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Kotobukiya Figure Purchase Guide | Thorough Comparison of Official, DMM, and AmiAmi

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Kotobukiya Figure Purchase Guide | Thorough Comparison of Official, DMM, and AmiAmi

Kotobukiya Figure Purchase Guide | Thorough Comparison of Official, DMM, and AmiAmi

Are you unsure where to buy Kotobukiya figures to get the best deal? The exclusive benefits from the official shop are attractive, but the high discount rates from online shopping sites are hard to ignore. If you miss the timing for reservations, you might not be able to get them. For those with such concerns, this article thoroughly compares the main purchase destinations for Kotobukiya figures: the official shop, DMM, and AmiAmi, to support you in choosing the best place to buy. We will comprehensively explain all the necessary information for purchasing, from details of exclusive benefits to reservation deadlines and re-production information.

Top 3 Purchase Destinations for Kotobukiya Figures

Kotobukiya figures can be reserved and purchased from multiple sources, each with different features and benefits. Here, we will take a detailed look at the three most commonly used purchase destinations. When choosing a purchase destination, it is important to compare not only the price but also the presence of exclusive benefits, point return rates, and shipping conditions comprehensively.

Features of Kotobukiya Online Shop (Official)

The biggest appeal of the Kotobukiya Official Online Shop is that it comes with exclusive benefits. There are often accessories available only at the official shop, such as expression change parts, hair arrangement parts, and dedicated bases, making them unmissable perks for collectors. Especially for the Bisty series and ARTFX J series, the enjoyment of the figures can greatly change depending on the presence or absence of official exclusive benefits.

In terms of pricing, retail price sales are the norm, but by registering as a member, you can accumulate points that can be used for future purchases. Additionally, the reservation start for new products tends to be earlier than other shops, increasing the likelihood of securing reservations for popular items. The peace of mind unique to the official shop and the guaranteed quality from direct sales by the manufacturer are also significant advantages. Shipping costs are set uniformly across the country, and campaigns for free shipping on purchases over a certain amount are regularly conducted.

Features and Benefits of DMM

DMM's biggest strength is that many products, including Kotobukiya figures, can be purchased at 10% off the retail price. Furthermore, purchases over 3,000 yen qualify for free shipping, making it a very attractive option for users who prioritize price. The point return rate is also high, with 1% of the purchase amount returned as DMM points, which can be used for future purchases.

Another convenient point about DMM is that you can choose the timing of payment for reserved products. By selecting payment at the time of shipment, you can postpone payment until just before the product is shipped, allowing for more flexibility in managing funds. Additionally, if you have a DMM account, you can share points across multiple services, making it especially recommended for those who regularly use DMM services. However, it is worth noting that official exclusive benefits are rarely included, so it can be said to be a purchase destination for those who prioritize price over perks.

Features and Benefits of AmiAmi

AmiAmi has a very rich selection of Kotobukiya figures, with 5,899 items (as of 2024), covering a wide range from past products to the latest releases. Some reserved products come with unique reservation perks, such as store-exclusive clear files or postcards. The discount rates vary by product, but can be as high as 20-30% off the retail price, making it highly competitive in terms of pricing.

A distinctive service of AmiAmi is the release day delivery service. This service arranges for the product to be delivered to your home on the release day, which is a significant advantage for those who want to get their figures as soon as possible. The point system is also robust, with 1-5% of the purchase amount returned as points. Furthermore, AmiAmi is well-known for its careful packaging, which reduces the risk of damage to the figure's packaging. Shipping costs vary by region, but free shipping is available for purchases over a certain amount. [Related Article]: Complete Guide to Kotobukiya Bishoujo Series | The Charm of Designs by Shunya Yamashita

Thorough Comparison Table by Purchase Destination

Now that we understand the benefits of each purchasing source, let's take a closer look at specific comparison items. We will compare prices, benefits, and shipping conditions in detail, which are important factors when choosing a purchasing source.

Price and Discount Rate Comparison

The best deal in terms of price varies depending on the situation. DMM offers a flat 10% discount, which is attractive due to its predictable pricing. For example, a figure with a list price of 10,000 yen can be purchased for 9,000 yen. AmiAmi's discount rates fluctuate by product, but it is not uncommon for popular items to have 15-20% discounts. However, the discount rate tends to be lower right after the reservation starts, with an increase in the latter half of the reservation period.

