A Guide to Funko Pop Exclusives: Understanding Convention, Retailer, and Funko Shop Stickers

As you dive deeper into the Funko Pop collecting world, you’ll quickly realize that not all boxes are created equal. Beyond the character inside, the small sticker on the clear plastic window can mean a world of difference in terms of rarity, value, and where the figure came from.

This sticker system can be one of the most confusing aspects for new collectors. What’s the difference between a San Diego Comic-Con sticker and a “Fall Convention” sticker? Why is one Pop only at Target? This guide will demystify the world of Funko Pop exclusives and turn you into a knowledgeable sticker-spotter.

The Purpose of the Sticker: A Mark of Rarity

At its core, an exclusive sticker signifies that a particular Funko Pop is a limited release, not a “common” figure that can be found at any store. This limitation is what drives the “thrill of the hunt” and often increases the figure’s value on the secondary market. Let’s break down the main categories.

1. Retailer Exclusives

This is the most common type of exclusive you’ll encounter in the wild. A retailer exclusive is a Pop that is sold only through a specific store or chain. The sticker on the box will clearly identify which retailer it belongs to.

• What it Means: Funko partners with a store to release a unique Pop that you can (in theory) only get from them.
• Common Examples:
  • Target Exclusive: Often identifiable by their red bullseye logo sticker.
  • Walmart Exclusive: Features a blue and yellow sticker.
  • Hot Topic Exclusive: Known for their distinct “Hot Topic Exclusive” sticker, sometimes with pre-release versions.
  • BoxLunch Exclusive: Features a “BoxLunch Exclusive” sticker.
  • GameStop Exclusive: Has a sticker for the popular video game retailer.
  • Barnes & Noble Exclusive: Found only at the major bookstore chain.
• Why They Matter: These exclusives encourage collectors to visit different stores and can be some of the most sought-after figures in a new release wave.

2. Convention Exclusives (The Heavy Hitters)

Convention Exclusives are special Pops released in conjunction with major pop culture conventions. This category is where things can get a bit more complex, as there are two types of stickers for the same figure.

• What it Means: These are some of the most limited and hyped releases of the year, tied to events like San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), New York Comic Con (NYCC), and Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC).

The Two Sticker Types:

1. Official Convention Sticker: This is the “on-site” sticker. It features the official logo and name of the convention (e.g., “San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Exclusive”). To get this version, you typically have to attend the convention in person and win a lottery for a timeslot at Funko’s booth. Because of this difficulty, Pops with the official convention sticker are considered rarer and are often more valuable to hardcore collectors.
2. Shared Exclusive Sticker: Funko knows not everyone can attend a convention. For most convention releases, they “share” the exclusive with specific retailers (like Hot Topic, Target, or GameStop). The Pop figure inside the box is identical, but the sticker is different. It will say something generic like “2025 Fall Convention Exclusive” or “2025 Summer Convention Exclusive.” These are much more accessible but are still limited runs.

Key Takeaway: The Pop is the same, but the sticker tells the story of where it was purchased. The on-site convention sticker signifies it was bought at the event itself, making it a rarer collectible.

3. Funko Shop Exclusives

These are Pops sold directly from Funko’s own online store, the Funko Shop.

• What it Means: These are often very limited-edition releases that drop on the website at a specific time, frequently selling out in minutes. They can be unique colorways, holiday-themed figures, or characters from more niche properties.
• The Sticker: They have a distinct “Funko Shop Exclusive” or “Funko Limited Edition” sticker.
• Why They Matter: Due to their limited production numbers and the rush to buy them upon release, Funko Shop exclusives can become highly sought after and valuable very quickly.

4. The “Chase” Sticker: A Category of Its Own

The Chase sticker is different from the others because it doesn’t signify where a Pop was sold, but rather that it is a rare variant of a common figure.

• What it Means: A “Chase” is a slightly different version of a standard Pop, produced in a 1-in-6 ratio. The difference could be a metallic paint job, a glow-in-the-dark feature, a different pose, or a different accessory.
• The Sticker: A classic Chase is identified by a round, metallic yellow sticker that says “Chase.”
• The “Chance of Chase” Sticker: You may also see a larger sticker on a Pop box that says “Chance of Chase.” This does not mean the Pop inside is a Chase. It is simply an advertisement by Funko to let you know that a Chase variant for that character exists in the wild. The actual Chase will have the small, round sticker.

Quick Reference Guide

Understanding these stickers is key to navigating the Funko Pop landscape. They are the roadmap to rarity, the indicators of a great find, and a core part of what makes the hunt so rewarding.