Are you a passionate collector of pop culture memorabilia? Do you find yourself searching for that one exclusive Funko Pop!, a rare action figure, or the perfect piece to complete your collection? For collectors everywhere, one name stands out as a key destination: Entertainment Earth. This isn’t just another online store; it’s a massive warehouse of wonder, a trusted partner for hobbyists, and a hub for everything related to toys, collectibles, and pop culture treasures. From its unique guarantees to its vast selection, we’re diving deep into what makes this platform a go-to source for fans and collectors across the United States and beyond. This article will explore its history, its standout features like the Mint Condition Guarantee™, and why it has become a cornerstone of the collecting community.
Key Takeaways
- Vast Selection: Entertainment Earth offers an enormous catalog of products, from action figures and statues to vinyl figures and prop replicas from thousands of licenses.
- Collector-Focused Policies: The company is known for its industry-leading policies, including the Mint Condition Guarantee™ and a hassle-free 90-day return policy.
- Pre-Orders Made Easy: Collectors can secure upcoming popular items through a simple pre-order system, ensuring they don’t miss out on hot releases.
- Wholesale Opportunities: It serves not only individual collectors but also small businesses and resellers through its wholesale distribution program.
- Community and Trust: With decades of experience, Entertainment Earth has built a strong reputation for reliability, customer service, and a genuine passion for pop culture.
The Origin Story of a Collector’s Paradise
Every great story has a beginning, and the tale of Entertainment Earth is rooted in a genuine passion for collecting. Founded in 1996 by brothers Aaron and Jason Labowitz, the company started in a small garage in California. They were collectors themselves and grew frustrated with the difficulty of finding rare and mint-condition action figures. They envisioned a better way—a company built by collectors, for collectors. This core philosophy has guided the business for over two decades.
Their initial focus was on Star Wars action figures, a franchise with one of the most dedicated fan bases. They understood that collectors weren’t just buying toys; they were acquiring pieces of art, nostalgia, and investment. This understanding led them to prioritize the condition of the items they sold, a principle that would later evolve into their famous guarantee. What began in a garage quickly grew into a major online retailer and distributor, expanding its inventory to cover nearly every corner of pop culture imaginable. This journey from a small startup to an industry leader showcases the power of a customer-centric vision.
What Exactly is Entertainment Earth?
At its heart, Entertainment Earth is a pioneering online retailer and wholesaler of licensed collectibles. Think of it as a superstore for everything pop culture. Their catalog includes an incredible variety of products, such as:
- Action Figures
- Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures
- Statues and Busts
- Prop Replicas
- Apparel and Accessories
- Home Goods and Office Decor
The company works directly with hundreds of manufacturers like Hasbro, Funko, Mattel, and McFarlane Toys to source its products. This direct relationship allows them to offer a massive selection, including exclusive items you can’t find anywhere else. They cater to a wide audience, from the casual fan looking for a cool t-shirt to the serious collector hunting for a limited-edition, high-end statue. More than just a store, it’s a comprehensive platform designed to meet the needs of the modern collector.
For Individual Collectors
For the individual hobbyist, Entertainment Earth is a treasure trove. The website is easy to navigate, with powerful search filters that let you browse by franchise, character, brand, or product type. Whether you’re a fan of Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or obscure anime, you’re likely to find something that catches your eye. The ability to pre-order upcoming releases is a huge advantage, as it helps you secure popular items before they sell out and hit the secondary market at inflated prices.
For Businesses and Resellers
Beyond individual sales, Entertainment Earth operates a robust wholesale division. This B2B side of the business supplies collectibles to smaller comic book shops, independent toy stores, and online resellers. By creating a wholesale account, business owners can access products at distributor pricing, allowing them to stock their own shelves with the latest and greatest items. This makes the company a critical part of the entire collectibles ecosystem, supporting small businesses and ensuring fans can find products in their local stores as well.
The Unbeatable Mint Condition Guarantee™
One of the most significant innovations Entertainment Earth brought to the industry is its Mint Condition Guarantee™. This policy addresses a major pain point for collectors: receiving damaged goods. When you’re buying a collectible, the condition of the packaging is often just as important as the item inside, especially for “in-box” collectors. A dented corner, a creased card back, or a scuffed window can drastically reduce an item’s value and appeal.
The guarantee promises that every item you buy will arrive in pristine, mint condition. The company achieves this through a meticulous process:
- Initial Inspection: Employees inspect shipments as they arrive at the warehouse, weeding out any products with significant packaging defects.
- Careful Handling: Items are stored and handled with care to prevent damage within the facility.
- Expert Packing: When an order is placed, it is packed by trained professionals using high-quality shipping materials to protect it during transit.
