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Product Guide

Vinyl and PVC Toy Figures from China

From designer vinyl toys to painted PVC figures. An overview of figure types commonly sourced from Chinese factories.

Vinyl and PVC figure from the Cloud9 sourcing range

Category Overview

What are vinyl and PVC figures?

Vinyl and PVC figures are rigid, often hand-painted collectible toys. They range from simple promotional figures to highly detailed designer art toys and display collectibles.

Vinyl toys are typically produced using rotational moulding (rotocast) or injection moulding. PVC figures are usually injection-moulded and painted by hand or with spray applications. Both materials allow for detailed sculpts, custom colours and high-quality finishes.

Chinese factories are the primary global source for vinyl and PVC figure production. The Pearl River Delta region in Guangdong has a high concentration of factories specialising in collectible figure manufacturing.

This page explains the main vinyl and PVC figure types that Cloud9 helps buyers source. For sourcing support, see our vinyl and PVC figure sourcing service.

Figure Types

Common vinyl and PVC figure types sourced from China.

Cloud9 helps buyers source these figure types from factories across Guangdong.

  • Designer Vinyl Toys

    Art toys produced in vinyl using rotational or injection moulding. Often 3 to 12 inches, with custom sculpts and limited editions.

  • Painted PVC Figures

    Detailed character figures with multi-colour paint applications. Common for anime, gaming and original character collectibles.

  • Custom Sculpt Figures

    Original figure designs sculpted from buyer artwork. Requires tooling investment and prototype approval.

  • Articulated Figures

    Figures with movable joints and interchangeable parts. Higher tooling complexity and assembly requirements.

  • Mini Figures and Gashapon

    Small-format figures in capsule or blind-bag format. High volume, lower unit cost, often collected in series.

  • Display and Art Pieces

    Larger format collectible figures designed for display. Often limited edition with premium packaging and finishes.

Sourcing Considerations

What buyers should know before sourcing figures from China.

Key factors that affect pricing, tooling and timelines for figure orders.

  • Tooling and Moulds

    • Each unique sculpt requires dedicated tooling
    • Tooling costs depend on size, parts count and material
    • Steel moulds last longer but cost more than silicone
    • Prototype approval is critical before tooling

  • Paint and Finish

    • Hand-painted figures have higher unit costs
    • Spray and tampo printing reduce per-unit paint cost
    • Paint adhesion testing is important for vinyl
    • Metallic, matte, gloss and flocked finishes available

  • MOQ and Lead Time

    • MOQ varies: 500–5,000+ depending on complexity
    • Tooling to first samples: 4–8 weeks typical
    • Production runs: 4–8 weeks after sample approval
    • Complex multi-part figures need assembly line capacity

Related Services

Cloud9 sourcing services for figure buyers.

Explore how Cloud9 can help with vinyl and PVC figure sourcing.

Figure Sourcing FAQ

Common questions about sourcing vinyl and PVC figures.

What is the difference between vinyl and PVC figures?

Vinyl figures are often hollow, produced using rotational moulding, and have a softer feel. PVC figures are usually solid, injection-moulded and painted. Both are common materials for collectible figures.

How much does tooling cost for a custom figure?

Tooling costs depend on figure size, number of parts, material and production method. Simple single-part figures cost less than multi-part articulated figures. Your factory will provide tooling quotes based on the approved prototype.

Can I source a small quantity of custom figures?

MOQ depends on the factory and production method. Some factories accept 500 units for simpler figures, while more complex designs may require 3,000 to 5,000 units to justify the tooling investment.

Start Sourcing Figures

Ready to source vinyl or PVC figures from China?

Tell us about your figure concept and Cloud9 will help you explore factory options.

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