Informing You For Your Protection.....

[Gephyrophobia]

Take something that's suppose to be one of 5 which costs $150+, then you take something that's one of 5,000 and make it look the same and scam someone into paying $150 when it really costs you $10.buyer thinks they bought a rare piece but it's really a common piece.

Plus it completely messes the market up for the rare pieces

I guess I just don't think the same product without paint should be worth more money. At the end of the day it's an unpainted toy. This just means that people who enjoy how protos look might realize that they can add to their collection easier and save on cash.

However, scamming somebody is never acceptable and selling it for tons of money is a total wrong thing to do, though it doesn't look like that's what they planned on doing.

[Topshelf19k]

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Sunday. Enjoy the better things in life like Game of Thrones

[edorice]

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Sunday. Enjoy the better things in life like Game of Thrones

Whoop!

[Squird]

Great. Custom protos. This d*ckhole's gotta suck all the fun out of collecting Funko.

[icemanfan44]

and here is where the idea of a prototype registry comes in. To establish the provenance that a piece is genuine. I am not bidding on the 9 inch Steamboat Willie proto because of this very reason.

[sclarke03]

I guess I just don't think the same product without paint should be worth more money. At the end of the day it's an unpainted toy. This just means that people who enjoy how protos look might realize that they can add to their collection easier and save on cash.

It doesn't sound like you understand what prototypes are, or why they are important. There's a good reason why a prototype does not have the same value as a production piece (in most cases).

Yes, they are toys.... but they are the figures that the production pieces are based off of. Funko only produces a handful of prototypes for each piece they make. If everyone started making their own "custom prototypes", that's going to cause problems.

Not everyone collects protos, that's fine. But if I go out and spend good money on a proto for a figure I really want, I'd prefer not to have a knock off.

[HobieWanKenobi]

Great. Custom protos. This d*ckhole's gotta suck all the fun out of collecting Funko.

Maybe you can get that Freddy Wayne proto commissioned.

[jpaskoff]

One idea is we could have a proto list, like who has what proto. Since there are 5 Color and 2 White, we would know if all 5 are in the hands of collectors if a fake one comes up. Of course there are flaws, but it might be a good way to start and couldn't hurt.

[Chemo_Nchicago]

Great. Custom protos. This d*ckhole's gotta suck all the fun out of collecting Funko.

Maybe you can get that Freddy Wayne proto commissioned.

[Gephyrophobia]

It doesn't sound like you understand what prototypes are, or why they are important. There's a good reason why a prototype does not have the same value as a production piece (in most cases).

Yes, they are toys.... but they are the figures that the production pieces are based off of. Funko only produces a handful of prototypes for each piece they make. If everyone started making their own "custom prototypes", that's going to cause problems.

Not everyone collects protos, that's fine. But if I go out and spend good money on a proto for a figure I really want, I'd prefer not to have a knock off.

I just wonder why people pay absurd prices for something just because it's rare. Who is it causing problems for? If anything, this might cause authentic protos to cost less because of the uncertainty factor, thus making it easier for people to be able to afford them if they want them. You haven't explained to me why they are "important" and why they should have more value. It's not as if I dissed people who collect protos, I'm just baffled why people are witch hunting a guy for stripping paint off of his toy.

[Squird]

Great. Custom protos. This d*ckhole's gotta suck all the fun out of collecting Funko.

Maybe you can get that Freddy Wayne proto commissioned.

I'd rather commission the Freddy Stormtrooper since that one was NEVER made. If you're going to fake one, go big.

[Pumpkin King]

Hahahaha Fear and Loathing in Funkoland!


Funko could just not make protos available to the general public like most companies do. Problem solved.

But carry on with your worrying and doubts. Its fun to read.

[MyLittleFunkos]

It doesn't sound like you understand what prototypes are, or why they are important. There's a good reason why a prototype does not have the same value as a production piece (in most cases).

Yes, they are toys.... but they are the figures that the production pieces are based off of. Funko only produces a handful of prototypes for each piece they make. If everyone started making their own "custom prototypes", that's going to cause problems.

Not everyone collects protos, that's fine. But if I go out and spend good money on a proto for a figure I really want, I'd prefer not to have a knock off.

I just wonder why people pay absurd prices for something just because it's rare. Who is it causing problems for? If anything, this might cause authentic protos to cost less because of the uncertainty factor, thus making it easier for people to be able to afford them if they want them. You haven't explained to me why they are "important" and why they should have more value. It's not as if I dissed people who collect protos, I'm just baffled why people are witch hunting a guy for stripping paint off of his toy.

Rare and high prices go hand in hand. Protos are important to people for different reasons, it really depends on the individual. I like them because (to me) it is where the figure came from, it's origin. I love seeing the proto and the production piece next to each other. The simplicity of the proto is another reason I love them. I only buy protos of figures I love, not just to own a rare piece...

