Funko POP Grading & Encapsulation

Elevate your collection with SWAU Funko POP Encapsulation and Grading!

The Next Level of Collecting

Introducing SWAU Authentication Funko Encapsulation and Grading service. Our UV Resistant, tamper-evident encapsulated holder offers complete protection for your treasured collectibles, while enhancing their visual appeal on display. Each encapsulated Funko is hermetically and sonically sealed, creating a unique collectible to be admired for years.

Harmony in Collecting

Our SWAU Label offers a classic appeal, encouraging the eye to focus on the piece itself, while simultaneously offering a visually clean label. The SWAU encapsulated holder is UV resistant and tamper-evident, ensuring investment security for generations. Each submission is photographed, recorded with all demographic info, and made available on our website via a scannable QR code or certification number. Additionally, our population report will be available within 120 days after launch to see how your piece compares to other collections.

Expert Analysis

Our Funko authentication team, combined with our autograph experts, bring you the best of both worlds: Funko and autograph authentication and grading. Each piece is reviewed by our experts and assigned an overall grade, which is visible on the front of each label. For autographed Funko Pops, an additional review is undertaken to verify the authenticity of the signature. Once complete, the piece is encapsulated with an Authentic Autograph label.

Why Grade a Funko Pop?

Funko Pop grading turns a subjective condition claim into a consistent benchmark. Instead of relying on a seller description and photos, a graded Pop has documented condition and sealed protection that helps preserve that condition over time. If you collect comic books, the logic will feel familiar: condition and protection are what make pieces easier to compare, preserve and sell.

For collectors, grading creates a standard you can use across your display, especially if you care about clean boxes and uniform presentation. Encapsulation also helps protect against new wear from handling, dust, moisture and accidental damage during storage, moving or shelf changes.

For resale, grading can reduce buyer hesitation by providing a shared reference point for condition. That clarity can support smoother transactions and stronger buyer confidence, particularly for limited releases, older Pops in strong condition and signed pieces where authenticity and presentation matter.

SWAU’s Funko Pop Grading Process

SWAU’s Funko Pop grading process is built to make condition and authenticity easy to document in one submission. Collectors start by selecting Encapsulation and Grading, which assigns the Pop an overall grade shown on the front label. Each graded submission is photographed and recorded with identifying details, then linked to a scannable QR code or certification number for easy reference in your collection or when it is time to sell.

If your Pop is autographed, signature services can be added during checkout. This helps reduce buyer uncertainty by documenting authenticity and creating a clearer point of comparison across signed Pops.

Encapsulation Technology and Features

The SWAU encapsulated holder is built for protection and display. It is UV resistant and tamper-evident, and each encapsulated Funko is hermetically and sonically sealed to help reduce long-term exposure to dust, moisture and contaminants. The label is intentionally clean, so the Pop remains the focal point while still displaying the grade and key identification details in a shelf-ready format.

SWAU also includes a graded population report so collectors can see how their piece compares to other submissions.

Benefits of Professional Grading

Professional grading gives collectors a shared benchmark for condition. A third-party grade documents the Pop at a specific point in time and makes it easier to compare pieces consistently, especially online where photos and seller descriptions can vary. Encapsulation adds another layer of protection by minimizing handling and reducing the chance of new wear during storage, moving or display changes.

Grading is not necessary for every Pop. Many collectors reserve it for limited editions, older releases, personal favorites and pieces in near mint condition they want to keep that way. Signed Pops are also strong candidates because documenting authenticity can improve buyer confidence.

Submission and Pricing Information

Submitting a Funko Pop to SWAU is straightforward, whether you are grading a standard figure or adding autograph services for a signed piece.

How to Submit a Funko Pop for Grading

1. Choose Your Pop Grade Option
   Select standard grading to receive a numerical grade on a 1 to 10 scale, from 1 (Poor) to 10 (Gem Mint). If you prefer documentation without a condition score, choose authenticate-only. Authenticate-only submissions receive an “A” designation once verified.
   
2. Add Autograph Options If Your Pop Is Signed
   If the Pop is autographed, you can add autograph authentication services during checkout. Choose autograph authentication only to receive an “A” designation once the signature is verified or select an autograph grade on a 1 to 10 numerical scale to document how the signature presents.
   
3. Enter the Declared Value
   Provide the Pop name and declared value for insurance purposes. This reflects the assessed value of the item.
   

Once your order is placed, print the receipt and include it in the box with your Pop.

Pricing and Turnaround: Pricing for our Funko Pop grading services includes Standard Encapsulation and Grading for non-autographed Pops at $35 and Dual Service at $50. Our Funko Pop grading and encapsulation service offers a turnaround time of under 30 days, with processing times subject to volume and peak submission periods.

Packaging and Shipping Guidance

1. Keep the Pop in Its Original Box
   Ship the Pop in its original packaging. Altered boxes or missing components may affect grading eligibility.
   
2. Decide If You Want Your Protector Returned
   If you are shipping in a soft stack or hard stack and want it back, select the send-back case option at checkout. A $5 return shipping fee applies.
   
3. Wrap the Pop for Cushioning
   Wrap the boxed Pop in at least two full layers of bubble wrap. Fold the ends over and tape them down so the Pop cannot shift inside the wrap.
4. Pack It in a Sturdy Shipping Box
   Place the wrapped Pop in a rigid cardboard box. Fill all empty space with cushioning material such as newsprint or packing peanuts so it stays secure in transit.
5. Use a Right-Sized Box
   A USPS Priority Mail Regional Rate Box A is commonly used for standard 4-inch Pops because it fits snugly without excess space.
6. Include Your Printed Receipt
   Place your printed receipt inside the package so the order is easy to match when it arrives.

Convenience at Comic Cons: If you prefer to avoid shipping, you can drop off your items with us at select Comic Con events for in-person submission.

Understanding Grades and Population Reports

Grades provide a consistent way to describe overall condition and presentation. Higher grades generally reflect a cleaner-looking Pop with fewer visible defects, while mid and lower grades typically show more noticeable wear that affects shelf appeal. Because Pops are collected as boxed items, condition issues usually show up most on the packaging.

Common factors that can lower a grade include corner and edge wear, creases and dents, window scuffs or scratches, surface rub, warping, sticker damage and visible residue.

Population reports show how many Pops land at each grade level. Over time, this can influence rarity and desirability because top grades can become harder to find, especially if relatively few submissions reach the highest tiers. Population data is available through SWAU Authentication’s POP Report, searchable by Pop name and/or number.

For questions about a grade after return, collectors can contact SWAU Support for guidance on available options.