Funko POP! FAQ: Top Questions Answered

Nerdacity Jan 15, 2024

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Table of Contents

What is a Funko POP!?
Why Start a Funko POP! Collection?
How to Start a Funko POP! Collection for Beginners?
How to Determine the Value of a Funko POP! Figure?
Are Funko POP! Figures a Good Investment?
How Can I Spot a Fake Funko POP!?
Where to Buy Genuine Funko POP! Figures?
How to Care for Your Funko POP! Collection?
Final Thoughts
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Welcome to Nerdacity's guide to the world of Funko POP! collectibles! Whether you're new to the (very) large and captivating universe of these vinyl figures or simply curious, we've got all your questions answered. In this definitive Funko POP! FAQ, we'll delve into everything from kickstarting your collection to the investment potential of these intriguing figures.

What is a Funko POP!?

Short Answer: Funko POP! is a popular line of stylised vinyl figures.

Long Answer: Funko POP! figures are vinyl collectibles that represent a broad range of pop-culture entities, from superheroes and musicians, to TV characters and sports personalities.... You'll probably find it more difficult to not find a POP! based on a movie/franchise/character/celebrity that you love! With their oversized heads and characteristic designs, these figures have become a significant part of many pop-culture memorabilia collections.

Why Start a Funko POP! Collection?

Short Answer: They're fun, affordable, and offer something for everyone.

Long Answer: With most regular editions starting at around £10, starting a Funko POP! collection is an easy and accessible hobby. Whether you're into gaming, movies, or sports, you'll find a Funko POP! figure that resonates with you. Not only are they enjoyable to collect, but they can also have investment potential, especially for rarer, exclusive and 'vaulted' (discontinued) models.

How to Start a Funko POP! Collection for Beginners?

Short Answer: Identify your interests, set a budget, and start hunting.

Long Answer: The first step in starting your Funko POP! collection is identifying what you're passionate about. Is it Star Wars, Marvel, or perhaps a particular TV series? Next, set a realistic budget and start slow, ensuring you have space to store/display them safely and securely, with adequate protection in place, such as protective cases or hard-stacks (for more in-depth info on this, see our 'Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Funko POP! Figures'). You can find figures both new and used from a variety of sources including many types of retail store (toy, game, discount, clothing etc.) and online marketplaces.

How to Determine the Value of a Funko POP! Figure?

Short Answer: Check price guides, assess rarity, and evaluate condition.

Long Answer: To determine the value of a Funko POP!, you should consider several factors such as rarity, condition, and demand. Websites like the Pop Price Guide, or mobile apps such as 'The POP Directory' are excellent resources for gauging what your figures might be worth, as well as tracking and managing your own collection as it grows. Remember that condition (both box and figure) always plays a massive role in determining a figure's value.

Are Funko POP! Figures a Good Investment?

Short Answer: Some can be, depending on rarity and condition.

Long Answer: Not every Funko POP! will serve as a high-return investment, with some lesser known or over-produced figures ending up in store bargain-bin sections for a fraction of their original price (this is not to say you can't also find an under-priced steal here too). Some limited edition (usually denoted by a special edition sticker) and vaulted models have been known to appreciate in value significantly. It's important to research and keep track of market trends if you're considering your collection as an investment, either in the short or long-term. Some figures can also have value added by being graded, for a full guide visit our article: 'How to Get Your Funko POP! Graded: A Step-by-Step Guide'.

How Can I Spot a Fake Funko POP!?

Short Answer: Check logo, quality, and verify with trusted sources.

Long Answer: Counterfeit Funko POP! figures often lack the quality, colouring and detail of authentic ones, so search up the figure in question and compare. Always look for a serial number on the box (which can be checked using the Funko mobile app), as well as Funko’s official logo (in the right size, colour, font and location). If you're purchasing online, make sure to buy from trusted sellers or websites.

Where to Buy Genuine Funko POP! Figures?

Short Answer: Authorised retailers or official online shops.

Long Answer: If you're starting a Funko POP! collection, it's critical to buy from reputable sources to ensure you're getting genuine items. Authorised retailers and the official Funko website are good places to start: See here for a full UK based list. Facebook Marketplace and eBay can also be great options to snag a rare bargain, but be cautious and check the seller's reviews and ratings. Always check any photos carefully to inspect condition and authenticity.

How to Care for Your Funko POP! Collection?

Short Answer: Keep them permanently in their boxes, as well as clean, dry and stored/displayed properly.

Long Answer: Proper care is essential for maintaining the value and appearance of your Funko POP! collection. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use a soft cloth to dust them and always handle them carefully to avoid scuffs or scratches. Most collectors opt to keep them in their original boxes, which is essential for investment pieces. Again, for more information on POP! care, see our 'Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Funko POP! Figures' article.

Funko POP! Neymar Jr

Final Thoughts

Starting a Funko POP! collection can be both a fun hobby and a potentially rewarding investment. As with any collectible, understanding its value and how to care for it can go a long way. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced collector, there's always something new to learn in the exciting world of Funko POP!

Looking for some more in-depth information on Collecting and Investing in Funko POP! Figures? Take a look at our 10 Essential Tips.