Funko over produced?

[evanaki424]

I agree and the entire collectible industry has and needed to cut production nunber it’s not just a funko issue

Hasbro has done massive cuts as well

The Disney Lorcana cards are also a good example. Huge hype but then they ended up being everywhere and seemed super overproduced

True and lorcana still keeps pumping them out

I am torn on whether I like the limited-ness and then cry when I miss out on things or whether I like being able to get things easily and then cry over the lack of rarity in my collection

[funkomarv96]

Harry Potter and marvel are 2 over the most over produced lines in my opinion. But I’m over here still buying LOL

[x88joe88x]

Not sure what happened to collecting ways of Funko but it seems everything is a rehash of same characters , nothing really truly limited ? It’s not complaint I collect my Funko since 2015 . But just every thing lately has been bland . Besides a few releases . I’m hope 2024 for Funko they make some good changes towards the collector !!

They NEED to go back to the way they used to operate. We don't need 10000 variants of the same character. Limit the pieces. Make fewer characters. Be collectible again. Hoping that happens in 2024

[LoneWolf72]

I got to admit that when Funko went public, a lot of things changed. But answering to board members will do that. At times I really miss the old days, and like many other collectors, I've narrowed my collection to what I truly love. But I do really appreciate that Mike does what he can to bring a little of the old school fun into this new version of Funko.

[Funkolotz1622]

I got to admit that when Funko went public, a lot of things changed. But answering to board members will do that. At times I really miss the old days, and like many other collectors, I've narrowed my collection to what I truly love. But I do really appreciate that Mike does what he can to bring a little of the old school fun into this new version of Funko.

But if they didn't went to public we probably don't have most of the good stuffs in our collection.

[LoneWolf72]

I got to admit that when Funko went public, a lot of things changed. But answering to board members will do that. At times I really miss the old days, and like many other collectors, I've narrowed my collection to what I truly love. But I do really appreciate that Mike does what he can to bring a little of the old school fun into this new version of Funko.

But if they didn't went to public we probably don't have most of the good stuffs in our collection.

Yes and no. Funko did gain money by going public, which has allowed them to expand their lines. But the licencing was already there before. If anything, it has made the product lines less exclusive, but by expanding they have brought in more customers. Change is always a double edge sword. In this case Funko has gained a new generation of collectors all over the world, but at the cost of a lot of older collectors who liked the exclusivity. I myself love Funko, and continue to stay loyal to the brand. My worry though is for Funko's future. That if it continues to flood the market to much, it will end up going the way of Cabbage Patch Kids and Beanie Babies.

[FunEmployed]

Exclusivity is one of the key things that kept Funko afloat. Going public or not is irrelevant, if they cannot keep their licensing targeted then it is pointless and they will become Beanie Babies. Project Fred is a prime example of a company out of touch with its base. Yes, the mold is awesome, but the price point is a huge miss. Who are they attracting? They want to enter the designer toy market but are jumping with a larger mold and excessive cost, rather than using a smaller, less cost-prohibitive model. Much as I want to invest in Project Fred that $300 can be invested in other, more established artists, whose molds are valued around $200-$300 and far more unique. Or, I can take $300 and use that to purchase several other Funkos of my choice. Overall, Project Fred feels like a Kickstarter to test the water, especially with EQL.

[hpellot]

Exclusivity is one of the key things that kept Funko afloat. Going public or not is irrelevant, if they cannot keep their licensing targeted then it is pointless and they will become Beanie Babies. Project Fred is a prime example of a company out of touch with its base. Yes, the mold is awesome, but the price point is a huge miss. Who are they attracting? They want to enter the designer toy market but are jumping with a larger mold and excessive cost, rather than using a smaller, less cost-prohibitive model. Much as I want to invest in Project Fred that $300 can be invested in other, more established artists, whose molds are valued around $200-$300 and far more unique. Or, I can take $300 and use that to purchase several other Funkos of my choice. Overall, Project Fred feels like a Kickstarter to test the water, especially with EQL.

I agree I also think it should have been priced like a 400/100 bearbrick combo so 110-140 max

[Missnoobcake3]

I got to admit that when Funko went public, a lot of things changed. But answering to board members will do that. At times I really miss the old days, and like many other collectors, I've narrowed my collection to what I truly love. But I do really appreciate that Mike does what he can to bring a little of the old school fun into this new version of Funko.

So true, i've noticed myself just focusing on stuff i truly want. Mike doesn't get enough credit that man works so hard for the fans. One of the main reasons i believe Funko still has a semi social presence sadly.