If a product somehow arrives in less-than-mint condition, their customer service team will work with you to replace it. This commitment to quality gives collectors peace of mind and sets Entertainment Earth apart from many other retailers.
Navigating the Massive Product Catalog
With tens of thousands of items, browsing the Entertainment Earth website can feel like exploring a galaxy of collectibles. To make it manageable, the site is organized into intuitive categories.
Top Product Categories
|
Category |
Description |
Popular Brands/Franchises |
|---|---|---|
|
Action Figures |
Articulated figures ranging from 3.75-inch to 12-inch scale. |
Marvel Legends, Star Wars The Black Series, G.I. Joe Classified |
|
Vinyl Figures |
Stylized, non-articulated figures, with Funko Pops being the most popular. |
Funko, FiGPiN, Super7 |
|
Statues |
High-end, detailed sculptures often made from polystone or resin. |
DC Direct, Kotobukiya, Diamond Select |
|
Prop Replicas |
Life-size or scaled replicas of iconic items from movies and TV. |
Lightsabers, Infinity Gauntlets, Helmets |
|
Exclusive Items |
Limited-edition products available only through Entertainment Earth. |
Varies by convention and season |
Finding What You Want
The powerful search and filtering tools are your best friend. You can narrow down your search by:
- Theme: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Anime, Horror, etc.
- Company: Disney, Warner Bros., Lucasfilm, etc.
- Character: Batman, Spider-Man, Luke Skywalker, etc.
- Brand: Hasbro, Funko, LEGO, etc.
Additionally, the “Hot Off The Truck” section shows you the newest arrivals, while the “Outlet Deals” section is perfect for finding discounted treasures. These tools make it easy to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for or discover new items to add to your wishlist. As tech trends evolve, sites like these often adapt, a topic sometimes discussed on platforms like Silicon Valley Time.
The Power of Pre-Ordering
In the world of collectibles, timing is everything. Highly anticipated items can sell out in minutes. This is where the Entertainment Earth pre-order system shines. When a manufacturer announces a new product, the company often lists it for pre-order months in advance.
How Pre-Ordering Works
- Place Your Order: You can add a pre-order item to your cart just like any other product.
- No-Risk Policy: Your credit card is not charged until the item is in stock and ready to ship.
- Cancel Anytime: If you change your mind, you can cancel a pre-order at any time before it ships without any penalty.
This system allows you to reserve your spot in line for the hottest collectibles without any upfront financial commitment. It’s an essential tool for serious collectors who want to ensure they don’t miss out. The company also has a “Not Mint” section, where you can buy items with slightly damaged packaging at a discount—perfect for “out-of-box” collectors who don’t care about the packaging.
Beyond the Store: Community and Content
Entertainment Earth is more than just a retailer; it’s an active participant in the collector community. The company maintains a strong presence at major conventions like San Diego Comic-Con and New York Comic Con, often with a large booth and a slate of exclusive products. These exclusives are some of the most sought-after items each year.
The company also engages with its audience through content. The EE Insider blog features product announcements, interviews with creators, collecting tips, and checklists. This content helps keep fans informed and engaged with the hobby. Their social media channels are also buzzing with news, unboxings, and contests, further cementing their role as a central hub for pop culture fans. This blend of commerce and community has been key to their long-term success.
Conclusion
For over 25 years, Entertainment Earth has proven to be an indispensable resource for collectors. From its humble beginnings in a garage to its current status as an industry powerhouse, the company has remained true to its founding principle: to serve collectors with passion and integrity. With its vast selection, innovative policies like the Mint Condition Guarantee™, and a deep connection to the fan community, it offers a comprehensive and trustworthy platform for anyone passionate about pop culture. Whether you are just starting your collection or are a seasoned veteran hunting for that holy grail item, Entertainment Earth provides the tools, selection, and service to help you build the collection of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Entertainment Earth a legitimate company?
Absolutely. Entertainment Earth has been in business since 1996 and is one of the most well-known and respected retailers and distributors in the collectibles industry. They are an authorized dealer for all the brands they carry.
Q2: How does the Mint Condition Guarantee™ work?
The guarantee promises that the items you order will arrive in mint condition, including the packaging. If you receive an item with a dented box, creased card, or other significant flaw, you can contact their customer service for a replacement or return.
Q3: Do I get charged right away for a pre-order?
No, you are not charged for a pre-order until the item is in stock at their warehouse and preparing to ship to you. You can also cancel a pre-order at any point before it ships.
Q4: Does Entertainment Earth ship internationally?
Yes, Entertainment Earth ships to many countries around the world. Shipping costs and delivery times will vary depending on the destination.
Q5: What are Entertainment Earth Exclusives?
These are limited-edition products that are only available to purchase directly from Entertainment Earth. They are often released in conjunction with major events like San Diego Comic-Con or as special seasonal offerings.