Official shops generally sell at list prices, but certain products may be discounted during campaign periods. Additionally, utilizing points accumulated at official shops can provide effective discounts. If judging solely by price, DMM and AmiAmi are advantageous, but considering the value of exclusive benefits, the list price at official shops is not necessarily high. Especially when considering that exclusive parts can be traded at high prices on auction sites, purchasing from official shops can sometimes be more cost-effective.

Exclusive Benefits and Point Return Comparison

In terms of the richness of exclusive benefits, official shops are overwhelmingly superior. They offer benefits that greatly enhance the enjoyment of figures, such as three types of expression change parts, two types of hair arrangement parts, and dedicated effect parts. These benefits are rarely reissued, making it difficult to obtain them later. AmiAmi also has store-exclusive benefits, but they mainly consist of merchandise like clear files and postcards, with fewer benefits related to the figures themselves.

The point return rate is similar for DMM and AmiAmi, at about 1-5%. The point return rate at official shops is slightly lower, but the accumulated points can be used for all products at the official shop, making it advantageous for those who continuously purchase Kotobukiya products. It is also important to pay attention to the expiration of points; AmiAmi's points are valid for one year from the last purchase date, while DMM's points are valid for six months from the last login. In the long term, concentrating points on the services you frequently use can be a wise strategy.

Shipping Costs and Delivery Conditions Comparison

The conditions for free shipping vary greatly by purchasing source. DMM offers free shipping for orders over 3,000 yen, which is the most lenient condition. Since a single Kotobukiya figure often exceeds 3,000 yen, most purchases effectively qualify for free shipping. AmiAmi's shipping costs vary by region, but they offer free shipping for orders over 5,000 yen. The official shop has a threshold of 8,000 yen for free shipping, but this condition may be relaxed during campaign periods.

In terms of delivery speed, AmiAmi's release day delivery service is excellent. If you select release day delivery when making a reservation, you can receive the product on the release date. DMM and the official shop ship after the release date, so it takes a few days to arrive. AmiAmi and the official shop are well-regarded for their careful packaging, which is reassuring for those who want to take care of the figure's packaging. DMM also packages carefully, but during busy periods, it may occasionally use simple packaging. Tracking services for shipments are available at all purchasing sources.

The Importance of Reservation Deadlines and Timing

Many Kotobukiya figures are available for reservation, and missing the reservation deadline can make obtaining them difficult. It is essential to understand the timing and deadlines for reservations correctly and to prepare to ensure you can reserve successfully.

Flow from Reservation Start to Deadline

The reservation for new figures usually starts with an announcement on the official Kotobukiya website. The period from the announcement to the start of reservations varies by product, but on average, it is about 1 to 2 weeks. It is recommended to follow the official Twitter account (@kotobukiya_p) as the reservation start date and time will be announced there. The reservation start time is often 12 PM, but it can also be set for the evening, so be sure to check the announcement details carefully.

The reservation period varies greatly by product. Figures of popular characters may close reservations within a few hours of starting, while some products may accept reservations for several months. Generally, the reservation deadline is often set 2 to 3 months before the release date. The reservation deadline is listed on each sales site's product page, clearly stating "Reservations accepted until ○ month ○ day." However, if the number of reservations exceeds expectations, it may close earlier than planned, so it is safer to reserve early.

Measures to Avoid Missing the Reservation Deadline

The most effective way to avoid missing the reservation deadline is to follow the official social media accounts and register for the newsletter. The Kotobukiya official Twitter account announces the reservation start a few days in advance and posts reminder tweets on the day of the reservation start. Each sales site also operates a Twitter account, allowing you to quickly learn about reservation start information. In particular, the AmiAmi official account (@amiami_figure) is known for its early reservation announcements.

Registering for the newsletter is also an effective method. By signing up for the Kotobukiya official newsletter, you will receive new product information and reservation start dates via email. DMM and AmiAmi also offer newsletter services, allowing you to receive notifications for the start of reservations for your favorite registered products. Furthermore, if you register the reservation start date in a reminder app or calendar app on your smartphone, you will not miss the timing for reservations. By combining multiple notification methods, you can prevent missing out on reservations.

Benefits of Early Reservations

There are several benefits to making early reservations. The most important is that you can secure limited benefits. Official limited benefits are often in limited quantities, and if you do not reserve immediately after the start, the benefits may end. Especially for new releases in popular series, it is not uncommon for benefit-inclusive reservations to end within a few hours of the start.

