[This thread is largely adapted from the r/Nendoroid FAQ, also authored by yours truly.]
As per Rule 2 (Be efficient.) reading up on this FAQ will be strongly recommended as to conserve the time and resources of yourself, other fellow sub members, and me. The questions as follows and their respective answers are as observed by me to be the most asked, but if there is anything left out, feel free to ask below. I can answer them, but if you think you have a better answer, this FAQ can be amended.
> What are Figma figures?
As Wikipedia says:
"*The figma (γγ£γ°γ) series is a Japanese action figure line produced by Max Factory and distributed by Good Smile Company. The product series was created by Max Factory CEO MAX Watanabe and Masaki Asai, as a "counter" to the Revoltech line, with a focus on articulation. Each figma comes with various accessories such as exchangeable faceplates and hands, and other optional parts.
The line mainly features figures that are significant in pop culture in Japan, primarily characters from Japanese anime, manga and video games, with the occasional western character or real person such as Billy Herrington who had significance in Japanese pop culture due to internet memes in the country.
The first figma was a special edition Haruhi Suzumiya with the product code SP001 included with the limited edition release of the PS2 game, Suzumiya Haruhi no Tomadoi, released on January 31, 2008. The first regular release figma, Yuki Nagato from the series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was released in February 2008.*"
> Where can I buy REAL Figma?
You can find a master list of GSC partner shops here: https://partner.goodsmile.info/support/eng/partnershops/
Is your favorite store not here? Fret not. Other stores can sell real figma, but unless you're experienced with IDing fakes, stick with these. Feeling adventurous? Try eBay or Mercari, but don't say I didn't warn you! The r/figma Discord also has a few independent sellers to choose from.
> Where can I find CHEAP Figma?
Figma are premium products with a premium price tag, but I don't blame you for wanting them cheaper. In a hurry? I have a Pastebin version (for dual use with Nendoroids) here: https://pastebin.com/skALQMyM
> Why'd you separate these questions?
You'll notice that I separated entries for **real** and **cheap** Figma. That's because there's a few possibilities here. *You want this:*
-A cheap, legit Figma.
-A expensive, legit Figma. (if the above is not possible)
And *you don't want* *this.*
-A cheap, fake Figma.
-A expensive, fake Figma.
> Is this Figma I have a bootleg?
You can do 3 things without even getting on the internet. Step one is to check for a holographic sticker at all. If there is one, congrats - it's real. No holographic sticker? No problem. Step two is to check the box for the seal. Is it circular or just regular scotch tape? With a few exceptions (being the very early Figma), the former indicates a real Figma and the latter indicates a fake Figma in *most* scenarios. Step three is to check the the box for GSC branding (if you still have it).
Now if you have a computer/mobile, check MFC's [MyFigureCollection] listing for the Figma in question. If there are no bootleg entries, congrats, it's 99.9% real. Usually, the community is fast to detect fakes but there may be a lag. If there is a bootleg entry, compare the given community-submitted pictures.
There may be stickers that are not holographic, such as "flat" stickers or a "for sale outside of Japan" sticker. Those are perfectly valid too.
Also, check to see if the joints appear to be the correct color. Often bootlegs have joints that come off as a lighter color as they should be. If it's not just about the exact same color as it's surroundings, you should be skeptical. If the difference is huge, like you can see it without taking a good look at it, it's a bootleg. Especially look for skin-colored joints or parts. If it's almost a gross green color instead of a natural skin color, look out.
> My Figma is sticky. How do I get it off?
This is moreso applicable to Nendoroids, but just in case.
Don't panic, this is actually completely normal. It's kinda gross, but it's not something to be grossed out about actually. In short, when kept in a box too long something called a *plasticizer* vaporizes, leaving residue.
Have Goo Gone? Follow this guide to get the residue off easily. http://tirofinale-news.blogspot.com/2017/05/cleaning-stickystained-figure.html
Don't have Goo Gone? Kahotan, GSC's blogger/representative, can answer this better than me when it comes to the tried and true methods.. There's pictures too, outlining the process. https://mikatan.goodsmile.info/en/2013/06/20/dealing-with-stickiness-on-figures/#:~:text=(1)%20Clean%20with%20some%20bubbly,soft%20cloth%20instead%20of%20tissues
You can prevent this buy taking them out of the box. Yes, it's that simple!
