To determine if a funko pop is fake, look for telltale signs such as low-quality paint jobs, imperfect logos, and incorrect box dimensions. If you’re unsure, compare your figure to known-real versions or consult with an expert.
Funko pops are a highly sought-after collectible item. With their wide range of characters, from superheroes to movie icons, it’s no surprise that some people try to produce fake versions to sell. As a result, it can be challenging to distinguish between the authentic and counterfeit versions.
But fear not, there are various ways to spot a fake funko pop. In this article, we’ll highlight some indicators to help you differentiate a genuine funko pop from a fake one. Following our guidelines will assist you in protecting your investment from the disappointment of purchasing a counterfeit product.
Credit: www.toynk.com
Understanding Authentic Funko Pops
Funko pop is a collectible figure that has taken the world by storm, and many people are fascinated with collecting them. With their adorable designs and remarkable features, it’s no surprise that they’ve become a must-have for avid collectors. However, there are many counterfeit versions out there, making it crucial for you to understand the characteristics that distinguish authentic funko pops from the fake ones.
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Funko pop characteristics and features:
- Funko pop figures are made with a vinyl material that’s smooth to the touch, and they are approximately 3.75 inches tall.
- Genuine funko pops have a rounded head that sits smoothly on the body and isn’t tilted or off-center. The head should also have realistic paintwork and color scheme that’s true to the original character.
- The facial features of the figure should be proportional to the head, and the facial expression should be accurate to the character’s personality.
- The body should have a well-defined sculpt with apparent details that represent the character’s outfit or appearance.
Box and packaging details:
- The packaging of a genuine funko pop should have a high-quality feel to it with a high-grade cardboard material used in making it.
- The packaging box should have a clear and large picture of the character on its front side, the series, and the figure’s number at the top right corner of the box.
- The information on the box should be of high quality, with no typos or grammar errors.
- The plastic part of the packaging is made of clear and high-quality material that allows you to see the entire figure without obstruction.
Subtle differences between real and fake figures:
- One notable difference between a fake and a real funko pop is in the quality of materials used. Counterfeit funko pops have a flimsy feel to them with poor-quality paintwork on the facial features.
- Check the placement of the head on the body. In most counterfeit figures, the head placement is usually off-center or tilted.
- The paint job on eyes, hair, or tiny details tends to be blurry or discolored in fake funko pops, with no visible finer details, unlike genuine figures.
- The packaging quality is poor and doesn’t match the high-quality packaging of an original funko pop.
Originality stickers and serial numbers:
- Funko pops come with a sticker on the box with the phrase “funko” as well as the number of the figure’s series and the figure’s number.
- Check the quality of the sticker. Genuine funko pops have a solid sticker that’s of high quality, whereas counterfeit figures’ stickers are usually flimsy.
- Each funko pop has a unique serial number that is specific to that figure, check the box’s bottom or back to see the serial code. The serial number should match the one on the product and packaging.
Funko website references:
- The funko pop website is an excellent resource for collectors to check if the figure they’re purchasing is authentic.
- The website has a search function where you can type in the figure’s name or series number to see if it is an authentic pop or not.
- If you’re still unsure, the funko pop website provides a forum where you can post pictures of your figure for other collectors to verify if it’s genuine.
Spotting fake funko pops can seem challenging, but keeping these characteristics in mind when purchasing one will help you avoid purchasing a counterfeit figure. Remember always to buy from an authorized retailer to avoid purchasing a counterfeit product.
Identifying Fake Funko Pops
If you’re a funko pop collector, you know the feeling of coming across a rare or exclusive figure. However, this excitement can quickly turn into disappointment if you realise that the figure is fake. To help you prevent this from happening, we’ve put together some tips on how to spot fake funko pops.
General Tips For Identifying Fake Funko Pops
Before we dive into the specific details, it’s worth noting some general tips to keep in mind when trying to spot fake funko pops. These include:
- Buy from reputable sellers: Always purchase funko pops from trusted and verified retailers, especially when purchasing online.
- Check the price: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of extremely discounted prices as they could be a red flag for fake funko pops.
- Examine the box: Take a close look at the box and ensure it is in good condition with no evidence of tampering or wear and tear.
Common Errors In Fake Funko Pops
Fake funko pops can have many errors, including:
- Poor paint quality: One of the easiest ways to spot a fake funko pop is to examine its paint quality. Real funko pops have clear and vibrant colours with precise lines, while fake ones often exhibit smudged or poorly applied paint.
- Incorrect or missing details: Another tell-tale sign of a fake funko pop is missing or incorrect details such as wrong logos, hairstyles or facial expressions.
- Inaccurate size and shape: A fake funko pop may have an odd shape or size, or it may not fit with other figures when placed on display.
Close Examination Of The Figure And Features
A closer inspection of the funko pop figure and its features is an excellent way to identify fakes. Here’s what to look for:
- Quality of materials: A real funko pop should have a quality build and feel sturdy. If the figure looks or feels cheap, the chances are it’s fake.
- Correct logos: Ensure the correct logos are present on the figure and its packaging.
- Clear and well-defined features: Real funko pops have clear and well-defined features, including the eyes, nose, mouth, and other distinguishing features.
Checking For Inconsistent Details
Counterfeit funko pops often have inconsistent details, so it’s essential to check for:
- Symmetry: Check the figure’s symmetry, as fake funko pops usually have inconsistently sized or crooked limbs, body, and face.
- Incorrect dimensions: Verify the figure’s size as fake funko pops may have incorrect dimensions.
- Wrong accessories: Confirm that the figure comes with the correct accessories as fake funko pops may have incompatible or inconsistent accessories.
