Funko Pop Fragrances: Are They Real Or Fake?

The popularity of Funko Pop! figures has led to a flood of counterfeit products on the market, making it difficult for collectors to be certain they have purchased an authentic item. Funko Pop! is an American company that manufactures licensed pop culture collectibles, including vinyl figurines and bobbleheads. The company was founded in 1998 by toy collector Mike Becker and is now headed by CEO Cynthia Williams. The unique design of Funko Pop! figures, with their large heads, small bodies, and large circular eyes, has made them highly sought-after by collectors. However, the presence of counterfeit products has also led to concerns about authenticity. To ensure the purchase of a genuine Funko Pop! figure, collectors should examine the box and packaging, official licensing and serial numbers, paintwork, weight, texture, and price, as well as buy from authorised or reputable retailers.

How to spot a fake Funko Pop

Funko Pops have become increasingly popular in recent years, and unfortunately, so have fake products. Here are some ways to spot a counterfeit Funko Pop:

Box and Packaging

The box and packaging are often the first indicators of a fake Funko Pop. Genuine Funko Pops come in sturdy, well-made boxes with high-quality printing, crisp images, and vibrant colours. Counterfeit products often have boxes that are visibly different, with blurry or faded images, misspelled words, and flimsy packaging. Pay close attention to the font used, any spelling or grammatical errors, the placement of logos, and the overall design.

Information on the Box and Packaging

Funko Pops are officially licensed products, meaning they have permission from the respective franchise owners to produce merchandise. Look for licensing information such as logos and copyright symbols on the packaging. Counterfeit figures may have generic or altered logos or may lack licensing information altogether.

A serial number should be printed or pressed into the box, not just applied as a sticker. You can use the Funko app to check the authenticity of the serial number, although there have been cases of counterfeiters bypassing this check. If the Funko Pop is supposed to be a special edition or exclusive, ensure that the corresponding sticker is present, in the right location, and of high quality.

Figure's Paintwork

Authentic Funko Pops are known for their clean and precise paintwork, with clean lines and vibrant colours. Counterfeit products may have noticeable flaws, such as sloppy paint application, smudges, streaks, or uneven colouring. Pay close attention to the figure's details, such as eyes, mouth, and any intricate patterns or designs.

Compare to Known Genuine Images

Before purchasing a Funko Pop, it is helpful to familiarise yourself with genuine images of the figure. Visit the official Funko website or reputable retailers to see exactly how the figure and its packaging should look. Compare the figure to these images, paying attention to details such as pose, facial expression, and unique features or accessories. Significant differences may indicate a fake product.

Weight and Texture

Genuine Funko Pops are made from high-quality vinyl and have a solid weight and feel to them. Counterfeit figures are often made from cheaper materials and may feel lighter and flimsier. Authentic figures will have a substantial feel, while fakes may feel hollow or less sturdy. Additionally, genuine Funko Pops have a copyright and trademark symbol stamped on the bottom of the figure, along with a serial number matching the one on the box.

Price

Although price alone is not a foolproof indicator, it can be a useful clue. Counterfeit figures are often sold at discounted prices to attract bargain hunters. Research the average market price for the figure you're interested in and be wary of suspiciously low offers.

Buy from Authorised or Reputable Retailers

When purchasing from online marketplaces or independent sellers, research the seller's reputation. Check for reviews and ratings from previous buyers, and look out for any mentions of counterfeit products or scams. Reliable sellers will have a history of positive feedback and transparent business practices. Avoid sellers with limited information or unusually low ratings.

Additionally, consider the rarity and availability of the figure. If a particular figure is in high demand or sold out in most places but readily available in large quantities from an unknown seller, it is likely a fake.

Other Warning Signs

• Deep discounts: If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Negative or limited reviews/feedback: Most fake listings will have people warning others in the reviews.
• Large quantities available: It is unlikely that someone stumbled upon a large number of rare or hard-to-find Funko Pops.
• Ships from and sells in China: Almost all fake Funko Pops ship from China, although the official ones are made there as well.

Remember to stay vigilant and use these tips to help ensure that you are adding authentic pieces to your collection.

Funko Pop's distinct design

Funko Pops have a distinctive design that has made them incredibly popular and instantly recognisable to collectors. The vinyl figures cover a vast array of characters from movies and TV shows to video games and comics. Their unique aesthetic has taken the collectibles market by storm in recent years.

The Funko Pop! vinyl figures are known for their high-quality, sturdy construction and well-made boxes with crisp images and vibrant colours. The figures themselves are made from high-quality vinyl and have a solid weight and feel to them. They are detailed, with clean and precise paintwork, vibrant colours, and intricate patterns or designs. The figures are also poseable, allowing for dynamic displays.

The Funko Pop! range covers a wide variety of franchises, with official licensing and serial numbers on the boxes. The figures are highly collectible, with exclusive and special edition versions, as well as retailer exclusives and event exclusives. The range of characters and the quality of the figures have made them highly sought-after by collectors.

The customisability of Funko Pops is another aspect of their distinct design. Funko offers a Pop! Yourself line, where customers can create personalised Funko Pops, including custom outfits and accessories. This feature allows collectors to add a unique, personal touch to their figures, making them even more desirable.

