Labubu Central

As Labubu’s popularity has skyrocketed, so have counterfeit copies. Fake figures flood online marketplaces at prices that seem too good to be true. Buying one can be disappointing for collectors and hurts the community. In this guide we outline practical steps to ensure you’re purchasing the real deal.

Buy from Trusted Sources

The best way to avoid fakes is to purchase from authorised retailers. Pop Mart’s official stores and web shop guarantee authenticity. Reputable retailers like Blippo and hobby shops that partner directly with Pop Mart are also safe bets. When buying second‑hand, choose sellers with high ratings and detailed photos. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about provenance or receipts.

Inspect the Packaging

Genuine blind boxes feature crisp artwork, accurate logos and quality printing. Look for holographic seals or QR codes; these are difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce. Compare the box you receive with photos from official product listings. If the colours look faded or the fonts seem off, that’s a red flag.

Examine the Figure

Authentic Labubu figures have smooth sculpted details, clean paint lines and a pleasing heft. Counterfeits often use cheaper materials, resulting in lighter weight and sloppy paint application. Pay close attention to:

• Weight and Material – Real figures feel solid and balanced. Fakes may feel hollow or flimsy.
• Paint Work – Lines around eyes, mouth and accessories should be crisp. Smudged or bleeding colours indicate poor quality.
• Mould Lines – While all vinyl toys have mould seams, they should be subtle on genuine Labubus. Prominent, rough seams suggest a bootleg.

Check the Price

If a listing’s price seems suspiciously low, be cautious. While deals do exist, rare or limited figures rarely sell for a fraction of their market value. Research typical pricing using collector communities or price guides. Our Resources page has a list of marketplaces and tips to help you evaluate fair prices.

Leverage the Community

One of the best defences against fakes is the knowledge of fellow collectors. Join forums like r/labubu and participate in our upcoming Discord server. Members often post alerts about counterfeit listings and share side‑by‑side comparisons of real versus fake figures. The more eyes looking out for each other, the safer the hobby becomes.

Summary

Collecting should be fun, not stressful. With a careful eye and a bit of research, you can avoid the pitfalls of counterfeit Labubus. Buy from trusted sellers, scrutinise the packaging and figure quality, be wary of too‑good‑to‑be‑true prices and lean on the community for support. Your collection deserves the real thing.