Illegal Copies FAQ

Q: What are recasts?
A: "Recasts" refers to dolls produced through channels and methods not authorized by the original sculptors or artists. "Recasting" refers to the act of creating these illegal copies. Recasts are synonymous with counterfeit and bootleg dolls, and constitute copyright infringement. 

Q: Why are recasts bad?
A: Recasts drain resources and wages away from the original artists and rightful owners of dolls, and create a hostile environment for artists. When someone purchases a recast, money goes directly to support criminal activity. The presence of recasts also lends to increased fraudulent activity and scams, where recast sellers try to sell counterfeit dolls as authentic ones.

Q: Where do these recasts exist?
A: Unfortunately, recast makers have now vastly outgrown most legitimate dollmakers, which typically are made up of independent artists or small teams. Recasters on the other hand, own factories and large distribution channels, frequently selling through online platforms such as Amazon, Ebay, Aliexpress, Etsy, and other unauthorized storefronts. Please only purchase BJDs from original websites and authorized dealers. When shopping secondhand, always request a Certificate of Authenticity. All Bitamin Tarochii dolls come with a Certificate of Authenticity stamped with the artist's original seal. 

Q: Why are recasts so cheap compared to the original? Why can't artists make dolls for the same price?
A: There are many reasons why independent artists and small studios need to charge more for their works due to higher production costs, outsourcing needs, different cost of living, etc, but the most simple answer is that art is valued as much or as little as the artist deems it to be worth. This is true for all forms of art.

The pride that an artist has for their works is reflected as part of the price-- that pride is also indicative of quality, craftsmanship, and experience required to create the final product. Recasters do not feel such pride since they do not make or sculpt any of the dolls they steal. Therefore, to them, only the bottom line matters to them, since there is no personal attachment or investment in any one sculpt. Recasters do not need to invest in any talent, skill, or research, and engage in predatory behavior such as trademark squatting to prevent the original artists from selling their own work.

Q: I can't afford BJDs except for recasts. Those artists wouldn't be getting my money anyway. How is it different from buying secondhand?
A: We acknowledge that cost is a barrier to entry to the BJD hobby. However, this is true for any hobby. There are many ways to support artists beyond buying their works-- promoting them, sharing their social media, or sending fanmail are all ways to support artists without ever spending a dime. 

Buying from recasters enabled recasters more resources to continue stealing. While having access to more cheap dolls may seem like a boon, many fail to realize that its actually self-cannibalizing. Recasting leads to the closure of business for small artists, or demoralize them to the point where they no longer wish to sell to the public. It is different from the secondhand market sales, because the money is not going directly into funding more criminal activity. 

 

We are always happy to shed more light on the topic of recasts and why its harmful to the creative community as a whole. Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions.

Bitamin Tarochii does not sell dolls outside of this website or its social media handles. We do not use dealers and do not list dolls on any third-party platforms.