Pop In A Box

Pop In A Box delivers 1-12 Funko Pop vinyl figures monthly based on your franchise preferences (Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, Anime, etc.). VIP subscribers receive 10% off all orders, exclusive Pops, and early sale access. Customize preferences to avoid duplicates and unwanted franchises.

About Pop In A Box

Pop In A Box launched in 2014 in Northwich, United Kingdom when Funko Pop collecting was transitioning from niche hobby to mainstream phenomenon. Founders identified a collector pain point: while Funko produced thousands of figures across hundreds of franchises (Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, anime, TV shows, video games), finding specific characters required hunting multiple retailers or buying random blind boxes risking duplicates.

The company’s solution was preference-based subscription. Instead of sending random assortments like traditional mystery boxes, PIAB asks subscribers to thumbs up/down franchises and characters they want, then curates shipments based on stated preferences. For example, a Marvel fan could indicate they want Avengers characters while avoiding X-Men, or an anime enthusiast could request My Hero Academia while excluding Dragon Ball.

This personalization approach resonated with collectors frustrated by blind box randomness, helping PIAB build a subscriber base across the US, UK, and Canada. By 2026, the service accumulated 8,383 Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.3/5 stars - strong evidence of customer satisfaction.

However, the company’s BBB profile tells a contrasting story: a D- rating based on failing to respond to 3 customer complaints. While only 3 total complaints seems minor, BBB methodology heavily penalizes non-responsiveness, resulting in the lowest possible grade range. This disconnect between Trustpilot (4.3/5) and BBB (D-) suggests inconsistent customer service - most subscribers have smooth experiences while a minority face unresponsive support when issues arise.

Additional concerns emerged in late 2025 when Funko (the manufacturer) reported severe financial troubles. In SEC filings, Funko stated “substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the next 12 months” after posting $68.1 million losses over 9 months. While Funko hasn’t closed as of January 2026, the uncertainty creates risk for subscription services entirely dependent on Funko production.

Operating from the UK with US fulfillment, Pop In A Box remains active selling individual Pops and running subscriptions. The 10-year track record (2014-2024) demonstrates longevity, though future viability depends partially on Funko’s survival. For dedicated collectors who value curation over retail hunting, PIAB provides convenience despite customer service inconsistencies.

Pricing Plans

Pop In A Box pricing scales by monthly Pop quantity:

Subscription Size	Monthly Cost	Cost Per Pop	Best For
1 Pop/month	$11.95	$11.95	Casual collectors, testing service
2 Pops/month	$23.90	$11.95	Modest collecting pace
3 Pops/month	$35.85	$11.95	Regular collectors
6 Pops/month	$71.70	$11.95	Dedicated collectors
12 Pops/month	$143.40	$11.95	Serious collectors, multiple franchises

Pricing Details:

• Flat $11.95/Pop regardless of quantity (no bulk discount)
• VIP subscribers save 10% on all orders site-wide (applies to additional purchases)
• Shipping costs vary (not included in pricing above)
• Can cancel or modify subscription size anytime
• Option to pause or skip months when traveling or overstocked

Value Comparison:

• Retail Funko Pops: $10-12 in stores (Target, Hot Topic, GameStop)
• Pop In A Box: $11.95 + shipping
• Premium: $0-2 per Pop for curation and VIP benefits

At $11.95/Pop, PIAB charges mid-range retail pricing with minimal premium for subscription convenience. Value depends on whether curation and exclusive access justify paying retail rates versus hunting sales (Pops often discounted to $7-9 during clearances).

VIP Benefits Value:

• 10% off all purchases could offset subscription cost if buying additional Pops
• Exclusive VIP-only releases not available retail
• Early access to sales (potential for better deals than non-subscribers)

Hidden Costs:

• Shipping fees (varies by location and order size)
• Pre-orders that may charge full price but delay shipping months
• Potential duplicates despite preference system (requires re-selling unwanted Pops)

How It Works

Pop In A Box subscription follows a preference-based curation model:

1. Create Account and Set Preferences: Sign up and complete the preference questionnaire. Use thumbs up/down to indicate wanted franchises (Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, anime, etc.) and unwanted series. The more specific your preferences, the better PIAB can curate shipments. Mark owned Pops to avoid duplicates.

