-   Prices will be floating against Japanese Yen, which will be the base price for all items, instead of Malaysian Ringgit. In short, the price in Malaysian Ringgit will no longer be fixed. The exchange rate will be updated on weekly basis.
-   All pre-orders will no longer be subjected to placement of any deposits. However, strictly no cancellation is allowed after the preorder deadline. Depending on the frequency of cancellation, order amount, and reasons of cancellation, there is a possibility that we will stop taking orders from such customers who repeatedly ask for cancellation, in order to allow genuine customers to have better access to our stock.
-   All items will be accorded a 5% discount based on the Japan's Retail Price, except for exclusive items.
-   There will be no more free shipping within Malaysia, regardless of your total purchases. (No shipping or handling charges will be imposed for COD)
-   New payment procedure: Within seven days from the date we invoice you (or inform you of your grand total) by e-mail and NOT by SMS, failing which, your order will be automatically cancelled; unless we receive a valid reason for the non-payment, or late payment.
Note: Grand total = Item price + shipping charges
 -   For in-stock items, a combined order's payment due date is within seven days from our first invoice date, even if you placed an additional order after that.
 -   Your pre-orders will be invoiced after we have all of your order items ready.
Please do not send payment before we quote your grand total, even though you have ordered with us before and know our PayPal email address or bank accounts detail.
-   All of the above changes apply only for items starting from 3^rd May 2010, items ordered before this date are not affected and will still be using the old policies.
-   Our FAQ have been updated, please read through and understand it clearly before you place any order. Please feel free to contact us anytime if you have any other questions, at inquiry@animetsu.com

The target for this transformation is to stream line the entire ordering processes and pricing scheme. This is also in preparation for the launching of our new Japan website, and we hope to bring in more attractive items.
In the mean time, with the 5% price reduction, you will experience an even better deal like no other in Animetsu Studio!
For example, had someone from Sabah brought a Nendoroid:
-       our regular Nendoroid price: 3,500yen
-       our price after the 5% discount: 3,333yen
-       handling charges for our new double-layer tougher packaging box: 60yen
-       shipping for one Nendoroid within the entire Malaysia: RM10
-       Grand total that you will need to pay (exchange rate may vary): 3,393yen + RM10 = ~RM126!

Now everyone can buy! ^_^

From our continuous effort to bring in the fair price to everyone, we have took one step forward and successfully setup a branch office located in Tokyo, Japan.

Registered Company Name: Animetsu Studio (アニメツー スタ ジオ)

Official Business Address: 1-13-6 Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Plaza Tower Kachidoki 1105

Web Domain (pending approval): www.animetsu.jp

As such, we managed to bring down all latest exclusive item prices. Now Touhou Puchi set & Nendoroid Racing Miku are within reach of everyone.

Thank you and Happy New Year 2010!

Review Reimbursement Program

We want your views and thoughts on the items you have brought from us, and similarly help us to let the public have a better understanding about the product.

You will receive reward of RM1.00 per review, if you fulfill ALL following conditions:

-       You review only on the item that was brought from us.

-       Only applies to items received after 1^st January 2010.

-       The review must be available on both your blog/website and the "Review" section in the Animetsu website related product page for that reviewed item (you may copy and paste it from your blog).

-       The review should not less than 100 words. You may use Microsoft Word or other similar program to do a final word count.

-       A person cannot submit more than one review for the same product.

-       You must email us your review blog/website page link to review@animetsu.com for our inspection and approval.

 There is no restriction on whether the reviews are positive or negative view, you are free to write. However, we will reject all reviews that contain personal attack, sex content, social sensitive issue or any matter that we believe is inappropriate.

 After approval, we will credit the money into your commission account in the Affiliate Program. Please refer to the Affiliate Program section for more information on how to claim your accumulated money.

 You can combine your link on Affiliate Program with the Review Reimbursement Program to speed up your chances to earn more!

Make sure your submitted review is the genuine work from you. Please DO NOT COPY the review from other people, website or any other copyrighted sources. If we found out such case, your commission will be taken away entirely, your name will be permanently blacklisted and barred from getting any item from Animetsu Studio.

 Animetsu Studio reserves the rights to cancel the commission, partially or entirely, if we found any inappropriate or unlawful activity as penalty.

 It's that easy, you write, we pay!

General Guideline for a Good Review

-       Talk about your feelings for your precious figure or merchandise, be it a positive or negative view (expected and unexpected).

