Clear Sachet - This form of packaging is used for most releases and is sold predominately by Corinthian. In a clear sachet you would receive a figurine and a collector card. There have been occasions where a figurine is released without a collector card. The Tetley figurines are an example of this.
Polythene Bag – This is used exclusively by Corinthian where a figurine has been taken out of another packaging format and then placed in a Polythene Bag.
Secret Sachet – This format is used when Corinthian sell the figurine and collector card via the Newsagent/Confectioner route. Traditionally, these type of outlets have wanted a product that can be placed at the till point and does not take up much space. Typically, you will find that Secret Sachets are placed in a Counter Display Unit. When purchasing figurines in this manner you cannot see what you are purchasing but that adds to the excitement if you find the figurine you want!. However, this format has not been used since ProStars Series 9 and there are no plans to use it in the future.
Window Box Single and 4 Packs (Pre 1999) – This format was only used for Liverpool, Manchester United and England. It was not popular with retailers who preferred the blister versions.
It consisted of a plastic tray that had the figurine(s) placed within it. This was then inserted into the cardboard outer that had a window at the front so that you could see the contents. At the top of the box there was an additional piece of card that contained a “J” hook. This allowed the retailer to display the product.
Window Box Single (Post 1999) – This is primarily used for the Club Gold and World Greats ranges. It consists of a single plastic tray that has the figurine inserted into it. This is then inserted into the cardboard outer that has a window at the front so that you can see the contents.
Single Blister – This is the most popular format. All of the blisters have a figurine and a collector card. From ProStars Series 21 all of the ProStars Series will have an individually numbered collector card as will all of the Special release Series such as Collector Club Specials. This adds to the collectibility of the product.
A blister is simply a cardboard backing card that has an outside blister (this is clear plastic) that is glued to the cardboard backing card. Within this blister sits a blister tray that contains the figurine and the collector card. The vast majority of the backing cards have a “J” hook that allows the retailer to display the products. Some single blisters do not have this feature such as the Convention Specials and the Collector Club Specials.
3 Pack Blister – This format was used exclusively for the launch of the England, Premiership and International ranges that were distributed in conjunction with Vivid Imaginations. The England and Premiership backing cards were Club Specific (each backing card showed the England and Club colours etc). The International 3 Packs had a backing card that depicted National emblems and was titled “World Stars”. The configuration of this pack was exactly like that of the single blister in that it had the internal and external plastic blisters and the cardboard backing card. The only exception was that this pack did not include any collector cards.
4 Pack Blister - This format has not been used since “Headliners” (pre-December 1999). The configuration was exactly the same as the single blister in every way. Collectors have over the years sought these packs as they have proved elusive. However, it is important to stress that these packs do have a tendency to get easily damaged. The blister splitting away from the backing card is a common problem and damage to the corners where they get “dog eared” or bent can also occur easily.
4 Pack Gift Box – This is used for many of the ProStars 4 player packs that have been released since 1999. This format has proved popular as it is compact. Each pack consists of a plastic tray that contains the individual figurines. This is then inserted into the cardboard outer case. The front of the cardboard case has a window so that the figurines can be viewed.
12 & 14 Pack Gift Box (Pre 1999) – These formats were exactly the same as the 4 Player Packs except that at the top of the pack there was an additional piece of card that contained a “J” hook. This was present so that the retailer of the product could place the pack on a display hook. These packs were liable to get damaged and did not prove popular with retailers. Due to this lack of enthusiasm some of the 12 packs, in particular were available in small quantities. Over the passage of time these packs have risen in value as collectors seek them out.
12 Pack Gift Box (Post 1999) – This format is exactly like that of the 4 Player Pack.
Other Formats – There have been other formats such as the 18 Player Pack used to commemorate the Manchester United 1999 Treble Winners side. This pack followed the same format as that of the 12 packs. The shape of the pack differed so that 18 figurines could be viewed through the front window.
Limited Edition XL's – There have been 3 different variants of the packaging.
• The first series consisted of a slim green coloured box with a window so that the XL could be seen. The physical XL was placed into a cream coloured vac tray with a wooden base for the XL to sit on. Once the XL and base was placed within the vac form tray this was then covered with a clear blister to hold all of the contents in place. Each XL within this series had a individually numbered certificate.
• The second series consisted of a larger box that was predominately mauve in colour and had illustrations of the XL's that figured in the series. The XL was placed in a clear blister that held it in positon.
• Subsequent XL's have been placed in either specific club packaging or packaging relevant to its release. The physical XL is placed in a white/grey vac form tray and the covered in a clear blister. This in turn is placed into the cardboard outer. Each XL comes with an individually numbered certificate. |