2. Choose Subscription Size: Select monthly Pop quantity from 1-12 based on collecting pace and budget. Smaller subscriptions (1-3) provide tighter control over what you receive; larger boxes (6-12) introduce more variety but less predictability. You can change size anytime.

3. Select Franchise Focus (Optional): Choose general subscription for wide variety or franchise-specific options (Marvel Subscription, Disney Subscription, Anime Subscription) to limit shipments to preferred universes. Franchise subscriptions reduce randomness but limit discovery.

4. Receive Monthly Shipment: PIAB ships Pops monthly based on your preferences and subscription size. Figures arrive in protective packaging designed to preserve box condition (important for collectors who don’t open Pops). Each shipment reflects your stated preferences but doesn’t guarantee specific characters.

5. Update Preferences: After receiving Pops, update thumbs up/down preferences to refine future shipments. If you received duplicates or unwanted characters, thumbs down those franchises or specific Pops. The system learns over time (in theory, though some reviewers report receiving ignored preferences).

6. Utilize VIP Perks: As subscriber, access 10% discount on all site orders, exclusive VIP-only Pop releases, and early access to sales. These benefits apply to purchases outside subscription, potentially offsetting subscription costs if buying additional Pops.

7. Browse Individual Pops: Beyond subscription, shop PIAB’s inventory to purchase specific Pops you want immediately rather than waiting for random shipment inclusion. Use VIP discount to save 10% on these purchases.

8. Manage Subscription: Log into account to pause subscription during travel, skip months when overstocked, change Pop quantity up or down, switch between general and franchise-specific subscriptions, or cancel entirely with no penalties.

What’s Included

Each Pop In A Box monthly shipment contains:

Funko Pop Vinyl Figures:

• 1-12 Pops depending on subscription size
• Figures based on your franchise preferences
• Mix of common, uncommon, and occasional rare/exclusive Pops
• Standard 3.75” vinyl figures in windowed boxes

Franchise Coverage:

• Marvel (Avengers, Spider-Man, X-Men, etc.)
• Disney (classic characters, Princesses, Pixar)
• Star Wars (original trilogy, prequels, sequels, shows)
• DC Comics (Batman, Superman, Justice League)
• Anime (My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball, Naruto, One Piece)
• TV Shows (The Office, Friends, Stranger Things, etc.)
• Movies (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc.)
• Video Games (Fortnite, Pokemon, Overwatch)

VIP Subscriber Benefits:

• 10% discount on all site purchases
• Access to VIP-exclusive Pop releases not sold to non-subscribers
• Early access to sales before general public
• VIP-only special sales events

Quality Standards:

• Standard Funko Pop quality (varies by production run)
• Protective shipping packaging to prevent box damage
• Windowed boxes allow viewing figure without opening

What’s NOT Included:

• Pop protectors (plastic cases for display/storage)
• Guarantees of specific characters or rare chases
• Custom/personalized Pops
• Non-Funko collectibles (exclusively Funko Pop focus)

Collectibility and Exclusivity

Pop In A Box positioning in the Funko collecting ecosystem:

Exclusivity:

• VIP-only Pop releases not available through retail channels
• Early access to limited editions before sellout
• Occasional exclusive variants created specifically for PIAB

However, most Pops received are standard releases also available at Target, Hot Topic, GameStop, and other retailers. True exclusivity is limited to VIP-specific releases rather than general subscription contents.

Collectibility:

• Funko Pops inherently collectible with strong secondary market
• Rare Pops appreciate significantly (some worth $50-500+)
• Common Pops hold minimal value above retail ($8-15)
• Chase variants (rare special editions) occasionally included

PIAB doesn’t guarantee rare or valuable Pops - most shipments contain standard releases worth retail value. Collectors seeking investment-grade Pops need to hunt specific releases rather than relying on subscription luck.

Franchise Variety:

• Hundreds of franchises represented in PIAB catalog
• Major licenses: Marvel, Disney, Star Wars, DC, anime
• Niche franchises: cult TV shows, indie games, lesser-known properties
• Constantly updated as Funko releases new licenses

While variety is strong, focus remains exclusively on Funko Pops. Collectors wanting other merchandise types (figures from other manufacturers, apparel, art prints) need alternative subscription boxes mixing product categories.