-       The item’s extra description in details based on your own observation.

-       Your feedback on what the manufacturer should do in order to improve the item quality or what you would expect in the future releases for similar items.

 Example of a good review by MasLight, although it has only 70 word count:

Touhoubougetusyou Comic and Figure Review

Purchased this from animetsu. It's a pre-order, so it took awhile to get to my place. The comic contains around 120 pages and first 4 pages are in color. It comes with a cute petit figure measuring at 3.5cm packed in plastic stored in a box. Was surprise that the figure is smaller than the nyoron petite (the limited comic edition), but very satisfied because the detailing left me speechless.

Affiliate Program

Save more with us is very easy! Here's how it works:

You receive commission for every order placed by customers whom you refer to our store - 5% of each order amount.

Referring users to our store can be performed in two ways:

1.     Simply tell your referrals to mention your login id when registering in our store or placing an order.

2.     Add the provided link to your website. You can obtain this link after logging into your account, then click on "How to earn money" link.

All visitors of your website or blog who click on this link will be redirected to our store and if he/she makes an order, you will automatically receive your reward! Users will not be asked to input your login in this case.

How to claim

You can claim your commission only on every accumulated RM30.00.

We will send you an electronic cash discount coupon worth RM30.00 via email when you have accumulated more than RM30.00 worth of commission. Then, RM30.00 will be deducted from your commission account after the discount coupon has been issued to you.

You will only receive your commission after the transaction has been fully completed, i.e. where item has been fully paid for and delivered.

There is no expiry date for commission accumulation (yes, it last forever!). However, the discount coupon is only valid for use within a one year period from the date of issue.

You can use the discount coupon on any item, whether it is in-stock, preorder or exclusive item, available from Animetsu Studio official website.

All discount coupons will only be accepted if you buy the item directly from our official website at www.animetsu.com. Please apply the discount coupon code during your check out process; the system will automatically calculate the discounted price for you.

No transfer of money from one user to another will be entertained.

Animetsu Studio reserves the rights to cancel the commission, partially or entirely, if we found any inappropriate or unlawful activity as penalty.

Terms & Conditions:

- Sales period: from 01 December 2009 to 31 December 2009

- Open to everyone, while stock last.

- Valid only for selected in-stock items only (will be announce later).

- No reservation, full payment must be make within 48 hours after you have placed the order, otherwise your order will be cancel immediately and the item will be open to other buyer.

- All items sold are not refundable; cancelation with full refund can only be accepted within 48 hours after you have placed your order.

- No item exchange for any items within the sales period.

- FREE shipping applies within Malaysia for all sales items totaled above RM300.

- Items will be sent out only on the following dates:

o All purchases before 15 December 2009, will sent out on 15 December 2009.

o All purchases before 01 January 2010, will sent out on 01 January 2010.

- We only accept order make directly from Mega Sales December 2009 website.

- Animetsu Studio reserve rights to amend and cancel the order if we found necessary.

- No discount request will be entertain after the sales period.

- Animetsu Studio is not responsible for the item you want has been sold out.

This comparison is for those who want to know more about Figma and Fraulein Revoltech, the following will be the brief comparison between this two products.

Let's take the examples from Revoltech Yoko Movie version and the Figma Kagami Hiiragi Cosplay version.

Kaiyodo Fraulein Revoltech Yoko Movie version:

Max Factory Figma Kagami Hiiragi Cosplay version:

Here, the components that make up the Revoltech:

Here, the components that make up the Figma:

Accessories that carried by both figures:

For this example, the Figma is make up completely using ball-joint components for all movable parts:

Whereas, Revoltech has more realistic joint point that are using both ball-joint and single-joint parts, it also has better design to hide the movable joint points:

For flexibility, here comes the comparison example (front):

More flexibility comparison (back):

The provided stands-holder, black one is for Revoltech, transparent one is for Figma:

Here, the box (front):

The box (back):

Size for both Figma and Revoltech, it weight about 250g each:

Size comparison, with accessaries:

Good Smile Company is going to release the Hatsune Miku ( 初音ミク ) Racing Queen Ver. + Umberlla + Nendoroid Car ( ＲＱ Ver.＋専用傘＋ねんどろいどCAR ) Nendoroid action figure from the popular singing synthesizer application “Vocaloid 2″ by YAMAHA. Will be bundled with the StudieGLADRacing personal sponsorship from April 17, 2009 to May 11, 2009. Personal sponsorship packages start from 8,400 yen up to 60,000 yen.

