How long is too long for a faceup?

Sorry if this isn't the right section...wasn't sure where to ask this. So I sent out a head back in November to have a faceup done and I still don't have him back. I've gotten no progress pictures and now the artist has closed their Etsy shop too.

I've worked with them once before so I've been going off a lot of good faith, they've been busy, and it was winter etc. I think I've been pretty patient, I only check in once a month or so. They told me a few days ago that he'd be done in just a few more days, but that was already a week ago and I'm not super hopeful on that estimate anymore without seeing ANY progress pics.

I'm now moving at the beginning of March too to complicate things further. I'm thinking of sending a message firmly stating I need the head returned to me, finished or unfinished by the end of the month or I'm opening a claim.

I have a lot of paranoia that I'm being unreasonable, but from what I gathered from other threads...3+ months for a faceup is generally considered a bit unreasonable? And closing the shop has me nervous too...This was supposed to be my first resin 1/4 doll and in the meantime this has been going on I actually got a Puyoodoll first...lol.

I guess I just feel bad because I don't think there's any intent to scam me here, but at this point I'd really just like this to be over. I guess I'd just also like opinions from more people who deal in the resin side of these things more? ☹️

Half related but an friend of mine just send a couple of heads off to some other mutual acquaintance and she was given a time of 4 months... At first I thought that was just lazy insane to just to leave people hanging for weeks w/o actually working on what they’re been paid to do? I really don't know much about face ups but how is it that it can take soooo long when you see people online doing it in a matter of hours, overnight?

I'm also very paranoid and get exactly how you feel about all this ordeal. If I were you i'd give this person an all out ultimatum to get communication going by at most couple days, then proceed to file a claim. 

pd. also would be nice to post here the name of the person/shop to let others know about their fishy business. I would also threaten them to tell everyone here about it, that sure would be bad business for them. 

12 hours ago, puxlavoix said:

Half related but an friend of mine just send a couple of heads off to some other mutual acquaintance and she was given a time of 4 months... At first I thought that was just lazy insane to just to leave people hanging for weeks w/o actually working on what they’re been paid to do? I really don't know much about face ups but how is it that it can take soooo long when you see people online doing it in a matter of hours, overnight?

I'm also very paranoid and get exactly how you feel about all this ordeal. If I were you i'd give this person an all out ultimatum to get communication going by at most couple days, then proceed to file a claim. 

pd. also would be nice to post here the name of the person/shop to let others know about their fishy business. I would also threaten them to tell everyone here about it, that sure would be bad business for them. 

This is only my second faceup commission and of course it would go like this. To be honest I didn't really even want to send this one out in the first place, but for some reason I could NOT get my sealant to take to this head no matter what I did. So I got frustrated and booked this. After all this negativity with it, I'm worried I won't even like him anymore when I get him back...

I don't feel comfortable naming and shaming quite yet because I really do just think they're overloaded and did not make smart scheduling decisions. I've been there myself. The last faceup they did for me only took a month, so it's a shame it has to be like this now tbh. I just hope they keep things closed until they sort it out, but for now the problem is already in motion so I just want my head back.

3+ months doesn’t sound too long to me but only under the condition that you are aware of this length and are given updates, neither are the case here. If I was commissioning a faceup I’d definitely want process pictures especially considering I’m trusting my doll’s head in a stranger’s home. “It’ll be done in a few days” isn’t really excusable when there is no communication.

Closing the shop does sound like a red flag to me. I don’t want to assume they are a shady person but even in the scenario where they just happened to bite more than they could chew, its just irresponsible on their end.

I’m sorry it turned out like this, this situation just sounds frustrating. I hope you are able to get your head back. I think sending the message is probably a good idea since there were plenty of opportunities to communicate with you (3+ months is a long time) but failed to. Its probably best to retrieve your head now.

Hopefully everything turns out ok, wishing you luck!

