The Counterfeit Problem in Labubu Collecting
As Labubu's global popularity has surged, so has the production of counterfeit figures. Bootleg Labubu toys have flooded secondary markets, ranging from obviously poor quality to disturbingly convincing replicas. For collectors — especially those buying online — knowing how to authenticate a figure before purchasing is an essential skill.
This guide covers the most reliable checks you can perform to verify whether a Labubu figure is genuine.
1. Check the Packaging
Authentic Pop Mart packaging is a first line of defense:
- Print quality: Official boxes have crisp, vibrant printing with no blurring or color bleeding at edges.
- Logo consistency: The Pop Mart logo and Labubu branding should be perfectly centered and correctly proportioned.
- QR code: Authentic Pop Mart boxes include a scannable QR code that links to the official Pop Mart product page. Always scan it.
- Box construction: Official boxes use quality cardstock with clean folds. Counterfeit boxes often feel flimsy or have uneven seams.
- Chinese/English text accuracy: Fakes frequently contain spelling errors or grammatical mistakes in the product description text.
2. Inspect the Figure Itself
Once you have the figure in hand (or can view clear photos), look for these details:
- Paint application: Official figures have clean, consistent paint with no visible brush strokes, smearing, or overspray. Eyes in particular should be perfectly symmetrical.
- Vinyl quality: Genuine Labubu figures use high-quality vinyl that feels substantial and smooth. Fakes often use harder, cheaper plastic that feels slightly rough or lightweight.
- Seam lines: All vinyl figures have some seam lines, but official figures have minimal, cleanly finished seams. Obvious or rough seam lines are a red flag.
- Proportions: Compare the figure against official promotional images. Fakes frequently have slightly wrong proportions — ears too long, head too large, or teeth incorrectly shaped.
- Bottom stamp: Authentic figures have a clean molded copyright stamp on the base identifying Pop Mart and the year.
3. Verify Through the Pop Mart App
The official Pop Mart app includes an authentication feature. Some figures include a unique serial number or NFC chip that can be verified through the app. This is the most definitive check available for newer releases.
4. Assess the Price
Price is one of the clearest indicators of authenticity:
- If a deal seems dramatically too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
- Research the current resale price for any figure before buying. Platforms like StockX provide market price data for popular figures.
- Sellers offering sealed cases of a recent sold-out series at retail price are almost always selling counterfeits.
5. Vet the Seller
- On platforms like eBay or Mercari, check seller feedback scores and read negative reviews carefully.
- Ask sellers for additional photos — unboxing shots, close-ups of the base stamp, and packaging interior.
- Prefer sellers who are active in collector communities, as their reputation provides accountability.
- Be extra cautious with listings from regions known for high counterfeit production volumes.
Red Flag Checklist
| Red Flag | Likely Indicator Of |
|---|---|
| Price far below market rate | Counterfeit or damaged |
| Blurry or inconsistent packaging print | Counterfeit |
| No QR code or non-functioning QR code | Counterfeit |
| Asymmetrical or smeared face paint | Counterfeit |
| Lightweight, hard plastic feel | Counterfeit |
| Seller won't provide extra photos | Suspicious — proceed with caution |
What to Do If You Receive a Fake
If you receive a counterfeit figure after purchasing from a third-party marketplace, document everything with photos, report the seller to the platform's fraud team, and request a refund through the platform's buyer protection program. Most major resale platforms have policies that protect buyers in these situations.
The best protection is always careful research before you buy — not after.