- Nendriod Set 8,400 円 Course
Content of commodity：A, B, C & D
8,400 Yen for 1 Unit Set

- Nendriod Set 12,000 円 Course
Content of commodity：A, B, C, D, E & F
12,000 Yen for 1 Unit Set

- Nendriod Set 36,000 円 Course
Content of commodity：A, B, C, D, E, F & G
36,000 Yen for 1 Unit Set

- Nendriod Set 60,000 円 Course
Content of commodity：A, B, C, D, E, F, G, & H
60,000 Yen for 1 Unit Set

Expected Delivery date: 2009 年 9 月予定
Pre-Order deadline: 06 May 2009

*For items A, B, C and D:

A: Sponsor Card
B: Mule key ring
C: Ticket holder
D: Nendroid RQ Ver. includes Umbrella, NendroidCAR (with seal set)

*For Items E, F, G and H:

E: Super microfiber towel
F: Cap
G: Crew T-shirt
H: Jacket

*Miku Race Queen Special (item D):


T-Shirt: M : L : XL
General Size: 68 : 70 : 72
Length: 59 : 62 : 65
Shoulder Width: 46 : 48 : 50
Sleeve length: 23 : 24 : 25
(All in cm.)

This was originally posted to eBay by antibootleganimefigure as a guide, but I feel the information only reaches a small amount of buyers so I'm re-posting it here:

When I wrote this bootleg figure blog, the intent was to give buyers the basic signs that can help them spot a fake.
However, over the last few months, I've noticed that many new collectors have been misusing this information, and assuming every tiny flaw on their figures means they have a fake!
Please keep in mind, that these figures are factory-made, mass produced products, and that no toy will ever be 100% flawless and perfect!
Authentic figures can have flaws!
Even legitimate retailers will tell you this!

At the bottom of each figure page on Hobby Link Japan's shop, you will see:
Note: Please note that figures such as this are mass produced and as a result some inconsistencies in finish and painting may occur; these are not considered manufacturer's defects. If you absolutely must have perfection, prepare to do some touch-up work on your own.

Sometimes scaled PVC will have an odd paint chip here or there, seam/mold lines that show, or a smudge, but you cannot just assume a figure is fake based on a few flaws!
There are even a few authentic figure manufactures, which just make poor products, so research before you buy a figure!

Also, please be aware that not ALL figure makers use authenticity stickers/seals!
No sticker on your figure box does not automatically equal a fake!

If you plan to dispute a seller or store about a fake figure, then you need to have evidence backing up your claim!
The figures that are featured in my blog were carefully compared against several different sets of authentic photos.
I did not just assume the figures were fake based on flaws.

Through much research we have found that fakes are smaller than their authentic counterparts, and at times they even weigh more or less than the originals. 
A lot of work goes into spotting, and it is not as simple as finding a few things wrong.

If you are a buyer of gachapon, trading figures, prize goods, and other toys that have a cheap retail price, you may get a low quality figure!
Flaws, seam lines, and poor paint on one of the above figures may not be an indicator that your figure is fake!!
These figures are NOT on the same quality level as scaled PVC!
If you want better quality figures, then you will need to move up to more expensive scaled PVC or Statues.

Also, older/vintage toys tend to be of a different type of quality.
The creation process for older toys was not as advanced, as it is now.
You cannot compare the quality of a figure you got, that was made back in 1999, to the quality of figures now in 2009!

Don't let the statement "US Seller" bring your guard down:
The last two fakes I received were direct from sellers here in the USA!
In my opinion, many retailers in the US are simply 100% ignorant of the advancement of the black market, and others are simply greedy, and willing to sell fakes to unsavvy fans.  
In many cases they've acquired these fakes cheap via wholesale, and then raise the price to cut a large profit.

Which brings us to another note...
Even if the price is very high, you can still be purchasing a fake!
Do NOT let pricing fool you!!!! At this point many fake figures are just as expensive as the originals!
When in doubt, ask the seller questions about the listing and even for
closer/more photos.
If a seller is not willing to work with you on this, then they are not worth dealing with!
A price that's too good to be true should also set off red flags.

