How Much Is a Labubu?

How Much Is a Labubu? A North American Collector’s Guide to Pricing, Rarity, and Value

For collectors in North America, the question “How much is a Labubu?” is more than a simple inquiry—it’s a gateway to understanding the thriving world of designer toys. Labubu, the mischievous, rabbit-like character created by Hong Kong artist Dragon (Long Jia-Sheng), has become a cultural icon, blending whimsy, darkness, and collectible appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, navigating Labubu’s pricing landscape requires insight into rarity, market trends, and regional differences. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how much a Labubu costs in North America, from blind boxes to ultra-rare editions.

1. The Rise of Labubu in North America: Why Does It Cost What It Costs?

Labubu’s journey from niche Asian collectible to North American staple began with its 2019 partnership with POP MART, a Beijing-based toy company. The brand’s use of blind boxes—sealed containers with random figures—created a sense of mystery and exclusivity. For North American audiences, Labubu’s appeal lies in its unique design: a mix of cute and creepy, with oversized ears, a toothy grin, and a playfully subversive personality.

But how much is a Labubu in this context? The answer depends on accessibility. In Asia, Labubu figures are widely available in convenience stores and toy shops, but in North America, they’re primarily sold through online retailers, specialty stores, and pop-up events. This limited distribution, combined with high demand, drives prices upward. Additionally, cultural factors play a role: North American collectors often pay a premium for imported goods, and Labubu’s status as a “trendy” item further inflates its value.

2. Primary Market Pricing: Blind Boxes, Series, and New Releases

The most straightforward way to acquire a Labubu in North America is through blind boxes, which dominate the primary market. These sealed packages contain one random figure from a series, with prices typically ranging from 12to15 USD per box. However, how much is a Labubu in a blind box varies by series:

• Standard Series (e.g., Labubu The Monsters Series 1–3): These foundational collections feature 6–12 figures, including common and rare variants. A full set of 12 blind boxes costs 144–180, but individual boxes retail for 12–14.
• Collaboration Series (e.g., Labubu x The Simpsons, Labubu x Azul): Limited-edition partnerships with global brands often price higher (15–20 per box) due to licensing fees and exclusive designs.
• Mega Labubu (10-inch Figures): Oversized editions like “Forest Music Labubu” or “Space Explorer Labubu” retail for 50–80, depending on detailing and accessories.

For collectors aiming to complete a series, buying blind boxes is a gamble. The thrill of discovering a rare figure is part of the appeal, but it also means paying for duplicates. This uncertainty fuels the secondary market, where prices for specific Labubu figures can soar.

3. Secondary Market Dynamics: Rarity, Condition, and Demand

Once a Labubu figure leaves the primary market, its value becomes subjective. Platforms like eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace are hubs for buyers and sellers, but how much is a Labubu here depends on several factors:

A. Rarity Tiers

Labubu figures are categorized by scarcity, which directly impacts pricing:

• Common Figures: Characters like “Basic Labubu” or “Sleepy Labubu” from standard series sell for 15–30 on the secondary market. These prices reflect a slight markup from retail due to shipping and seller fees.
• Uncommon Figures: Variants with minor design changes (e.g., “Pastel Labubu”) or series-specific themes (e.g., “Halloween Labubu”) range from 30–60.
• Rare/Secret Figures: Hidden editions or limited-run collaborations (e.g., “Gold Zimomo” from Series 2) command 100–500, depending on condition and demand.
• Ultra-Rare Figures: One-of-a-kind prototypes, artist-signed editions, or figures tied to canceled events (e.g., the 2020 Comic-Con exclusive) can fetch 1,000–10,000 at auction.

