You want to Identify Fake Figures before spending your money. Fakes keep getting better, but you can still spot them if you know what to look for. Always check the packaging, price, seller, and the figure’s quality. Look for small details that seem off. Trust your gut if something feels wrong. Collecting should feel fun, not stressful!
Packaging
Box Quality
When you pick up a Genshin Impact figure, the box tells you a lot. Real boxes feel sturdy. The cardboard stands firm and the colors pop. Fake boxes often look flimsy. You might see faded colors or blurry images. Sometimes the box size feels off. If the box feels thin or bends easily, that’s a warning sign.
Tip: Always check for spelling mistakes or weird fonts. Bootleg boxes often have errors that official ones don’t.
Logos & Holograms
Official figures come with clear logos and shiny holographic stickers. These marks show you the figure is legit. Bootlegs skip these details or try to copy them. The logo might look stretched or pixelated. Holograms on fake boxes often look dull or peel off easily.
Here’s a quick way to spot the difference:
|
Feature |
Official Figure |
Bootleg Figure |
|---|---|---|
|
Logo |
Sharp, clear |
Blurry, stretched |
|
Hologram |
Shiny, secure |
Dull, peeling |
If you don’t see a hologram or the logo looks strange, you should be careful.
Serial Numbers
Every real Genshin Impact figure has a serial number. You can find it on the box or sometimes on the base of the figure. This number helps you check if the figure is real. Bootlegs often skip serial numbers or use fake ones.
Note: You can search the serial number on the manufacturer’s website. If nothing comes up, the figure might be fake.
Look for the company name, too. Official boxes show the manufacturer, like miHoYo or Good Smile Company. If you see a box with no company info, that’s a big red flag. Always check these details before you buy.
Price & Seller
Low Prices
If you see a Genshin Impact figure with a price that looks too good to be true, you should pause. Most official figures cost more than small items like charms or bracelets. For example, official Genshin Impact charms and bracelets usually sell for about £8.99 to £10.99 GBP. Full-sized figures cost much more. When you spot a full figure for the price of a keychain, that’s a big red flag. Bootleg sellers often use low prices to trick you. They want you to think you’re getting a deal, but you might end up with a fake.
Tip: If the price is way lower than what you see at trusted stores, you should double-check before buying.
Seller Reputation
Always check who you’re buying from. Unknown sellers or new online shops can be risky. Trusted sellers have good reviews and lots of happy customers. You can look at ratings, read comments, and see how long the seller has been around. If you see lots of complaints about fake products, you should walk away. A good seller will answer your questions and show real photos of the figure.
Here’s a quick checklist for checking a seller:
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Do they have positive reviews?
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Have they sold figures before?
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Do buyers say the figures are real?
If you answer “no” to any of these, you should be careful.
Authorized Dealers
Buying from authorized dealers is the safest way to get a real figure. Official stores like Tmall (MiHoYo’s store in China) sell authentic figures, but shopping there can be hard if you live outside China. Many collectors use proxy services to help with shipping and language. You can also find real figures at trusted shops like AmiAmi, Big Bad Toy Store, Good Smile, and Crunchyroll. These stores may charge more than Tmall, but you get peace of mind.
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Official stores and authorized retailers offer real figures.
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Prices can change based on where you shop, stock, and exchange rates.
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Smaller items cost less, but full figures always cost more than simple charms.
When you stick with trusted sellers, you protect yourself from scams and enjoy your collection even more!
Figure Quality
Paint & Details
When you look at a Genshin Impact figure, the paint job stands out first. Real figures have smooth, even paint. You see nice shading in the hair and clothes. Bootlegs often mess this up. You might spot blocky colors, paint smears, or even bubbles in the paint. Sometimes the hair looks flat, with no shading or texture. The tips of the hair can look rounded or misshapen, instead of sharp and clean. If you see sloppy lines or missing details, that’s a big warning sign.
Tip: Hold the figure up to the light. If the paint looks uneven or you spot weird marks, you might have a fake.
Material & Weight
Official figures use high-quality plastic. They feel solid in your hand. Bootlegs often use cheap, light plastic. Sometimes you notice a strong chemical smell when you open the box. That’s not normal. Real figures should not smell like harsh chemicals. If the figure feels too light or flimsy, you should be careful.
Here’s a quick comparison:
|
Feature |
Official Figure |
Bootleg Figure |
|---|---|---|
|
Weight |
Solid, balanced |
Light, flimsy |
|
Smell |
Neutral |
Strong chemical |
Seams & Finish
Check the seams where parts join together. On real figures, seams blend in and look smooth. Bootlegs often have rough, obvious seams. Sometimes you see gaps or uneven lines. The sculpting might look distorted or awkward. Joints on fake figures can look bulky or stick out in weird ways. If you spot these problems, the figure is probably not real.
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Smooth seams = good sign
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Rough, thick seams = bad sign
Eyes & Base
The eyes on official figures look sharp and lively. Bootlegs sometimes mess up the eyes. You might see blurry prints, wrong colors, or eyes that look off-center. The base should fit the figure perfectly. If the base feels wobbly or the figure does not stand straight, that’s a clue it could be fake. Always check these small details before you buy.
