of the steps involved in creating them are done by hand. Sculptors usually begin with a metal skeleton, bend it into a pose and build it up with clay. The clay figure is then cast as a mold to hundreds of identical fiberglass mannequins. The mannequin is passed through the hands of at least a dozen artisans, from sculptors to sanders to painters and this level of detail is why high end mannequins look so lifelike and their solid construction makes them more durable.

Less expensive knock offs, made in Asia are made by machines and resemble life-size dolls. Instead of looking fluid they have stiffer looking poses. They tend to break more easily if they fall and many of their joint fittings are made out of plastic instead of metal like the more expensive brands. Sometimes they do not hold up well under the hot sun if th

Looking to stretch your visual merchandising budget by buying a used mannequin? Or trying to find mannequin parts for a mannequin with a broken arm or a hand? This guide will give you buying tips on a used mannequin and mannequin parts.

The price you can pay for a used mannequin can vary widely depending upon who you purchase the mannequin from. Used mannequins can be purchased from mannequin liquidators, store owners who are going out of business, Ebay and garage sales. No matter where you purchase your mannequin you should know that used mannequins fall into 4 basic categories which can impact their sales price:

1) Virtually New – a mannequin that is technically not brand new, but its condition is so flawless it might as well be new. This type of mannequin was perhaps seldom used or in some cases never taken out the box because the retailer went out of business or changed their merchandising strategy soon after the mannequin arrived in the store. Or it may be a mannequin that was used only for photo-shoots.

2) Gently Used – a mannequin with some dirt, slight discoloration or minor scratching. A gently used mannequin may have previously been in the store window of a high-end retailer and was well maintained and handled with care.

3) Used – a mannequin with signs of normal wear and tear such as scuff marks and paint chips and cracks. There might also be some minor structural damage, say a broken or missing finger or crack on the arm. This mannequin might be the type that was displayed on the sales floor of a retailer and the continued handling of the mannequin caused it to show signs of “age. This mannequin might also have hair, make-up or a body style that is not contemporary looking because it was manufactured in the 1970’s – a golden era for mannequins.

4) Distressed – a mannequin with one or more missing limbs and/or with structural damage on its body which can occur when a mannequin falls or is dropped on a hard surface. Some distressed mannequins can be repaired and restored to almost new condition by a skilled mannequin refurburbisher. Other distressed mannequins are useful for their parts such as for an art project or Halloween display.

In general, the better the condition the mannequin is in, the higher the price you will pay for it. Vintage mannequins, the ones with heads made from carved wood, wax or with glass eyes are in a category all by themselves. They are considered collector’s pieces and typically their fragility makes them impractical for anything other than being in a musuem.

Just because a mannequin is used, does not always mean that it will be cheap – regardless of where you purchase it from. Similar to buying automobiles, some mannequin brands hold their value because of their superior craftsmanship, design and established brand name. Just as a used Rolls Royce or Mercedes will cost more than a brand new Toyota, there are some brands of mannequins that are expensive even though they are used.

A brand name mannequin with realistic features can cost between $750-$1300 new. If a used one is 50% off, it will still cost more than brand new no-name mannequins imported from Asia which retail between $250-$400. Brand name mannequins cost more because they are actually fiberglass sculptures of real life humans and many of the steps involved in creating them are done by hand. Sculptors usually begin with a metal skeleton, bend it into a pose and build it up with clay. The clay figure is then cast as a mold to hundreds of identical fiberglass mannequins. The mannequin is passed through the hands of at least a dozen artisans, from sculptors to sanders to painters and this level of detail is why high end mannequins look so lifelike and their solid construction makes them more durable.

Less expensive knock offs, made in Asia are made by machines and resemble life-size dolls. Instead of looking fluid they have stiffer looking poses. They tend to break more easily if they fall and many of their joint fittings are made out of plastic instead of metal like the more expensive brands. Sometimes they do not hold up well under the hot sun if th

ut the box because the retailer went out of business or changed their merchandising strategy soon after the mannequin arrived in the store. Or it may be a mannequin that was used only for photo-shoots.

2) Gently Used – a mannequin with some dirt, slight discoloration or minor scratching. A gently used mannequin may have previously been in the store window of a high-end retailer and was well maintained and handled with care.