Yes, it's not cool that this can and might lead to fake protos but it was only a matter of time. Just be careful where and who you buy from.

[Squird]

It doesn't sound like you understand what prototypes are, or why they are important. There's a good reason why a prototype does not have the same value as a production piece (in most cases).

Yes, they are toys.... but they are the figures that the production pieces are based off of. Funko only produces a handful of prototypes for each piece they make. If everyone started making their own "custom prototypes", that's going to cause problems.

Not everyone collects protos, that's fine. But if I go out and spend good money on a proto for a figure I really want, I'd prefer not to have a knock off.

I just wonder why people pay absurd prices for something just because it's rare. Who is it causing problems for? If anything, this might cause authentic protos to cost less because of the uncertainty factor, thus making it easier for people to be able to afford them if they want them. You haven't explained to me why they are "important" and why they should have more value. It's not as if I dissed people who collect protos, I'm just baffled why people are witch hunting a guy for stripping paint off of his toy.

To those of us who collect protos, it's not about the money, it's about what a proto is. It's part of the process, not the end result. I like my production pieces, I love my protos. Without them, you wouldn't have the toy to strip the paint off of.

That's kind of a big deal (obviously not to you, but to others)

Once one guy strips his toy and sells it, then someone else does it, then another, then another. Then it's only a matter of time before these pieces start getting resold as simply 'protos' and not 'custom protos'.

I don't think its a witch hunt, it's calling out some jerkwad who's too cheap or lazy to try and get a real proto so he's resorted to making his own.

[glowfunkofreak]

WOW !! Amazing .. Astounding ..

This is nothing new though .. stripping the paint off to sell as a Proto ..
A lot easier to tell when it was a wobbler though .. not so easy now ..

The matter of intent to defraud is a different story.

One big reason I don't collect Protos .. sure I have a few .. but all the ones I did get were from Fundays or from the people who got them from a Fundays. I don't even get them from Steve at Gemini cause the price is still to high for me.

As far as copying Exclusives .. if you copy the sticker from the box as well .. there could be the later intent to defraud.

I understand an out of the box collector possibly wanting a "custom" exclusive for there shelf but when you copy everything .. starting to look shady when people get out of collecting after 6 months .. m.o.o.O.

[Gephyrophobia]

To those of us who collect protos, it's not about the money, it's about what a proto is. It's part of the process, not the end result. I like my production pieces, I love my protos. Without them, you wouldn't have the toy to strip the paint off of.

That's kind of a big deal (obviously not to you, but to others)

Once one guy strips his toy and sells it, then someone else does it, then another, then another. Then it's only a matter of time before these pieces start getting resold as simply 'protos' and not 'custom protos'.

I don't think its a witch hunt, it's calling out some jerkwad who's too cheap or lazy to try and get a real proto so he's resorted to making his own.

But if they are identical and even you can't tell the difference, what does it matter? Who says he's too cheap or lazy and instead just wanted to make one? What people do with their figures is their business. I digress.

[unoudid]

I'm a designer by trade. The fact that the prototypes are part of the design process is what makes me love them so much. These pieces are used to get approval of the molds prior to pieces being massed produced. The history of a proto is what makes them so cool. How often do you get to own a piece of the design process?! At times there are reject protos that have made their way to the collector community (Big Head Cruella, Hand Pianted Syndrome, etc....) those pieces are even more special as those pieces never make it to mass production for the public. This guy doing "custom" protos is just trying to make a quick buck for doing a custom. I don't believe he is trying to scam people into thinking it's a real one. But what happens when the guy who bought a custom proto decides to sell it off. Do you trust people enough not to lie about it and jump the price to $150 instead of the $10 it's worth? If anyone makes a custom proto for others the. They just lack any artistic integrity.

[Justicewarrior88]

This is a gateway for trouble. In this incident it has been clearly stated that it's a custom, but it won't be long before others are doing the same and trying to pass them off as the real thing. Even if it's not for profit, even if it's just for their own personal collection, if they call them protos, or brag about their awesome proto collection it devalues and degrades actual proto collections.

If every stripped pop was clearly called a custom then that's one thing, but if someone is stripping a pop and calling it a proto that's bad form and leaves a very bad taste for other collectors.

[beckysaurus]

I just wonder why people pay absurd prices for something just because it's rare. Who is it causing problems for? If anything, this might cause authentic protos to cost less because of the uncertainty factor, thus making it easier for people to be able to afford them if they want them. You haven't explained to me why they are "important" and why they should have more value. It's not as if I dissed people who collect protos, I'm just baffled why people are witch hunting a guy for stripping paint off of his toy.

This guy didn't just "strip paint off of his toy" for the sake of stripping the paint to see what was underneath. The idea here is that he created a mock prototype, for the sake of duplicating a prototype. Otherwise, it wouldn't be called a "custom proto."

