COLLECTOR KNOWLEDGE BASE · 24 TERMS
Anime Merchandise Glossary
Plain-English definitions for figure types, editions, listing condition and buying from Japan—so you can understand the product before comparing the price.
How to use this glossary
Match the exact product type and edition first. Then confirm condition, included parts and the complete delivered cost. No single term proves authenticity or guarantees what is included; the exact retailer or seller listing remains the final source.
FIGURE TYPES
Figure types
- Scale figure#
- A figure designed at a stated ratio to the character's intended size, such as 1/7 or 1/8. Compare the scale with the listed height because bases, poses and character proportions affect the final dimensions.Compare anime figures ↗
- Prize figure#
- A mass-produced figure originally associated with Japanese amusement prizes. Prize figures are usually less expensive than scale figures, but size, paint detail and packaging vary by line and release.
- Action figure#
- A poseable figure with articulated joints. Check included hands, faces, weapons, stands and replacement parts rather than comparing height alone.
- Trading figure#
- A smaller collectible figure sold individually, in blind boxes or as a set. A listing may offer one random unit, one identified character or a complete box, so confirm the quantity.
- Garage kit#
- An unassembled resin or similar hobby kit that may require trimming, fitting, painting and advanced tools. Confirm whether the listing is an official licensed kit, an event release, or an unauthorized recast.
- Model kit#
- A buildable product supplied on runners or as separate parts. Grade, scale, model number, color variant and whether the kit is unbuilt are essential listing details.Model-kit buying guide ↗
RELEASE & EDITION
Release & edition
- First press / first pressing#
- The initial production run of a book, disc or other release. A first-press bonus is included only when the retailer explicitly confirms eligibility; the product title alone does not guarantee it.
- Limited edition#
- An edition with a restricted production window, quantity or sales channel. Identify the exact included items and catalog number because different retailers may use similar wording for different bundles.
- Store-exclusive bonus#
- An item or artwork offered through a particular retailer. Confirm that the bonus is named in the selected listing and has not ended, especially for preorders and first-press stock.
- Reissue / rerelease#
- A later production of an existing product. Packaging, paint, accessories, price or catalog number may differ from the first release, so compare the correct version.
- Preorder deadline#
- The retailer's stated cutoff for reservations. Allocation can fill before the date, while cancellation and payment rules may change after the order is accepted.Read the preorder guide ↗
- Release window#
- An expected month or period rather than a guaranteed dispatch date. Manufacturer delays, retailer allocation and combined orders can move the actual shipment.
CONDITION & LISTING
Condition & listing
- Sealed#
- Describes packaging represented as unopened. Ask what seal is present and inspect photographs; resealing, age and storage damage are separate issues from whether the product was opened.
- Pre-owned#
- Previously owned merchandise. Condition can range from unopened surplus to an opened item with wear, so rely on the detailed grade, photographs and missing-parts statement.
- Complete#
- A seller's claim that all expected parts are included. Compare the listing with the official contents because 'complete' may not include retailer bonuses, outer shipping boxes or optional inserts.
- Box damage#
- Wear to the retail packaging, such as dents, tears, fading or crushed corners. Decide whether packaging is part of the collectible value and confirm that the item itself is unaffected.
- Actual-item photo#
- A photograph of the specific unit being sold rather than a manufacturer stock image. It is especially important for used, rare, graded or high-value products.
- Bootleg / counterfeit#
- An unauthorized product presented as, or confusingly similar to, official merchandise. Check the manufacturer, exact release, seller, packaging evidence and buyer protection together.Use the authenticity checklist ↗
BUYING FROM JAPAN
Buying from Japan
- Proxy buying service#
- A service that purchases a Japan-only listing on the buyer's behalf, receives it domestically and forwards it internationally. Service fees, domestic freight, storage and international shipping can all apply.
- Package forwarding service#
- A service that supplies a Japanese delivery address and forwards parcels, while the customer usually places the original store order. This differs from a proxy that completes the purchase.
- Parcel consolidation#
- Combining eligible items or orders into one outbound parcel. It may reduce repeated base fees, but a larger or heavier box can change the shipping method and total cost.
- Landed cost#
- The total cost to receive an order: product price, domestic shipping, service fees, international shipping, currency conversion and any applicable import charges.Compare buying routes ↗
- Dimensional weight#
- A carrier calculation based on parcel volume rather than actual weight alone. Large figure boxes can therefore cost more to ship than a smaller parcel of the same weight.
- Region code#
- A playback restriction used by some discs and devices. Confirm the exact media format, region and player compatibility before buying Japanese Blu-ray or DVD releases.Browse Blu-ray & DVD ↗
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