The Hunt for The Right Stuff
And you so decide that today's a good time to search for some of your missing figures to complete that collection of yours.
You log on to eBay and search for <Pokemon Figures> and there you have it. Tens of thousands of search result pings right back. You cringe on your seat thinking ''How is that possible?!?!''
And you so decide that today's a good time to search for some of your missing figures to complete that collection of yours.
You log on to eBay and search for <Pokemon Figures> and there you have it. Tens of thousands of search result pings right back. You cringe on your seat thinking ''How is that possible?!?!''
The photos above are some examples of the usual culprits and they usually come from sellers based in China or Hong Kong.
Before we continue, let's understand the term 'bootleg' a little well more.
Basically these are unlicensed objects and quality are inferior as compared to authentic and legitimate products licensed by the creators of Pokemon. Licenses for pokemon figures production were given to TOMY, TAKARA TOMY, AULDEY, NINTENDO, HASBRO, BANPRESTO, BANDAI AND JAKKS PACIFIC throughout the years of Pokemon legacy. But specifically for the 1st generation, licenses were given only to TOMY, Auldey and Nintendo for the official release in 1998.
In essence, here are some pointers for you to take note prior to your commitment to make a purchase:
With that, I hope all of you see success in your collection and remember, never be too eager or anxious to close a deal. It's one thing to feel excited, and another to be rationale.
Before we continue, let's understand the term 'bootleg' a little well more.
Basically these are unlicensed objects and quality are inferior as compared to authentic and legitimate products licensed by the creators of Pokemon. Licenses for pokemon figures production were given to TOMY, TAKARA TOMY, AULDEY, NINTENDO, HASBRO, BANPRESTO, BANDAI AND JAKKS PACIFIC throughout the years of Pokemon legacy. But specifically for the 1st generation, licenses were given only to TOMY, Auldey and Nintendo for the official release in 1998.
In essence, here are some pointers for you to take note prior to your commitment to make a purchase:
- Believe your own eyes - If the figures looks weird i.e., odd paint-works, shape slightly deformed, material seems highly PVC, then high chance its a bootleg
- Trust your instincts - If you see a lot of a hundred odd pieces of figures going for a price that cost less than a date out with your sweetheart, then date your other half out and give that sales a miss
- Study the seller's ratings / feedbacks - Is it too high, good - and unbelievable? There are many bootleggers who would offer a small refund in exchange for a good review. Always engage in a conversation with the seller prior to buying or placing your bid. Be certain that the photos posted on the sales post would be what you will be paying for. If the photos used are stock photos, request for the seller to mail you some close up shots
- Engage your senses - Should you already make a purchase and it arrived safely at your doorstep. But the moment you see the product you cannot help but question its authenticity. Calm down - and get working. Look for tell-tales signs of poor workmanship, whether the logo imprints / stamp is there and how deep or swallow it is, and besides the obvious paint-job, another way to tell is by the smell the figure omits. If it has this strong PVC smell (go to your local hardware shop and sniff hard on the plastic pipes and you'll get a good gauge) then it probably is a bootleg
- Research - You may want to refer back to the gallery to check against the one posted by the sellers. If you have the time, check against multiple sources just to be in the clear
With that, I hope all of you see success in your collection and remember, never be too eager or anxious to close a deal. It's one thing to feel excited, and another to be rationale.