Edited February 9, 2023 by chantelle

I'm not a face up artist, but I have had commissions take 3+ months or longer depending on where the artist was. 3 months, however, is no excuse for radio silence. It doesn't matter what is going on in their personal life; they took an obligation and should have remained in contact with you even if they were delayed for whatever reason(s). Echoing everyone saying that closing the etsy shop is also a huge red flag.

 

I am not familiar with etsy's policies if you have an item sent to someone or actions for recourse, but I would reach out and send this person a warning message stating that if no reply is received as to the status of your head that you will be filing a claim. Personally, I would not want this person to work on my head any longer if they took a commission, been paid, and made no contact with you for 3 months. I hope you get your head back safely ♥

I recently commissioned my first face-up and the artist had a couple of rules and information about the service she provides. She gave herself 2 months to work on a face-up and she was very upfront that she wouldn't do in-progress pictures. I was a little worried about this at first, but I decided to trust the artist and she did an amazing job in the end (she even sent me some in-progress pictures after all to ask for my opinion!).

So, I guess it kind of depends on what was agreed on?

If the artist is way behind schedule, I would kindly ask them to provide progress pictures, even if they previously said they wouldn't take any. If the head is 'almost done' as they claim it to be, that shouldn't be an issue. In general, I think I would try to explain how the situation is making you feel. I like to believe that being honest and sincere always ends up working best.

Whether or not you want the head to be sent back even in an unfinished state is a decision you'll have to make for yourself. You could give the artist another month and have them send the head back once you're all settled in at your new place. 

 

I think the way I would go about this is that I would:

1. Ask for pictures.

2. Establish a deadline (either to finish the head or to send it back) without any sort of .. 'I'll file a claim' or anything like that. Have them agree on the deadline.

3. If the deadline passes without anything happening, I would firmly request the head to be sent back no matter the state it is in. Give another deadline for this, maybe 1 week and at this point I would tell the artist that I would file a claim if they fail to cooperate.

4. Receive your head or take legal action.

Make sure to backup all correspondence with the artist. I'm not a lawyer or anything, but I had some troubles with getting my stuff back from my ex after a breakup and I think this was sort of the recommended way to go about things. In any case, I really do hope that everything will work out for you!

I'm also in favor of naming the artist to warn others within the community about potential issues, but I think this would be best done after you received your head. 

1 hour ago, RetroKanojo said:

I recently commissioned my first face-up and the artist had a couple of rules and information about the service she provides. She gave herself 2 months to work on a face-up and she was very upfront that she wouldn't do in-progress pictures. I was a little worried about this at first, but I decided to trust the artist and she did an amazing job in the end (she even sent me some in-progress pictures after all to ask for my opinion!).

So, I guess it kind of depends on what was agreed on?

If the artist is way behind schedule, I would kindly ask them to provide progress pictures, even if they previously said they wouldn't take any. If the head is 'almost done' as they claim it to be, that shouldn't be an issue. In general, I think I would try to explain how the situation is making you feel. I like to believe that being honest and sincere always ends up working best.

Whether or not you want the head to be sent back even in an unfinished state is a decision you'll have to make for yourself. You could give the artist another month and have them send the head back once you're all settled in at your new place. 

 

I think the way I would go about this is that I would:

1. Ask for pictures.

2. Establish a deadline (either to finish the head or to send it back) without any sort of .. 'I'll file a claim' or anything like that. Have them agree on the deadline.

3. If the deadline passes without anything happening, I would firmly request the head to be sent back no matter the state it is in. Give another deadline for this, maybe 1 week and at this point I would tell the artist that I would file a claim if they fail to cooperate.

4. Receive your head or take legal action.

Make sure to backup all correspondence with the artist. I'm not a lawyer or anything, but I had some troubles with getting my stuff back from my ex after a breakup and I think this was sort of the recommended way to go about things. In any case, I really do hope that everything will work out for you!

I'm also in favor of naming the artist to warn others within the community about potential issues, but I think this would be best done after you received your head. 

We didn't agree on anything in particular this time around, I just assumed it would go the same as last time I commissioned them...in which it was done in about a month and a half and I got progress pictures every step of the way ☹️ Sadly I did already ask them to just show me what they have done, I'd like to see it, and then that's when they replied "he'll be done in a few more days" with no pictures yet again.

