Rumors of a Soda wind-down

[Fugly16]

Feels like as a whole the company needs to tighten up production numbers, but maybe that is just me. Stock has been hammered the last 6 months so I wonder if that is any indication for austerity measures they might take.

[willy wonka]

Loved the soda line but I haven't bough many in the past year just too many. They reminded me of the old Spastik plastik line but I guess like that line this will get retired as well.

[Charger14]

I think the $18 price tag for the Funko Shop sodas has turned people off. I love the line but there doesn't need to be a soda or even a Pop for every movie coming out, example Shazam and Aquaman.

[FunkoBurro3]

They coulda done so many more and who knows maybe they will go out with a bang on the sodas.

[Wiselordship]

I think the $18 price tag for the Funko Shop sodas has turned people off. I love the line but there doesn't need to be a soda or even a Pop for every movie coming out, example Shazam and Aquaman.

Agreed. Like 6 characters at ~$20 a soda after tax, and that is just a chance at the chase. So it adds up if they do the chases right and you want them.

[plumb102]

I used to love Sodas, but to display it out of the can, keep the can, display the pog, it's actually a lot of room- I think that's why bittys have become so popular? the size and compatibility may be the winner here.

I have only my Chase sodas left... and I might have to trade those soon too.

[islander671]

So some friends told me that funko may be winding down on soda's, I then checked with some people in the backend likes stores and they noticed some changes so it seems it might be true.

One of the main reasons it seems is that people cant afford a lot of soda's. Speaking from a international view they cost $30+ down here because of the shipping weight ect make them very unaffordable.

Another reason people think and i think could be a strong contender is because bitty's are outselling them. There cheaper, ezyer to display and also strike the minature market.

If this ends up being true how does it make you feel?

This brings in some great conversation. I used to love collecting and buying sodas but the thrill was actually getting a chase. But I personally think that the introduction in the non piece count pretty much killed the line. They massed produced those lines thinking that folks would end up continue buying 6+ to find a chase. But with the increase in retail price plus the massive amounts to order to find a chase in a non numbered soda, proved to be unsustainable. Most collectors I know now tend to just buy one or two if they really want a chance at a chase. If no chase then they just opt for the resell market.

It is sad to see them come to an end with this line as I had hoped it would end up being a great addition to POPs. But i think they just pushed it too far and too fast. But the higher interest in the Bitty Lines amazes me I didnt think they would be doing that great. for me I personally do not enjoy them. Not for the fact they are not cute and collectible, its because my little one likes to open them up and separate the case and the bitty and leave them on the floor. So it has the same effect as Legos to my feet, .

[Katers]

Oh no.. I hadn't even thought of that and now my fingers hurt just picturing trying to open those

I watched them try to open the first couple 3L on Freddy's Funhouse, and honestly thought I'd probably have to use tools or a sharp implement!

I also have a theory, though, that the harder to open the soda can is, the better my chances at a chase are. This is based on nothing but frustration, but it makes me smile!

[Jalapenopete]

Sad if it's true I was just warming up to them, I agree with the other comments keep them on the low count

[Ohlordypops]

Oh no.. I hadn't even thought of that and now my fingers hurt just picturing trying to open those

I watched them try to open the first couple 3L on Freddy's Funhouse, and honestly thought I'd probably have to use tools or a sharp implement!

I also have a theory, though, that the harder to open the soda can is, the better my chances at a chase are. This is based on nothing but frustration, but it makes me smile!

I think that's a great theory!

[Wiselordship]

Oh no.. I hadn't even thought of that and now my fingers hurt just picturing trying to open those

I watched them try to open the first couple 3L on Freddy's Funhouse, and honestly thought I'd probably have to use tools or a sharp implement!

I also have a theory, though, that the harder to open the soda can is, the better my chances at a chase are. This is based on nothing but frustration, but it makes me smile!

I think that's a great theory!

Love that theory.

And yea, those are so hard to open. And hate ones where you just have 2 of them off and you accidently seal it back. Lol

[RedRoo]

So some friends told me that funko may be winding down on soda's, I then checked with some people in the backend likes stores and they noticed some changes so it seems it might be true.

One of the main reasons it seems is that people cant afford a lot of soda's. Speaking from a international view they cost $30+ down here because of the shipping weight ect make them very unaffordable.

Another reason people think and i think could be a strong contender is because bitty's are outselling them. There cheaper, ezyer to display and also strike the minature market.

If this ends up being true how does it make you feel?

