Legitimacy of Aliexpress MLP figures - New update - Applejack has arrived!

[BlackCurtains]

I have been looking at this site a lot lately but I've never ordered anything. Today I found the Japan MLP figures (I always forget what they're called), you know, with the human version and pony version together? I'd like to add Applejack to my collection and everywhere else I've found it for sale it's been close to or over $100, I think the cheapest was $79. Aliexpress has all the figures for $29 each and it says 'save a dollar on check out'.

Is this real? Or are they bootlegs? I know how China is with bootlegs and stuff and copywrite and all that. Basically, they don't care. I'm thinking if I order one I'll get a bait and switch. Like the photo is of the official ones but what you get is poor quality and painted weird.

Would you buy one? What's your experience with Aliexpress and MLP stuff?

[starbritesprinkles]

I feel like I remember this being discussed elsewhere awhile back. They're bootlegs. They're nice bootlegs if you're OK with not having the authentic figures, but there are differences between the two.

[tailrustedtealeaf]

AliExpress is a big congregation for all sorts of sellers. Some legit factory seconds are on there at times, but your best bet is always going to be checking the reviews to see. I wouldn't be surprised if any of the statues are counterfeits.

[Carrehz]

I'd be really shocked if they were the real deal at that price, honestly. There are definitely bootlegs of the Bishoujo figures around (Kotobukiya even put out a warning about it themselves). I found these:

https://www.kotobukiyabishoujocollectors.com/post/identifying-bootlegs-revised-edition

Aliexpress does have legitimate factory seconds and other products, you can find some great deals on there, but if it feels too good to be true then 9/10 it definitely is.

From what I've seen, the bootleg Bishoujo MLPs have definite flaws compared to the real figures, but display fine if you're comfortable buying counterfeit products. The first site does say a lot of bootleg Bishoujos lean badly though.

Removed link to the TP, thank you! ~Tailrustedtealeaf

[BlackCurtains]

I'm not a mod in this section but please do not link to the Trading Post.

The other link is very helpful, thanks I guess it's too good to be true.

[Lady Frostbite]

Kotobukiya? Yeah I got my Princess Luna from a comic shop that ordered it in for me, I got my Darkstalkers Felicia from eBay (that was a gamble!) and I've pre-ordered the Limited Edition/Exclusive from a licensed stockists that was recommended from Kotobukiya's own site.

If you want an authentic one, first thing I would check is Facebook Marketplace; that's where I usually find out of 'print' legit figures like my DC Bombshells Batwoman Away Uniform variant or ThreeZero Daenerys (Mhysa version). Then I would try eBay with a very careful eye on where it's coming from; I don't buy ThreeZero from there as I fear it may be bootleg. Deffo ask your local comic shops if they have it, some don't order Kotobukiya but some do buy/sell/trade and some are liars like my 'local' comic shop 

I would recommend Hobby Genki for future Kotobukiya, the only reason I didn't get my LE Felicia was that it wasn't on there (it was an exclusive and only available from themselves OR their specially licensed partners) and I had already pre-ordered my Luna from the comic shop. If they ever make a Princess Cadance or a new edition of Luna, I'm there!

(I just checked and the Limited Edition AJ is sold out  )

[BlackCurtains]

Wow, thanks! I'd like the non exclusive AJ and possibly Rainbow Dash and Sunset Shimmer (I think their statues are super cool). I do like the Sparkly Pinkie too though

[Ponyfan]

This reminds me of something I saw in a Sailor Moon Group.  There's a really nice figure of Princess Serenity and Endymion that a company made. There's also a pretty good bootleg of the same figure that if you didn't know the differences between the two it would be easy to mistake the bootleg figure for the real one.  I think in the real one, Princess Serenity's dress is white and on the bootleg. it's pink.  There's also some writing on the bottom.


Ponyfan

[BlackCurtains]

I went ahead and ordered Applejack. I'll update here when she arrives.

[BlackCurtains]

An update: Applejack just shipped, but I'm having an issue with some other things I ordered. I had bought two Wacom pencil grips and got an email that delivery failed? Does Aliexpress have you sign for packages? No one came to my door, so I'm very confused as to why it said it failed.

Update 2: They had my address wrong For some reason they were missing my street address and only have my apartment number. No wonder they can't deliver it. I fixed it, and they also have my phone number. I hope I get my grips They were cheap so if I don't it's not a huge loss, but I was looking forward to using them. My address is correct on Applejack's order info so hopefully there won't be a problem with her.

[BlackCurtains]

Update 3: I'm trying to get a refund on the grips, but each time I try it says they're at the delivery station and I have to wait.
Applejack has been handed to a local delivery company. Expected date is tomorrow!

[lovesbabysquirmy]

I hope you get your packages, I hate when the shipping companies get it wrong

[BlackCurtains]

I was finally able to get my mail. No Applejack. Aliexpress confirmed delivery on their end and they keep sending me emails about the pen grips not being deliverable, but I still can't start a refund.

I tried to start one for Applejack but they require a picture or video "detailing the reason". Am I supposed to show my empty hand? How can I prove something wasn't delivered??

[BlackCurtains]

She looks great!

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The box was heavily damaged but the figure is fine.

[cowboyopossum]

Cute! I might get a Princess Luna fake. The real ones are so expensive!