The only reason I'm gonna include that I'll file a claim is sadly because the negative reviews that were coming in before they closed their shop basically all said they were not responsive to agreements made until claims came into the picture. Hate to do it, but if that's seemingly what gets them moving, even if it's just to return the head.

I'm just happy this is happening to the less expensive and non limited head I suppose...if this had happened to the DD head I sent them, I would have been having a panic attack by now.

But for sure if I ever decide to commission a faceup again, I'm gonna be better about asking about deadlines...I didn't really think much of it this time and here I am lol.

Edited February 10, 2023 by Noxxbunny

3 minutes ago, Noxxbunny said:

The only reason I'm gonna include that I'll file a claim is sadly because the negative reviews that were coming in before they closed their shop basically all said they were not responsive to agreements made until claims came into the picture. Hate to do it, but if that's seemingly what gets them moving, even if it's just to return the head.

Oh, I see! I didn't know this was a problem for others as well. In that case, I'd definitely be up front about it. 

I can totally get how you're feeling though. It's quite a stressful experience. Even if both parties do whatever they can to make things go smooth - all it takes is for the postal carrier to make a mistake and .. I don't even want to think about it!

Just take a deep breath, I'm sure everything will work out some way or another! I'll definitely be keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Update on there being no update...Sent them a message a week ago laying out everything. No response. So I will be opening a claim tomorrow. Just really worried I won't get my head back.

53 minutes ago, Noxxbunny said:

Update on there being no update...Sent them a message a week ago laying out everything. No response. So I will be opening a claim tomorrow. Just really worried I won't get my head back.

Keep us posted ♥

So sorry to hear this.
I hope it gets returned in good condition

I hope he gets returned too. My worry is that they'll send him back after I move to my old place to spite me or something and then I'll never receive it. Is there any way I can pursue them for the cost of the head too? I assume I'm out of luck there aside from just spamming them with an invoice until they get annoyed enough to either pay it or send it back to me.

I suppose because it has come to the point of claim, I will say the artist in question is Atelier Dairelle . Sad as I am to say it as they were the one who painted my current favorite DD.

Edited February 17, 2023 by Noxxbunny

Well another update, they apologized for the lack of communication. They said they'll finish him up this weekend and send him on his way back to me right after. I agreed to this and said that when he IS finally back with me, that's when I will close out the claim and consider things resolved and all good. So...fingers crossed my next update will be next week that he's finally back home safe.

17 minutes ago, Noxxbunny said:

Well another update, they apologized for the lack of communication. They said they'll finish him up this weekend and send him on his way back to me right after. I agreed to this and said that when he IS finally back with me, that's when I will close out the claim and consider things resolved and all good. So...fingers crossed my next update will be next week that he's finally back home safe.

I'm glad you at least got some action on their part. Really hoping you get him back and exactly how you want him!

Perhaps unsurprisingly, update to say it's the 28th and he is still not back. Paid for a shipping label on the 20th and has not shipped. My moving container will be here and gone by March 4th. So if by some miracle it arrives before the 10th at this point, I still have to make separate arrangements to get it to my new place.

I don't trust USPS mail forwarding for packages much. So I expect to consider the head lost. I escalated the claim with Paypal today. I expect to receive a refund, but I don't expect to see the head again. I'll continue to pursue it again after I move, but for now I'm just considering this a loss of my doll's head.

That's terrible..  I'm really sorry this happened to you. I can't do anything else, but I'm sending all the virtual hugs your way and I'll keep my fingers crossed that maybe you'll somehow still get the head back anyway..

On 2/28/2023 at 11:09 AM, RetroKanojo said:

That's terrible..  I'm really sorry this happened to you. I can't do anything else, but I'm sending all the virtual hugs your way and I'll keep my fingers crossed that maybe you'll somehow still get the head back anyway..

