Labubu’s popularity has made it a sought-after collectible, but whether its value will rise depends on several key factors. While some rare editions have sold for thousands, most mass-produced figures are unlikely to appreciate significantly. Here’s what collectors and investors should consider.
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Factors That Could Boost Labubu’s Value
1. Rarity & Exclusivity
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Limited Editions: Small-batch releases (e.g., Pop Mart’s "Hidden" series or event-exclusive drops) have the best investment potential.
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Artist Collaborations: Special editions by artists like Kasing Lung or partnerships with brands (e.g., Sanrio, Louvre) tend to hold or increase in value.
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Discontinued Lines: Older series (e.g., 2018’s "The Monster" collection) may rise in price if demand outpaces supply.
2. Cultural & Market Demand
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Crossover Appeal: Collaborations with major franchises (e.g., Pokémon, Disney) attract more collectors.
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Viral Moments: Figures tied to trends (e.g., Halloween-themed "Zombie Labubu") can see short-term price surges.
3. Condition & Authenticity
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Mint Packaging: Unopened blind boxes or figures with original certificates sell for higher prices.
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Counterfeit Risks: Fake Labubus flood the market, so verified authenticity is crucial for value retention.
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Factors That Could Limit Value Growth
1. Mass Production
- Pop Mart produces millions of blind boxes yearly, so common figures (e.g., standard "Forest" series) rarely appreciate.
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Example: A 12blindboxfiguretypicallyresellsfor5–$15 unless it’s a rare variant.
2. Market Volatility
- The "blind box bubble" is cooling—resale prices for non-rare figures dropped ~30% in China in 2023.
- New character lines (e.g., Skullpanda) can divert collector interest away from Labubu.
3. Speculative Risks
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Artificial Scarcity: Brands sometimes limit supply to create hype, but demand can fade quickly.
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Condition Sensitivity: Paint chips, missing accessories, or sun damage can drastically reduce resale value.
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Real-World Labubu Resale Prices
Figure |
Retail Price |
Peak Resale Value |
Labubu x Takashi Murakami (2021) |
$120 |
$2,000+ |
Zombie Labubu (Hidden, 2019) |
$15 |
$800 |
Standard "Candy" Series (2023) |
$12 |
10–20 |
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Smart Collecting Strategies
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Prioritize Rarity: Focus on limited editions, artist collaborations, or figures with fewer than 1,000 units produced.
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Preserve Condition: Keep packaging, certificates, and avoid displaying in direct sunlight.
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Monitor Trends: Track resale markets (e.g., eBay, StockX, Xianyu) to spot demand shifts.
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Collect for Passion, Not Just Profit: Most Labubus are worth more as cherished collectibles than financial investments.
Final Verdict
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Short-term spikes? Possible for hyped releases.
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Long-term appreciation? Unlikely for 95% of figures—only truly rare, culturally significant pieces will hold value.
If you own a rare Labubu (e.g., <500 units), keeping it sealed for 5–10 years might pay off. Otherwise, enjoy it as a fun collectible rather than a financial asset. 🚀