Early reservations also have price advantages. Some sales sites, like AmiAmi, may increase the discount rate in the latter half of the reservation period, but they may also set an "early reservation discount" immediately after the start. Additionally, by reserving early, you will not have to rush to find stock as the release date approaches, providing you with mental ease. Depending on the payment method, you may be able to choose payment upon shipping, so even if you reserve early, the actual payment may be several months later, making it easier to plan your finances.

How to Check for Reproduction Information

If you miss a reservation or want a past product, waiting for reproduction is also an option. It is good to know how to efficiently check for reproduction information.

Timing and Frequency of Reproduction Announcements

Reproductions of Kotobukiya figures are regularly conducted, mainly for popular products. Reproduction announcements are usually made 2 to 3 months before the release on the official website and official Twitter. Highly popular series, such as FGO and Idolmaster's Bisty series, are often reproduced once or twice a year. On the other hand, minor characters or products with low sales may not be reproduced.

The frequency of reproduction varies greatly depending on the product's popularity. Extremely popular products may be reproduced just six months after the first production, while some products may not be reproduced for several years. The timing of reproductions is often aligned with events such as the start of a new season of related works or anime adaptations, so keeping an eye on the trends of the works can help predict reproduction timing. By researching past reproduction patterns, you may find that certain series tend to be reproduced around the same month each year.

Sources for Reproduction Information

The fastest way to obtain information about reprints is through Kotobukiya's official Twitter (@kotobukiya_p). Announcements regarding reprint decisions are often made here first, sometimes even before the official website's news section. By turning on notifications through retweets and likes, you can reduce the risk of missing out on information. Reprint information is also posted in the "News" section of the official website, so make it a habit to check regularly.

Each sales site also independently disseminates reprint information. On AmiAmi's "Restock Information" page, you can see a list of products that have been confirmed for reprint. DMM also displays a tag saying "Pre-orders for reprints are now being accepted" on product pages, so if you add desired products to your favorites, you will receive notifications. Figure information sites and figure communities on social media are also useful sources of information. In particular, Twitter accounts dedicated to figure information compile reprint information from multiple manufacturers, making it efficient for gathering information.

Differences Between Reproduced and First Production Items

The biggest difference between reproduced items and first production items is the presence or absence of exclusive bonuses. Exclusive bonuses from official shops are usually only included with first production items, and they are often not included with reprints. Therefore, if you want exclusive bonuses, it is essential to pre-order during the first production. However, there are rare cases where bonuses are revived during reprints or new bonuses different from the first production are added, so be sure to check official announcements carefully.

In terms of the specifications of the figure itself, there is generally no difference between first production and reproduced items. The quality of painting and sculpting is the same, and the packaging design is often unchanged. However, there are rare instances where some parts of the painting are improved or the molding color of parts is changed. It is common for both first production and reprints to be sold at the same retail price, but some sales sites may have different discount rates for reprints compared to the first production.

Tips for Securing Limited Items

In addition to regular versions, there are event-exclusive items and store-exclusive bonus products. Here are strategies to ensure you can obtain these limited items.

How to Obtain Event-Exclusive Items

The largest venue for Kotobukiya's event-exclusive item sales is Wonder Festival (commonly known as WonFes). This event, held twice a year (in summer and winter), features figures in event-exclusive colors and specifications. The basic method is to purchase directly at the venue, but popular items may sell out shortly after the doors open, so lining up early in the morning is necessary. Sometimes, numbered tickets are distributed, so be sure to check the official website for sales methods in advance.

In recent years, there have been increasing cases where some event-exclusive items are sold online. After the event, the Kotobukiya official online shop may hold lottery sales or first-come-first-served sales, providing opportunities for those who cannot attend the event. Large events like Comic Market (C2C) and Character Hobby also feature Kotobukiya booths where limited products are sold. Information about event-exclusive items is announced in advance on the official Twitter, so be sure to check before the event. In the case of online sales, access tends to concentrate at the start of reservations, so it is advantageous to register your account and set up your payment method in advance.

How to Obtain Store-Exclusive Bonuses

Store-exclusive bonuses are bonuses that can only be obtained at specific sales sites or shops. Each store offers its own bonuses, such as AmiAmi exclusive bonuses and Animate exclusive bonuses. These bonuses are mostly merchandise like clear files, can badges, and acrylic stands, which do not usually affect the figure itself. Information about store-exclusive bonuses is listed on the product pages of each sales site and can be checked at the time of reservation.

