Knockoff LEGO minifigs and pieces run rampant in the eBay marketplace. Many buyers find distinguishing authentic LEGO minifigs from cheap knockoffs confusing and challenging. Educating yourself on the common signs of knockoff LEGO minifigs is key to preventing inadvertently buying cheaply made fakes. Here are some tips on spotting knockoff minifigs.
The order ships from China
The vast majority of infringing listings ship from China. Shipping from China is one of the first indicators that the “minifig” may be a cheap knockoff.
Item is listed in “LEGO” Category, but the description doesn’t say LEGO
The eBay sellers offering knock offs are clever. They list their knock off products in the LEGO category, but don’t use the word LEGO anywhere in the actually listing. Putting the item in the LEGO category means that buyers can find the knock off listing by using “LEGO” in the eBay search box.
Suspiciously low prices
Some sets fake Avengers minifigs cost $9 for 8 minifigs with free shipping from China. An authentic Hulk minifig alone sells for $20! Question any minifig listing that only costs one or two dollars for each minifig. Most authentic LEGO minifigs co-branded with powerhouse names like: Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, Indiana Jones, etc. cost at least $3 or $4 all the way up to $10 or $20 or more depending on demand and scarcity of the minifig.
Seller feedback comments referencing “fake LEGO” or “cheap quality”
Read the eBay seller’s neutral and negative feedback. If you see buyers mentioning “fake LEGO”, “cheap quality”, or writing any similar comment, the seller might be selling knock off pieces. Not all sellers listing knock off LEGO pieces receive negative feedback, though, so feedback alone is not enough of an indicator of authenticity.
Don’t trust minifig appearance alone
Knock off minifigs can look NEARLY IDENTICAL to authentic LEGO pieces! So just because a minifig “looks” like LEGO, don’t assume it is LEGO.
When in doubt, ask the seller if it’s an authentic LEGO piece
If you’re not sure if the minifig is authentic, contact the seller with the eBay contact form asking them if the piece is genuine LEGO. The seller should tell you the truth. If the seller tells you the piece is authentic LEGO and you receive a knockoff or counterfeit item, then you can file a claim through eBay’s resolution center.
Report fake items to eBay
If you find a fake item on eBay, report it! Fake minifigures both clutter the eBay marketplace with poor quality pieces and infringe upon the copyright of companies like LEGO, Marvel, Disney, DC, etc.
Further reading:
How and Where to Buy Authentic LEGO Minifigures (BrickingTips.com article)
The Genuine Article: Proving LEGO Authenticity to eBay Buyers (BrickingTips.com article)
LEGO vs. Mega Bloks: Tips on Distinguishing Real LEGO from Knockoff Brands and Custom Pieces (BrickingTips.com article)