Thank you! I lose hope by the day as they continue to be unresponsive...At some point this week I'll also be posting him in DOA's Missing and Stolen dolls, but I feel like nothing is gonna give them a kick to return him to me at this point.

In better news in a way I guess,

I've decided to already go ahead and replace him. My second runner up choice head was Myoudoll Delia...and after seeing them use it as a boy, I think I'm now 100% sold on the idea.

I hate that I missed the order for this boy specifically already, but to avoid any further headache...I'm just going to order the default faceup directly and hope this works out better for me.

Still though...this only cemented to me that this is why I don't send my dolls out for faceups and I don't think I ever will again.

I am so sorry. I was really hopeful when I saw the other update.
I can only hope they are flaky and will still get sent out
Fingers crossed for you

1 hour ago, Vampurrr said:

I am so sorry. I was really hopeful when I saw the other update.
I can only hope they are flaky and will still get sent out
Fingers crossed for you

So actually, luckily...update as of yesterday. I ended up making the Paypal dispute, they did not respond to it. Paypal ruled in my favor and gave me a refund.

As a last ditch effort, I made a warning post about them on my IG yesterday, and for some reason, that's what they responded to.

Seller was immediately aggressive and accusatory towards me, tried to turn it around on me as if it's somehow my fault...but they were like this to almost all their negative reviews on their Etsy shop as well, so it was not unexpected.

GOOD NEWS:

THE HEAD IS FINALLY ON THE WAY BACK TO ME. USPS is actually in possession of it this time. I told the seller I will re-send the payment for the faceup when I receive him and then this whole thing will finally be over.

2 minutes ago, Noxxbunny said:

So actually, luckily...update as of yesterday. I ended up making the Paypal dispute, they did not respond to it. Paypal ruled in my favor and gave me a refund.

As a last ditch effort, I made a warning post about them on my IG yesterday, and for some reason, that's what they responded to.

Seller was immediately aggressive and accusatory towards me, tried to turn it around on me as if it's somehow my fault...but they were like this to almost all their negative reviews on their Etsy shop as well, so it was not unexpected.

GOOD NEWS:

THE HEAD IS FINALLY ON THE WAY BACK TO ME. USPS is actually in possession of it this time. I told the seller I will re-send the payment for the faceup when I receive him and then this whole thing will finally be over.

YAY!

Even though you had to go through a lot to get it back, I'm so glad it's finally happening!! 🙌

Congratulations on getting your head back! 

It’s a shame though that the artist didn’t handle this professionally, their behavior sounds embarrassing. I understand it was probably also a stressful situation for them but this could’ve been easily prevented on their end.

1 hour ago, Noxxbunny said:

So actually, luckily...update as of yesterday. I ended up making the Paypal dispute, they did not respond to it. Paypal ruled in my favor and gave me a refund.

As a last ditch effort, I made a warning post about them on my IG yesterday, and for some reason, that's what they responded to.

Seller was immediately aggressive and accusatory towards me, tried to turn it around on me as if it's somehow my fault...but they were like this to almost all their negative reviews on their Etsy shop as well, so it was not unexpected.

GOOD NEWS:

THE HEAD IS FINALLY ON THE WAY BACK TO ME. USPS is actually in possession of it this time. I told the seller I will re-send the payment for the faceup when I receive him and then this whole thing will finally be over.

Great Googly Moogly, he's actually moving!  May he come home safe and in the condition you expect. Did she ever get you any pictures of the faceup? At all? 

The aggressive response is unfortunate but not unexpected. If this is the BJD hobby, I trust you've seen the ResinForMySoul and JPopDolls shenanigans?  It seems almost a default with people who attempt to screw others over. I would like to think that's not the case with this artist, but the fact that opening PayPal cases was the only way to get something back from her doesn't bode well. 

44 minutes ago, chantelle said:

Congratulations on getting your head back! 

It’s a shame though that the artist didn’t handle this professionally, their behavior sounds embarrassing. I understand it was probably also a stressful situation for them but this could’ve been easily prevented on their end.

