itsafunko
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Are you thinking about starting your own Funko Pop collection?
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Our comprehensive getting started with funkos in depth on how to start collecting Funko Pops and explains all the necessary steps to get started.
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How to buy your first funko pop, like what to be aware of and how to do it?
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Why are funko pops worth collecting? What makes funko pops worth so much money? And how to find rare pops?
The journey of becoming a funko pop collector is exciting. Most veteran funko pop collectors say they didn’t expect to buy as many funko pops, it just kind of happens.
IT ONLY TAKES ONE TO START COLLECTING FUNKO POPS
The number one question we get is: How do I start collecting Funko's?
This is so simple, just buy one. Buy one that makes you happy! That's our number one rule in our house. We only buy pops that make us happy and fit our collection. Otherwise, it's easy to get overwhelmed and out of control fast. We do occasionally help friends out getting funkos they wouldn't otherwise be able to get.
Where can I buy Funko product in store?
Over the years, Funko's have been popping up everywhere. No pun intended. There is a long list of huge companies that carry exclusive and common pops. Some of these retailers include BAM, Hot Topic, Box Lunch, Game Stop, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, Barnes and Noble, FYE, Kohls, Michaels Craft Store and much more. Even local comic book shops and toy stores carry Funko products. This is this easiest way for you to get lucky and find a Chase pop in the wild.
Should I collect In Box or Out of Box?
The choice is yours and ONLY yours to make. No one should ever tell you how to collect your pops! Because it's your collecttibile. We prefer to keep most of our collection in box with only a few pieces out of their boxes. This protects our more expensive pops. BUT, we have seen many awesome displays done by others who collect only out of box. If you are interested in how we store our funko pop boxes when they are unboxed and boxed, we will be doing a post later this year on it. Where we'll show how we keep our collection.
Where can I buy Funko product online?
All the major retailers that we previously listed will ALWAYS have them available online at some point. The only thing with online ordering is that items can go out of stock in mere minutes or go live at random times. If you aren't fast enough, you can definitely miss out on things. Some online stores to add to that list include Amazon, Disney, Entertainment Earth, Galatic Toys, Popinabox and Mercari.
How do I obtain convention exclusives or funko chase?
Like I mentioned before somethings are available online for those who are quick. Otherwise, your next best option is to go to the stores and get them. In order to do this, you need to be there early. Usually at the crack of dawn. Most stores are now posting on Instagram what they have in stock for the next day, so there are plenty of collectors with notifications waiting for those funkos to show up. If the pop means that much to you, then prepare to get up early to get it. I will let you know now, you won't always be first or get the pop. Some days the person right in front you takes the last one or sometimes the product ends up being completely destroyed. It's part of the game if you decide to play.
How do I obtain older or more expensive Funko Pops aka "Grails" or "Vaults"?
Building your collection and obtaining "grails" is the best feeling ever sometimes. We understand that getting that last piece can be somewhat difficult. Since we've been collecting for sometime now, we were lucky enough to buy a lot of our vaults/grails when they were released. We also purchased a lot of older or rarer pops through Toy Toyko or Midtown Comics. There is an amazing funko community and sometimes you can find a friend to trade with.
What are the biggest times of year for the Funko Community?
There is always something happening with the Funko community. That's why we encourage everyone to find local groups in their area! Join social media groups. Funko does have a couple of times the year where they tend to go all out. Some events include Emerald City Comic Con, San Diego Comic Con and New York Comic Con, Target Con. Funko does have specific events that it holds throughout the year, but in order to gain tickets, you must participate in their forums. You can find out more information at FunkoFanatics.com
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to message us, we are always willing to help people to the best of our abilities.
Collector Tip: Find Chase Funko Pops at retail stores by befriending an associates who work there and maybe they can put aside the chases for you before they hit the shelves.
5 TIPS ON SAVING MONEY WHEN BUYING FUNKO POPS
Signing up for Amazon is significant because, as a bonus, you’ll often find Amazon Exclusives and Amazon Prime is very reliable.
SIGN UP FOR LOYALTY REWARDS PROGRAMS
WAIT FOR DEALS OR CLEAR-OUTS.
CONSIDER PRE-ORDERING
LOOK INTO CLEARANCE SECTIONS
BUYING OUT OF THE BOX FUNKO POPS
There are many reasons sellers will advertise a Funko POP without its box, but it’s likely something simple: the package is missing or damaged.
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Some collectors start collecting after watching a Disney movie, while others were introduced into the hobby by someone close, like a spouse or friend. Whatever your motivation to start collecting these figurines, its totally worthwhile.
Here’s a list of the most common Funko Pop:
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Games
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Animation
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Television
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Heroes
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Books
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Retro Toys
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MLB
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Football
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Sci-Fi
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Movies
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Holidays
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Cereal
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Disney Princess
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Marvel
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DC Universe
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Harry Potter
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Star Wars
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ORIGINAL DATE STAMP VS. RELEASED DATE STAMP
When you check your Funko Pop box, it has a stamp at the bottom. Older boxes usually have a sticker bearing the production date. However, newer releases have an imprinted stamp at the bottom having Pop’s production date.