Understanding If BEARBRICK is Real or Fake
BEARBRICK figures, produced by the renowned Japanese company Medicom Toy, are celebrated as both art and collectibles. Their unique designs and limited editions have garnered a global following, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. However, their popularity has also led to a proliferation of counterfeit versions, which can be challenging to spot for the untrained eye. For serious collectors, distinguishing between a BEARBRICK real or fake is essential to preserve the value and integrity of their collection. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps to verify the authenticity of a BEARBRICK figure.
1. Scrutinize the Packaging
The first layer of defense against counterfeits is the packaging. Authentic BEARBRICKs come in carefully crafted boxes that reflect the meticulous quality control of Medicom Toy.
Barcode Verification
Authentic BEARBRICKs feature a barcode unique to the specific figure. By scanning this barcode with a reader or app, collectors can verify if the details, such as the name, color, and size, match the product. If the barcode yields incorrect information or no results, it is a strong indicator that the figure is counterfeit.
Packaging Quality
Genuine packaging is crafted from premium materials, with sharp printing, vibrant colors, and perfectly aligned logos. Counterfeit packaging often uses lower-quality materials, has blurry or faded prints, and shows signs of poor craftsmanship, such as uneven folds or misaligned text.
2. Inspect the Figure’s Material and Build Quality
The quality of the figure itself is one of the most telling signs of authenticity. Medicom Toy is known for its exceptional standards, and deviations can be a red flag.
Material Consistency
Authentic BEARBRICKs are primarily made of high-quality vinyl, which feels durable and smooth to the touch. Some special editions may use alternative materials like wood, metal, or felt. Counterfeit figures, on the other hand, may feel lightweight, brittle, or rough due to the use of inferior plastics and finishes.
Articulation and Joints
Genuine BEARBRICKs are designed with precise engineering, allowing for smooth movement and stable poses. The joints should neither be too loose nor too tight. Counterfeit figures often have poorly constructed joints that may feel stiff or overly fragile, hindering proper articulation.
3. Analyze the Price Point
While everyone loves a good deal, the old adage holds true: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Authentic Pricing
BEARBRICKs, particularly rare or limited editions, are known for their high price points due to their artistry and collectibility. A steeply discounted figure, especially from an unofficial seller, is often a counterfeit. Always research the market value of the specific BEARBRICK you’re considering to avoid falling for scams.
4. Look for Holographic Stickers and Seals
Many genuine BEARBRICKs come with holographic stickers or seals on their packaging. These serve as additional layers of authentication.
Holographic Features
Medicom Toy uses advanced printing techniques for these stickers, making them difficult to replicate. Counterfeiters often fail to match the precision, resulting in stickers that look faded, misaligned, or overly simplistic. The absence of holographic features on a figure that should have them is a major warning sign.
5. Verify Hidden Tag Certification
In late 2021, Medicom Toy introduced the Hidden Tag system, a state-of-the-art technology to combat counterfeiting, which made it much easier to check if BEARBRICK is real or fake. This method adds a robust layer of security to BEARBRICK figures.
How It Works
Each authentic BEARBRICK now includes a QR code embedded with digital watermarking technology. By scanning this QR code with the Hidden Tag App, available on both the App Store and Google Play, collectors can instantly verify the figure’s authenticity. This technology surpasses traditional QR codes in security, making it almost impossible to forge.
Steps for Verification
1.Download and install the Hidden Tag App.
2.Locate the QR code on the figure or packaging.
3.Open the app and scan the QR code.
4.Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm whether the figure is genuine. If the app verifies authenticity, you can rest assured that your BEARBRICK is legitimate. If not, the figure is likely counterfeit.
6. Examine Additional Details
Logos and Branding
Authentic BEARBRICKs have crisp, clean logos and branding. Counterfeits may have smudged, misaligned, or misspelled logos.
Serial Numbers
Some BEARBRICK editions include serial numbers. Ensure that these match the accompanying documentation or official product details.
Weight and Balance
Genuine BEARBRICKs feel balanced and appropriately weighted. Counterfeit figures may feel overly light or unstable.
We hope that this blog helped you understand how to check if BEARBRICK is real or fake. At our store, we pride ourselves on offering only 100% authentic BEARBRICKs. Each figure in our collection is meticulously sourced and verified for authenticity, ensuring you receive a genuine product every time. With us, you can collect with confidence, knowing your BEARBRICK is as authentic as the artistry it represents.