Speaking of product photos...
I've noticed many sellers using product photos taken from Yahoo JP auctions, HobbySearch, collector photo pages, and other sources. 
This isn't an indication that the item won't be real, but it's not very honest.
Stock photos are often used as well, and those are fine, but...
You have no way of knowing if the photos are of what you are actually getting!
Be Careful!

A diamond in the rough:
There are honest people that do sell their rare authentic on auction, but...
If the figure has been sold out for months-years in Japan, yet you see tons (not just a few) of cheap versions all over eBay: Red flag!

Fake packaging is looking much more like authentic packaging.
I've had a retailer argue that a fake HK version will be in a plain box, with no copyright or company info.
This is WRONG! Times have changed!
Bootleggers are now more shameless, and are using the same retail boxes, complete with company info, phone numbers etc.  
Japan has it's figures and packaging produced in China, so for black market producers, acquiring this info is pretty easy.
The one item that does tend to be missing on fakes however, is the seal or official authenticity sticker(s).  
A close friend and retailer, (living in Japan) informed me that these are applied by hand once the products reach Japan.
However, as of recent, bootlegs have been spotted with fake seals placed on the box in order to fool buyers! 

Examples of fakes:
Here are a few (and only a few) examples of inauthentic products commonly listed on eBay:
Authentic photos are from HobbySearch
It's best to use sites such as these to help compare photos.
Figure blogs can also be a big help when looking for authentic photos!

Kotobukiya -Pia Carrot 3- Hasegawa Akemi Floral Mint type & Fuyuki Miharu Floral Mint Type:
Fakes of these two often spotted on eBay as a set for very cheap.
Both fakes look horrid.  Both sold out in 2004, and are out of production!

Authentic: (click the photos below to see more detail)




Kotobukiya -Trista of the Deep Blue Sea- Nanoca Flanka (or Nanoka Franka) :
I had the misfortune to acquire this fake (via seller gundamit on eBay).
Her necktie is not attached at her blouse properly, her hair covers one eye, colors are off and overall quality is poor!

Authentic: (click the photos below to see more detail)

Fake(L) & Authentic(R) Boxed side by side:

Kotobukiya -Mai Hime- Tokiha Mai:
Colors are darker, paint job is awful, sculpt is poor.

Authentic: (click the photos below to see more detail)

Fakes:

eb craft -Fate Stay Night- Saber
Fakes on eBay look different, and lack the official seal. 
The manufacture has a posted a warning page regarding the fake!

-Girls Bravo- Miharu by Chara-ani:
This fake is rampant on eBay, and I can't begin to tell you how truly horrible she really looks compared to the original!
I got this fake myself (via seller Keigohimo on eBay).
If you see the box without the round, Kodakawa sticker (bottom right of box), there's a very high chance that it is FAKE!

Authentic:

Fake:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/authenticfigurebox/Bootleg%20Figures/100_10441.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t194/authenticfigurebox/Bootleg%20Figures/100_10301.jpg

A short listing (with detailed descriptions of each) of other bootleg versions often sold on eBay:

Max Factory:

Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu)

Kinu Nishimura Collection Cammy

Ignis

Good Smile Company:
Kazami Mizuho Dessert time

Recap on things to look out for:

*Very Poor Paint quality
*Poor sculpt & craftsmanship
*Colors that differ, when compared to several photos of the authentic original product
*Box colors and print quality that differ
*Official seals, and stickers missing
*Prices that are too good to be true (sometimes this can be a factor, sometimes not)
*Figure completely sold out in Japan, yet all over eBay!

A message to sellers:
I think keeping the customer's trust should be the utmost important part running a good business. 
When you sell fakes of any kind, you run the risk of losing that trust! 
If you get an authenticity complaint, please do look into it before making rash assumptions! Make certain you are getting your products from trusted sources.
After having a few bad experiences with fakes, I personally will no longer trust a seller with even ONE fake!

To Consumers:
If you know you've purchased a fake, it's best to kindly inform the seller, return the item, and get your money
back! 
Letting the issue go is why so many fakes stay on eBay! Use the feedback system correctly! Don't give a positive fb if you were not satisfied!!
Consumers have to do their part as well =D

Lastly:

Buying from reputable licensed merchants may soon be the only way to ensure that the figure you receive is 100% authentic!
If you must, ask the merchant what distribution company they get their figures from, and for proof of distribution!

For more informative discussion of fake PVC figures or figures and anime in general please visit: Zero-Type Forums