Who It’s For

Perfect For:

• Dedicated Funko Pop Collectors: Those actively building Pop collections across multiple franchises
• Franchise Loyalists: Fans of specific universes (Marvel, Star Wars, anime) wanting regular additions without hunting retail
• Convenience Seekers: Collectors who value doorstep delivery over retail store hunting
• VIP Deal Hunters: Those who’ll use 10% discount on additional purchases to offset subscription cost
• Discovery Enthusiasts: Open to receiving Pops from franchises they wouldn’t seek independently
• Completionists: Collectors trying to acquire many Pops from favorite series
• Gift Givers: Subscription makes consistent gift for Pop-collecting friends/family

Not Ideal For:

• Budget Collectors: At $11.95/Pop, doesn’t beat retail sales ($7-9 clearance Pops)
• Specific Character Hunters: Can’t guarantee exact Pops you want (preference system imperfect)
• Customer Service Sensitive: BBB D- rating suggests support failures when issues arise
• Risk-Averse: Funko’s 2025 financial troubles create uncertainty about long-term viability
• Non-Funko Collectors: If you want variety beyond Funko (other figures, comics, apparel), choose mixed geek boxes
• Casual Fans: If you only buy occasional Pop when character appeals, subscription creates accumulation
• In-Box Displayers: Some Pops arrive with minor box damage despite protective packaging

Trustworthiness and Customer Feedback

Trustpilot: 4.3/5 Stars (8,383 Reviews) The US Trustpilot profile shows generally positive sentiment with 8,383 reviews averaging 4.3/5 stars. Common praise themes include fast shipping, quality products, and responsive customer service. However, negative reviews cite inventory issues (items sold out after purchase), account problems, and occasional slow responses.

BBB: D- Rating (3 Complaints, Not Accredited) The stark contrast comes from BBB, which assigned a D- rating - nearly the lowest possible. The rating resulted from failing to respond to 3 customer complaints, not complaint volume. BBB methodology heavily penalizes non-responsiveness, so even 3 unanswered complaints triggered the harsh grade.

Discrepancy Analysis: Why the gap between Trustpilot (4.3) and BBB (D-)? Most subscribers have smooth experiences (reflected in Trustpilot positivity), but when problems arise, customer service inconsistently responds. Happy customers rate on Trustpilot; frustrated customers with ignored complaints file BBB reports. Both can be true simultaneously.

Common Issues Reported:

• Pre-orders charged in full but delayed/cancelled months later
• Duplicate Pops despite preference settings indicating “owned”
• Inventory showing available, then selling out after purchase
• Customer service responsive for some, completely absent for others
• Split shipments creating additional shipping fees

Positive Experiences:

• Fast processing and shipping when inventory available
• Careful packaging preventing box damage
• VIP benefits (10% discount, exclusives) delivering value
• Website navigation and checkout process smooth

Funko Financial Risk: Beyond PIAB-specific concerns, Funko’s late 2025 financial disclosure creates existential risk. If Funko ceases production, PIAB loses its entire product source. While Funko hasn’t closed as of January 2026, the “substantial doubt” language in SEC filings is serious.

Value Assessment

Pop In A Box value depends heavily on collecting approach and priorities:

Strong Value If:

• You collect Pops regularly (6-12 monthly) and value doorstep convenience
• You’ll use VIP 10% discount on additional purchases to offset subscription premium
• You’re open to discovering new franchises through curated surprise selections
• Hunting retail stores for specific Pops frustrates you more than paying $1-2 premiums
• You trust preference system to generally match your tastes despite imperfection
• The 4.3/5 Trustpilot rating outweighs BBB concerns for you

Questionable Value If:

• You hunt retail sales finding Pops at $7-9 clearance pricing
• You only want specific characters and get frustrated with surprise curation
• Customer service responsiveness matters greatly (BBB D- rating)
• You’re concerned about Funko’s financial viability and long-term subscription commitment
• You want collectibles beyond Funko (other figures, comics, apparel)
• You collect casually (1-3 Pops yearly) making subscription accumulation wasteful

For Funko Pop collectors comfortable with subscription surprise elements and customer service inconsistency, PIAB delivers convenience. For value hunters, specific character seekers, or those concerned about Funko’s future, direct retail purchasing provides better control and often better pricing.