It's BIG business. Some figures are getting harder and harder to sell loose as there are SO many really good counterfeit weapons out there. The last 17 Star Wars figures are a line that people really prefer to buy graded as they are hundreds of dollars each and the weapons are 30-80% of the value based on the figure so get stuck with a fake and it was a lot of money you just lost.
So it's not just about the exact grade of the figure, but also authenticating. I have stopped multiple collectors from sending in fake weapons with their figures. Costs me money, but builds up a great customer base that looks to me for authentic items since I can spot the fakes.
They have been counterfeiting accessories for way longer then that. Back to the 90's they started making fake weapons for vintage star wars figures. It's honestly surprising they haven't perfected it by now. Who knows, maybe a few people have but are smart about only releasing a few here and there so they don't get caught. It's just a simple molding process...sadly the day will come that you can't tell the difference and it will change the hobby forever.
Now with 3d printing people make some really bad fakes which is fine. Nobody is trying to trick someone with a 3d printed fake as they done feel the same and are never the exact color. That to me is very acceptable as a way to present your figures. But trying to make a perfect fake to trick people and steal their money is a scumbag move.
It's BIG business. Some figures are getting harder and harder to sell loose as there are SO many really good counterfeit weapons out there. The last 17 Star Wars figures are a line that people really prefer to buy graded as they are hundreds of dollars each and the weapons are 30-80% of the value based on the figure so get stuck with a fake and it was a lot of money you just lost.
So it's not just about the exact grade of the figure, but also authenticating. I have stopped multiple collectors from sending in fake weapons with their figures. Costs me money, but builds up a great customer base that looks to me for authentic items since I can spot the fakes.
Counterfeit accessories! 🤯 Another thing I'd never considered! I'm guessing that all arose with the advent of 3D printing huh?
They have been counterfeiting accessories for way longer then that. Back to the 90's they started making fake weapons for vintage star wars figures. It's honestly surprising they haven't perfected it by now. Who knows, maybe a few people have but are smart about only releasing a few here and there so they don't get caught. It's just a simple molding process...sadly the day will come that you can't tell the difference and it will change the hobby forever.
Now with 3d printing people make some really bad fakes which is fine. Nobody is trying to trick someone with a 3d printed fake as they done feel the same and are never the exact color. That to me is very acceptable as a way to present your figures. But trying to make a perfect fake to trick people and steal their money is a scumbag move.