Collecting Funko Pop figures has become a hobby for millions of fans worldwide. Whether you're into movies, comics, TV shows, or video games, Funko Pops offer a chance to own a piece of pop culture history in a fun, collectible form. But where do you start, and how do you grow a collection that reflects your personal taste and passion? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about building your own Funko Pop collection, whether you're just getting started or are already deep into the collecting game.
1. What Are Funko Pops?
For those new to the world of Funko, Funko Pops are vinyl figures with a distinctive design: large heads, small bodies, and wide eyes. Since their debut in 2010, Funko Pops have exploded in popularity, spanning countless franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, anime, video games, and more. The appeal lies in their collectible nature and the wide variety of characters, making them the perfect addition to any pop culture lover's shelf.
2. Why Start a Funko Pop Collection?
Before diving into the how, it’s important to understand why people are so passionate about Funko Pop collecting:
- Nostalgia: Funko Pops let you celebrate your favorite characters from childhood or current fandoms, from cartoons to blockbusters.
- Creativity and Customization: Collecting gives you the freedom to curate your collection based on personal preferences. You can focus on themes like anime, movies, or superheroes.
- Investment Value: Some Funko Pops appreciate over time, especially limited editions, chase variants, and autographed versions. Building a collection can potentially be a lucrative investment.
- Community: Funko collectors are part of a global community, sharing the joy of collecting and hunting for rare figures.
Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s jump into the “how.”
3. Deciding on a Theme for Your Collection
One of the first steps in building a Funko Pop collection is deciding on a theme. With tens of thousands of Funko Pop figures to choose from, narrowing down your focus can make collecting more meaningful and organized.
- Fandoms: Are you a fan of Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, or anime? Start your collection by focusing on characters from your favorite franchises. Many collectors stick to specific fandoms to streamline their search and create a cohesive display.
- Chase and Limited Edition Pops: If you’re drawn to rarity, you might want to focus on collecting chase variants and limited-edition figures. These are usually harder to find and come with unique features, like glow-in-the-dark paint or different costumes.
- Custom Funko Pops: Many collectors love customizing their Pops by adding their own designs. If you're creative, you could start a collection of custom figures based on characters that aren't officially available yet.
By starting with a theme, you can stay focused and avoid becoming overwhelmed with too many options.
4. Researching the Market
Once you’ve chosen a theme for your collection, it's important to research the market. Knowing where to find the Funko Pops you're looking for and how much they should cost is key to building a valuable collection.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Mercari, and Amazon are great for finding both common and rare Funko Pops. However, prices can fluctuate based on rarity, condition, and demand, so make sure you do some price comparisons before making a purchase.
- Funko App: The official Funko App is a great tool for tracking your collection and staying updated on new releases. It also offers price estimates for each Pop based on market value, helping you make informed decisions.
- Collector Communities: Join Funko Pop groups on Reddit, Facebook, or Discord. These communities are excellent places for advice, buying, selling, and trading Pops, and staying informed on upcoming releases.
5. Where to Buy Funko Pops
There are countless places to purchase Funko Pops, whether you're looking for common figures, chase variants, or exclusives:
- Retailers: Stores like Walmart, Target, Hot Topic, and GameStop frequently carry Funko Pops, including exclusives you can’t find elsewhere.
- Comic Book Shops: Your local comic book shop is often a hidden gem for Funko Pop finds, especially rare or older figures.
- Conventions: If you attend conventions like San Diego Comic-Con or New York Comic-Con, you’ll find convention-exclusive Funko Pops, often among the rarest and most valuable figures.
- Uncle Zac’s Toy Store: At Uncle Zac’s, we offer a curated collection of Funko Pops, including commons, chase variants, and signed collectibles. We take special care in shipping, with options like Uncle Zac’s Private Security for added protection.
6. Protecting and Displaying Your Funko Pops
Once you start collecting, it’s important to properly protect your figures to ensure they maintain their value and appearance. Funko Pops are more than just toys—they’re collectible items that can increase in value over time, and proper care is essential.
- Pop Protectors: All Funko Pops should be kept in Pop Protectors—plastic cases that prevent damage from dust, sunlight, and handling. For higher-value items, consider using PopShield Armor hard cases, which provide an extra layer of protection.
- Plywood Crates: For ultra-protection, Uncle Zac’s Private Security option provides custom-made plywood crates around the PopShield Armor, making sure your collectible is safe during shipping or when moving.
- Display Options: Displaying your collection is half the fun. Floating shelves, bookcases, and glass cabinets make for great displays, and you can even use the packaging box as a backdrop for each figure.
7. Understanding the Value of Funko Pops
Not all Funko Pops are created equal—some are worth a few dollars, while others can sell for hundreds or even thousands. Understanding the factors that affect a Funko Pop’s value can help you build a more valuable collection.
- Rarity: Limited-edition Funko Pops, such as convention exclusives, are produced in smaller quantities and typically hold more value.
- Chase Variants: These special-edition figures are randomly inserted into shipments, making them rarer and more desirable to collectors.
- Condition: The condition of the box is just as important as the figure itself. Mint condition Pops in undamaged boxes can be worth significantly more than those with damaged packaging.
- Autographed Pops: Funko Pops that are signed by actors or creators, along with a certificate of authenticity (COA), can dramatically increase a figure's value. At Uncle Zac’s Toy Store, we offer autographed Pops from popular actors, such as Matthew Lillard and Tom Holland.
8. Funko Pop Hunting Tips
One of the most thrilling aspects of collecting Funko Pops is the hunt for rare or hard-to-find figures. Here are a few tips to make your hunting more successful:
- Follow Social Media: Many retailers announce new Pop releases on their social media platforms. Following stores like Hot Topic, Target, and Walmart can help you stay ahead of the game.
- Funko Drops: Sign up for notifications from the official Funko website to be alerted about limited-edition drops, including rare exclusives.
- Hunt Early: Limited-edition and chase Pops can sell out fast, so it’s always a good idea to arrive at stores early on release days.
- Online Hunting: Keep an eye on online marketplaces, but be cautious of inflated prices. Try to buy from reputable sellers with high feedback ratings, and don’t be afraid to negotiate on price.
9. How to Trade or Sell Your Funko Pops
As your collection grows, you may want to trade or sell Pops to make room for new additions. Trading is common among collectors, allowing you to swap Pops to complete your set without spending extra money.
- Platforms for Trading: Websites like eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent places to buy, sell, and trade Funko Pops. Be clear about the condition of your items and always be fair in pricing to maintain a positive reputation.
- Local Funko Pop Groups: Check out local Funko Pop collector groups on social media for trading opportunities within your community. This can also help you avoid shipping costs.
10. Building a Collection You Love
Finally, the most important aspect of building a Funko Pop collection is to collect what you love. While some collectors focus solely on rarity and value, collecting should ultimately bring you joy. Whether you're curating a collection of nostalgic characters from childhood, chasing after rare variants, or showcasing your fandom with pride, it’s about finding joy in every Pop.
Conclusion
Building a Funko Pop collection is a rewarding and exciting hobby that brings together pop culture, nostalgia, and creativity. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the hunt, the joy of customization, or the potential investment value, there’s no wrong way to collect. At Uncle Zac’s Toy Store, we’re here to help every step of the way, offering a wide selection of Pops, including commons, chase variants, and autographed figures, all with premium protection options to ensure they arrive in mint condition.
Start your Funko Pop journey today, and let the adventure of collecting begin!