A Funko Pop vinyl figure, standing 3.75 inches tall, features a neutral pose and a distinctive square-shaped head with rounded edges, making up half its height.
With button-like black eyes, a small nose, and no mouth, its most defining characteristic is its adorableness.
However, with thousands to millions of Funko collectibles online, how to tell if a Funko Pop is fake?
Stick around, and I'll share some top-notch tips to keep your collector's game strong and your shelves filled with authentic Funko Pops!
5 Ways To Tell if Your Funko Pop is Fake
1. Super Low Price
I have learned over the years that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! Super low prices can often be a big red flag that the Funko Pop figure you're looking at might be a fake.
I occasionally stumble upon a supposedly "rare" Funko Pop priced way below its usual market value. However, upon further research, they turned out to be counterfeits.
Sellers offering steep discounts might actually be offloading counterfeit figures. Authentic Pops have their price range, so when you spot one being sold for pennies on the dollar, raise those eyebrows.
Always compare prices from multiple reputable sources before purchasing Funko to avoid falling into the same trap some new collectors did.
2. Misplaced Brand Logo
Next to the price, the first thing you would notice when buying a Funko Pop is the logo. It should be prominently placed on the box.
For the Funko logo, it is usually located on the bottom of the box. So, if it's not there, you should investigate more. It does not mean that Funko is fake, but it's better to be skeptical if you encounter this situation.
However, if you find the Funko logo that looks funky and the font is a little off, don't think twice. It is a fake figure.
Always cross-reference the logo's appearance and placement with those on Funko's official site or from known trustworthy retailers.
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3. Missing Serial Numbers
Checking the serial number is one of the easiest ways to spot a fake Funko Pop. Every authentic Funko Pop comes with its little identity mark, a serial number.
You can usually find it at the bottom of the box and the figure itself. If you would notice, the Funko Pop figures released in recent years have a matching serial number with the one printed or pressed in their corresponding boxes.
So, it's a lot easier to check the authenticity of your most recent Funko Pop figure. However, some serial numbers for older Funko Pop releases do not match. But don't worry.
You can still check the authenticity of your Funko Pop figure through the Funko app.
4. Change in the Quality of Color
Funko Pops are known for their attention to detail. Aside from their high-quality printing and crisp images in the box, you can also check the figure's legitimacy.
One of the reasons that draws me into collecting Funko figures is their vibrant color. Funko figurines are inspired by various characters from music, movies, television, and more [1].
So if the colors on your Pop seem off—too dull, unusually bright, or just not quite right—it might be a fake.
Genuine Funko Pops uses high-quality paints for a professional finish. Anything less might indicate a counterfeit trying to sneak into your collection.
5. Availability in Large Quantities
Sometimes, fakes can look too real. Aside from the super low prices, you would also find questionable "rare" and "exclusive" Funko Pops in large quantities.
Authentic limited or special edition releases are generally not available in bulk, especially not from a single seller.
So, if it seems like someone's trying to offload a warehouse of the same rare figure, it is often too suspicious to trust. It could also be a sign that those items aren't the collectibles you're hoping for.
How to Avoid Buying Fake Funko Pops
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Buy from reputable sellers: Always purchase from established and recognized retailers or authorized Funko dealers. Stick to shops you know and trust, like Toynk.
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Check for official licensing information: Genuine Funko Pops includes licensing details on the box. You can verify the information printed in the box using the Funko app.
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Compare with original photos: Ensure the Funko Pop matches the images on the official website. It is a reliable way to check for the accuracy of design details (e.g., stamp, sticker, the font used, and the paint jobs) and authenticity before buying.
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Read reviews: Other collectors can give feedback on a seller's authenticity. Their experiences can help you gauge the seller's reputation. It's an effective way to examine whether the business is legit or a scam.
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Don't hesitate to ask for more photos: If you receive blurry images, request additional photos from the seller. Focus on getting clear images of the serial number, logo, and any other authenticity marks to help confirm that the item is genuine.
FAQs
Are all Funko Pops made in China fake?
No, not all Funko Pops made in China are fake. However, we suggest you remain vigilant when buying your Funko Pops and take the necessary steps to distinguish between real and fake.
How to tell if a Funko Pop has been opened?
You can tell if a Funko Pop has been opened by checking the seal. Look for signs of damage or if the tape has been cut or replaced.
How do I know if my Funko POP is valuable?
You can check the value of your Funko Pop through different online platforms, such as Price Pop Guide, HobbyDB, or the Funko app.
You can also visit Ebay and Amazon as price guides and see what similar Pops sell online.
Final Thoughts
Funko Pops became incredibly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. However, numerous pricey fake Funko Pop figurines are also sold in the secondary market.
That's why it's important to stay vigilant and thoroughly check the items before buying. Moreover, you should only purchase from your trusted sellers, like the TOYNK Funko Pop Collection.
So, if you're planning to start your Funko Pop collection or want to add another amazing figurine to an existing one, check out Godzilla Singular Point Funko Pop| Godzilla Ultima.
References:
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https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/19/from-concept-art-to-your-collection-how-funko-pops-are-made.html
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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/consumers-indulged-in-funko-pop-figurines-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-213521995.html