3) Used – a mannequin with signs of normal wear and tear such as scuff marks and paint chips and cracks. There might also be some minor structural damage, say a broken or missing finger or crack on the arm. This mannequin might be the type that was displayed on the sales floor of a retailer and the continued handling of the mannequin caused it to show signs of “age. This mannequin might also have hair, make-up or a body style that is not contemporary looking because it was manufactured in the 1970’s – a golden era for mannequins.

4) Distressed – a mannequin with one or more missing limbs and/or with structural damage on its body which can occur when a mannequin falls or is dropped on a hard surface. Some distressed mannequins can be repaired and restored to almost new condition by a skilled mannequin refurburbisher. Other distressed mannequins are useful for their parts such as for an art project or Halloween display.

In general, the better the condition the mannequin is in, the higher the price you will pay for it. Vintage mannequins, the ones with heads made from carved wood, wax or with glass eyes are in a category all by themselves. They are considered collector’s pieces and typically their fragility makes them impractical for anything other than being in a musuem.

Just because a mannequin is used, does not always mean that it will be cheap – regardless of where you purchase it from. Similar to buying automobiles, some mannequin brands hold their value because of their superior craftsmanship, design and established brand name. Just as a used Rolls Royce or Mercedes will cost more than a brand new Toyota, there are some brands of mannequins that are expensive even though they are used.

A brand name mannequin with realistic features can cost between $750-$1300 new. If a used one is 50% off, it will still cost more than brand new no-name mannequins imported from Asia which retail between $250-$400. Brand name mannequins cost more because they are actually fiberglass sculptures of real life humans and many of the steps involved in creating them are done by hand. Sculptors usually begin with a metal skeleton, bend it into a pose and build it up with clay. The clay figure is then cast as a mold to hundreds of identical fiberglass mannequins. The mannequin is passed through the hands of at least a dozen artisans, from sculptors to sanders to painters and this level of detail is why high end mannequins look so lifelike and their solid construction makes them more durable.

Less expensive knock offs, made in Asia are made by machines and resemble life-size dolls. Instead of looking fluid they have stiffer looking poses. They tend to break more easily if they fall and many of their joint fittings are made out of plastic instead of metal like the more expensive brands. Sometimes they do not hold up well under the hot sun if th

have hair, make-up or a body style that is not contemporary looking because it was manufactured in the 1970’s – a golden era for mannequins.

4) Distressed – a mannequin with one or more missing limbs and/or with structural damage on its body which can occur when a mannequin falls or is dropped on a hard surface. Some distressed mannequins can be repaired and restored to almost new condition by a skilled mannequin refurburbisher. Other distressed mannequins are useful for their parts such as for an art project or Halloween display.

In general, the better the condition the mannequin is in, the higher the price you will pay for it. Vintage mannequins, the ones with heads made from carved wood, wax or with glass eyes are in a category all by themselves. They are considered collector’s pieces and typically their fragility makes them impractical for anything other than being in a musuem.

Just because a mannequin is used, does not always mean that it will be cheap – regardless of where you purchase it from. Similar to buying automobiles, some mannequin brands hold their value because of their superior craftsmanship, design and established brand name. Just as a used Rolls Royce or Mercedes will cost more than a brand new Toyota, there are some brands of mannequins that are expensive even though they are used.

A brand name mannequin with realistic features can cost between $750-$1300 new. If a used one is 50% off, it will still cost more than brand new no-name mannequins imported from Asia which retail between $250-$400. Brand name mannequins cost more because they are actually fiberglass sculptures of real life humans and many of the steps involved in creating them are done by hand. Sculptors usually begin with a metal skeleton, bend it into a pose and build it up with clay. The clay figure is then cast as a mold to hundreds of identical fiberglass mannequins. The mannequin is passed through the hands of at least a dozen artisans, from sculptors to sanders to painters and this level of detail is why high end mannequins look so lifelike and their solid construction makes them more durable.

Less expensive knock offs, made in Asia are made by machines and resemble life-size dolls. Instead of looking fluid they have stiffer looking poses. They tend to break more easily if they fall and many of their joint fittings are made out of plastic instead of metal like the more expensive brands. Sometimes they do not hold up well under the hot sun if th

ility makes them impractical for anything other than being in a musuem.

Just because a mannequin is used, does not always mean that it will be cheap – regardless of where you purchase it from. Similar to buying automobiles, some mannequin brands hold their value because of their superior craftsmanship, design and established brand name. Just as a used Rolls Royce or Mercedes will cost more than a brand new Toyota, there are some brands of mannequins that are expensive even though they are used.

