Where to Buy Authentic KAWS & BE@RBRICK in Australia: A Buyer's Checklist

Short answer: buy from a seller who can tell you where the item came from, shows the actual packaging and markings, and is clear about condition and stock. In Australia that can be a local designer toy retailer, an official release channel, or a well-documented secondary-market seller. Price alone is not a reliable signal.

Below is the checklist we'd use ourselves, as a Sydney retailer that has sold designer toys since 2016.

1. Ask where the item came from

A genuine seller should be able to describe how the item was sourced: a distributor, an official release, a retailer, or a documented private collection. Vague answers are a warning sign. Be especially sceptical of figures sold as "factory error" or "sample" pieces. Collector guides note these labels are often used to pass off unauthorised copies.

2. Check the packaging and markings

• BE@RBRICK: genuine Medicom Toy figures are stamped on the underside of the feet, with "MEDICOM TOY" on one foot and "BE@RBRICK" on the other. Boxes carry a barcode that should match the exact figure, size and colourway when you look it up.
• KAWS figures: genuine figures are stamped on the underside of the feet or base. KAWS:HOLIDAY figures are produced with AllRightsReserved, and recent HOLIDAY releases include an NFC chip for authentication.
• Some Medicom releases also carry hologram stickers, and a few include NFC tags. Not every release has them, so a missing sticker isn't proof of a fake on its own.

For a fuller list of what we look at, see our Authenticity & Collecting Guide.

3. Ask for photos of the actual item

Stock photos show what a release should look like, not the piece you'll receive. For higher-value pieces, ask for photos of the foot stamps, the box barcode, and any certificate, card or tag. A seller who refuses is telling you something.

4. Be realistic about price

If a sought-after KAWS or large BE@RBRICK piece is listed far below what it trades for elsewhere, treat it as a red flag rather than a bargain.

5. Know what you're actually buying

Check whether the listing is new or pre-owned, in stock or a pre-order, and what's included (box, inner packaging, cards). "Authentic" and "official retailer" are not the same claim. Our guide explains the difference.

6. Consider buying locally

Buying from an Australian business means Australian Consumer Law protections apply and you avoid overseas import charges on delivery. Large 1000% figures are about 70cm tall, so international shipping can be expensive.

Buying from Zakka House

Zakka House is an online designer toy retailer in Sydney, founded in 2009 and selling designer toys since 2016. We ship Australia-wide and internationally, and Sydney customers can pick up from our Castle Hill warehouse by appointment.

• Shop KAWS
• Shop BE@RBRICK · 1000% · 400%

Looking for a specific piece we don't list? Email info@zakkahouseaustralia.com.au and we'll check whether we can source it.

FAQ

Is it safe to buy KAWS on marketplaces?
It can be, but marketplaces mix genuine and counterfeit listings. Apply the same checks: sourcing, real photos, markings and a realistic price.

Do all genuine BE@RBRICKs come with a certificate?
No. Most are checked through packaging, foot stamps and barcodes. Some releases include hologram stickers or NFC tags.

Can I see an item before buying in Sydney?
Our warehouse isn't open for browsing, but you can arrange pickup by appointment, and where practical we can send extra photos of a specific item before you buy.