Hi all
Lately I realized that many shoppers, even a handful of collectors are not able to clearly distinguish between the term “bootlegs” (a.k.a knock-offs, a.k.a counterfeits) vs 3rd party items (a.k.a customizers). I’ve heard many mentioning ‘3rd party’ items when in actual fact they are referring to ‘bootlegs’. As a matter of fact, these 2 terms carry very different meaning and honestly I do not recommend anyone using one of this term as a reference to the other. As such I’m writing this article as an effort to shed some clarity on the subject matter. Allow me to explain.
3rd Party Items
The term ‘3rd Party’ usually refers to customizers. Customizers are a genuine work of art and original creation (not a copy, nor counterfeit), it is a form customisation or sculpt-work, derived solely from a person’s creativity, vis-a-vis kit-bashing or some form of customisation through a person’s genuine creativity and is usually not mass produced. It’s basically an artwork, many of which are beautiful in its own form and wonderful results of detail craftsmanship. I’d like to refer these creators as artists, or sculptors. They can quite incredibly turn an existing mold or figurine into something totally new and different through simple artistry talent! Either via painting or re-molding. Which is something I wholeheartedly admire. You can find customizers in any line of figurines out there. And yes, some sell their work too. Just Google. Just to name a few, SHF Upgrade, ModelChilli Scale Models, Lobo Fonck & Manipple Studio are some of the popular ones I like. If you study their style, you might learn a thing or two from them! 😉
Bootlegs
Definition of Bootlegs = “made, distributed, or sold illegally.”
The term ‘bootlegs’ are also best known as ‘knock-offs’, or more harshly termed as ‘counterfeits’ , ‘not original’, ‘illegal’ or ‘fakes’.
Bootlegs are results or end-product of ‘reverse engineering without permission from the licensee of a specific brand. In other words, it simply means products derived from “stolen concept & ideas”. They are direct and exact copies of the original using inferior materials and low QC (or no QC at all). They are usually mass produced. And their main goal is to disguise themselves as the original. That’s a major difference!
Bootlegs are priced cheaper than the original, and everyone knows their qualities are worlds apart from the original. Buying bootlegs are just as good as supporting thieves. So please, avoid bootlegs if you can. 🙏 Yes, I know, I know, the temptations are high as we are constantly bombarded by vast availability of bootlegs’ in the market. Always remember, the original licensee or creators work hard to bring genuine & quality items to the whole toy community, respect that.
So there you have it! So… from now on, please do not use the term ‘3rd party’ as a reference to bootlegs. Else you’ll be doing these customizers are disfavour! These customizers have put in a lot of time and hard work customizing amazing figurines & accessories for the community of figurine collectors. These are original work of art ya…
I hope this helps!
As always, stay young, stay cheerful & keep collecting!