Exclusive Interview: FiGPiN Collector “CLUTZ”

Many of you in the FIGPIN community might already know CLUTZ (pictured left). He’s often quick to offer help and advice to other members online in Discord, Reddit, and Instagram to other users. What you may or may not know about CLUTZ, is that he also happens to be ranked number #10 in the Top 50 Users by Collection Power, topping in at 3,548,399 in Collection Power as of July 18, 2021 (according to the website FiGPiG Watch).

This past week, I had a chance to interview CLUTZ, and find out how he got his start in FIGPINS. I also learned how he amassed his massive collection of FIGPINS that includes, among others, the sought-after Allen Iverson (#76). CLUTZ also shares why he was attracted to FIGPINs and also shares important tips and advice that could help you become a better FIGPIN collector.  

CLUTZ was raised in the San Diego area, and now resides in North Carolina with his wife and dog Chewie (Chewbacca). He attended his first San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) back in 1998 when you could walk up the day of the convention and buy a ticket. He has always loved comic books, Legos, and Star Wars since childhood. Since meeting his wife, they have bonded over their “nerd loves”. She is a huge Alice in Wonderland and Nightmare before Christmas collector. They both started going to conventions with their friends again in 2018 and love the Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) the most.

1. (PIN HOBBY) How did you get started in collecting FIGPINS? Can you talk me through it?
   

(CLUTZ) We were at ECCC 2018 and our friend (who has gotten me hooked on many collectibles) told us to “check Figpin. The pins are soooooo detailed and incredible”. I had to have her repeat the name and explain why I would look at pins (never been a pin collector). She politely told me to shut up and look at them. I was expecting to glance and walk off to look at other con things, but legit spent 20 minutes at the booth looking at all the incredible pins that hooked my interest. I talked to some collectors and loved the vibe. Picked up about 5 pins and went back to San Diego. Then….not much. I continued to buy pins I liked, but they sat on my shelves like any of my other stuff. I proudly wore a couple to cons, but it wasn’t until the day I thought “ok let’s see the app” that I got hooked and my collection exploded

2. (PIN HOBBY) What compelled you to build a FIGPIN collection that now has a Collection Power over 3 million and includes gems like Allen Iverson (#76) as well as numerous Artist Proofs that you have shared on your Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/lutzo1/)

(CLUTZ) As I used the app more I have become more and more fascinated by the variations that make each pic unique. I again own a LOT of collectibles….but so do a lot of people. A Figpin with a specific number and stats is just mine. I can look at my collection as a whole easily. They don’t take up much room but are stunning. I started pairing down on my other collectibles that were just sitting to focus on pins that I had missed out on from Figpin’s early years. I was pleasantly surprised I could afford many of them. Sure there are VERY expensive early Figpins, but in general you can still find great OG LE pins for almost cost. APs are some of the most limited….and hardest for me to get, so of course I want them the most 😂. I actually got my first AP by “accident”. I bought a Rocket Raccoon pin on Mercari and when I went to unlock it I almost fell out of my chair.

3. (PIN HOBBY) How has FIGPIN collecting changed since you started?

(CLUTZ) The app has continued to improve. It’s not perfect, but clear that Figpin wants to make it something that doesn’t exist for other collectibles. The ideas they share to fans on what is coming for it, going to continue to improve and change. Again if I hadn’t tried the app that random day my collection would be about 40 pins and I would look at and enjoy them, but it wouldn’t be the same. Kinda takes me back to my baseball card days when you showed your friend your “binder of sweet cards”. The app is my binder. More recently the Figpin Fans Discord channel. What a game changer again for me. Moving to the east coast I have felt somewhat disconnected from the collecting world. Covid and lack of cons has been weighing on my wife and I. I have been part of the great Facebook groups for years, long term Figpin Reddit fan, and Figpin Instagram lurker, but none of them felt like I was really connecting with the Figpin community much. The Discord blows up everyday with humor, pin discussion, Collection sharing, access to vendors, life discussion….it’s as addictive as the app

It has probably helped double my close Figpin friends. The Figpin community has not changed. In the 3 years I’ve been in it, it is collectors and fans helping collectors and fans. Sure there are flippers and con hunters, but the % of good genuine people in all the groups still outweighs the people in it for profit

4. (PIN HOBBY) Can you share with readers some of your top FIGPINS?

(CLUTZ) Top pins is always subjective. Love my Iverson, SDCC all black Batman, D23 Ariel, Seq match Penguin and AP penguin….And I just acquired Dragonslayer Ornstein….what an incredible pin in person. Everyone needs to understand pictures do not do justice to Figpins-especially the glitter ones

And the logos….love me Figpin logo pins

5. (PIN HOBBY) Can you share where you acquire the majority of your figpins? Do you buy them on the aftermarket like auction sites such eBay and Mercari? Do you buy them retail? Are there are other venues that you can share with readers?

(CLUTZ) I find Figpins wherever I can. After discovering the app I found a HUGE lot on EBay of older pins I didn’t have. It included my 2nd and 3rd AP and about 100 absolute 🔥🔥🔥 pins. It was an auction and I paid a lot….but it literally grew my collection score 1 million points and filled in many of my older comic pins (my favorite lines). I buy WAY too much from Figpin directly….always have to hit those logo deals 😂. Besides Figpin and 3rd party is something else that sets Figpin apart in my opinion. At LEAST 12 small retailers that I trust and love to buy from. Retailers that send extra stickers, pins, thank you cards. Retailers that are part of the community discussion and that you meet in person at cons. Other collectibles I was into the retailers wouldn’t give you the time of day and own nothing that they sell. Figpin retailers are proud of their Figpin Collections (some I can only dream of) and love to talk about Figpin with you. A lot of my APs have come from retailer mystery boxes over the years. Figpin mystery boxes are an addiction for sure. The retailers do an amazing job hooking me in with 🔥🔥🔥

6. (PIN HOBBY) Is there one FIGPIN in your collection that you’re missing that you’re still searching for?

(CLUTZ) Yes….still so many I need. Mostly OG grails that I’m missing. Rare John Cena (always curious if he is in my collection and I just don’t see him), Mike Piazza, GameStop Logo, Rare Assassins Creed ones, Rare Tekken….list goes on and on 😂

7. (PIN HOBBY) If you were sitting next to one of FIGPIN”s founders, what would you ask them?

(CLUTZ) How did they decide on the standard Figpin size?

8. (PIN HOBBY) Any tips for people just getting started in FIGPIN collecting?

(CLUTZ) Start filling in your collection now. TONS of great deals to be had still, community is not toxic, and more pins are constantly getting dropped. Research multiple places before buying to not over pay. A lot of new collectors complain there isn’t a “Ppg” for Figpin. Even if there was such a thing it’s always best practice to search for recently sold on eBay. Understand there is a premium at times on pins with good “stats”. Learn the app. It’s very user friendly but learning when and how is best to unlock is tricky. When cohort started I clicked on them all not realizing it was putting my pins back in Unlocker room for 24hr for more boosts. Got lots of points, but missed out boosting many pins

9. (PIN HOBBY) What did I not ask you that I should have?

(CLUTZ) Maybe what I see the future of Figpin? I think it’s strong. That’s my personal opinion, but it amuses me that every month I see posts that “Figpin is dying or dead”. People posted that about other collectibles years ago and all of them are still going strong. Everyone compares everything to Beanie Babies. Instead understand like all collectibles-some just aren’t worth much if you want to resale. Others are worth a ton. Buy what you like, not what you want to profit on and you will enjoy Figpins I think. And always, always unlock 😂

***** If you would like to take part in our interview series, please e-mail [email protected] *****