Volks biggest thing is their resin, volks normal is volks normal is volks normal. There is no difference between volks 2007 normal resin, to 2012 normal resin. Unlike other companies who's resins are often completely different.
Many companies will reference their resin tone to Volks.
Aside from that - most of volks dolls are very limited release or only available in their boutiques.
dolls that a called F## are "full choice" dolls, meaning that you go to the volks FC boutique in japan and pick your dolls parts and face up over the day in the store.
many of the dolls are "Dolpa", or Doll Party, releases. These are only available at the dolpa event, or you can get the doll through the lottery that volks offers. The lottery works to where you throw your name in to possibly get the doll, and all the dolls that arent sold at Dolpa are sold to those in the lottery at random.
My F11 is obviously a full choice release. She was shortly released as SD13 nono, but is now sold out. the head is sold as SD10 Ryo (a boy), though.
my Volks Heath, is from Dolpa 13
for their normal release dolls, volksusa.com only sells dolls that they have in stock. When you buy a doll from volks, they ship it right away. You don't wait months for them to make it.
Volks also has a very specific aesthetic that many people cling to.
Undeniably, there's also the elitism that goes with it. Volks hales themselves as a premier bjd company and goes out of their way to make their members (card carrying volks owners - those who have bought a doll in store) feel special.
Volks has several boutiques, including a gardens where you can take your volks doll for tea and photos in the garden. They also have an elaborate adoption ceremony when you get your doll at the store.