Anytime a company gets insanely popular, there will be a huge demand for the product. Funko vinyls are no different. One of the ways that a community can get involved with each other and their hobbies is to host a pop swap or attend one somewhere in the area. Larger cities and other companies sometimes host these events as a hub for collectors, however, not everyone can make it for various reasons.
What is a pop swap you ask? The basic break down on what a “pop swap” is can be simply explained. A community or individual with interest notifies others that they are interested in going to, or hosting, an event where others are encouraged to bring any Funko vinyls they would like to trade. This is not always the case since basic ground rules can be governed such as splitting collections where some are for sale while others are open to trades.
Usually from here tables will be set up or rented and each spot is saved for the “vendors” that have interest in displaying their collections. Anyone not looking to have a table simply brings what they would like to trade or money in the event a collector only prefers cash. At this time, everyone can strike an accord and trade however they would like.There are more benefits past growing a collection however.
By getting together, other collectors and fun seekers can get together and share information about upcoming releases, find some rare items or just get to know the people around the area. Sometimes collectors can even come together to work out a process for when someone is too busy to grab a special item they may be looking for. Depending on where the event is held, there may be a small fee to cover the location, and other times the events are free but may be at a small location such as a store, a local home or maybe even a park.
One of the best parts about getting in to a pop swap besides getting potential items to your collection is the ability to host your own swap. Not everyone lives in a large city or they may just be too far away to take an extensive drive. If a swap goes well, there is a lot of potential to relocate to another area, grow the group and get back to basics where people make friends over a common hobby.
Now that you know what a pop swap is, check out your local groups and ask around to see if there are any in your area. If you are a trendsetter with a taste for Funko, then host a swap of your own and encourage others to join. Just make sure the environment is happy, lightweight and possibly bring some snacks.
Pop Pick of the Week: Spider-Ham (Walgreens)
There have been many different versions of Spider-Man throughout the years, but none are as strange as Spider-Ham. Conceived as a joke, this web slinging porkster is finally hitting the big time with an appearance in Spider-Man: Enter the SpiderVerse. Head on over to Walgreens to get your hands on this slice of ham.