A brand name mannequin with realistic features can cost between $750-$1300 new. If a used one is 50% off, it will still cost more than brand new no-name mannequins imported from Asia which retail between $250-$400. Brand name mannequins cost more because they are actually fiberglass sculptures of real life humans and many of the steps involved in creating them are done by hand. Sculptors usually begin with a metal skeleton, bend it into a pose and build it up with clay. The clay figure is then cast as a mold to hundreds of identical fiberglass mannequins. The mannequin is passed through the hands of at least a dozen artisans, from sculptors to sanders to painters and this level of detail is why high end mannequins look so lifelike and their solid construction makes them more durable.

Less expensive knock offs, made in Asia are made by machines and resemble life-size dolls. Instead of looking fluid they have stiffer looking poses. They tend to break more easily if they fall and many of their joint fittings are made out of plastic instead of metal like the more expensive brands. Sometimes they do not hold up well under the hot sun if th

of the steps involved in creating them are done by hand. Sculptors usually begin with a metal skeleton, bend it into a pose and build it up with clay. The clay figure is then cast as a mold to hundreds of identical fiberglass mannequins. The mannequin is passed through the hands of at least a dozen artisans, from sculptors to sanders to painters and this level of detail is why high end mannequins look so lifelike and their solid construction makes them more durable.

Less expensive knock offs, made in Asia are made by machines and resemble life-size dolls. Instead of looking fluid they have stiffer looking poses. They tend to break more easily if they fall and many of their joint fittings are made out of plastic instead of metal like the more expensive brands. Sometimes they do not hold up well under the hot sun if they are in a store window. These are best used for online vendors or people who use a mannequin occassionally.

If you are looking to buy a Rolls Royce or Mercedes caliber mannequin on the used market, here are some brand names to look for: Adel Rootstein, Patina V, New John Nissan, Hindsgaul, Ralph Pucci, Greneker and Goldsmith. Usually - but not always - mannequins produced by these companies will have their company name stamped somewhere on the mannequin – bottom of the foot, or on the butt or back, even on the head.

There are a few other factors that can drive up the price of a used mannequin. Since the majority of mannequins in retail stores are in a standing position, a mannequin that is in a seated, reclining or athletic pose is highly sought after and the demand outstrips the supply. Also Asian or African-American mannequins as well as plus size mannequins are scarce in general, so a used one in good condition will command top dollar.

A few mannequin manufacturers (Rootstein and Patina V) have produced limited edition mannequins that were fabricated after real-life supermodels or entertainers. When these mannequins are no longer in production it increases the value of used ones. Another mannequin company - Ralph Pucci -commissions well-known artists and designers such as Maira Kalman, Jeffrey Fulvimari and Anna Sui to design a line of mannequins for them. Since these mannequins are popular as art pieces in addition to being a vehicle to display clothing, they can sell close to their original price of $1,100.

If a used mannequin has all its parts, but they are broken or damaged, a skilled mannequin refurbisher can bring them back to life. If there isn’t a mannequin refurbisher in your city, you can find one online and then ship the mannequin part to them. The company that we work will give us a rough estimate of the repair cost when we email them digital photos of the broken part so we can determine whether or not it is worth it.

Typically the first thing that gets damaged on a mannequin is their hands, which is why you so often find used mannequins for sale with missing hands. Even if all the fingers on the hand are broken – as long as there is at least a stub attached to the wrist - there is a good chance that the hand can be repaired by the mannequin refurbisher. But if there are no hands at all, it is extremely difficult to find a replacement hand online. If you are lucky enough to know the name of the manufacturer of the mannequin, you might be able to purchase a hand from them directly if the mannequin is still in production.

The reason why it is so hard to find replacement hands is because there is not a universal standard in the device that attaches the hands attach to the arms. Some hands have a round fitting, some are square, some have a keyhole shape – and each of these shapes come in different sizes.

If you are desperate to for a hand you could saw off the fitting on the hand and then use liquid glue to permanently affix it to the arm. But then you will be unable to remove the hand should you need to put a garment on the mannequin with a tight-fitting sleeve. Also keep in mind when looking for a mannequin hand that a mannequin with her hand on her hip will require a different hand position than a mannequin with her arms