Are Large Labubu Figures Good Investments?

The Pop Mart Labubu frenzy is real, and the large 38cm "large Labubu" figures are at the center of it. If you're a collector in the U.S. looking at these figures as more than just decor, you're likely wondering: can they be a good financial investment? The short answer for the short term (1-3 years) is a cautious yes.

Here’s a breakdown of why, what to target, and the crucial risks to watch.

 More: 

Will Your Labubu Lose Value? A Realistic Market Analysis

What is the Fall in Wild Labubu? A Collector's Guide to the 2024 Spring Sensation

First, a Quick Definition: What Are "Large Labubu" Figures?

For this analysis, we're talking about the approximately 38cm (15-inch) vinyl figures released from 2023 onward. Think of sought-after designs like:

• Time to Chill

• Jump for Joy

• Flip with Me

• Vans Collaboration

• I Found You

• Fall into Spring

These are distinct from the earlier, ultra-rare, and often PVC "Big Labubu" figures, which are in a near-mythical investment tier of their own and largely inaccessible to the average collector. The 38cm vinyl series, however, is still seeing sporadic official restocks—if you can get one.

Why Large Labubu Figures Have Strong Short-Term Investment Potential

1. Scarcity is the Engine: The core driver of value is artificial scarcity. These are limited releases with small production runs. Even when Pop Mart does restock, quantities are minimal, leading to frantic sell-outs within seconds. This manufactured rarity creates instant secondary market demand.

2. Proven Price Appreciation: Since their debut in 2023, the resale value of these figures has shown a consistent upward trend. A figure purchased at retail for $80-$150 can now command 5 to 10 times its original price on platforms like eBay, Mercari, and Whatnot. This "instant premium" is the primary appeal for short-term flippers.

3. The "Future Grail" Possibility for Holders: For collectors who buy to keep, there's a long-term speculative hope. Pop Mart will eventually discontinue specific designs. Once a figure is officially "retired" and the last restocks sell, it transitions to a true "grail" status. Past history with other Pop Mart lines suggests this can lead to another significant price jump years down the line.

The Important Caveats: Why This is a High-Risk "Investment"

Labeling these as a pure investment requires major caution. Here’s what could go wrong:

1. The Bubble Risk: The current 5-10x premium is, by any measure, extreme. It is fueled by hype, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), and a relatively small but passionate market. This makes prices highly susceptible to a correction. If the collective obsession with Labubu cools, or if Pop Mart decides to issue a massive re-stock, prices could plummet rapidly.

2. It's a Speculator's Game, Not a True Investment: Unlike stocks or bonds, these figures generate no income and their value is 100% based on perceived cultural desirability. This makes them highly volatile and speculative. You are betting purely on future hype.

3. The Counterfeit (Fake) Market is a Major Threat: The high prices have spurred a massive market for high-quality fakes. For a new buyer, it's incredibly easy to overpay for a counterfeit. As fakes flood the secondary market, they undermine confidence and can depress prices for authentic pieces. Knowing how to legit check is non-negotiable.

4. Liquidity and Effort: Selling a high-value figure isn't as simple as clicking "sell" on a stock app. It requires photography, listing on platforms, dealing with buyers, shipping securely (and expensively), and avoiding scams. There are also platform fees and tax implications to consider.

Practical Strategy for the Cautious Collector-Investor

If you decide to participate, treat it as a speculative side venture, not a retirement plan.

• Buy at Retail, Always: The only way to guarantee a good entry point is to secure the figure at its original price via official drops. Paying secondary market prices to "invest" exponentially increases your risk.

• Think Short-to-Medium Term: The 1-3 year window for currently available figures is the "safest" bet, assuming hype continues. Plan your exit strategy in advance.

• Monitor the Market Diligently: Follow prices on secondary platforms. Set up price alerts. Join collector communities on Discord or Reddit to gauge sentiment. If you see a sustained downward trend in prices for your figure, consider selling to cut losses.

• Buy What You Love: The only foolproof strategy is to buy figures you'd be happy to display forever. If the market crashes, you're still left with a piece you enjoy, not just a financial loss.

Verdict

Can large Labubu figures be a good short-term investment? Yes, historically, they have been for those who bought at retail. The combination of scarcity, hype, and proven resale gains creates a unique opportunity.

Should you mortgage your house for a collection? Absolutely not. View any purchase as a speculative asset with high risk. Profit is never guaranteed, and the market is vulnerable to hype cycles, counterfeits, and company decisions. Do your homework, buy smart, and never spend more than you're willing to lose on what is, at the end of the day, a very stylish piece of vinyl.