will fit your doll (really do your research to make sure things fit)

-Depending on what items you choose can really rack up your total- you will need to get a wig, shoes, clothes, faceup, and eyes (if the basic set doesn’t come with them)

So what should you buy?

Now that you know what a full set and a blank doll entails, which should you choose? It really depends on YOU. Some people are actually very happy with full sets and that is where they start with their BJD collecting. Others have certain characters in mind and would rather go hunting for their own items to customize their doll.

There really is no right or wrong answer to this question. Have fun with your collecting and enjoy your dolly to the fullest when it comes in!

What do you prefer to buy? Full set or blank? Tell us in the comments section down below!