[Funko Ronin]

Exclusivity is one of the key things that kept Funko afloat. Going public or not is irrelevant, if they cannot keep their licensing targeted then it is pointless and they will become Beanie Babies. Project Fred is a prime example of a company out of touch with its base. Yes, the mold is awesome, but the price point is a huge miss. Who are they attracting? They want to enter the designer toy market but are jumping with a larger mold and excessive cost, rather than using a smaller, less cost-prohibitive model. Much as I want to invest in Project Fred that $300 can be invested in other, more established artists, whose molds are valued around $200-$300 and far more unique. Or, I can take $300 and use that to purchase several other Funkos of my choice. Overall, Project Fred feels like a Kickstarter to test the water, especially with EQL.

One of the best explanations I read so far.

[anime23]

Of course when a company gets bigger they gonna reuse molds to try to get the most out of em, happens to all big toy companies!

I had to stop collecting some because of this. If they keep making several of the same I will never finish the collection. Of course I was a sucker and first started with storm troopers because how many of them could they possibly make ... enter Disney.

[Alanamaslama]

Of course when a company gets bigger they gonna reuse molds to try to get the most out of em, happens to all big toy companies!

I had to stop collecting some because of this. If they keep making several of the same I will never finish the collection. Of course I was a sucker and first started with storm troopers because how many of them could they possibly make ... enter Disney.

It’s almost the anti-FOMO. I used to impulsively buy because of FOMO, but the last few years i trained myself to think, “just wait for the better mold or shinier exclusive variant”. I started buying less and less and lost interest in pops I would have otherwise purchased impulsively.

[Ginzo1622]

Of course when a company gets bigger they gonna reuse molds to try to get the most out of em, happens to all big toy companies!

I had to stop collecting some because of this. If they keep making several of the same I will never finish the collection. Of course I was a sucker and first started with storm troopers because how many of them could they possibly make ... enter Disney.

It’s almost the anti-FOMO. I used to impulsively buy because of FOMO, but the last few years i trained myself to think, “just wait for the better mold or shinier exclusive variant”. I started buying less and less and lost interest in pops I would have otherwise purchased impulsively.

Yeah people learn this eventually

[zonkttc]

I had to stop collecting some because of this. If they keep making several of the same I will never finish the collection. Of course I was a sucker and first started with storm troopers because how many of them could they possibly make ... enter Disney.

It’s almost the anti-FOMO. I used to impulsively buy because of FOMO, but the last few years i trained myself to think, “just wait for the better mold or shinier exclusive variant”. I started buying less and less and lost interest in pops I would have otherwise purchased impulsively.

Yeah people learn this eventually

Sadly it comes with experience but I'm glad we're able to teach those around us.

[hpellot]

It’s almost the anti-FOMO. I used to impulsively buy because of FOMO, but the last few years i trained myself to think, “just wait for the better mold or shinier exclusive variant”. I started buying less and less and lost interest in pops I would have otherwise purchased impulsively.

Yeah people learn this eventually

Sadly it comes with experience but I'm glad we're able to teach those around us.

This is true

[rexflexall]

Exclusivity is one of the key things that kept Funko afloat. Going public or not is irrelevant, if they cannot keep their licensing targeted then it is pointless and they will become Beanie Babies. Project Fred is a prime example of a company out of touch with its base. Yes, the mold is awesome, but the price point is a huge miss. Who are they attracting? They want to enter the designer toy market but are jumping with a larger mold and excessive cost, rather than using a smaller, less cost-prohibitive model. Much as I want to invest in Project Fred that $300 can be invested in other, more established artists, whose molds are valued around $200-$300 and far more unique. Or, I can take $300 and use that to purchase several other Funkos of my choice. Overall, Project Fred feels like a Kickstarter to test the water, especially with EQL.

The price on that new Fred mold is just out of budget for me!

[PopPChulo]

Exclusivity is one of the key things that kept Funko afloat. Going public or not is irrelevant, if they cannot keep their licensing targeted then it is pointless and they will become Beanie Babies. Project Fred is a prime example of a company out of touch with its base. Yes, the mold is awesome, but the price point is a huge miss. Who are they attracting? They want to enter the designer toy market but are jumping with a larger mold and excessive cost, rather than using a smaller, less cost-prohibitive model. Much as I want to invest in Project Fred that $300 can be invested in other, more established artists, whose molds are valued around $200-$300 and far more unique. Or, I can take $300 and use that to purchase several other Funkos of my choice. Overall, Project Fred feels like a Kickstarter to test the water, especially with EQL.

The price on that new Fred mold is just out of budget for me!

