Last week I said that I would be writing about quality control at NECA because my Friday the 13th Part V Jason/Roy Burns action figure had come with a 2nd gripping right hand rather than a gripping left. As pointed out to me in the comments of that review by springersam91, the extra hand is actually for gripping the hunting knife, instead of the cleaver. I had incorrectly assumed it was a duplicate rather than what it was, and for that I apologize.

NECA makes some of the best toys on the market in terms of high quality sculpts and paint jobs, but part of the reason that I was so quick to jump on them for the hand was that I had heard complaints in the past. Just look at the reviews for the 7-inch Alien figure on Amazon. I saw this a couple of months ago when I was researching for the column I wrote about Favorite Figures. Many of the customers complain about the figures being too fragile (which I haven’t had any problems with and mine is five years old now) and coming with the wrong parts, such as two left feet and if The Voice of Treason (with a name you can trust) is telling the truth, “portions of the figure without a single drop of paint on it.”

I think a big part of the negativity in these reviews, and on sites where customers are allowed to evaluate their experiences in general, is that the reviewers didn’t have much else to do that day. My belief is that people who review things for free, without any agenda other than hurting the company they’re angry with would be better served calling up a friend and telling him or her about it.

That didn’t stop me from talking to NECA. While they weren’t able to issue a statement on the quality control itself, they did pass along advice for anyone who happens to buy a NECA figure with an actually incorrect accessories or appendages:

“1. The first course of action is ALWAYS to try to exchange or return the figure at the place of purchase. We are a wholesaler and our internal systems are not really set up to deal with the public. THAT SAID, if the store you bought it from doesn’t have any more stock or just won’t work with you, rest assured we have a backup method! 2. If the store method fails, use the customer service form on our website (http://necaonline.com/contact/support-2/) and select “Report a defective item.” Someone will respond within 2-3 business days and we will replace any missing or damaged parts to the best of our ability.”

The bottom line for me, and keep in mind I’m saying this without having ever had a problem with the quality of any of my small sample size of NECA figures, is that the figures are a high enough quality that I’m okay with it if some of them come with the wrong or missing pieces. Considering the warm response I got, and the list of steps listed above that will get collectors a replacement part for free, I’d say NECA is doing great. I, for one, will continue buying their toys, and I’ll be happy doing it.

A Call to Action (Figures) is a weekly column published every Wednesday, chronicling my rants and raves about all things action figure. Come back next week and read about the petitions to take certain lines of toys out of stores.

What do you think? Will you keep buying NECA toys too? Or am I getting the wool pulled over my eyes? Let me know in the comments!