Why Are Anime Figures So Expensive? (Top 13 Reasons)

If you’re an anime fan, then you know that there’s a good chance you’ve spent quite a bit of money on anime figures.

But have you ever stopped to wonder why they’re so expensive? Well, wonder no more! In this post, we’ll take a look at the thirteen top reasons why anime figures are so pricey.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn some new information about your favorite hobby!

Why are anime figures so expensive?

hand-crafted

There are many reasons why Anime figures are expensive but the main one is often because they are hand-crafted.

This means that each figure is made with a lot of care and attention to detail, which requires a lot of time and effort.

As a result, anime figures can be quite pricey.

If you’re looking for an anime figure to add to your collection, it’s important to keep this in mind and be prepared to spend a bit more than you might have originally planned.

However, the end result is often worth it, as these figures are often quite intricate and beautiful.

So, if you’re considering adding an anime figure to your collection, be sure to factor in the cost of handcrafting and be prepared to spend a bit more than you might have originally budgeted for.

customs fees

Anime figures can be expensive to purchase because of the customs fees that are charged on them.

When you order an anime figure from another country, you may be required to pay extra fees in order to receive your order.

This can lead to you spending more money on the figure than you originally planned!

There are a few ways to avoid paying customs fees on anime figures.

One is to order them from a seller within your own country.

This will help you avoid any additional fees that may be charged.

Another option is to order multiple items at once.

If the total value of the items you are ordering is over a certain threshold, then you may be required to pay customs fees.

By ordering multiple items, you can spread out the value of your order and avoid paying any additional fees.

Ultimately, the cost of anime figures is affected by a variety of factors.

Whether you are buying them from within your own country or from another country, there are always going to be extra costs that are added on.

authenticity

There are many reasons for the high price of an anime figure, but one reason in particular is authenticity.

Authenticity can be defined as “the quality or state of being genuine.”

In regards to anime figures, they must have a certificate of authenticity which states that they are authentic.

This is obtained when the company produces the figure themselves and sends it off to get inspected by an authorized third-party individual or organization.

These inspections ensure that there were no modifications made during production and that everything was done in accordance with industry standards.

The final step before production begins is for each piece to be certified by the governing body overseeing its country’s laws (such as METI).

Once this process has been completed, you will see a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) included with your figure.

figure production

A major reason why anime figures are so expensive is because of how they’re made.

The more moving parts an anime figure has, the more pieces it requires to be assembled, which can be time-consuming and difficult for the amount of units that need to be produced.

Even top-quality anime figures can suffer from faults in the production process and may even be damaged or misaligned in some way.

These faults need to be corrected and the pieces need to be either adjusted or repainted, which is a costly process and directly affects how much money an anime figure costs.

marketing

The price of anime figures is often inflated because they are marketed as luxury items.

The marketing for these products can make them seem more valuable than they actually are, and some companies will markup the price in order to make a higher profit. 

For example, Good Smile Company marks up the price of their Nendoroids by 50%.

Some people choose to buy these figures because they feel as though they are getting a high-quality product and it will also come with exclusive items such as plushies or a trading card.

high demand

There are many reasons why anime figures are so expensive.

One of the main ones is because of their high demand.

This means that if you’re looking for an affordable figure it can be difficult to find one in stores or online. 

The demand for anime figures is constantly increasing.

This is because anime has become more and more popular over the years.

As a result, collectors are willing to pay high prices for rare or exclusive items.

This drives up the cost of anime figures and makes it difficult for fans to find affordable ones.

If you’re looking for a figure that won’t break the bank, your best bet is to search for sales or deals online.

You can also try looking for used figures or ones that are no longer in production.

By doing this, you may be able to find a figure that’s within your budget.

Regardless of the cost, anime figures are a great way for fans to connect with the shows that they love.

Collecting figures can be very fun and rewarding because of how their prices are constantly increasing.

Whether you’re a newer collector or have been in the market for years, buying anime figures is a great way to show your interests.

People who watch anime are willing to spend top dollar for figures, meaning that the anime figure market is constantly increasing in price.

limited availability

Another factor that contributes to anime figures being expensive is their limited availability.

Since anime figures are often produced in small quantities, they can be difficult to find and purchase for fans who want one.

This makes it especially difficult if you’re trying to collect a whole set of figures!

Careful Manufacturing  

Anime figurines aren’t just made haphazardly.

They need to be manufactured carefully and be put together perfectly in order to look like the anime character they’re meant to represent.

This process is often very time-consuming and can be difficult, which is why figurines often cost more than other kinds of toys.

Just like other kinds of toys, anime figures have a lot of intricate elements that need to be put together very carefully.

This means that the figurines often take longer for manufacturers to create because they’re not just being thrown together without much thought.

When a manufacturer is paying more attention and spending more time on a product, it makes sense that the price tag would be higher.

materials

Anime figures are often made from high-quality materials, such as resin, plastic, or metal.

This makes their production process more expensive.  

For this reason, anime figures tend to be on the pricier side of collectibles and may not be an option for those on a tight budget.

However, there are some ways to get your hands on them without breaking the bank!

craftsmanship

Anime figures are often considered to be pieces of art, and as a result, they require a lot of craftsmanship to make.

This can make their production process time-consuming and expensive.

The more complex the figure is (which typically means that it has more articulation points),  the longer it takes to make.

This means that the price will be higher in order to compensate for the time and effort put in.

While some collectors may be willing to shell out hundreds of dollars for a rare, exclusive figure, others may feel that the price is too high.

It’s important to remember, though, that you’re paying for the time and effort that goes into crafting each individual anime figure.

Some may find this process tedious and slow, but others will appreciate the level of detail and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one.

In the end, it’s up to the buyer to decide whether the price is worth it.