There's a difference between the two. It gives birth to the idea for other people to then start doing the same thing with mal-intent, or with the intent to forge an authentic rare piece with further intent to sell it as an authentic piece. True, this has happened in every kind of collectible/rarity before, but that's another discussion.

In answer to your first question, it's a problem for all of those people looking to purchase authentic prototypes made by the Funko company. These are pieces that were handled by the artists themselves, and that's why they're valuable (either by money or emotional value). It isn't about how a prototype looks to most of the people on this board. It's about what a prototype is. And as for it making authentic prototypes costing less, even if this was true (which it won't be), how would you know if your cheap proto is the authentic one? Uncertainty isn't worth paying $30 less, because a fake proto is just a $9 production piece without the paint, rendering it worthless. And that doesn't mean "more people can afford them," that just means that there are fakes circulating around the globe, and "more people" THINK they own one - but the same amount of people actually own the REAL ones, since there are a finite number of real ones. And those, in turn, would increase in value comparatively to any fakes.

That being said, everybody keep their heads on.

[jgordini]

My two cents on this subject will come from a slightly different angle. As a customizer this is why I won't do commission work and I'm very selective to who I do work for or sell to. The reason being ... you can't control what that person does with your work/custom. For example, some of you know I have a young son who collects. Well, there are certain pieces he wants that I won't buy for him because it's too expensive and because he is a kid and sometimes plays with them as toys (shocking I know). For an example, I made him a custom Shadowtrooper. Now I will never make one for anyone else because I can control what happens to what I made for my son. I can't if someone commissioned me for it. Actually on a side note, by creating the custom it has become a great teaching tool for my son to learn the lessons of being honest but that's a different story.

For me, knowing certain products can be easily "customed" gave me more reason to control what I do within this community and work hard for people on here to trust me. I have learned the hard way to not be so trust worthy just because people collect a product and part of an on-line community.

[Pumpkin King]

Wouldnt the finished product reek of chemicals?

[Chemo_Nchicago]

smokers beware your "custom proto" cant start fires.

[Gephyrophobia]

I just wonder why people pay absurd prices for something just because it's rare. Who is it causing problems for? If anything, this might cause authentic protos to cost less because of the uncertainty factor, thus making it easier for people to be able to afford them if they want them. You haven't explained to me why they are "important" and why they should have more value. It's not as if I dissed people who collect protos, I'm just baffled why people are witch hunting a guy for stripping paint off of his toy.

This guy didn't just "strip paint off of his toy" for the sake of stripping the paint to see what was underneath. The idea here is that he created a mock prototype, for the sake of duplicating a prototype. Otherwise, it wouldn't be called a "custom proto."

There's a difference between the two. It gives birth to the idea for other people to then start doing the same thing with mal-intent, or with the intent to forge an authentic rare piece with further intent to sell it as an authentic piece. True, this has happened in every kind of collectible/rarity before, but that's another discussion.

In answer to your first question, it's a problem for all of those people looking to purchase authentic prototypes made by the Funko company. These are pieces that were handled by the artists themselves, and that's why they're valuable (either by money or emotional value). It isn't about how a prototype looks to most of the people on this board. It's about what a prototype is. And as for it making authentic prototypes costing less, even if this was true (which it won't be), how would you know if your cheap proto is the authentic one? Uncertainty isn't worth paying $30 less, because a fake proto is just a $9 production piece without the paint, rendering it worthless. And that doesn't mean "more people can afford them," that just means that there are fakes circulating around the globe, and "more people" THINK they own one - but the same amount of people actually own the REAL ones, since there are a finite number of real ones. And those, in turn, would increase in value comparatively to any fakes.

That being said, everybody keep their heads on.

I'm saying it doesn't matter if it's the authentic one or not. I see nothing wrong with duplicating a prototype at all. I only see wrongdoing in ripping people off with it.

[unoudid]

I'm saying it doesn't matter if it's the authentic one or not. I see nothing wrong with duplicating a prototype at all. I only see wrongdoing in ripping people off with it.

I'm assuming you are cool with knockoff Coach handbags, Nike Jordans, Raybans, etc.... Also then?

[edorice]

I'm saying it doesn't matter if it's the authentic one or not. I see nothing wrong with duplicating a prototype at all. I only see wrongdoing in ripping people off with it.

I'm assuming you are cool with knockoff Coach handbags, Nike Jordans, Raybans, etc.... Also then?

I have to admit that I bought a Folex back in the day.

[blade2025]

I'm saying it doesn't matter if it's the authentic one or not. I see nothing wrong with duplicating a prototype at all. I only see wrongdoing in ripping people off with it.

I'm assuming you are cool with knockoff Coach handbags, Nike Jordans, Raybans, etc.... Also then?

I have to admit that I bought a Folex back in the day.

