Step 1: Identifying High-Value Funko Pops

To begin your Funko Pop flipping journey, understanding the market value of different Pops is essential. Utilizing eBay's sold listings provides real-time data on what collectors are currently paying, offering insight into the fluctuating market. PopPriceGuide.com is another invaluable resource, aggregating prices from eBay sales to give a broader view of each Pop's worth. When sifting through your collection or potential purchases, pay special attention to:

• Exclusives: These are Funko Pops that were only available through specific retailers or events. Their limited availability often makes them more desirable.
  
  

• Glows in the Dark: Funko Pops with materials that glow in the dark are especially popular among collectors. These unique pieces stand out in any collection and can fetch a premium price.
  
  

• Lights and Sounds: A rarer find, these Funko Pops come with built-in lights and sounds. Their interactive nature makes them highly sought after and often more valuable.
  
  

• Chase: Chase variants are limited edition versions of regular Pops, produced in smaller quantities (typically 1 in 6). They usually have a unique feature or different color scheme, making them a top target for collectors.
  
  

• Flocked: Flocked Pops have a velvety texture coating, giving them a unique feel and appearance. This texture is applied to parts or all of the figure, adding to their collectible value.
  
  

• Scented: Though less common, scented Funko Pops offer a multisensory collecting experience. These can depict food, flowers, or other themed characters with corresponding scents.
  
  

• Glitter: Glitter Pops are coated in glitter, giving them a sparkling appearance. These dazzling figures often represent special editions and can be more valuable due to their eye-catching finish.
  
  

• Metallic: Metallic Pops have a shiny, metallic finish that differentiates them from their standard counterparts. This finish can apply to both the figure and its accessories, appealing to collectors looking for standout pieces.
  
  

• Vaulted: When Funko Pops are "vaulted," it means they are no longer in production. Discontinued items become rarer over time, and thus, their value can increase significantly.
  
  

• Protos: Prototype Pops, or "Protos," are early versions of a Pop figure used during the design process. These are highly rare and can be incredibly valuable to collectors.

Step 2: Spotting Fakes

As the Funko Pop market has grown, so too has the presence of counterfeit items. To ensure you're dealing with authentic Pops:

• Check the Box Print Quality: Genuine Funko Pop boxes are characterized by their high-quality print, featuring crisp, clear images and text. Look out for any misspellings, blurry images, or inconsistent coloration, which are red flags for counterfeits.
  
  

• Verify the Funko Logo: Authentic Funko Pops will always have the Funko logo prominently displayed on the box, usually in the bottom right-hand corner. Ensure the logo is accurately printed and matches the official Funko design.
  
  

• Inspect the Paint Job: A telltale sign of a fake Funko Pop is a subpar paint job. Genuine Pops should have neat, consistent paintwork without smudges, uneven lines, or color bleed. However, slight imperfections can occur even in genuine items due to mass production.
  
  

• Examine the Figure’s Details: Authentic Funko Pops are noted for their meticulous attention to detail, accurately reflecting the character’s attire, accessories, and features. Any discrepancy in these details could indicate a counterfeit.
  
  

• Evaluate the Box’s Construction: Often, counterfeit Pops can be identified by examining the box's structure, such as the border width around the character image and the typography used. Authentic Funko Pop boxes are made with precision.
  
  

• Beware of Low Prices: An unusually low price can be a strong indicator of a counterfeit product. Exercise caution when encountering deals that appear too good to be true, especially from independent or anonymous sellers.
  
  

• Purchase from Reputable Sellers: To avoid accidentally buying a fake, always buy Funko Pops from well-known retailers or certified online stores. Steer clear of unknown or unverified sellers to ensure the authenticity of your purchase.
  
  

• Examine Stickers for Exclusivity: Exclusive Funko Pops come with special stickers on the box denoting their rarity. Assess these stickers carefully for correct font, color, finish, and wording to validate their authenticity.
  
  

• Utilize Online Resources: Take advantage of online tools and communities like Funko Fake Finder to compare your items with known fakes or to seek advice. These platforms can be invaluable for verifying the legitimacy of your Pops.

If you're unsure about a Pop's authenticity, consulting with experienced collectors or trusted communities can provide clarity.

Step 3: Timing Your Sales

Maximizing profit often comes down to selling at the right time. Selling Pops during peak demand — such as immediately following their release or when interest in their related franchise surges — can yield higher returns. Conversely, market values can dip around large events like Comic Con, where collectors might sell off parts of their collection to fund new exclusives.

Step 4: Selling on eBay

eBay remains a dominant platform for selling Funko Pops due to its vast user base. When listing a Pop:

• Photography: Detailed photos from multiple angles (including any flaws) help buyers know exactly what they're getting.
  
  

• Description: A transparent and thorough description of the Pop's condition can prevent disputes and ensure buyer satisfaction.
  
  

• Pricing: Consider eBay's and PayPal's fees when setting your price to ensure you're satisfied with the net profit.

Step 5: Community Sales

Selling within Funko Pop trading communities can offer a more direct connection to serious collectors and bypass some of the fees associated with platforms like eBay. Whether on Facebook, Reddit, or other forums, engaging with these communities requires:

• Active Participation: Being an active member can build trust and make your sales smoother.
  
  

• Negotiation: Be prepared to discuss prices openly. Community sales often involve more haggling than other platforms.

Step 6: Lot Sales

Selling in lots is an effective strategy for moving large quantities of Pops quickly, albeit often at a discount. This approach is particularly useful for common Pops that might be harder to sell individually. When considering lot sales:

• Inclusion of Valuable Pops: Adding a few higher-value Pops to a lot can increase its overall appeal.
  
  

• Choosing the Right Buyer: Research platforms or stores known for buying collections to ensure you get a fair offer, usually around 50-55% of the collective PopPriceGuide values.

By expanding your knowledge and approach in these key areas, you can navigate the Funko Pop market more effectively, whether you're looking to streamline your collection, start a new venture in flipping, or simply maximize profits on sales.