For Funko Pop collectors, finding the right figures to complete your collection can feel like a treasure hunt. Whether you’re just starting or you’re an experienced collector searching for those hard-to-find grails, knowing where to buy Funko Pops is essential. This guide will explore the best places to shop, from local stores to online markets, and offer tips on finding rare and exclusive Funko Pops for your collection.
1. Local Collectable Stores
One of the best places to start your hunt for Funko Pops is your local collectable or hobby store. These stores often stock a wide variety of figures, including exclusives and chase variants.
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Why Shop Locally?
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You can inspect the boxes and figures in-person for quality.
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Local shops may have rare or older stock that’s hard to find online.
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Pro Tip: Build relationships with store staff! They can provide insider information about upcoming stock and exclusives for loyal customers.
For Australian collectors, stores like Ozzie Collectables are go-to destinations, offering everything from common releases to hard-to-find grails.
2. Major Retailers
Big-box stores and major retailers are reliable sources for mainstream Funko Pops and retailer exclusives. Some popular options include:
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EB Games/Zing Pop Culture (Australia)
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Target
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Walmart
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Hot Topic
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Funko Store
Each retailer often carries exclusive Pops that you can only find in their stores or online. These exclusives are often marked with a special sticker, adding to their collectability. In some cases, you can still find these exclusives with independent and online retailers, just be sure to check which sticker is on the box in the provided images!
3. Online Collectable Stores
Online collectable stores are a haven for collectors seeking variety and convenience. Stores like Ozzie Collectables offer an extensive selection, including:
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Retailer exclusives
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Convention exclusives
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Pre-orders for upcoming releases
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Hard-to-find retired Pops
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Advantages of Online Collectable Stores:
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Easy to browse and compare prices.
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Regular sales and promotions.
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Access to international exclusives and grails.
4. Funko’s Official Website
The official Funko website often lists exclusive figures and offers direct access to their latest drops. While shipping fees can sometimes be high, and shipping is not available everywhere, it’s a reliable source for Funko Shop exclusives.
5. Conventions and Pop Culture Events
Pop culture conventions like San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), New York Comic Con (NYCC), or Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) are hotspots for exclusive Funko Pops. These events often release limited-edition figures that are highly sought after by collectors.
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Virtual Options: Many conventions now offer online sales for those unable to attend in person.
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Pro Tip: Research event schedules and prepare to queue early—both in-person and online—as exclusives tend to sell out quickly.
Explore previous Comic Con dops here.
6. Online Marketplaces
Secondary markets like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and specialty collector groups are excellent for finding rare and retired Pops. However, caution is essential when buying from some of these sources.
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Tips for Safe Purchases:
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Verify the seller’s reputation through reviews or feedback.
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Check for authentic stickers and details to avoid counterfeits.
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Compare prices to ensure you’re not overpaying.
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Stick with groups run by well-known people or businesses in the collectables community.
Online collector communities, such as Facebook groups or Discord servers, can be fantastic for trading and finding reasonable deals.
7. Specialty Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes and mystery boxes offer a fun way to expand your collection. These services often include exclusive figures and themed bundles that aren’t available elsewhere.
While these boxes are a gamble, they can introduce you to exclusives you might not have found otherwise.
8. International Retailers and Importing
For region-specific exclusives, consider shopping with international retailers. While shipping fees and customs charges can add up, importing rare Pops may be the only way to complete your collection.
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Popular International Retailers:
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Amazon (US/UK)
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BoxLunch (US)
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Forbidden Planet (UK)
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Ozzie Collectables (AU)
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Pro Tip: Use package forwarding services to consolidate international orders and save on shipping if not available to your location.
Final Thoughts
The journey to finding Funko Pops is part of what makes collecting so enjoyable. Whether you’re scouring local stores, attending conventions, or browsing online retailers like Ozzie Collectables, there’s a thrill in tracking down that one elusive piece to complete your collection. Remember to stay organised, budget wisely, and enjoy the hunt, because collecting is all about the fun and passion behind it!
Looking for your next rare find? Explore Ozzie Collectables for an extensive range of Funko Pops, including exclusives and grails, and start building your dream collection today!