Shipping and handling

The cost of shipping and handling anime figures is a major contributor to their high price.

Shipping and handling fees can be expensive for large, fragile items like anime figures.

This causes companies to charge more for this service.

Not only does the company have to pay employees time and wages for packing, labeling, loading, unloading packages from trucks or planes at airports, unpacking them again at the destination’s distribution center warehouse or store – they also have to use materials that are sturdy enough so as not to break during shipment.

In addition, some companies may require insurance on any goods being shipped as well as taxes on those goods in order to comply with international trade law.

All these costs contribute significantly toward the total cost of shipping an item to a customer.

exclusive designs

Many anime companies produce exclusive designs for their figures, which can drive up the prices.

This is because there are often fewer of these designs available, and collectors are often willing to pay more for them.

It also means that if you see someone selling one of these figures at a lower price than usual, it’s probably a fake…or counterfeit goods.

Collectors will usually buy from reputable shops or purchase through online retailers instead.

There may be other factors as well – such as the popularity of the anime series or how long the figure has been in production.

If you’re looking to buy an anime figure, it’s important to do your research and find out what the average price is for that particular design.

That way, you’ll be able to avoid overpaying or getting ripped off.

collectibility

In the world of anime figures, there are two main types: those that are considered to be collectibles and those that aren’t.

Collectible figures tend to have a higher price tag because they’re rarer than non-collectible ones.

This is mainly because they’re not mass-produced in the same numbers, and they can usually only be bought in limited edition batches.

How to save money on anime figures?

There are several ways that you can save money on anime figures. Here are the top 18 steps:

Compare prices online before buying

One of the best ways to save money on anime figures is to compare prices online before making a purchase.

By doing so, you can ensure that you are getting the best deal possible.

Search for sales and discounts

Another great way to save money on anime figures is to search for sales and discounts.

Often, you can find great deals on figures if you are willing to look for them.

Join online communities and forums

Online communities and forums can be a great resource for finding deals on anime figures.

By joining them, you can keep up-to-date with the latest deals and special offers.

Shop around for the best shipping rates

Figure out which online retailers offer the best shipping rates in order to save money on anime figures.

You should also consider whether or not you want to pay extra for “express” shipping, as it may be worth the extra cost.

Buy in bulk

If you want to buy several anime figures, then buying them all at once can be a great way to save money on anime figures overall.

Make sure that the items you’re looking for come as a set and that they are available from one seller before you purchase.

Buy used anime figures

Used anime figures can be an excellent way to save money on quality anime figures without compromising quality.

Most fans are more than happy to sell their old items in order to fund new purchases, so search online for sellers and compare prices before making a decision.

Buy repos

Repos are figures that have been previously released and are now available for purchase at a discounted price.

By buying repos, you can save money on high-quality anime figures without having to sacrifice any of the features or details that you love.

Join an anime figure subscription club

Anime figure subscription clubs are a great way to get high-quality anime figures at a discounted price.

These clubs allow you to subscribe to a service that sends you a new figure each month, so you always have something new to add to your collection.

Look for clearance sales

Clearance sales are an excellent way to save money on anime figures without compromising quality.

By looking for sales where figures are sold at or below the cost of manufacture, you can get items at a great price.

Buy anime figure off players

If you aren’t concerned about whether or not an item has been played with, then buying anime figures off players is a great way to save money on high-quality anime figures.

Look at the prices on new and used items to find out if buying off players is right for you.

Buy anime figures that are on sale

Major retailers such as Amazon and eBay often have anime figures on sale.

Keep an eye out for discounts and special offers.

Buy anime figures that are out of print

Many anime figures are only available for a limited time.

Once they are sold out, they become very rare and expensive.

If you can find an anime figure that is no longer in production, it will be much cheaper than the current market price.

Join an anime figure subscription service

There are several websites that offer a subscription service for anime figures.

For a monthly fee, you can receive a new figure in the mail every month.

This is a great way to build your collection without spending a lot of money.

Wait for figure sales

Many anime fans hold annual conventions and figure expos that offer huge discounts on all kinds of anime figures.

These conventions are often held in major cities, so you don’t have to travel very far.

Some events even allow you to trade your old figures for new ones at a lower price.

Buy figurines instead of pre-assembled anime figures

Many anime figures come in pre-assembled display boxes.

You can save a lot of money by buying figurines and building your own display box.

YOu can find all kinds of different figurines on Japan Auction, Amazon and eBay at low prices.

Trade unwanted anime figures with friends

If you have any extra anime figures lying around, why not trade them with your friends? Many anime fans are also avid collectors, so you can easily find someone who will happily trade with you.

Shop around at different stores

Anime figures are not sold in all retail stores.

If you want to buy a certain anime figure, you might have to visit many different retailers before you find one that sells it.

Online retailers are a great resource for finding anime figures that are not available in your locality.

Join an online anime figure forum

There are many online forums where anime fans can buy, sell and trade anime figures.

These forums are a great way to find rare and discontinued anime figures at a low price.

Final Thoughts

Anime figures are often made from high-quality materials, such as resin, plastic, or metal.

This makes their production process more expensive, which is then passed on to the consumer.

The time it takes to craft anime figures also contributes to their high price because they’re considered pieces of art that require a lot of skill and care in order to create them.

Shipping and handling fees can contribute heavily towards an anime figure’s cost due to how fragile they are when being shipped around the world for sale.

Exclusive designs drive up prices too because collectors see them as investments with limited editions available only at certain times during the year.

These reasons all make owning an anime figure difficult but worth it if you really want one! As a result, anime figures are often some of the most expensive items you can purchase.

Thank you for reading! I hope this article gave you a better understanding as to why anime figures tend to be so expensive.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, feel free to leave a comment below! 🙂