B. Condition Matters

A Labubu’s state significantly affects its value:

• Mint in Box (MIB): Unopened figures with pristine packaging are worth 20–50% more than loose ones. Collectors often pay a premium for MIB Labubu to preserve their investment.
• Loose/Opened Figures: Figures without boxes or with minor wear sell for 10–70, depending on rarity. For example, a loose “Spooky Labubu” might cost 25,whilearareloosevariantcouldreach150.
• Damaged Figures: Scratches, stains, or broken parts can reduce a Labubu’s value by 50–90%. A chipped ear or faded paint job turns a 200figureintoa20–$50 bargain.

C. Authenticity Concerns

Counterfeit Labubu figures are rampant on platforms like AliExpress and Wish, where prices as low as 5–10 lure unsuspecting buyers. However, these knockoffs lack the quality and detail of authentic pieces. Key red flags include:

• Poor paint application or blurry details.
• Incorrect packaging (e.g., missing POP MART logos or typos).
• Sellers offering “bulk lots” of rare figures at suspiciously low prices.

To avoid fakes, buy from reputable sellers or verify authenticity through community forums like Reddit’s r/Labubu.

4. Regional Pricing Variations Across North America

Labubu’s cost fluctuates depending on where you live in North America:

• Urban Centers (New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto): High demand and retail presence keep prices stable but slightly inflated. A rare Labubu might sell for 10–20% more than in suburban areas due to overhead costs.
• Suburban/Rural Areas: Limited stock in local stores forces collectors to rely on online markets, where prices align with national averages but shipping adds 5–15 per order.
• Canada: Import fees and currency conversion (1 CAD ≈ 0.75 USD) make Labubu 15–25% pricier than in the U.S. However, Canadian retailers occasionally offer discounts during holidays.

5. How Much Is a Labubu at Conventions and Pop-Up Events?

For North American collectors, conventions like New York Comic Con or Fan Expo Canada are prime hunting grounds for Labubu figures. At these events, prices vary:

• Exclusive Releases: Convention-exclusive Labubu figures (e.g., glow-in-the-dark variants) often retail for 30–60 but resell for $100+ due to limited quantities.
• Artist Signings: Dragon龙家升 occasionally appears at U.S. conventions, signing figures for free or a small fee. A signed Labubu can double in value overnight.
• Secondhand Vendors: Dealers at conventions may price Labubu figures higher than online markets, capitalizing on the event’s hype.

6. Investing in Labubu: Is It Worth the Cost?

For some North American collectors, Labubu isn’t just a hobby—it’s an investment. Rare figures from early series have appreciated significantly over time. For example:

• A “Secret Zimomo” from Labubu The Monsters Series 1, originally 14inablindbox,nowsellsfor∗∗400–$600** on eBay.
• The 2020 Comic-Con exclusive “Rainbow Labubu,” initially priced at 50,nowfetches∗∗2,000–$3,000** due to its scarcity.

However, how much is a Labubu worth as an investment depends on patience and market knowledge. Not all figures appreciate; common variants may lose value over time. Collectors should focus on figures they personally enjoy, rather than chasing profits.

7. The Future of Labubu Pricing in North America

As Labubu’s popularity grows in North America, so does competition for rare figures. POP MART’s expansion into U.S. retail (e.g., partnerships with Target and Hot Topic) may increase supply, potentially stabilizing prices. However, collaborations and limited editions will likely keep premium prices intact.

For now, how much is a Labubu remains a dynamic question. Whether you’re buying a blind box for 12orararevariantfor1,000, the joy of collecting Labubu lies in its ability to bridge cultures, spark creativity, and unite fans across North America.

Conclusion: The True Value of a Labubu

In North America, the cost of a Labubu extends beyond dollars and cents. It’s about the thrill of unboxing a rare figure, the pride of displaying a curated collection, and the sense of belonging to a global community of fans. While prices vary based on rarity, condition, and region, one thing is certain: how much is a Labubu is ultimately determined by how much joy it brings to its owner.

Whether you’re a casual collector or a dedicated investor, understanding Labubu’s pricing landscape empowers you to make informed decisions. So, the next time you ask, “How much is a Labubu?” remember—the answer is as unique as the figure itself.