Scrutinising The Box And Packaging For Differences
Finally, examining the packaging is just as important as checking the figure itself. To ensure the packaging is authentic:
- Check the spelling: Mistakes in packaging spelling are a sign of fake funko pops.
- Inspect the colours: Be on the lookout for differences in the colours or graphics of the box.
- Examine the sticker: Check the authenticity sticker to ensure it is correctly placed and has the correct markings.
By following these tips, you should now have a better understanding of how to spot fake funko pops and ensure that you are building an authentic and valuable collection.
Where To Buy Authentic Funko Pops
When looking for authentic funko pops, it’s crucial to know where to buy them. Online retailers and marketplaces can be a great option, but it’s essential to purchase from trusted sources to ensure authenticity. Here are some trusted retailers and distributors to consider:
Trusted Retailers And Distributors
- Hot topic: This is a popular store among funko collectors, and they offer a range of authentic funko pops.
- Boxlunch: Similar to hot topic, boxlunch sells authentic funko pops, and they also donate a meal to a person in need for every purchase made.
- Barnes & noble: This bookstore chain offers a wide selection of funko pops, and they work directly with funko to ensure authenticity.
Reliable Online Stores And Marketplaces
- Amazon: This online marketplace has a vast selection of funko pops, but it’s essential to purchase from authorized sellers to ensure authenticity.
- Entertainment earth: This online store specializes in collectibles, including funko pops, and they guarantee authenticity for all their products.
- Pop in a box: This uk-based online store has a wide selection of funko pops and offers a subscription service to receive exclusive pops.
Tips For Buying Authentic Funko Pops Online
When purchasing funko pops online, there are several things to keep in mind to avoid buying fakes. Here are some tips to follow:
- Always buy from trusted sources.
- Look for the official funko logo or sticker on the packaging.
- Check the seller’s feedback and ratings before making a purchase.
- Be wary of pops that are priced significantly lower than the market value, as they may be fake.
- Avoid purchasing pops that have misspelled or incorrect names or designs.
Knowing where to buy authentic funko pops is crucial for collectors. By following these tips and purchasing from trusted sources, you can ensure that your collection is made up of genuine pops. Happy collecting!
What To Do With Fake Funko Pops
Fake funko pops are a recurring issue in the collector’s market. It can be tough to spot whether a funko pop is genuine or fake, even for an experienced collector. In our previous section, we discussed how to spot a fake funko pop.
Now, in this section, we will talk about what to do with fake funko pops.
Reporting Fake Funko Pops And Counterfeiters
If you have purchased a counterfeit or fake funko pop, report it to funko through their website immediately. Reporting such figures will help you to prevent others from purchasing the same fake product. Funko takes counterfeit products very seriously and strives to help people avoid such scams.
If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a figure, contact funko, and report the seller to make sure you are not outwitted by counterfeiters.
Disposing Of Fake Funko Pops Safely And Responsibly
Disposing of fake funko pops may seem like the next logical step, but it is crucial to dispose of them safely. If you purchased a fake funko pop, do not take any chances by trying to sell it, as this will only perpetuate the issue.
Instead, dispose of it safely by breaking the item and putting it in the recycling bin. This ensures that no one can buy it and be fooled into buying a fake product.
Tips For Preventing Fraud And Counterfeit Activities
Funko collectors should always be aware of how to avoid fraudulent activities online and offline. Here are a few tips:
- Purchasing funko pops from reputable retailers ensures that the product is genuine.
- Always inspect the packaging carefully before purchasing funko pops to ensure the product’s validity.
- Comparing the figure to photos of the same item online can help determine whether or not it is genuine.
- If it is too good to be true, it probably is! Prices that are significantly lower than retail prices are often an indicator of counterfeit products.
Fighting fake funko pop figures is a responsibility for everyone in the collector’s market, and knowing the difference between genuine and fake is critical. Safety and responsibility are also vital, and knowing the proper way to dispose of fake funko pops can prevent many people from buying counterfeit products.
Reporting fake funko pops and counterfeiting operations remains the best way to ensure that everyone remains safe. With the tips provided, collectors can stay vigilant and avoid any scams while also helping to prevent others from falling prey to counterfeiters.
Frequently Asked Questions For How To Tell If A Funko Pop Is Fake
How Can I Spot A Fake Funko Pop Figure?
Fake funko pops have minor differences in their packaging compared to the original product. They may have misspellings or labels with incorrect logos. You can also check the paint job on the figure; fake ones are often messy and inconsistent.
Are There Any Reliable Online Guides For Detecting Fake Funko Pops?
Yes, you can check various online guides and watch video tutorials to learn how to identify fake funko pops. Use legitimate sources like official funko groups, reddit communities, or fan forums to confirm the authenticity of a figure.
Is The Price A Good Indicator That A Funko Pop Is Fake?
Price can sometimes be an indicator of fake funko pops, but it is not always the case. Scammers can sell fake pops at the same price as the original ones to trick collectors. Always check the packaging, paint job and other indicators to confirm authenticity.
Conclusion
After considering all the significant pointers in determining the authenticity of a funko pop, it’s safe to say that owning a fake isn’t worth it. By collecting fake funko pops, we are supporting the counterfeit industry, which can potentially harm the legit funko community.
Although buying a funko pop is technically considered an investment, we should always prioritize purchasing from an authorized seller rather than a shady one. With the alarming increase of fraudulent activities in the market, it’s essential that we are always vigilant and cautious when buying funko pops, particularly for highly sought-after pieces.
Lastly, don’t forget that owning a fake isn’t anything to be ashamed of. After all, we can still find enjoyment in displaying our collection, even if it’s not a real one. So let’s keep on supporting the funko pop community by staying informed and purchasing legit ones.
Happy funko popping!
