How do you start a Funko Pop collection? Top 5 Tips

Funko Pops make fun gifts or keepsakes, but a lot of people are also passionate about collecting them. In this great guest post, Funko Pop collector Lewis Sheller rejoins us to share tips on the best way to start a Funko Pop collection. His enthusiasm even inspired us to add a new section to the Skareporium: Scary Funko Pops!

Top 5 Tips For Starting Your Funko Pop Collection
by Lewis Sheller

1. Deciding on a Theme

Before you can begin collecting, you’ll need to determine exactly what kind of Funko Pops appeal most to you. Seeing as how Haunt Jaunts is a horror-themed site and you’re here reading this article, I’ll assume you have an interest in starting a horror collection. However, it may be that you decide to collect other themed Pops alongside horror ones.

For example, I personally collect Funko Pops themed around cartoons, anime, Marvel superheroes, DC Comics superheroes, and horror. If you’re interested in seeing my collection, you can view it here:
www.hobbydb.com/marketplaces/2/users/scorpio06061988. (We’ll cover where this is in #3 below.)

Sanderson Sisters Funko Pop Now Available at Spirit Halloween!

2. Deciding Which Types of Pops to Collect

There are several types of unique Funko Pops, including:

• Vinyl – The standard 4 inch sized Funko Pop (these are the most common).
• Oversized – These are larger than the standard vinyl Pops, usually ranging from 6 inch to 18 inches.
• Metallic – These Pops have a metallic paint job and are worth more than standard pops.
• Flocked – These are coated in fur and are usually based on animal characters.
• Chase – These are rarer variants of standard vinyl Pops (highly sought after by any collector).
• Glow In The Dark – Speaks for itself. *I advise investing in a UV torch to charge these up faster!
• Black Light – These use fluorescent paint and only glow in the dark when a blacklight is used.
• 8 Bit – For those who love that retro look, these are the perfect Pops for you!

This list only scratches the surface of the types of Funko Pops that are available to you to start your collection with. So, do your own additional research and decide which types best suit you.

I, myself mostly stick to vinyl Pops, but I do own several chase, glow in the dark, and oversized Pops too. Most vinyl Pops will have a metallic counterpart, so it may be best to decide to collect either vinyl or metallic, rather than both. Though ultimately that decision will be up to you.

3. Use A Site To Keep Track Of Your Collection

There are plenty of helpful sites that allow you to keep track of your collection. As your collection grows, it makes life easier to be able to check online exactly what you own, at any given time.

I personally recommend Pop Price Guide. By creating an account there, you’ll be able to not only keep track of your Funko Pop collection, but you’ll also be able to share your collection with others too. (Great for a little friendly competition.)

Additionally, you can check on the current value of any Pops in your collection and make wishlists of Pops you’d like to eventually add, which can also then be shared with others. (Handy come birthday time.)

4. Boxed Or Unboxed

Some collectors prefer to keep their Pops boxed and in mint condition, whilst others enjoy having them out on display for all to see. I sit squarely in the middle. I love to display my Pops outside of their box. However, I also collect the boxes too (which I equally display).

The downside to collecting boxes is that they do take up additional space. I personally display mine in a way where they are stacked upon each other, so it doesn’t take up huge amounts of space. The upside is that your Pops will retain more value if you also have the box that they came in. (Even if you end up displaying them outside of the box, like I do.)

As for whether or not to display your Pops outside of the box, this will be entirely up to you. Just have realistic expectations that inevitably, no matter how well you take care of them, both the boxes and the Pops will unfortunately take on some general wear and tear. (I speak from experience.) Try not to let this bother you. Remember, unless you’re collecting with the original intent of reselling them, they’re ultimately there for your enjoyment. So enjoy them!

If you do decide to collect the boxes, you’ll want to invest in Pop Protectors (this also makes stacking them for display purposes far easier). These come in a range of styles.

For example, you can get thicker ones for added protection, ones with built-in UV ray protection to avoid sun damage, or even ones with “blood splatter” (fake, obviously) for added effect. Perfect for your horror Pops!

*I highly recommend PP Joe’s Pop Protectors. They have a full range of available types and are simple to use. You’ll also get 20% off your next purchase when leaving a review of your order. Additionally, you’ll receive PP Joe Points on all purchases and free points for your birthday (upon creating an account), which can then be redeemed for money off future purchases.

5. Beware Of Fakes/Bad Paint Jobs & Defects

You can always tell a real Funko Pop from a fake one. Simply check the foot of the Pop. You should find the Funko Pop copyright branded on the bottom. For Marvel/DC Comics Pops, you’ll also find their copyright branded in the same spot.

Unfortunately, given that Funko Pops are hand painted, there’s always the chance for human error. This is why sometimes it’s actually better to buy second hand on sites such as eBay, as most sellers provide pictures of the Pop, so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money!

In Conclusion

That wraps up my Top 5 Tips For Starting Your Funko Pop Collection. Did you find them helpful? Do you have any tips of your own to share with our readers? Let me know in the comments section below, and of course don’t forget to share this article. My humble thanks in advance.

Has this article left you thirsting for more Funko Pop related content? No problem. I’ve got you covered! Keep a watchful eye out for my upcoming article Top 5 Funko Pops To Start Your Horror Collection, which will be available to read soon.

Planning to host a horror movie marathon anytime soon? Why not check out my Top 5 Black & White Horror Films recommendations? Perfect for any Halloween Celebration!

Until next time, keep your wolfsbane near and hold your loved ones tight, for who knows what’s out there, lurking….. in the shadows of the night!

Guest Contributor Info

A full-time freelance writer, Lewis loves all things horror, especially movies. Deeply passionate about movies in general, he can’t help but celebrate the films of the past, whilst also eagerly keeping up-to-date with news on projects currently in development.

Currently available for hire, Lewis can be reached on Twitter @WriteChoice4U. Like what you’ve read? Consider giving him a follow!