Tbh it seems like that new project Fred is designed to be a center piece of a collection. Not necessarily something where you would have a whole collection of just those but maybe if you have a DC themed collection, or Ad Icon themed collection or Marvel themed collection; that would essentially be the centerpiece. I guess if I really really wanted the character I’d go for it but me personally, I think I’ll opt to stick with con exclusives and nft drops for my limited fix

[LoneWolf72]

I got to admit that when Funko went public, a lot of things changed. But answering to board members will do that. At times I really miss the old days, and like many other collectors, I've narrowed my collection to what I truly love. But I do really appreciate that Mike does what he can to bring a little of the old school fun into this new version of Funko.

So true, i've noticed myself just focusing on stuff i truly want. Mike doesn't get enough credit that man works so hard for the fans. One of the main reasons i believe Funko still has a semi social presence sadly.

What Mike does for the Funatics, is what made me a fan of Funko in the first place. In 2015, my wife invited me to Fundays with her. Up until then, our Funko collection was strictly her thing. I was just the enabler. But after going that year, and seeing first hand what Mike does for the Funko family, he made me a fan. And also a collector myself.

[rexflexall]

Exclusivity is one of the key things that kept Funko afloat. Going public or not is irrelevant, if they cannot keep their licensing targeted then it is pointless and they will become Beanie Babies. Project Fred is a prime example of a company out of touch with its base. Yes, the mold is awesome, but the price point is a huge miss. Who are they attracting? They want to enter the designer toy market but are jumping with a larger mold and excessive cost, rather than using a smaller, less cost-prohibitive model. Much as I want to invest in Project Fred that $300 can be invested in other, more established artists, whose molds are valued around $200-$300 and far more unique. Or, I can take $300 and use that to purchase several other Funkos of my choice. Overall, Project Fred feels like a Kickstarter to test the water, especially with EQL.

The price on that new Fred mold is just out of budget for me!

Tbh it seems like that new project Fred is designed to be a center piece of a collection. Not necessarily something where you would have a whole collection of just those but maybe if you have a DC themed collection, or Ad Icon themed collection or Marvel themed collection; that would essentially be the centerpiece. I guess if I really really wanted the character I’d go for it but me personally, I think I’ll opt to stick with con exclusives and nft drops for my limited fix

I'll stay with my limited Mega Dorbz SDCC Captain America LOL!

[jedividkidd]

I've been collecting Funko Products since they started making Star Wars Wacky Wobblers in 2006 I believe. As they grew they definitely started mass producing stuff. That was expected though. But i do miss the limited edition and lower number stuff though.

[PopPChulo]

The price on that new Fred mold is just out of budget for me!

Tbh it seems like that new project Fred is designed to be a center piece of a collection. Not necessarily something where you would have a whole collection of just those but maybe if you have a DC themed collection, or Ad Icon themed collection or Marvel themed collection; that would essentially be the centerpiece. I guess if I really really wanted the character I’d go for it but me personally, I think I’ll opt to stick with con exclusives and nft drops for my limited fix

I'll stay with my limited Mega Dorbz SDCC Captain America LOL!

Lol I just like my items to be limited. Thats a preference though. I feel like you should always collect what you like - I just have a certain affinity for items that not everyone can get their hands on. Makes them feel more collectible to me

[Funkolotz1622]

I've been collecting Funko Products since they started making Star Wars Wacky Wobblers in 2006 I believe. As they grew they definitely started mass producing stuff. That was expected though. But i do miss the limited edition and lower number stuff though.

They still have rare pieces though but it so rare that you can only get it in the event.

[funkomarv96]

Used to see a bunch of pops at barnes and noble. For the longest they had them on clearance and couldn’t get rid of them. I wonder what happens to the ones that don’t sell

[hpellot]

Used to see a bunch of pops at barnes and noble. For the longest they had them on clearance and couldn’t get rid of them. I wonder what happens to the ones that don’t sell

Probably dumped or sent to dollar stores

[funkomarv96]

Used to see a bunch of pops at barnes and noble. For the longest they had them on clearance and couldn’t get rid of them. I wonder what happens to the ones that don’t sell

Probably dumped or sent to dollar stores

Take a trip to the local landfill to see if they’re there. I’m in nyc and we don’t really have dollar stores

[hpellot]

Used to see a bunch of pops at barnes and noble. For the longest they had them on clearance and couldn’t get rid of them. I wonder what happens to the ones that don’t sell

Probably dumped or sent to dollar stores

Take a trip to the local landfill to see if they’re there. I’m in nyc and we don’t really have dollar stores

Marshal and tj max as well

[Meowmix4]

I've definitely cut back on collecting. Most of the things I want are older sets. I usually stick to picking up exclusives/Convention pops now.

[Funko Ronin]

I've definitely cut back on collecting. Most of the things I want are older sets. I usually stick to picking up exclusives/Convention pops now.

Many more collectors are taking the same mindset of cutting back.