So, so easy to avoid. Why no pictures? 🤔 A couple of years ago now, I sold a BJD I'd had in my collection for a while, and when I delivered her to the buyer, he determined she was a recast. Oof. Fortunately I had been upfront with him about some damages she had when she was sold to me; any picture or video he wanted, I delivered. So when I assured him that I'd never purposefully bought a recast and gave him back what money I could on the spot, we were able to resolve things peacefully. I did, in time, pay him back her full cost, and we still keep in touch on Instagram.

 

This artist had it even easier- an in-progress picture to prove she had good intentions would have been appreciated. It almost sounds like your head sat for months without being touched. Which is fair- life events happen unexpectedly- but still, even an honest admission of this would have been better than nothing.

1 hour ago, PolitelyNefarious said:

Great Googly Moogly, he's actually moving!  May he come home safe and in the condition you expect.

I really hope this as well! 

As others have said, I can understand getting stressed and overwhelmed - even to a point where the simplest form of communication can seem like an insurmountable task - but lashing out and putting the blame on others is never the right way to handle that.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

1 hour ago, PolitelyNefarious said:

Great Googly Moogly, he's actually moving!  May he come home safe and in the condition you expect. Did she ever get you any pictures of the faceup? At all? 

The aggressive response is unfortunate but not unexpected. If this is the BJD hobby, I trust you've seen the ResinForMySoul and JPopDolls shenanigans?  It seems almost a default with people who attempt to screw others over. I would like to think that's not the case with this artist, but the fact that opening PayPal cases was the only way to get something back from her doesn't bode well. 

So, so easy to avoid. Why no pictures? 🤔 A couple of years ago now, I sold a BJD I'd had in my collection for a while, and when I delivered her to the buyer, he determined she was a recast. Oof. Fortunately I had been upfront with him about some damages she had when she was sold to me; any picture or video he wanted, I delivered. So when I assured him that I'd never purposefully bought a recast and gave him back what money I could on the spot, we were able to resolve things peacefully. I did, in time, pay him back her full cost, and we still keep in touch on Instagram.

 

This artist had it even easier- an in-progress picture to prove she had good intentions would have been appreciated. It almost sounds like your head sat for months without being touched. Which is fair- life events happen unexpectedly- but still, even an honest admission of this would have been better than nothing.

Thank you! Yes, I did get ONE picture before they bought the previous shipping label and that's all I had gotten.

I've probably seen that situation in passing here and there, I admittedly have been on a little bit of a hobby hiatus. And honestly even the Paypal dispute didn't work. I feel like if I had not spoken publicly about it on IG, I would not have gotten my head back or it would have taken weeks or months more of fighting about it tbh.

Like being busy has it's limits, I did my best to be sympathetic about it, my husband just went through grad school, but even he could have spared 15 minutes in a MONTH to drop a package off. Admission is even fine too if things are stuck to...how long was I supposed to just guess and wait, you know?

I had this issue with them back in 2021 as well, in which I believe the label they bought for shipping expired once because it went over the time limit then too. So IDK why drop off is the biggest hurdle for them that they cannot find time for within 28 days?? I was in a position like that once and so...I stopped selling things because that was not a reasonable amount of time!

I'm just glad the whole thing will be over now. They can say what they want and do what they want now, it's not my issue anymore thankfully. I dealt with all this during a cross country move too. Not like I wasn't already busy enough with that too.

5 minutes ago, RetroKanojo said:

I really hope this as well! 

As others have said, I can understand getting stressed and overwhelmed - even to a point where the simplest form of communication can seem like an insurmountable task - but lashing out and putting the blame on others is never the right way to handle that.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I hope so as well, I just hope he arrives back not damaged. And exactly, I've been there too, and that's why I was even this patient with them. But clearly this was a scenario where patience and understanding was not going to get me my head back so...what else could I do? I tried the nice way. Couldn't believe they tried to insinuate I did something wrong here by asking for MY head back with 3+ weeks notice ahead of time too.

Thanks so much for the good wishes! I'm just glad for this to be over.