How to Authenticate Your Funko Pop Collection 

Hey there, Funko Pop enthusiasts! If you share our passion for these adorable vinyl figures, you know the importance of ensuring the authenticity of your collection. We understand how crucial it is to safeguard your hard-earned money and avoid falling for counterfeit items. In this guide, we’ll provide specific examples and stories from the Philippines to help you authenticate your Funko Pop collectibles effectively.

1. Purchase from Reputable Retailers

When starting your Funko Pop journey, always opt for reputable retailers and authorized sellers. In the Philippines, stores like Big Boys Toy Store and Filbars are known for being official distributors of Funko products. By purchasing from these established retailers, you can be confident that you’re getting the real deal.

2. Inspect the Funko Pop Box

Counterfeit Funko Pop boxes can often be identified through various signs. For instance, some collectors in the Philippines have reported encountering fake boxes with poor print quality, misspellings, and incorrect font styles.

To avoid falling victim to such scams, always compare the box of the Funko Pop you’re interested in with images of Funko Pop boxes from the official Funko website or reputable sources in the Philippines. 

3. Verify the Exclusive Sticker

Authentic Funko Pop figures come with a unique authentication sticker on the box, usually located on the front or side. In the Philippines, collectors have reported encountering counterfeit Pop vinyl with suspicious-looking stickers. To verify the authenticity of the sticker, refer to Funko’s official sticker guide available on their website, which provides specific details about the correct design and placement of the sticker.

4. Examine the Pop Figures

Paying attention to the Funko Pop figure itself is essential for authentication. Collectors in the Philippines have shared stories of spotting irregularities and imperfections in counterfeit Pop vinyls. These may include low-quality paintwork, inaccuracies in the design, and noticeable differences in small details like the eyes and logos.

For instance, a collector once noticed a counterfeit Pop where the eyes were misaligned, and the colors of the outfit were completely off. By comparing your figure to images of legitimate Funko Pops from trusted sources, you can easily identify such discrepancies. 

5. Check the Bottom Stamp

Authentic Funko Pops figures have a copyright notice and a unique serial number stamped on the bottom. In contrast, counterfeit Pops may have missing or incorrect stamps, or no stamp at all. In the Philippines, collectors have shared experiences of finding fake Pops with no bottom stamp or a completely incorrect one.

6. Seek Community Feedback

Engaging with the Funko Pop collector community in the Philippines can be immensely helpful in authenticating your Pops. Join local collector groups or forums where experienced enthusiasts are willing to share their knowledge and opinions. By posting images of your Funko Pop and seeking feedback, you can gain valuable insights into its authenticity. 

Pop ‘Til You Drop Community Logo

Funko Funatic Philippines’ Logo

7. Avoid ‘Too Good to be True’ Deals

In the Philippines, as in other places, scammers often prey on collectors’ excitement by offering unbelievable deals on Funko Pops. These deals might involve heavily discounted prices or bulk offers from unknown sellers. A cautionary tale from a Filipino collector involved a too-good-to-be-true offer for a limited-edition Funko Pop, which turned out to be a counterfeit when received.

8. Research Exclusive Releases

Funko frequently releases exclusive Pop figures for various events and conventions, and the Philippines is no exception. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these exclusive releases and their respective stickers to avoid being deceived by counterfeit versions. Keep an eye on the Funko website and reliable sources for information on exclusive releases. 

9. Trust your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut feeling. If something feels off about a Funko Pop you’re interested in, it’s better to walk away. There are plenty of authentic Pops out there waiting for you.

By following these specific tips and examples, you can confidently build a collection of genuine Funko Pop figures to proudly display and share with your fellow collectors in the Philippines. Remember, being vigilant and informed is the key to authentication!