This brings in some great conversation. I used to love collecting and buying sodas but the thrill was actually getting a chase. But I personally think that the introduction in the non piece count pretty much killed the line. They massed produced those lines thinking that folks would end up continue buying 6+ to find a chase. But with the increase in retail price plus the massive amounts to order to find a chase in a non numbered soda, proved to be unsustainable. Most collectors I know now tend to just buy one or two if they really want a chance at a chase. If no chase then they just opt for the resell market.

It is sad to see them come to an end with this line as I had hoped it would end up being a great addition to POPs. But i think they just pushed it too far and too fast. But the higher interest in the Bitty Lines amazes me I didnt think they would be doing that great. for me I personally do not enjoy them. Not for the fact they are not cute and collectible, its because my little one likes to open them up and separate the case and the bitty and leave them on the floor. So it has the same effect as Legos to my feet, .

honestly the bitty love does surprises me also. i mean i think there cool and i got my funkoville ones but i wasnt ever fully intrested in them. but in my shop we get the blind bags and they do sell well. But there also like $5 so very price friendly atm

[FireEmblemZack]

Loved the soda line but I haven't bough many in the past year just too many. They reminded me of the old Spastik plastik line but I guess like that line this will get retired as well.

I wanted to see more of those characters in soda form too There's still hope though! Maybe for cons and events

[FireEmblemZack]

I think the $18 price tag for the Funko Shop sodas has turned people off. I love the line but there doesn't need to be a soda or even a Pop for every movie coming out, example Shazam and Aquaman.

Yeah the price really hurt me. Making it so that basically buying five exclusives (12 to 15 each) at 18 each is the price of 6 at the old price.

[sealordbrian]

The only thing I'd say is that I hope that a wind down includes smaller production numbers and a pullback on just making any character into a soda.

[Dave17251]

The price uptick and higher counts for chases has really seemed to remove the need to collect them. They were priced fairly at first but I can see why people have decided to get off of them for now. Hopefully they rebound soon.

[Nooklin]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

[wash2366]

Ugh. Everything has been said. The stupid leaders at Funko just need to ask an listen to fans. They are about as clueless as Disney leaders.

[rexflexall]

Sodas are tough to keep because I see them even in discount stores like TJ Maxx and they are already busted open!

[Elviax]

Sodas are tough to keep because I see them even in discount stores like TJ Maxx and they are already busted open!

That was a problem for a bit here! The walmart closest to me started keeping them behind the counter

[AnyGivenFunko]

I agree with the majority here. The price point for the soda is way too high. It doesn't help that people are opening up the sodas at Target and Walmart. The rewind is cheaper by $3-6 depending on the exclusivity and the figures in the rewind look the same. I can see soda being phased out and possibly being replaced by rewind.

[rexflexall]

Sodas are tough to keep because I see them even in discount stores like TJ Maxx and they are already busted open!

That was a problem for a bit here! The walmart closest to me started keeping them behind the counter

One of the Walmarts in my town does that too now!

[willy wonka]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

This is one of the main reasons I stopped getting them. I mean it ruins the fun of it when you see open sodas especially ones you were looking to buy.

[jagpop]

I love the detail on the Sodas and the fact that they take up less space to display. That being said, the price has really kept be from buying more recently. The quality may justify the price but my wallet keeps saying no. I hope the line doesn't go away, there are some really cool Sodas and chases.

[renardchua]

Loved the soda line but I haven't bough many in the past year just too many. They reminded me of the old Spastik plastik line but I guess like that line this will get retired as well.

Really sad that we got only Otto in Soda form though

I think the $18 price tag for the Funko Shop sodas has turned people off. I love the line but there doesn't need to be a soda or even a Pop for every movie coming out, example Shazam and Aquaman.

I agree here as well - the secondary characters of the big DC/Marvel movies are always a tough sell - even Carapax from Blue Beetle has 2 soda variants - so 2 commons and 2 chases.

Soda reveals were perfect early on, IMO - one to two character per license, one wave of announcements has 5-6 characters with LE counts on each.

[theraven00]

I agree with what some others have said. I really like Sodas, but to me the biggest issues are:
1) The count is too high for some (and count has been eliminated and/or duplicated for international).
2) It's hard to display them and if you keep them out of the can then they take up extra room.
3) The cost is too high. I think they should be a couple dollars cheaper than a Pop!, but I'm not sure if that's possible depending on production cost.
4) Chases are cool, but buying multiple cans to hunt for a chase is not as cool. At least with a Pop! you can see if it's a chase before purchasing. I have soooo many duplicate Sodas.

