How We Review
Every store we review sends us dolls, and our editor examines each one in person. Here is what we look at, how we check the stores behind them, and the limits of what we can tell you.
We examine dolls in person
Every store we review sends us dolls, and our editor, Harry Black, examines each one in person. He looks at:
- How the doll arrived: packaging, protection and how discreet the box was
- Whether it matches the store's photos and listed specifications
- Finish and build quality: seams, paint, makeup, wig and nails
- Material feel and any smell out of the box
- Skeleton and joints: how well they move and hold a pose
- Weight and handling compared with the listed figures
We check the store, not just the doll
A good doll from a bad store is still a bad buy, so every store review also covers:
- Shipping times and carriers, based on the deliveries we have received
- Payment options and what appears on your card statement
- Return, refund and warranty terms as the store publishes them
- How quickly and helpfully customer service answers our emails
- Prices compared with other stores selling dolls from the same factories
The shipping and reply times on our store cards come from our own deliveries and emails with each store.
What we add from research
A doll in hand tells us a lot, but not everything. We add what we can check from the outside: the store's published specifications and policies, and reports from owners around the web about long-term durability and after-sales service.
What we do not do
- We do not run laboratory tests on materials. Claims such as "phthalate-free" come from the manufacturer.
- We are not doctors or lawyers. Our health and legal guides explain the basics and point you to official sources; they are not medical or legal advice.
- We do not sell dolls ourselves.
How we make money
We earn commissions from some of the stores we link to, and partner stores send us dolls free of charge. Full details are on our affiliate disclosure.
Updates and corrections
Prices, shipping times and store policies change. Each article shows when it was published or last updated. If you spot something that is out of date or wrong, tell us and we will check it and correct the page.