The distinct design of Funko Pops, with their bright colours, detailed paintwork, and customisability, has contributed to their immense popularity and made them stand out in the collectibles market.

Counterfeit Funko Pop market

The popularity of Funko Pop figures has led to a surge in the number of counterfeit products on the market. The highly sought-after collectibles, with their wide range of licenses and characters, have become extremely popular among fans of all ages, spanning various franchises, including movies, TV shows, video games, and comics. This demand has attracted counterfeiters, making it challenging for collectors to authenticate their purchases.

To combat this issue, collectors must be vigilant in distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit Funko Pops. Here are some key strategies to identify authentic Funko Pops and avoid falling prey to counterfeits:

• Examine the Box and Packaging: The first line of defence is to scrutinise the box and packaging. Counterfeit Funko Pops often have visibly different boxes, characterised by poor quality printing, blurry or faded images, misspelled words, and flimsy construction. Collectors should pay attention to details such as font, logo placement, and overall design, comparing them to known genuine examples.
• Check Official Licensing and Serial Numbers: Funko Pops are officially licensed products, so collectors should look for licensing information, such as logos and copyright symbols. Additionally, a serial number should be pressed or printed on the box and the figure, which can be verified using the Funko app.
• Inspect the Paintwork: Authentic Funko Pops are known for their clean and precise paintwork, with vibrant colours and clean lines. Counterfeit figures may exhibit smudges, streaks, or uneven colouring.
• Compare to Known Genuine Images: Collectors should familiarise themselves with authentic images of the specific Funko Pop they are interested in. Official websites and reputable retailers provide reliable references for comparison.
• Feel the Weight and Texture: Genuine Funko Pops are made of high-quality vinyl and feel solid and sturdy. Counterfeits, on the other hand, often feel lighter and flimsier due to the use of cheaper materials.
• Be Wary of Pricing: Although price alone is not a definitive indicator, it can be a clue. If a Funko Pop is offered at a significantly lower price than elsewhere or seems too good to be true, it may be a counterfeit.
• Buy from Authorised or Reputable Retailers: When purchasing from online marketplaces or independent sellers, research the seller's reputation. Look for reviews, ratings, and any history of selling counterfeit products. Reliable sellers will have a track record of positive feedback and transparent business practices.

By following these guidelines, collectors can minimise the risk of acquiring counterfeit Funko Pops and build their collections with confidence. Vigilance and attention to detail are key to ensuring the authenticity and value of their Funko Pop collections.

Funko Pop's manufacturing locations

Funko Inc. is an American company that manufactures licensed pop culture collectibles, including vinyl figurines and bobbleheads. The company was founded in 1998 by toy collector Mike Becker at his home in Snohomish, Washington. In 2005, Becker sold Funko to Brian Mariotti, who moved its offices to Lynnwood, Washington, and expanded its licensed product lines. In 2017, Funko opened its new headquarters and flagship store in downtown Everett, Washington. The company also has storefronts in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Dubai.

While the products are designed at the Funko headquarters in Everett, Washington, and other locations throughout the US, the completed figures are manufactured at factories in China and Vietnam.

Funko Pop's history

Funko Pops have become a staple in the world of collectibles, with their distinctive design and a vast array of characters from various pop culture franchises. The company, Funko Inc., was founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, a toy collector and enthusiast, who started the business from his home in Snohomish, Washington. Initially, Funko was conceived as a small project to create low-tech, nostalgia-themed toys, particularly bobbleheads. The company's first product was a Big Boy restaurant mascot bobblehead, which failed to sell and led to the company filing for bankruptcy protection.

However, Funko remained in business and soon found success with its Austin Powers Wacky Wobbler bobbleheads, selling 80,000 units. Following this, Funko sold its first character figurines, including the Grinch, Tony the Tiger, and the Cheerios mascot, the honeybee. In 2005, Becker sold the company to Brian Mariotti, who moved its offices to Lynnwood, Washington, and expanded its licensed product lines.

The Funko Pop! Vinyl line of figurines was introduced in 2010, originally called Funko Force 2.0, and made its full debut in 2011 at the New York Toy Fair. These figurines are modelled in a style similar to the Japanese "chibi" style, with large heads, small bodies, and big, circular black eyes. The figurines typically depict licensed characters from popular franchises, including Marvel, DC, Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Dragon Ball, and My Hero Academia.

Since its debut, the Pop! Vinyl line has expanded with new characters and variants, including glow-in-the-dark models, metallic chase figures, and multi-packs. Funko has also released larger-sized figures, ranging from 6-inch to 18-inch, as well as Pop! Rides, which feature a Funko Pop figure in a vehicle. The company has continued to diversify its product lines, introducing products such as plush toys, T-shirts, keychains, and ceramic mugs modelled after the Pop! figures.

Funko's success can be attributed to its ability to tap into various pop culture categories, appealing to a wide range of interests. The company has signed licensing deals with major companies, including Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, NBCUniversal, Disney, and Marvel Entertainment, allowing it to create collectibles based on popular characters. With its ever-growing range of products and franchises, Funko has established a dedicated community of collectors and fans worldwide.

Frequently asked questions