[Relinquish]

i think funko struggles with being a scaled publicly traded company that is trying to wholesale mass produced collectibles and turn a profit. they'd be more successful in general if they were probably smaller/not publicly traded

[Chingy]

Exclusivity is one of the key things that kept Funko afloat. Going public or not is irrelevant, if they cannot keep their licensing targeted then it is pointless and they will become Beanie Babies. Project Fred is a prime example of a company out of touch with its base. Yes, the mold is awesome, but the price point is a huge miss. Who are they attracting? They want to enter the designer toy market but are jumping with a larger mold and excessive cost, rather than using a smaller, less cost-prohibitive model. Much as I want to invest in Project Fred that $300 can be invested in other, more established artists, whose molds are valued around $200-$300 and far more unique. Or, I can take $300 and use that to purchase several other Funkos of my choice. Overall, Project Fred feels like a Kickstarter to test the water, especially with EQL.

The price on that new Fred mold is just out of budget for me!

Tbh it seems like that new project Fred is designed to be a center piece of a collection. Not necessarily something where you would have a whole collection of just those but maybe if you have a DC themed collection, or Ad Icon themed collection or Marvel themed collection; that would essentially be the centerpiece. I guess if I really really wanted the character I’d go for it but me personally, I think I’ll opt to stick with con exclusives and nft drops for my limited fix

I agree with this. I don't think Project Fred is meant to be a "new release every week" type of thing. It's meant to be the gem of a collection. I'm really into it and can't wait to see what else the line produces, but I understand people's trepidation.

[TonyMa]

Definitely some products more than others. What surprises me is Vaulted pops making there way back into the market. I guess it is good for new collectors that may have missed the initial release.

Yeah I agree

[hpellot]

i think funko struggles with being a scaled publicly traded company that is trying to wholesale mass produced collectibles and turn a profit. they'd be more successful in general if they were probably smaller/not publicly traded

I ageee

[conventiongeek]

Yes, pretty much over produced. Need to find more balance between commons and limited editions... The LE figures make collecting more fun.

[Biscuithead Jen]

Yes, pretty much over produced. Need to find more balance between commons and limited editions... The LE figures make collecting more fun.

I agree. The smaller piece counts really made it exciting to collect. I'm hoping they start to scale back a bit and make more exclusive items.

[Funkolotz1622]

Yes, pretty much over produced. Need to find more balance between commons and limited editions... The LE figures make collecting more fun.

I agree. The smaller piece counts really made it exciting to collect. I'm hoping they start to scale back a bit and make more exclusive items.

There are a lot of exclusives, I think they should start to limit mold and variant per character.

[Meowmix4]

I've definitely cut back on collecting. Most of the things I want are older sets. I usually stick to picking up exclusives/Convention pops now.

Many more collectors are taking the same mindset of cutting back.

Yeah I can definitely tell.

Seems like a lot of the NFT's which are supposed to be very limited arent selling out either

[Kwik_One]

Yes, pretty much over produced. Need to find more balance between commons and limited editions... The LE figures make collecting more fun.

I agree. The smaller piece counts really made it exciting to collect. I'm hoping they start to scale back a bit and make more exclusive items.

Unfortunately, I think those days are behind us. I feel we will get the occasional lower piece counts 1000 or more at cons and the lower ones at special events like Fundays or Fright Night or even NFTs.

A really interesting thing they could try out would be an open edition. Allow collectors to preorder for a certain period of time then production of what was ordered ONLY (as long as a certain threshold is met).

[Dsho333]

Yes, pretty much over produced. Need to find more balance between commons and limited editions... The LE figures make collecting more fun.

I agree. The smaller piece counts really made it exciting to collect. I'm hoping they start to scale back a bit and make more exclusive items.

Unfortunately, I think those days are behind us. I feel we will get the occasional lower piece counts 1000 or more at cons and the lower ones at special events like Fundays or Fright Night or even NFTs.

A really interesting thing they could try out would be an open edition. Allow collectors to preorder for a certain period of time then production of what was ordered ONLY (as long as a certain threshold is met).

The preorder method has floated around for awhile now and I've suggested it too since I think it would help out but I also miss out on hunting in stores. They did the preorders for the Jason kelce pop so we will see how that works out if there is leftovers after they are sent out.

[WayneNC704]

It’s great to see how Funko as grown I just items were more limited in stores I loved the hunt back in the day

[DrunkoPop]

It’s great to see how Funko as grown I just items were more limited in stores I loved the hunt back in the day

So did I. After the pandemic the hunt died out for me. It became easier to acquire chases and limited pops online rather than in person. If I need something that I can’t find online, I’ll rely on the cons I go to. That’s pretty much it.