When I first started collecting FIGPINS, I thought I would only be buying up pins and interacting with the app. In the beginning, I didn’t realize there was a whole FiGPiN community out on the internet dedicated to FIGPINS. Eventually I joined the Discord community FiGPin Fans and began having conversations with other collectors. But one of the most interesting things about the Discord is that not only does it bring cofounders and collectors from all over the place together to have discussions – but it also brings retailers into the conversation. And one of those retailers who I have met who is active in the Discord community is Johnny Garibay Jr. (aka Mr. Taggem). He’s graciously answered several questions for an interview here on the blog. If you’d like to learn more about him, here’s your chance.
Johnny Garibay Jr AKA Mr. Taggem
I’m just your average completionist collector. I collected Pokemon cards as a kid and tend to be the type that once I start something I’m sucked in the rabbit hole of it all. I went to school for Computer Information Systems and worked a 9-5. I Love traveling and getting away when I can. Spending time with my daughter is the highlight of my life.
2. What compelled you to start TAGGEM all by yourself?
While not originally started alone, It was a decision me and my Ex decided to pursue with both our interest in FiGPiNs and starting something for ourselves. I continued to work 9-5 while working on Taggem at night . As things got bigger it became a full time gig and I was lucky enough to focus on Taggem full time. We both believed in FiGPiN and the collectibles community they created with their app and wanted to share it with the world.
3. How did you get started as an official retailer with FiGPiN the company? Can you talk me through some of the steps.
The moment I knew I was in deep with FiGPiNs and was struggling to find places to get them. When I went online there where only 2 online websites selling them at the time (Both now closed). I went to the site and messaged the wholesale email and never heard back. About a week later I messaged support and they informed me they would get back to me soon. I got the business set up and ready then submitted all the requirements. The rest is history, I built an amazing relationship with many members of the FiGPiN team through email and meeting at the cons. Getting an exclusive was always a goal for Taggem and when we got Batgirl #474 it was a huge accomplishment for me personally and for Taggem.
4. TAGGEM offers more than just FIGPINS. Tell me more about your other offerings.
I always created Taggem with the Intent that I will only sell what I would collect personally. So that I am able to relate and really have a passion for what we sell. I didn’t want to just bandwagon whatever was “hot” . Designer Toys are amazing and beautiful, and the Pin brands we sell have amazing licensed work. The most recent offering was a huge full circle for us since I collected Pokemon TCG as a kid. I appreciate our many partners and am looking forward to being able to offer more new products as we continue to grow !
5. Did you always want to be your own boss?
The idea of it was always great, but the reality of it happening felt unreal. I only wanted to do it if it was something I was passionate about and my passion for FIGPiN really sparked a company that allowed me to grow my collection and explore many new types of products. Being my own boss for Taggem and making the rules of how it functions and impacts the community is very important to me . The company represents me as a person and I’m proud of what we have created.
Personal collection of Mr. Taggem (older photo)
6. What’s been your biggest failure since starting TAGGEM and what did you learn from that experience?
My personal life affected my involvement in Taggem. I’ve always been open and honest with the Taggem community and in January life hit me hard and I had to take a step back for a few months and it really hurt Taggem as well. I wasn’t as involved as always and wasn’t posting new products. The amazing amount of support I got from the community when many collectors started reaching out really opened my eyes to what I had, I let the community down and I will never do that again. I am in a better place now and working on building the Taggem brand for an amazing future, I would be nothing today without this community !
7. What’s your biggest challenge right now being your own boss?
TIME! Im back to working a 9-5 and taking care of my beautiful little one so its many late nights of Taggem. So finding that balance with workflow in life for sure, But family will always be first.
8. What’s the best compliment you’ve ever gotten as a FiGPiN retailer?
The amount of love and support I get from the community is the greatest compliment ever! There have been 2 instances of a “issue” appear on social media and the community jumps in right away to defend Taggem and it means the world to me. I get tagged and check the comments and am blown away by the amount of comments defending me. While the issues were always taken care of, one post taken out of context can really ruin an image. The community is always on it, Thank you all!
9. What’s your favorite insult you’ve received as a FiGPiN retailer?
I would say the silliest thing I heard is that I check the stats of FiGPiNs before I ship them. We handle way too many pins to have the time to check each one’s stats so it just blew my mind that was a thing. Like I mentioned before , Time is my biggest enemy. I would not waste it checking to get better stats for myself when I could be doing many other things. I’ve sent many great stat pins and many bad stat pins, it’s all random.
10. Do you ever offer discounts on FIGPINS?
We have an amazing rewards program that we have had in place for quite some time now . Our program offers 5 – 15% off most products on our site. You get daily saving and coupon rewards along with benefits as you level up to higher classes.
https://www.shoptaggem.com/
We also do have the occasional huge Birthday/Anniversary promo sales as well.
11. Mystery boxes are really popular. You giveaway APs. Two in fact, at a time. Can you describe your process a little bit?
Of course, so my mystery box process is simple. All the boxes are filled with FiGPiNs and taped shut. I then mix them up and have them ready for labels . Once the labels are printed I then shuffle all the labels a few times and then begin to
Mr. Taggem always travels with his FiGPiNs
just start labeling all the boxes at once. This is why we request each box be ordered individually so each one is assigned a label for easy printing. Our boxes are then shipped out and we await a post from a winner! Sometimes winners reach out to us and thank us but ask to not be announced. While many love to show off there prize there are many private collectors still out there. Something I think we will all realize more once sharing becomes available in the App.
12. You appear to be very involved in the community in places like Discord. Why the involvement?
I see myself as a part of the community, I’m not just a specialty retailer … I am a collector! I love to help and be involved as much as I can . I’m a huge supporter of small businesses and talk to many other specialty retailers. We are all trying to grow together and the more i’m out there being myself and helping in any way I can. The community will only grow from all the hard work we all put in.
Current Complete Logo collection
13. What does your morning routine look like?
Work work work, haha. I wake and check on orders while I’m getting ready from the nights late night shoppers. Get my daughter ready for school and then we are on the way to start the day. I stay as active as I can with the community while at work . It isn’t until my daughter is in bed for the night that the packing begins. Then rinse and repeat.
14. Do you have your own collection of FIGPINS? Can you share a photo?
Just a tiny collection …….
Username: Mr. Taggem
Collection Power: 3,891,504
Collector Score: 3030
FiGPiNs: 584
Original Hero Complex Display of personal grails
15. Do you have a favorite line and why?
Favorite line is Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia since I love the anime and the character designs. But my favorite things to collect are APs, I’ve been hunting APs for a very long time and find the hunt very exciting since they are so limited.
Hawks AP a personal favorite of Mr. Taggem
16. What’s one question I should’ve asked you and how would you have answered it?
What are my favorite FiGPiNs and why?
Miles Morales #220
Miles Morales because Miles Morales haha, he’s such an amazing character and the action pose is amazing.
Mirio Togata #526
LEMILLION …. POOOOWWEEEEEER his story and character is amazing, I can not wait until we get an action pose of him. Plus this is my biggest AP ISO still! lol
***** Have something to share with the FiGPiN community? If you would like to take part in the interview series, please e-mail [email protected] *****