Remember: Take your time and look closely. Small mistakes often mean big problems with quality.
Identify Fake Figures
Spotting a fake Genshin Impact figure can feel tricky, but you have some great tools to help you. When you want to identify fake figures, you should always take a few extra steps before you buy. Let’s break down what you can do.
Request Photos
Never feel shy about asking a seller for more photos. Real sellers expect this. Ask for clear, close-up shots of the figure from different angles. You want to see the front, back, and sides. Make sure you get pictures of the box, the base, and any serial numbers or holograms. If the seller only shows stock images or refuses to send real photos, that’s a warning sign.
Tip: Ask for a photo with a handwritten note next to the figure. This proves the seller actually owns it.
When you request photos, you can spot details that help you identify fake figures. Look for blurry paint, weird seams, or missing logos. These small things often give away a bootleg.
Compare with Official
Once you have photos, compare them with official images. You can find these on the manufacturer’s website or trusted figure databases. Look at the paint, the eyes, and the base. Official figures have sharp lines and bright colors. Bootlegs often look dull or have mistakes.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you compare:
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Do the colors match the official figure?
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Are the eyes clear and centered?
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Does the base have the right logo and fit the figure well?
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Can you spot a serial number in the right place?
If you notice differences, you might have found a fake. Always trust your eyes and your gut. When you compare with official photos, you make it much easier to identify fake figures.
Community Help
You don’t have to do this alone. Online collector communities can help you identify fake figures. These groups have lots of experienced collectors who love to share advice. You can post photos and ask if anyone sees red flags. People in these communities know the common signs of bootlegs, like misspelled logos, odd prices, or bad paint jobs.
Here’s how these communities help you:
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You can ask questions about figures and get quick answers.
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Members share tips about spotting fakes, including what to look for in packaging and figure quality.
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They often use resources like MyFigureCollection (MFC) to track known bootlegs and warn others.
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Collectors encourage you to request detailed photos from sellers and compare them with real figures.
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This teamwork helps everyone avoid scams and keeps the hobby safe.
Note: Joining a collector group can save you money and stress. You get support from people who care about the same things you do.
When you use these steps—requesting photos, comparing with official images, and asking the community—you make it much easier to identify fake figures. Stay curious, ask questions, and always double-check before you buy. You’ll build a collection you can be proud of!
Checklist
Quick Guide
You want a fast way to check if your Genshin Impact figure is real. Here’s a simple checklist you can use every time you shop:
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Look at the box. Is it sturdy? Are the colors bright? Watch for thin cardboard or blurry images.
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Check for logos and holograms. Make sure they look sharp and not faded or stretched.
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Find the serial number. Search for it on the maker’s website if you can.
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Hold the figure. Does it feel solid? Real figures have some weight and do not smell like chemicals.
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Inspect the paint. Look for smooth lines, clean shading, and sharp eyes.
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Examine the seams and sculpt. Real figures have smooth seams and detailed shapes.
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Test the base. The figure should stand straight and fit well.
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Ask for real photos if you buy online. Compare them with official images.
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Use collector communities and trusted sites to help you identify fake figures.
Tip: If something feels off, trust your instincts. It’s better to double-check than regret your purchase.
Stay Vigilant
Even experienced collectors make mistakes. Here are the most common slip-ups you should avoid:
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Relying only on authenticity stickers. Some real figures do not have them.
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Missing small logo errors, like misspellings or missing logos.
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Forgetting to compare the box with official versions. Bootlegs often have pixelated images, poor coloring, or thin cardboard.
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Ignoring bad paint jobs, especially on hair and faces.
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Overlooking sculpting problems, like misshapen hair or thick seams.
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Not checking the plastic blister inside the box. Bootlegs use flimsy or poorly shaped packaging.
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Confusing real manufacturing flaws with signs of a fake.
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Trusting low prices or seller locations without more checks.
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Skipping resources like MyFigureCollection or collector groups for help.
Stay alert and use these tips every time you shop. You will spot more fakes and build a collection you can trust.
You now have the tools to spot fake Genshin Impact figures like a pro. Always check the box, paint, and seller before you buy. Use the checklist every time you shop. Trust your gut if something feels off. Careful inspection helps you avoid scams. Stick with trusted stores for peace of mind. Happy collecting! 🕵️♂️
FAQ
How can I tell if a Genshin Impact figure is fake just by looking at photos?
Look for blurry paint, weird seams, or missing logos. Ask the seller for close-up photos from different angles. If you see anything that looks off or the seller refuses to send real photos, you should be careful.
Do all real figures have hologram stickers?
Not every official figure has a hologram sticker. Some older or smaller items might not include one. Always check for other signs like sharp logos, serial numbers, and sturdy packaging. Don’t rely on just one detail.
What should I do if I accidentally buy a bootleg?
Contact the seller right away and ask for a refund. If you used a trusted site, open a dispute. Leave a review to warn others. Next time, double-check the seller and use the checklist before you buy.
Are figures from conventions always real?
No, not always. Some sellers at conventions offer bootlegs. Always inspect the box, logos, and figure quality before you buy. If you feel unsure, ask for proof or compare with official images. Trust your instincts!