If you want to obtain all the store-exclusive bonuses, you can strategize to reserve separately at each store. However, this means purchasing multiple copies of the same figure, so you need to consider your budget. Bonuses may also be listed separately on platforms like Mercari or Yahoo Auctions, but they often sell for prices above retail. Store-exclusive bonuses are often limited in quantity, and after some time from the start of reservations, they may switch to regular reservations without bonuses. If you are aiming for bonuses, it is recommended to make reservations immediately after they start.

Tips for Not Missing Official Exclusive Bonuses

Official Limited Benefits are the most valuable perks among Kotobukiya products. There are many benefits that expand the enjoyment of the figure itself, such as expression parts and hair parts, making them essential items for collectors. To ensure you secure the official limited benefits, it is important to be ready at the reservation start time on the official online shop. Announcements for the start of reservations are made on the official Twitter, so make sure to turn on notifications to avoid missing out.

Official limited benefits are usually only available for the first production run and are not included in reprints. Therefore, once you catch the reservation start information for the figure you want, it is recommended to reserve it without hesitation. Reservations at the official shop are generally sold at retail price, but considering the value of the limited benefits, it is quite reasonable. If you register as a member, the reservation process will go smoothly, and you can accumulate points for future purchases. Since access can become concentrated right after the reservation starts, making simultaneous access from multiple devices (like a PC and smartphone) is also effective. 【Related Article】: Complete Guide to Kotobukiya ARTFX Series | Thorough Comparison of ARTFX, J, and +

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have compiled frequently asked questions regarding the purchase of Kotobukiya figures. Let's resolve any anxieties or doubts before making a purchase.

Is cancellation or return possible?

The cancellation policy for reserved products varies depending on the retailer. Kotobukiya Official Shop allows cancellations from your My Page before shipping, but cancellations cannot be made once the shipping process has started. DMM allows cancellations until before shipping, and the process is relatively simple. AmiAmi generally does not accept cancellations after reservation, but you can consult them individually if there are unavoidable circumstances. Returns are basically not accepted except for initial defects or damages during delivery.

What is the difference between reservation benefits and limited benefits?

Reservation benefits are perks provided to everyone who reserves during the reservation period. If you reserve within the period, you are guaranteed to receive them. On the other hand, limited benefits are available in limited quantities, and even during the reservation period, they will end once the quantity is reached. Official limited benefits are particularly limited in quantity and may end right after the reservation starts. Reservation benefits are often store-exclusive merchandise, while limited benefits tend to be parts related to the figure itself.

Which retailer guarantees delivery on the release date?

If you want to receive the product on the release date, AmiAmi's Release Date Delivery Service is the most reliable option. If you select this option when reserving, the product will be delivered on the release date. However, there may be delays due to region or weather. The official shop and DMM will ship after the release date, so it will take a few days after the release date for it to arrive.

Is it okay to reserve at multiple stores?

Reserving the same product at multiple stores is not prohibited by the regulations of each store. However, large-scale reservations for resale purposes are not preferred. It is common to reserve at multiple stores when the store-exclusive benefits differ, but it is good manners to cancel any unnecessary reservations as soon as possible.

Which retailers support international shipping?

Kotobukiya Official Shop does not support international shipping. DMM and AmiAmi offer international shipping services to certain countries and regions, but shipping costs can be high, and customs duties may apply. For those living overseas, it may be more convenient to use specialized import services for overseas figures.

Summary: How to Smartly Purchase Kotobukiya Figures

Choosing where to purchase Kotobukiya figures depends on what you prioritize. If you value limited benefits, the official shop is suitable; if price is your top priority, DMM or AmiAmi is appropriate. To avoid missing the reservation timing, following the official social media and registering for newsletters is essential. Especially for figures of popular characters, taking action right after the reservation starts will ensure you secure the limited benefits.

By regularly checking for restock information, there is a chance to obtain products that you missed out on during the reservation period. However, official limited bonuses are only available during the initial production, so if you want the bonuses, it is essential to make a reservation during the first round. By understanding the characteristics of multiple purchasing sources and selecting the optimal one for each product, you can maximize cost performance and satisfaction. 【Related Articles】: Complete Guide to Kotobukiya Figures | Thorough Explanation from Bishoujo to ARTFX

Utilize the information introduced in this article to find the best purchasing method for you. Get your favorite Kotobukiya figures and enjoy a fulfilling collection life. Check the reservation status of the products you want on the official site and various sales sites right now.

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