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Are Five Below Funko Pops Real? The Collector’s Definitive Guide

Yes, the Funko Pops you find at Five Below are absolutely real and authentic. However, there’s always a but, isn’t there? While they are genuine Funko products, there are nuances to understand to ensure you’re getting exactly what you expect and to maximize your collecting experience. Let’s dive deep into the world of Five Below Funko Pops and arm you with the knowledge to navigate this intriguing retail landscape.

Understanding the Five Below Funko Phenomenon

Five Below has become a haven for budget-conscious collectors and casual fans alike. Their consistent stock of officially licensed Funko Pops at a discounted price point is undeniably appealing. But this accessibility begs several questions. Are they damaged? Are they rejects? What’s the catch? Let’s dispel the myths and reveal the truths.

The Business Model: How Five Below Acquires Funko Pops

Five Below thrives on buying overstock, discontinued lines, and slightly imperfect products from various manufacturers and distributors. This business model allows them to offer merchandise at significantly lower prices than traditional retailers. In the case of Funko Pops, this often means:

Overstock from Other Retailers: If a large retailer has excess inventory of a particular Funko Pop, Five Below might purchase it in bulk at a reduced price.
Discontinued Lines: When Funko decides to retire a specific line of Pops, retailers often liquidate their stock. Five Below steps in to acquire these at a discounted rate.
Minor Imperfections: Occasionally, Funko Pops may have minor cosmetic imperfections during manufacturing (e.g., a small paint smudge, a slightly damaged box). While these imperfections might make them unsuitable for high-end collectors, they are still perfectly functional and appealing to many buyers.

Five Below’s Funko Pops: What to Expect

While the authenticity isn’t in question, manage your expectations. Don’t expect to find the latest, most sought-after Funko Pops at Five Below. Instead, anticipate finding:

Older Releases: Pops that have been out for a while and are no longer readily available at other retailers.
Commons: More common characters and variants from various franchises.
Lines Nearing End-of-Life: Pops from lines that Funko is phasing out.

Essentially, Five Below is a treasure trove for the patient collector, the casual fan, and those looking to flesh out their collection without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Five Below Funko Pops

Here are some of the most common questions that arise when discussing Five Below and their Funko Pop offerings.

1. How Can I Verify the Authenticity of a Five Below Funko Pop?

Authenticating a Funko Pop, regardless of where you purchased it, involves several checks:

The Box Quality: Examine the cardboard quality. Authentic Funko Pops use high-quality cardboard with crisp printing.
Printing Accuracy: Scrutinize the printing on the box. Look for blurry images, misspellings, or inconsistencies in the logo.
The Figure’s Paint Job: Check for clean paint lines and consistent coloring. Sloppy paint jobs are a red flag.
The Bobblehead (If Applicable): If the Pop is a bobblehead, the bobble should be smooth and not too stiff.
The Serial Number: Most authentic Funko Pops have a serial number printed on the bottom of the figure’s foot and/or on the box. Verify that these match.
The Official Funko Logo: Ensure the Funko logo is present and correctly rendered on the box and the figure.

2. Are Five Below Funko Pops Ever Damaged?

Yes, it’s common to find Funko Pops with minor damage at Five Below. This is often why they are available at a discounted price. The damage typically includes:

Box Damage: Dents, creases, tears, or scratches on the box.
Minor Paint Flaws: Small paint smudges or imperfections on the figure.

Before purchasing, carefully inspect the Pop for any damage that might be unacceptable to you.

3. Can I Find Exclusive Funko Pops at Five Below?

Rarely, but it is possible. It’s extremely uncommon to find retail exclusive Pops (Walmart, Target, etc.) at Five Below in their original retail exclusive form. However, you might occasionally encounter a Pop that was originally an exclusive but is now being liquidated as part of an overstock purchase. Don’t count on it, but keep your eyes peeled!

4. Does Five Below Carry Chases or Rare Variants?

Chases, as a general rule, are virtually non-existent at Five Below. These are rare variants of common Pops, and if Five Below ever received one in an overstock purchase, it would likely be gone within minutes.

5. Is It Worth Buying Funko Pops at Five Below for Resale?

Reselling Five Below Funko Pops is generally not a lucrative venture. Since they typically carry common Pops and older releases, the resale value is usually low. However, if you can snag a rare or sought-after Pop, it might be worth considering, but do your research beforehand.

6. How Often Does Five Below Restock Their Funko Pops?

Restock frequency varies greatly depending on the location. Some stores restock weekly, while others might only restock every few weeks. Your best bet is to visit your local Five Below regularly or ask an employee about their restock schedule.

7. Are Five Below Funko Pops a Good Investment?

In most cases, no. Five Below’s Funko Pops are generally not a good investment if you’re looking for significant returns. They primarily carry common Pops, and their value is unlikely to increase substantially over time.

8. What Types of Funko Pops Can I Expect to Find at Five Below?

You can typically find a mix of:

Movie and TV Show Characters: From popular franchises like Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and Disney.
Anime Characters: Pops from popular anime series.
Video Game Characters: Figures from popular video game franchises.
Musicians and Celebrities: Pops representing famous musicians and other celebrities.

9. Can I Return a Funko Pop to Five Below if I Change My Mind?

Yes, Five Below generally accepts returns within a reasonable timeframe, typically 30 days, with a valid receipt. Check their return policy for specific details and any exclusions.

10. Are Five Below Funko Pops Safe for Children?

Funko Pops are generally considered collectible figures and not toys. They may contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard for young children. It’s best to keep them out of reach of children under 3 years old.

11. Does Five Below Offer Funko Pop Protectors?

Five Below sometimes offers generic plastic protectors, but they are not always specifically designed for Funko Pops. If you’re looking for high-quality, custom-fit protectors, you’ll likely need to purchase them from a specialized collector’s store.

12. Can I Use Coupons or Discounts on Five Below Funko Pops?

Five Below occasionally offers coupons or discounts that can be applied to Funko Pops. Check their website, app, or local advertisements for current promotions. However, keep in mind that these discounts are often limited-time offers.

The Bottom Line: Embrace the Hunt!

Five Below offers a unique and accessible way to engage with the Funko Pop hobby. While you might not find rare grails there, you can discover hidden gems, add to your collection without overspending, and experience the thrill of the hunt. Just remember to manage your expectations, inspect your purchases carefully, and enjoy the experience! Happy collecting!