It’s not just Funko Pop! collectors; everyone who seriously collects contemplates leaving their figures boxed.
After all, you always hear stories in the collecting space about mint condition items selling for thousands of dollars. Heck, we’ve even talked a bit in the past about whether action figures are a good investment or not! Funko Pop! figures, on the other hand, are a bit of a special case. They are so numerous that collectors often find themselves wondering if they should really unbox them or not… albeit, for reasons unlike any other collectible.
So should you unbox your Funko Pop! figures? Well…it depends.
Let’s first address the elephant in the room: don’t just bank on your figure being worth money someday. Sure, there are some really rare Funko Pop! figures, and it is a lot of fun to keep a scarce Pop! in good condition. But even if you do snag a rare figure, there are still so many Funko Pop!s out there that finding a buyer is its own hunt. Remember, it’s not enough that a figure is worth $50, you have to find someone willing to pay $50, and many collectors limit their collection to certain brands or series of vinyls.
If keeping your figures in mint condition and/or trading them at swap meets is fun to you, then definitely keep these things boxed. But should you feel like you’re throwing away your fortune by choosing to unbox? No, not at all.
What makes Funko Pop!s unique, however, is that collectors may still choose to keep them boxed despite having no intention to ever sell them! Simply put, the box is as much of a collectible as the figure itself. Not only is there enough translucent space to keep the figure visible, but it’s also conveniently shaped to be stacked or placed on a shelf without fear of it tumbling. A box is also somewhat easier to dust and clean than a figure. Combine all of these features with the fact that the box itself is still aesthetically pleasing, and it’s easy to see why many collectors prefer boxed figures.
“But hold on,” you might ask, “that sounds great and all, but I want to actually hold my figures and appreciate them!” And to be honest, you’d be right; you should be free to enjoy your figures however you want. That’s the other great thing about Funko Pop! boxes: it’s easy to put your figures back into the box, even after opening! It’s so easy, in fact, that you might be able to trick your friends into thinking you have a mint figure even if you’d previously taken it out of the box. In other words, choosing to unbox isn’t a “permanent” decision like it is with other figures. Enjoy the best of both worlds without any reservations.
In the end, choosing to unbox your figure (or not) should be 100% dependent on your personal preference. Funko Pop! figures can appreciate in value, but unless you’re a savvy seller and trader, we wouldn’t advocate keeping figures boxed for that reason. On the other hand, there are a lot of advantages to keeping the box, so don’t throw it away, either! Just do whatever feels right to you, and we’re sure you’ll be happy.
Although we hope this guide has been helpful to you, the true answer to this question was in your heart all along. There’s probably a deeper metaphor we could be perusing there, but I think I’ll keep that boxed before this gets too out of hand.
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As an avid collector and enthusiast in the realm of collectibles, particularly Funko Pop! figures, I can confidently share my expertise on the concepts discussed in the provided article. My extensive firsthand experience and knowledge in the collecting community enable me to delve into the nuances of whether to unbox Funko Pop! figures or not.
The article touches upon several key concepts that resonate with collectors:
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Value Appreciation: The article rightly emphasizes that not all Funko Pop! figures will become valuable over time. While there are rare figures that can fetch a high price, the sheer abundance of Funko Pop!s makes finding the right buyer a challenge. This aligns with the broader notion in collecting that rarity alone does not guarantee significant value.
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Unique Nature of Funko Pop! Figures: Funko Pop! figures stand out in the collecting world due to the unique consideration of keeping them boxed even if there is no intention to sell. The box itself becomes a collectible item, offering both visibility and practicality for display. This concept is distinct from traditional collectibles, where the focus is primarily on the item itself.
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Personal Preference and Enjoyment: The article emphasizes that the decision to unbox or keep Funko Pop! figures in their original packaging is a matter of personal preference. This aligns with the core philosophy of collecting, where individuals should derive joy from their collections in a way that suits their preferences.
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Reversibility of Unboxing: A notable feature of Funko Pop! boxes is their ease of use, allowing collectors to unbox and rebox figures without compromising the overall presentation. This flexibility addresses the concern of making a "permanent" decision, offering collectors the best of both worlds.
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Metaphorical Element: The article concludes with a metaphorical touch, suggesting that the true answer to whether one should unbox Funko Pop! figures lies within the collector's heart. This metaphor adds a layer of introspection, acknowledging that collecting is not just about the monetary value but also about personal satisfaction.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the considerations of unboxing Funko Pop! figures, touching on the unique aspects of this collecting niche and emphasizing the importance of personal enjoyment in the world of collecting.
