How to Spot Fake Pop Mart Products

How to Spot Fake Pop Mart Products

Pop Mart figures and plush pendants have become hugely collectable, which has also led to more counterfeit products appearing online. Some fakes are obvious, while others can look convincing at first glance.

Here are the main things to check before buying.

Check the Packaging

Genuine Pop Mart packaging is usually sturdy, neatly printed and professionally finished.

Warning signs include:

  • Blurry images or text
  • Thin or flimsy cardboard
  • Incorrect colours
  • Poorly aligned printing
  • Rough edges or excessive glue
  • Spelling mistakes

Compare the packaging with official Pop Mart images where possible, paying attention to the logo, character name and series artwork.

Look at the Authentication Details

Many newer Pop Mart products include a QR code, hologram or authenticity label.

Check that the sticker is clearly printed and securely attached. A crooked label, poor-quality hologram or QR code that does not work may be a warning sign.

However, a working QR code alone does not guarantee that an item is genuine, as counterfeiters may copy codes. Always check the product and packaging as well.

Examine the Paintwork and Shape

Genuine Pop Mart figures normally have clean paintwork, even facial features and detailed moulding.

Possible signs of a fake include:

  • Uneven eyes
  • Paint bleeding outside the correct area
  • Incorrect colours
  • Visible glue
  • Rough mould lines
  • Misshapen faces, hands or accessories

A genuine figure may occasionally have a small manufacturing flaw, but several quality issues together should raise concerns.

Check the Material and Finish

Fake figures can feel unusually light, brittle, sticky or overly hard. They may also have a strong chemical smell.

Plush pendants should have secure stitching, soft and evenly finished fabric, and neatly shaped facial features. Loose threads, thin fur, uneven eyes or poorly attached accessories may suggest a counterfeit.

Check the Collector Card and Accessories

Most blind-box figures include a collector card matching the character inside.

The card should have sharp printing, correct colours and neatly cut edges. Fake cards may look blurry, faded or unusually thin.

Also check whether the figure includes the correct stand or accessories shown in official product photos.

New boxed Pop Mart items often include a small branded desiccant sachet to help prevent moisture damage during storage and transit. These have the words Pop Mart printed on them. A warning sign that it is not genuine will not have this bag or Pop Mart printed on the one present.

An opened or second-hand figure may genuinely be missing its card or box, so missing packaging does not automatically mean it is fake.

Be Careful With Very Low Prices

A price that seems far too cheap is one of the biggest warning signs.

Rare, discontinued or sought-after figures are unlikely to be sold for a tiny fraction of their usual value without a clear reason. Be especially cautious when sellers appear to have large quantities of supposedly rare products.

Research the Seller

Before buying, check the seller’s reviews, product descriptions and returns policy.

Look for clear photographs of the actual item rather than relying only on official stock images. For expensive items, ask to see the box, labels and authentication sticker.

For the most reliable check, use POP MART’s official verification portal at q.popmart.com. Always check that the page address ends in popmart.com before entering or trusting the result.

Final Thoughts

There is no single test that proves whether every Pop Mart product is genuine. The safest approach is to check the packaging, authentication details, product quality, price and seller together.

At MM Collectibles, we carefully source our products and clearly describe whether each item is sealed, opened, confirmed or pre-owned, so collectors know exactly what they are buying.

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