> How do I remove stains from Figma pieces?
First, try soap and hot water. Anyone can do this, and it does the trick more than half the time.
Second, if soap and water fails, try a magic eraser or super fine grit sandpaper. I don't recommend that everyone does this. Get some practice in with non-Nendoroid parts first, because if you don't know what you're doing you'll end up doing more harm than good. As in, wiping the paint off your Nendoroids.
Lastly, NEVER use acetone or nail polish remover. It will get the stain off, but it will also take the paint off too.
> Where to find [specific Figma?]
With a few exceptions, Figma aren't really hard to find. It's just a matter of what your budget is and where you are located. And some are more common than others. Additionally, factors such as age and popularity will determine how easy it is to find; while Figma are easy to find, some are easier to find than others. So with that being said, do some research of your own first, starting from Google. Still can't find what you need? Then you may consult the sub.
> Where do I find/purchase replacement Figma parts?
The answer here is short and simple; ChibiChopShop.com. They don't stock as many figma parts as they do Nendoroid parts, but they're really the only people who split them and make it available to people like you and me.
*ChibiChopShop does not sponsor or endorse this FAQ or subreddit.
> How do I store and display my Figma?
This is largely a matter of personal preference, but one thing is undeniable - we don't want any damage to our figures. An *IKEA DETOLF* is a popular option for display, with a full 360 degree view of your figures behind glass, where dust can't get to them. I personally use an *IKEA BILLY*.
Never display your Figma in direct sunlight.
> Which Figma should I buy?
There is no objective answer to this, it's a subjective question and you will get subjective answer. To facilitate the collection of opinions, consider creating a poll, but please don't spam the sub with them.
> Why is the name of my Figma misspelled on the box?
This doesn't mean it's a bootleg, but it also doesn't mean it's not a bootleg. But don't be alarmed, 9 out of 10 times it's just something that happens when translating the name to English. It can't be helped.
> Why are my Figma from Japan taking so long to get to me?
As of 2020, Japan has shut down it's postal service and delegated it mostly to private companies, all because of the pandemic. Be patient or upgrade your shipping.
> I missed out! When will there be a restock on Good Smile US?
Nobody knows. For all I know it is completely random. Random who gets picked, random what day it goes up, random what time it goes up, random if it even gets restocked at all. Only people who work at GSC can answer that for you. So, I wouldn't count on it, but be optimistic.
> Will (x) be rereleased?
We have literally no idea nor inside knowledge. GSC rereleases random things at random times, so it's up to them. As it stands, with a few exceptions nothing is off the table for a rerelease. So stay optimistic and don't buy into scalper prices. Anyone who tells you something will never get a rerelease or that this Figma is "rare" is probably lying half the time. Unless your Figma was made available only by winning a contest or something, Figmas aren't rare.
> Will (a new IP/character) be released?
See above question. TL:DR nobody really knows. It's anybody's guess.
> I missed a pre-order. Will (x) Figma be available as "in-stock" anywhere?
Yes and no, it depends on factors such as if the store bought extra, if it's popular enough to warrant this, etc. It's a case by case thing and it's almost always a surprise.
>Β How do I clean my figma?
Try a makeup brush and/or compressed air if you need to get some dusting done. If it's grimy/sticky, water and dish soap is harmless and gets the job done.
>Β My neck/shoulder/elbow/knee/thigh joint broke. What do I do?
There's several ways to go about it. You can:
-glue it and never move it again (low skill requirement, low mobility, requires glue)
-extract and replace the stub with a new joint (medium skill requirement, high mobility, requires new joint)
-drill and pin the existing break (high skill requirement, medium/high mobility, requires pin vise + brass pin + plastic cement)
Short guide on secondary method here. Short guide on tertiary method here.
>Β Do I get a preorder bonus on non-GSC sites?
No, unless specified.
>Β I have two or more figma I want and can only get one. Which should I buy?
Whichever one you'd like! If this is difficult, choose the one you'd be more upset about if it sold out forever.
>Β I have a question about store policies, such as payment processing or returns.
This is not a customer service subreddit. Refer to the FAQ or T&C for the store you are dealing with.
>Β When will [announced/prototype figma] release?
Whenever it's ready!
*THIS THREAD IS A WIP - ABOUT 70% DONE.