[BBRX807]

I bet the guys at pawnstars know a guy who could help us authenticate protos=D

[glowfunkofreak]

Looks like it has started already ..
I see a very suspicious big pop proto on eBay from a seller with 0 feedback.

I only know of two sets that were given out at this Fundays .. only one is pictured here at the awards table since Brian gave me my set for Funko Spirit or being the "King of POP!" at the time.


http://www.justanotherfunkoobserver.com ... 11-385.jpg

I got a set and Craig (for being the Proto King) got a set to the best of my knowledge. If you look at the lower right hand corner of this blurry picture you can see the second set.

http://www.justanotherfunkoobserver.com ... 11-408.jpg

I don't have mine anymore, but it didn't go to VA, plus they say they are the original owners.
Craig doesn't live in VA anymore, and I'm sure he wouldn't start a new eBay (2 days old) in a state he don't live in anymore.

Sorry people.. buyers beware !!

[h3wi3]

I've only bought one proto off ebay and I made sure to verify the person was a boardie. This just seems to open the door for fakes to be sold down the line. It only takes a few bad apples to ruin it for everybody else.

[jpaskoff]

Looks like it has started already ..
I see a very suspicious big pop proto on eBay from a seller with 0 feedback.

I only know of two sets that were given out at this Fundays .. only one is pictured here at the awards table since Brian gave me my set for Funko Spirit or being the "King of POP!" at the time.


http://www.justanotherfunkoobserver.com ... 11-385.jpg

I got a set and Craig (for being the Proto King) got a set to the best of my knowledge. If you look at the lower right hand corner of this blurry picture you can see the second set.

http://www.justanotherfunkoobserver.com ... 11-408.jpg

I don't have mine anymore, but it didn't go to VA, plus they say they are the original owners.
Craig doesn't live in VA anymore, and I'm sure he wouldn't start a new eBay (2 days old) in a state he don't live in anymore.

Sorry people.. buyers beware !!

Always could have been from gemini...but good detective work!

[Gephyrophobia]

I'm saying it doesn't matter if it's the authentic one or not. I see nothing wrong with duplicating a prototype at all. I only see wrongdoing in ripping people off with it.

I'm assuming you are cool with knockoff Coach handbags, Nike Jordans, Raybans, etc.... Also then?

If they perform the desired function, why would I not want the cheaper option? As we speak I'm eating store brand chocolate covered pretzels and my eye medication is also generic. The horror!

[glowfunkofreak]

No .. it couldn't be.
There are only 2 made of these.
Gemini never got any, this made them even more special, these were given out as awards.

Don't need to be a detective I was there. LOL

[jpaskoff]

No .. it couldn't be.
There are only 2 made of these.
Gemini never got any, this made them even more special, these were given out as awards.

Don't need to be a detective I was there. LOL

Ah, ok. I was confused cause normally aren't there more than 2 of a color proto?

[Funko5ker]

No .. it couldn't be.
There are only 2 made of these.
Gemini never got any, this made them even more special, these were given out as awards.

Don't need to be a detective I was there. LOL

I have a color steamboat Willie proto I got from gemini. I'm pretty sure there was someone else on here who got one from them around the same time I got mine too. I think Poncho Pete has one as well so there are more than two. Unless the two from fundays are slightly different.

[jpaskoff]

No .. it couldn't be.
There are only 2 made of these.
Gemini never got any, this made them even more special, these were given out as awards.

Don't need to be a detective I was there. LOL

I have a color steamboat Willie proto I got from gemini. I'm pretty sure there was someone else on here who got one from them around the same time I got mine too I think Poncho Pete has one as well so there are more than two. Unless the two from fundays are slightly different.

These are the 9 inch.

[Funko5ker]

No .. it couldn't be.
There are only 2 made of these.
Gemini never got any, this made them even more special, these were given out as awards.

Don't need to be a detective I was there. LOL

I have a color steamboat Willie proto I got from gemini. I'm pretty sure there was someone else on here who got one from them around the same time I got mine too I think Poncho Pete has one as well so there are more than two. Unless the two from fundays are slightly different.

These are the 9 inch.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about.

[jpaskoff]

Ah, ok. Just wanted to make sure!

[blade2025]

This one being sold online is 10 inches.

[glowfunkofreak]

Pete has mine. So that's why I said mine didn't go to VA.
I believe you just said yours is a color proto .. or is it all black ?

It is all irrelevant, because in the item description they say the are the original owner and got it at Fundays.
No mention of anything else, not from a collector, and not from a authorized Funko Dealer.

Reading is fundamental ... LOL

Maybe we can get the seller to come forward to verify they were at Fundays ?
I'm sure one of those Funatics that were there would remember such a rare item given away.

[glowfunkofreak]

This one being sold online is 10 inches.

They must have watered it, and fed it well ..