FAQ
- Emilia N
- Feb 13, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: May 12
What changes now that the Inamorata atelier has moved to Germany?
The most obvious change is that the country of origin is now Germany. This is great for the EU customers who don't have to pay customs fees anymore. Sadly for all it means I need to pay 19% VAT when the dolls arrive from the caster, so the price of a blank doll will rise to 1100usd. The international shipping costs from Germany are also higher than from Japan and Express Delivery will now be 110usd per doll plus insurance. I am terribly sorry about having to raise the prices, but a doll artists cannot even make minimum hourly wage so I cannot swallow all the new added costs.
US tariffs - to USA customers only
Due to the new tariff regulations, items you buy from abroad are subject to customs declaration and fees upon arrival to the US border. This is something you pay to your own government as the importer of goods and unrelated to the original seller. You might need a "proof of value" document, such as a PayPal transaction email, to show how much the item you bought is worth.
Insurance and shipping value
If you request to declare low value in shipping the package cannot be insured to its full value. If the package is then lost or damaged, I cannot be held liable or replace the items. If your package is normally insured and arrives damaged, it is important to take photos of the outer and inner damage within 24 hours of delivery, report the damage to both your local delivery company and to me so I can file the insurance claim.
2025 PREORDER
The next preorder is planned for Autumn. I don't have the exact date yet, but I'm trying to time it in a way that the blank dolls can ship in January and avoid the Christmas time postal holabaloo. Remember that I am always open for feedback, so if many of you prefer to get your blank dolls before Christmas, I can book an earlier casting for next year. I'm thinking that Inamorata are something so personal they are unlikely to be gifts, but custom made for and with their owner.
According to feedback many would prefer a longer preorder window (some missed the 24 hour dash last year due to holiday trips or other plans). Therefore I am happy to make the order period longer this year: 2 weeks or as long as the limited stock lasts. Note that the preorder is still limited to 30 dolls (5 dolls per skin tone) and 15 OOAK doll commission appointments, so the most popular skin tones and painting service spots still sell out quickly.
What currency do you use?
All the prices are in USD (but note that I live in and ship from Germany).
How much does a doll cost?
Blank dolls start at 1100usd and OOAK doll painting fees at 300usd. You can find price and items examples at the shop's INFO listings.
Do you offer layaways?
Yes. I usually offer 3 and 6 month layaway plans. For commissions and preorders there is a 50% NON REFUNDABLE deposit, and the final payment can be broken into monthly installations. You can specify that you would like a layaway payment plan at the checkout during a preorder. Enter the layaway code of LAYAWAY3 or LAYAWAY6 at checkout. PLEASE WAIT TO GET YOUR INVOICE FOR THE REMAINDER, instead of sending me money directly on Paypal. Please use the same invoice for each instalment or Paypal does not register as part of the layaway plan.
What are the measurements of Inamorata doll?
Each generation of Inamorata is unique and the measurements have evolved over the years. You can find the measurements and info about current Inamorati doll HERE>>>. If you want the generational comparison and measurements of each body type click HERE>>>
What is included in an Inamorata doll?
When you buy a blank doll, you get an unpainted resin sculpture, fully sanded (no seams), with one pair of hands (other hands and gloves sold separately), pair of dressing paddles and foot bubbles (used in shipping and to navigate tight clothes), a pair of feet (other feet sculpts in two sizes sold separately). The doll comes with a sturdy box, padding blanket, 2 pillows and the certificate of authenticity.
When ordering a OOAK doll, I coat the joints with hot glue and check the elastics for the correct string tension to improve poseability. I hand paint your doll (face up and body blush, nails) and spray on a UV coating to protect it. You can also commission me for hard cap wigs, garments, shoes and accessories.
The doll I wanted is sold. Can you make another one?
OOAK means One-of-a-kind and I guarantee I will not make another one like it. It will truly be a unique work of art. It is a matter of honour for me not to make copies of my own or anyone else’s work. You may commission a doll with a similar sculpt and concept as long as the doll clearly has a personality of its own or a wig recognisable different.
How do I change Inamorata hands/feet?
Inamorata use the hook mechanism, because the magnetic parts fall of too easily. It’s pretty simple when you get the hang of it. Here is a video tutorial to help.
What size wigs should I get for my Inamorata?
The wig size in head circumference is 4,5 - 5″ (12cm) for traditional soft cap wigs. I recommend ordering a custom made hard cap wigs because they have a natural fitting hairline and more variety in styles. Inamorata can share wigs with other similar size dolls, like Popovy. Read the full article about size and sharing here or watch a video where I show different Inamorata dolls on a Popovy doll on YouTube.
Can Inamorata share fashions/shoes with other 16″ dolls?
Yes. Inamorata can share with many similar size dolls. Read the full article about it here.
I got my Inamorata doll and it poses very differently from other dolls. How do I pose it?
This is by design. One of the main reasons I wanted to design my own dolls was to develop new and more beautiful joint mechanics. Every doll design in a compromise between aesthetics and poseability. Inamorata is designed with lingerie in mind, so most torso joints can be hidden by skimpiest of underwear. However, most Inamorata joints are not slitted ball joints like traditional BJD, but odd shapes with hidden joints and locks, that are designed to perform a certain task with minimum visible mechanics. To discover the hidden features and how to pose Inamorata, watch this video.
How long is the waiting list?
OOAK commission queue is usually around 6 to 12 months including the casting period (3-5 months). Everything I make is OOAK, hand made and designed especially for the project at hand. It’s slow and labour intensive work of love that I do myself without helpers. My sewing techniques mainly utilise haute couture hand stitching on a mannequin so a single garment may take a weeks and even months to create. Painting a doll usually takes a week as each face up and body blushing consists of dozens of layers that need to dry well between layers. It is art, not mass production.
Can I skip the waiting line?
Generally it’s first come first served, but I often juggle multiple projects and work on different patches due to weather conditions (temperature and humidity affect the UV coating). So if I am painting a set of dolls in the same resin tone, it might be possible shuffle the order of the queue based on resin tones.
Sometimes people need to postpone their commission appointments. Before starting on a commission I contact the next person in line to ask if the time is convenient for them and if it’s not the project gets postponed and bumps up the next one in the queue.
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