Collecting anime figures is a lively and exciting hobby. Japanese anime figures are cherished artifacts by fans all over the world. However, the recent pandemic has led to the emergence of many unrecognizable counterfeits in the market. The growing popularity of counterfeit characters has caused distress to many people who want to buy anime characters, especially beginner collectors.
Purchasing authentic anime figures is vital to maintaining the integrity of your collection. In fact, identifying pirated anime characters is easy if you know more about them. This guide will detail how to differentiate the authenticity of authentic anime figures so that you can make an informed purchase and avoid any problems you may encounter with purchasing fake figures!
Why is the authenticity of handmade figures so important?
Collecting authentic anime figures is a sign of respect for the original creators and it retains the value of the collection. Authentic anime figures are usually of good quality and have elaborate designs, whereas counterfeit anime figures are often made from poor quality or even toxic materials.
What are the most common signs of a pirated figure?
authentic figures are usually brighter in color and well-detailed, like the picture above. You can look closely at the hair, necklaces, and clothes for Authenticistic patterns.
Identifying pirated products involves paying close attention to a few key indicators that differentiate authentic products from counterfeits:
Packaging and labeling
Original anime figures usually include high-quality packaging, clear images, and prominent logos. However, counterfeit products may overlook these details, use inferior printing, or completely omit logos and holograms. Please pay attention to the official stickers and holograms.
Prices
Unusually low prices are usually a big red flag. The pricing of Authentic hand-me-downs depends on their quality and rarity. Therefore, if the transaction price is abnormally low, then it is most likely fake. You can compare the price with similar products to get an idea of the normal price of authentic hand-me-downs, and if the price is much lower than the regular value, it can somewhat represent an indication that the hand-me-downs are pirated.
Consistent and accurate colors
Authentic anime figures use advanced colors and detailed coatings that match the details of the figures seen in their respective media. The coatings on fake figures are usually rough, and the colors may not be chromatic, such as too bright or too dark, or even lines may bleed through the coating and scratch easily.
In addition, uneven coatings, especially on details such as eyes or gadgets, are common signs of fake anime figures. Another common sign is that Authentic figures usually have a matte finish, while most fake figures have a strange shiny appearance.
The skin tone of the fake hand puppet is also a point of concern; uneven skin tone or missing color are telltale signs of a fake figure.
Detail engraving
Always compare the hand puppet with the official picture on the manufacturer’s website. Incorrect proportions or missing details are telltale signs of counterfeit merchandise, especially in the hair, hands, and small accessories.
Authentic items are usually very elaborate, with rich, Authenticistic hair detail; fake hand puppets have little hair detail, incorrect color tones and poorly made clothing edges.
The seams and joints of original anime characters are usually carefully polished and unnoticeable, and the connections between individual parts are carefully designed and unnoticeable.
Sometimes a quick glance is not enough to distinguish an original anime character from a counterfeit.
Texture of materials
Authentic anime figures are usually made from higher quality materials which give the impression of being sturdy and durable. Fake figures are usually made from cheaper, lighter plastics, which gives the impression that they are lighter and less sturdy. When you hold both types of them, the difference in weight is obvious, with authentic figures usually giving the impression of being heavier and sturdier. When making a naked-eye observation, it may be hard for you to notice the difference, but when holding it, you can often easily tell based on the weight.
The smell of the material
Although it may sound strange, this unconventional method is surprisingly effective. However, counterfeit products often use cheaper materials and chemicals in the production process, resulting in strong and unpleasant chemical odors. If the figure emits a pungent and persistent chemical odor, this may indicate that the material quality of the counterfeit product is not up to standard.
Accuracy and assembly of parts
The Authentic character figures are well crafted, with each component fitting together seamlessly to ensure the character figures stand correctly. All components are aligned to the design and there are no gaps or looseness at the seams.
Nevertheless, the quality of counterfeit accessories is usually of poor quality. Due to a lack of quality control in the manufacturing process, misalignment of parts leading to uneven positioning, gaps and seams between parts, or incorrect assembly of parts are common problems with counterfeit products.
Quality of the base
The bases of authentic figures are usually well-designed and sturdy, often bearing logos or other branding consistent with the manufacturer. Counterfeit figures are usually poorly stabilized, made from inferior materials, or lack the fine detailing and branding commonly found on official products. Fragile or poorly constructed ones are definitely a red flag.
How to buy Japanese character figures?
Anime character figures are expensive and difficult to buy in local shops. However, through OneMall Proxy Shopping you can buy all anime character figures from Japan directly!
Important points before buying anime characters online:
Conduct a survey before buying
Conducting appropriate research can significantly reduce or completely eliminate your chances of buying fake anime characters. In addition to the general tips outlined above, it is also important to understand how the market works so that you can avoid risks and avoid disappointment when ordering anime characters from Japan. To avoid any mistakes, please compare the product photos with the original version. (Original and pirated copies can be found on the website myfigurecollection.com)
Official website and dealer
Please make sure that you have purchased from an official retailer or directly from the manufacturer’s online shop. Companies such as Good Smile Company, Kotobukiya, and Bandai Namco often list authorized anime character shops. Some manufacturers have their own online retail shops. Please note that most retailers do not offer international delivery services, so you will need to use agents such as OneMall to purchase services.
Price comparison and market research
Investigate the normal market price of the particular doll you want to buy to discover differences. Price fluctuations far below standard prices, especially for new or popular products, may indicate that they are fakes. Be especially careful when buying rare and high-quality dolls.
Second-hand sellers
OneMall allows you to shop and bid directly on auction sites such as Mercari, Rakuma, Amazon Japan, and Yahoo Auction. Although buying from second-hand sellers on sites like Yahoo Auction is very safe, the risk can be greater than buying directly from manufacturers or authorized dealers. However, if you research thoroughly and follow the guidelines above, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting pirated items.
It’s a good idea to continue working with reputable vendors who have a large amount of positive customer feedback. Always monitor all vendor policies closely. The OneMall team will also help you recognize fraudulent and risky sellers.
What is OneMall?
OneMall revolutionizes your access to the Japanese market, offering a comprehensive Japanese proxy shopping service and proxy shooting service that brings the best of Japan’s online marketplaces to your doorstep.
Here’s how it works:
Please remember that OneMall is a proxy service only and we act as an intermediary between you and Japanese stores. OneMall does not provide product certification services. For added protection, it is recommended to use the optional photo service to confirm the condition and quality of purchased products. It includes three photos taken when the goods arrived at the OneMall warehouse.
Write at the end
At first, it may seem difficult to explore the world of anime character collections, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure that your collection contains only authentic high-quality works. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a beginner, remember that diligence and research are your best tools when trying to order characters from Japan.
Ready to start? Join OneMall today and get an exclusive welcome gift!
https://www.onemall.jp/auth/signup
OneMall – Your Gateway to Japan.
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