Bearbricks, Medicom Toy's iconic creations, have become popular collectibles around the world. However, with their growing popularity, the market has become a playground for counterfeiters looking to take advantage of the growing demand for these Art Toys. If you are an enthusiast or collector looking to acquire an authentic Bearbrick, this comprehensive guide will help you differentiate real from fake.
Bearbricks and Their Growing Popularity
Bearbricks, vinyl cubes that serve as a canvas for unique artistic collaborations, have become a cultural phenomenon. Medicom Toy has partnered with renowned artists and famous brands, making each edition a coveted piece. However, this popularity has also attracted the attention of counterfeiters.
How to authenticate a Bearbrick?
Bearbricks, these miniature works of art, have become coveted products by collectors around the world. However, with the growing popularity of these figurines, it becomes crucial to know how to authenticate a Bearbrick to ensure the legitimacy of one's collection.
At PulseToys Co, we'll guide you through the essential steps to authenticating a Bearbrick like an expert, highlighting details to look for, reliable sources, and specific features to look for.
The importance of differentiation
Purchasing a counterfeit Bearbrick can not only result in financial loss, but also compromise the integrity of your collection. It is therefore crucial to know how to distinguish an authentic Bearbrick from an imitation.
Steps to Tell a Real Bearbrick from a Fake
1. Examine the packaging
A quick way to spot a counterfeit Bearbrick is to pay attention to the packaging. Authentic Medicom Toy packaging is carefully designed with quality details, including holograms, crisp prints and high-quality materials. Counterfeits can often feature errors in lettering, poorly reproduced holograms, or inferior cardboard.
2. Check the Quality of the Paint
Paint quality is another key indicator. Authentic Bearbricks feature a fine finish, with vibrant colors and precise details. Counterfeits may have defects such as smudging, faded colors, or blurred lines. Close inspection of the painting can reveal a lot about the authenticity of the piece.
However, it is also possible that authentic Bearbricks have small defects in the production (slight scratches, etc.). Psst: It’s even Medicom Toy that raises the point on their site!
3. Analyze Markings and Labels
Authentic Bearbricks usually have distinctive markings and labels. Medicom Toy places great emphasis on details, including authenticity labels, logos and engraved markings.
Counterfeits may lack these elements or reproduce them inaccurately. Examine all trademarks carefully to identify any signs of counterfeiting.
Every authentic Bearbrick has specific identifying marks that confirm its origin. Look for the official Medicom Toy logo, usually located on the back leg or in an inconspicuous location on the figure.
If in the same case as the one above, your little work of art has holes in the sole, it means that your bear is not authentic. In this case, the difference is quite easy to identify. Note that this type of sculpture is usually resold on platforms like AliExpress, Ebay, Vinted,...
Some models for sale may also have holograms, serial numbers or other distinctive markings. Visit the official Medicom website to compare logos and specific features for each edition.
4. Study the Box and the Cardboard
The box and cardboard of an authentic Bearbrick are generally of premium quality. Counterfeits may feature poorly printed boxes, blurred logos, or errors in textual information.
Close examination of the cardboard, including folds and seams, may also reveal signs of authenticity.
Another key indicator is the packaging and documentation that comes with the Bearbrick. Counterfeits for sale on the market can often have lower quality packaging, with printing errors or significant variations from authentic packaging.
Official Bearbricks typically come with detailed instruction manuals, authenticity cards, and other documentation specific to each edition. For your information, you will be able to identify a real Bearbrick from Medicom Toy thanks to the small scannable code in Medicom Toy colors (see photo, below the barcode) from the HiddenTag application.
5. Find out about Collaboration or Publishing
Some Bearbricks are the result of specific collaborations with artists or brands (Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kaws, Andy Warhol, Bape,...). Before purchasing, find out about the specific edition you are considering. Counterfeits often struggle to faithfully reproduce details of collaborations, such as the artist's signature or brand logos.
Each edition of Bearbrick is unique, with specific features that set it apart from other products. Before purchasing or authenticating an art figurine, do thorough research on the edition in question (Kaws, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Bape,...).
Consult reliable sources, collector forums, and official Medicom websites for detailed information on specific features, artistic collaborations, and details that guarantee authenticity.
As a general rule, and for most figurines, of these works, in 400% size they are resold accompanied by a small additional product: a 100% size figurine included in the box.
6. Check Points of Sale
Where you plan to purchase your Bearbrick can also be telling. Reputable retailers and official Medicom Toy sites are more likely to sell authentic products. Be careful with third-party sellers, especially those offering significantly lower prices than normal.
7. Use Online Resources
The online collecting community is a valuable resource. Specialist forums, newsgroups and websites dedicated to Bearbricks can provide valuable information and advice on the authenticity of the pieces. Do not hesitate to ask for reviews before making a purchase.
8. Use Authentication Experts or Services
If you have doubts about the authenticity of a Bearbrick, and want to have it checked, do not hesitate to call on experts or specialized authentication services. Some sites and professionals offer services dedicated to verifying the authenticity of Bearbricks. Although this may incur an additional cost, it offers additional guarantee as to the legitimacy of your acquisition.
Little tip: if the price displayed including VAT seems a little low, it is very likely that your product is not authentic.
Conclusion: Vigilance is Key
In conclusion, differentiating between a real Bearbrick and a counterfeit requires careful vigilance. By examining the packaging, paint quality, markings, box, collaboration details, point of sale and using online resources, you increase your chances of acquiring an authentic Bearbrick.
Bearbricks, as iconic Art Toys, deserve to be treated with the respect they deserve as works of art. By investing time and effort into differentiation, you not only help preserve the value of your collection, but also preserve the integrity of the collecting community. Stay vigilant, be informed and appreciate each authentic Bearbrick as a unique piece in your collection.