Collecting Funko Pop! Toys: A Simple Guide for Fans and Collectors
Funko Pop! toys have become a pop culture phenomenon, loved by fans and collectors worldwide. Whether you’re just getting started or already have shelves brimming with vinyl figures, this guide will explore Funko’s history, provide collecting tips and tricks, and help you preserve your collection for years to come.
Begin with characters or franchises you love. It’s tempting to buy everything, but focusing on a niche—whether it’s Marvel superheroes, horror icons, or Disney princesses—will make your collection more meaningful.
Learn About Variants
Funko releases special variants like Chase, Glow-in-the-Dark, Metallic, and Flocked figures. These rarer versions often become more valuable over time. Keep an eye out for convention exclusives, which are released during events like San Diego Comic-Con.
Hunt Smartly
Look for deals at local toy stores, online retailers, and conventions. Apps like the Funko app or Pop Price Guide can help you track prices and ensure you’re not overpaying for a figure.
Search in Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Entertainment Earth
Join the Community
Engage with fellow collectors through Facebook groups, Reddit, or Instagram. Not only can you trade or sell figures, but you’ll also stay updated on new releases and exclusive drops.
How To Collect Funko Pops in 2024! (Tips and Tricks)
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| Flash POP! 713 |
The History of Funko
Funko was founded in 1998 by Mike Becker, originally focusing on nostalgia-themed bobbleheads. The company’s breakthrough came in 2010 when it launched the first Funko Pop! figures, inspired by Japanese chibi design. Featuring oversized heads and minimalistic details, these figures became instant hits for their ability to capture characters from movies, TV shows, video games, and more. Today, Funko has licensing agreements with major franchises, from Star Wars and Marvel to Harry Potter and Stranger Things, offering collectors endless options to display their fandom.Tips and Tricks for Collecting Funko Pops
Start Small, Think BigBegin with characters or franchises you love. It’s tempting to buy everything, but focusing on a niche—whether it’s Marvel superheroes, horror icons, or Disney princesses—will make your collection more meaningful.
Learn About Variants
Funko releases special variants like Chase, Glow-in-the-Dark, Metallic, and Flocked figures. These rarer versions often become more valuable over time. Keep an eye out for convention exclusives, which are released during events like San Diego Comic-Con.
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| Iron Man 3 Tony Stark Suit-Up Glow-in-the-Dark Funko Pop! Vinyl Figure #1416 |
Look for deals at local toy stores, online retailers, and conventions. Apps like the Funko app or Pop Price Guide can help you track prices and ensure you’re not overpaying for a figure.
Search in Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Entertainment Earth
Join the Community
Engage with fellow collectors through Facebook groups, Reddit, or Instagram. Not only can you trade or sell figures, but you’ll also stay updated on new releases and exclusive drops.
Search Facebook or Reddit for communities
Stay Patient
Don’t rush to buy newly released Pops at inflated prices. Many figures drop in value after initial hype, making them more affordable later.
Stay Patient
Don’t rush to buy newly released Pops at inflated prices. Many figures drop in value after initial hype, making them more affordable later.
Check out the Pop Price Guide
There’s no right or wrong answer—it depends on your preference! Keeping figures in their original boxes can preserve value and protect them from dust. On the other hand, displaying them unboxed allows you to enjoy their details more fully.
Use Display Cases
Acrylic or glass display cases protect your Pops from dust, sunlight, and accidental damage. Wall-mounted shelves are also a great way to showcase a growing collection without taking up floor space.
Images below from Pinterest. For more ideas check out Pinterest
Avoid Sunlight and Heat
Vinyl figures can fade or warp when exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Store them in a cool, shaded area to maintain their condition.
Organize by Theme or Series
Arrange your figures by franchise, color, or release date. This not only makes your collection visually appealing but also easier to manage.
Protect Rare Pops
Use hard plastic protectors for valuable or rare figures. These protectors prevent box damage and are especially useful during moves or storage.
Condition
Check for box damage or paint flaws. Mint-condition figures, especially with pristine boxes, are more desirable to collectors.
Limited Editions
Seek out limited-edition Pops, such as exclusives from conventions, retailer-only releases, or discontinued lines. These often increase in value.
Authenticity
Beware of fakes! Verify the legitimacy of your Pop through its box details, Funko logo, and serial number. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Future Value
Predicting future value is tricky, but Pops tied to popular franchises, anniversaries, or cultural moments often hold or increase in worth.
Sentimental Value
While monetary value is important to some, don’t overlook the joy certain figures bring you. Collecting is as much about passion as it is about profit!
Funko Pop! collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows fans to celebrate their favorite characters in a unique way. With careful planning, savvy purchasing, and proper storage, your collection can bring you joy for years while potentially growing in value. Whether you're hunting for that elusive Chase variant or simply adding your favourite character to your shelf, remember: collect what makes you happy!
Happy collecting!
Have fun with the Funko POP! figurine
How to Store and Display Your Funko Pop! Collection
Keep Them Boxed or Unboxed?There’s no right or wrong answer—it depends on your preference! Keeping figures in their original boxes can preserve value and protect them from dust. On the other hand, displaying them unboxed allows you to enjoy their details more fully.
Use Display Cases
Acrylic or glass display cases protect your Pops from dust, sunlight, and accidental damage. Wall-mounted shelves are also a great way to showcase a growing collection without taking up floor space.
Images below from Pinterest. For more ideas check out Pinterest
Avoid Sunlight and Heat
Vinyl figures can fade or warp when exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Store them in a cool, shaded area to maintain their condition.
Organize by Theme or Series
Arrange your figures by franchise, color, or release date. This not only makes your collection visually appealing but also easier to manage.
Protect Rare Pops
Use hard plastic protectors for valuable or rare figures. These protectors prevent box damage and are especially useful during moves or storage.
What to Look For When Collecting
Condition
Check for box damage or paint flaws. Mint-condition figures, especially with pristine boxes, are more desirable to collectors.
Limited Editions
Seek out limited-edition Pops, such as exclusives from conventions, retailer-only releases, or discontinued lines. These often increase in value.
Authenticity
Beware of fakes! Verify the legitimacy of your Pop through its box details, Funko logo, and serial number. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Future Value
Predicting future value is tricky, but Pops tied to popular franchises, anniversaries, or cultural moments often hold or increase in worth.
Sentimental Value
While monetary value is important to some, don’t overlook the joy certain figures bring you. Collecting is as much about passion as it is about profit!
Funko Pop! collecting is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows fans to celebrate their favorite characters in a unique way. With careful planning, savvy purchasing, and proper storage, your collection can bring you joy for years while potentially growing in value. Whether you're hunting for that elusive Chase variant or simply adding your favourite character to your shelf, remember: collect what makes you happy!
Happy collecting!
Have fun with the Funko POP! figurine