[Katers]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

[digithor]

I can see how the new itty bittys are out selling the sodas, besides being the new hot item sodas are a bit expensive with the increase for people outside of the US.

[The1one1]

Although sodas are cool on so many levels I feel like displaying a lot of them just takes up too much space. The cans are too cool to not display but then you have to have room for the figure and the can too.

[willy wonka]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

Yeah even though I order a few and they came opened

[fieldsy32]

I try to buy at least one marvel a month. I enjoy the chance for a chase. With recent releases I’m wondering if this is true.

[Wiselordship]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

Agreed. And more hassle on the retailer having to mark down or eat the lose of the "damaged" soda. Or they have them behind the counter or locked up so you don't know if they have it. Ghus makes it too much of a hassle to get them. It was an idea for sure, not sure a good one though.

[Katers]

I can see how the new itty bittys are out selling the sodas, besides being the new hot item sodas are a bit expensive with the increase for people outside of the US.

I'm liking itty bittys for both their price point, and their ease of storage! Though now that I'm thinking about it, I'm not sure where I've stored my itty bittys from SDCC! So that's actually a hazard...!

[Katers]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

Yeah even though I order a few and they came opened

That's terrible, I'm sorry that happened to you! Were you able to return them for a refund, at least?

[Katers]

The price increase and the elimination of chases and really high generic piece counts at major retail has killed the vibe. Also seeing the sodas at Walmart and Target opened and ripped up all the time makes hunting unappealing. I’d rather buy directly from local pop stores that also have booths at local cons.

It’s a shame Funko hasn’t partnered with small shops for more exclusive LE events.

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

Agreed. And more hassle on the retailer having to mark down or eat the lose of the "damaged" soda. Or they have them behind the counter or locked up so you don't know if they have it. Ghus makes it too much of a hassle to get them. It was an idea for sure, not sure a good one though.

Honestly, if they wanted to sell sodas at a retailer, they should've actually put them in a soda dispenser. You want one? Pay for it. Select the row and spot you want, it'll drop to the bottom. No opened sodas on shelves, no disappointment for the rest of us!

[Wiselordship]

I was just thinking that sodas really shouldn't ever be on shelves at the major retailers. It was the same issue that mystery minis had - opened packaging and commons left behind. So disappointing to go from "Oh, a soda!" to "Oh...an OPENED soda". Much more fun to take my chances with an online order!

Agreed. And more hassle on the retailer having to mark down or eat the lose of the "damaged" soda. Or they have them behind the counter or locked up so you don't know if they have it. Ghus makes it too much of a hassle to get them. It was an idea for sure, not sure a good one though.

Honestly, if they wanted to sell sodas at a retailer, they should've actually put them in a soda dispenser. You want one? Pay for it. Select the row and spot you want, it'll drop to the bottom. No opened sodas on shelves, no disappointment for the rest of us!

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

[Elviax]

Agreed. And more hassle on the retailer having to mark down or eat the lose of the "damaged" soda. Or they have them behind the counter or locked up so you don't know if they have it. Ghus makes it too much of a hassle to get them. It was an idea for sure, not sure a good one though.

Honestly, if they wanted to sell sodas at a retailer, they should've actually put them in a soda dispenser. You want one? Pay for it. Select the row and spot you want, it'll drop to the bottom. No opened sodas on shelves, no disappointment for the rest of us!

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

I would love that! For some reason I keep picturing someone getting one thinking its an actual soda and being frustrated

[Tusken]

Sad if it's true I was just warming up to them, I agree with the other comments keep them on the low count

Agree with you as well as I was warming up to them too. They might want to sit down and re-analyze what they want to roll out to ensure proper growth but also brand.

[Shadowfyre]

I only own a few Sodas, so if this line went away, I personally wouldn't be missing them that much. I do think there is a market for the bittys 100% - they do take up a lot less space and it hit a new kind of collector in the miniature market as Roo stated

[Wiselordship]

Honestly, if they wanted to sell sodas at a retailer, they should've actually put them in a soda dispenser. You want one? Pay for it. Select the row and spot you want, it'll drop to the bottom. No opened sodas on shelves, no disappointment for the rest of us!

I've seen some shops have them setup like this. Always thought it was a cool way to do it. Specially with the newer machines that lower and not drop the cans, so they wouldn't be dented. Would make for a much better experience. Not sure how much overhead a vending machine would be.

I would love that! For some reason I keep picturing someone getting one thinking its an actual soda and being frustrated

Lol. I would setup a camera just to see that. What a pricey soda. Haha. Did have one that wouldn't scan so the lady was like maybe pricey for a soda. Ans explained them to her.