It takes lots of time and patience to find a hidden gem. I’m talking hour(s) few times a week. But if you enjoy the hunt like me use the checklist below to make sure you’re not getting a bootleg. This is more for the collector who enjoys bargain hunting instead of getting the exact figure they want. If you have a specific figure in mind. Go buy it no need to hunt for a bargain for your #1 waifu. Other than your actual wife leaving you after seeing your credit card statement what’s the worst that could happen? I’m not speaking from experience, I promise. 😀

The Checklist ______________________________________________ #

• Press CTRL+F Search for the word “China” or “CN” on the product page
  • if those words exist on the page it has a 99.99% chance to be bootleg

• Title – Does the title seem legitimate?
  • Example: “ZEVREVS 14inch Chainsaw Man Figure (2023 New Figure) Denji Figure Decoration Model Collection(The Best Gift for Chainsaw Man Fans)”
    • Random letters title is one of the biggest red flags of a bootleg in the example it is “ZEVREVS”
    • Other common bootleg name examples include “Seidio”, “XPHHPX”, “BEEMAI”, “KOOLIYA” etc …
    • If you’re curious why they do this check out this video from Techquickie from the Linus Team

• Brand Name – Is the brand a known manufacturer of the figure?
  • Ensure the brand name matches the actual manufacturer
    • Copy the title and paste it into Google and add “MFC” at the end of the search to pull up the MyFigureCollection page for the figure. Ensure the figure manufacturer in MFC matches the Brand in Amazon

• Sold By – Is the product sold by a Chinese seller?
  • Under the Buy Now/Add-to-Cart button is the very important Sold By field with a link to the seller’s Page. As of 2020, all sellers have to disclose their registered addresses.
    • If it’s Chinese writing or has the word China or CN then it is a high probability it is a bootleg. This has been the most consistent indicator of a bootleg figure.
    • Can’t tell the difference between Chinese and Japanese letters? Check a nice breakdown here.

• Product Bullet Points – Do the bullet points underneath the title talk about the features or random generic benefits?
  • Chinese sellers have massive trade shows for Amazon where they are taught the tricks of the trade. They are told to sell benefits and not features so you will see things like “BEST GIFT for family and friends” and “3D lively and funny” on a figure with Deji from Chainsaw man ripping out guts with a blood explosion.
  • Bootleggers’ product bullet-points will be generic and have little to do with the actual figure as they just copy/paste the same bullets on all their posts.

• Product Information – Do the product details seem correct for what you are buying?
  • Product dimensions of official products will reflect the actual box size. If you are buying a 1/7th scale and the product dimension is only 6 inches tall then it is a red flag.
  • Does the item have a model number that you can google to pull up the product? This is NOT the ASIN number.
  • Does the Manufacturer match MyFigureCollection.net listing for the figure?
    • Bootleggers will have the Manufacturer match the brand which is usually random letters.
  • Is the Country of Origin China?
    • If yes, then this is probably a bootleg

• Other Things to Consider
  • Are you an Amazon Prime member?
    • Anecdotal experience Amazon is much more likely to refund you for a bootleg figure purchase if you are an Amazon Prime member
  • Reviews lie.
    • There is a grey market for Chinese sellers to buy fake reviews. Do not trust reviews without photos. A verified buyer review has little meaning.
  • Photos lie.
    • Official product photos on bootleg figures are generally official product photos from the original manufacturer. Do not trust the listing photos.
  • Check for a Counterfeit
    • When looking up the figure you are considering on MyFigureCollection make sure to check if there is a listing for a counterfeit of the official product
  • Bootlegs may use the official manufacturer name to mislead you by stating “Official Kotobukiya Import”
  • Scale figures have a good chance of having a box in good condition but is not guaranteed so if you care about a pristine box then Amazon might not be for you.
  • These tips are for figures that are from Japanese brands. Take extra caution when purchasing from Chinese brands on Amazon. Example Ribose & Myethos. Where possible buy from a seller in your country.
  • “China Version” anywhere in the listing means bootleg product

• How to Protect Yourself and set yourself up to Dispute a Counterfeit
  • If the listing contains the following and you still receive a bootleg then it is easier to get a refund
    • Does the listing have the official manufacturer’s name somewhere on the page?
    • Does it say “Japan(ese) Import”?
    • Does it say “official”
  • Buy from a seller in your native country and with prime when possible for easier return processing.

Hope this helps at least one person dodge a bootleg on Amazon.

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