The big guide to safe purchases (EU-wide)

In short: If you love Labubu, you want originals – no nasty surprises. This guide is exactly where this one comes in. You'll learn step by step how to reliably identify authentic Pop Mart Labubu , the most common mistakes collectors make, and why Shade Studios is the hassle-free, safe shortcut for EU customers.

Why Labubu is more than “just” a character

How Labubu & Pop Mart grew

The character Labubu originally originated in the illustrated stories of Kasing Lung . In his books, Labubu appeared as a mischievous forest dweller who interacts with other creatures from "The Monsters" world—a blend of innocence, mischief, and nostalgia. This narrative world caught the attention of Pop Mart , a designer toy company that was an early adopter of artist collaborations.

Pop Mart began in 2010 with a few collaborations, but its breakthrough came with the blind box concept: You only know which figure you'll get when you open it – adding excitement, collecting appeal, and trading fun. When Labubu was officially added to the lineup in 2019 , the design struck a chord: a bit "ugly-cute," full of character, and instantly recognizable. Series featuring sports, food, everyday scenes, and brand collaborations quickly made Labubu a fan favorite.

Today, Labubu is Pop Mart's flagship product – present at trade shows, pop-ups, and social media. Demand means popular releases sell out quickly, and the FOMO effect sets in: Those who wait miss out on their dream figures or pay significantly more later. That's precisely why it's worth buying from Shade Studios right at release.

Labubu comes from Kasing Lung 's The Monsters —a world that combines childhood nostalgia, quirky fantasy, and subtle humor. Since Pop Mart began releasing the character in blind-box series, Labubu has become a cult classic: sometimes as an athlete, sometimes as a foodie, sometimes in iconic collaborations. Many designs sell out quickly, triggering the FOMO effect : Those who hesitate often end up paying significantly more on the secondary market. That's precisely why it's crucial to buy early and, above all, safely .

With us, you'll find tested originals – from popular series like Big Into Energy (Single) and Big Into Energy (Sealed Case) to Wacky Mart (Figure) and Wacky Mart (Squishy) and even the Coca Cola Series (Figure) . You'll find them all at a glance in the Labubu category .

The invisible enemy: counterfeits

Where demand and scarcity meet, fakes emerge. Discount shops lure you with dream prices, but often deliver copies with problematic materials, crooked paint schemes, and faulty packaging. This not only costs you money and stress—it also ruins the collector's fun and resale value.

• Risk for the collection: Incorrect versions, color variations, missing accessories – fakes stand out in every display case.
• Health & Quality: Strong chemical odors and inferior plastics are not uncommon.
• No value retention: Fakes lose value immediately; originals can increase in value – especially in popular series such as the Coca Cola Series or Wacky Mart .

The advanced fake check: How to check originals like a pro

Practical examples – this is what typical counterfeits look like

Example 1: The crooked Coke bottle. In a fake Coca-Cola Series figurine, the bottle was visibly crooked in Labubu's hand. The logo appeared washed out, and the red tone was too dark. Such deviations indicate cheap printing and a lack of quality control.

Example 2: Asymmetrical ears. A copied Wacky Mart figure had significantly shorter ears. Originals have symmetrical shapes and cleanly trimmed edges. Also, pay attention to even paint on the teeth and eyes.

Example 3: The smell test. A supposedly inexpensive Big Into Energy figure smelled pungently of solvents upon opening. Originals have at most a slight, new-product smell, never a chemically pungent one. A strong smell is a warning sign of inferior materials.

Conclusion: Counterfeits often only reveal themselves at second glance. When several indicators (print quality, feel, smell, price) come together, the purchase is risky. The stress-free solution: order directly from verified retailers – with clear product images, reliable descriptions, and a return policy.

The following checklist is designed to help you make confident decisions—whether you're shopping in-store, at an event, or online. Use it in its entirety or focus on the points that are most relevant to your specific purchasing context.

1) Packaging & Print Quality

Original Pop Mart boxes have rich, consistent colors without moiré or pixelation. Logos are sharp, cleanly aligned, and edges appear high-quality. Fakes often display:

• slightly blurred lines, unclean edges
• paler colors or too harsh contrasts
• incorrect or outdated product names on the box

Tip: Compare product images on the official website or from trusted retailers with the box in hand. Are the colors correct? Are the icons identical?

2) Security features & hologram

The Pop Mart hologram is a strong indicator. It appears multi-layered, shines depending on the angle, and has clean edges. Fakes often lack this hologram—or it's just a flat, cheap-looking sticker. Also, look out for:

• correct placement (not crooked/overlapped)
• no bubbles or crooked edges
• consistent series name in the immediate vicinity

3) Material, feel & smell

Originals feel smooth, high-quality, and consistent—without sharp edges. A slight "new" smell is normal, but not a pungent solvent odor. Fakes often have a strong chemical odor; the material is hard and brittle or "waxy" and sticky.

4) Painting & Details

This is where the field divides: eyes, teeth, ears, and accessories are precise in originals. Paint lines don't run, pupils are centered, and metallic or pastel colors appear saturated. Pay attention to logos and micro-details in popular series like the Coca-Cola Series (Vinyl Face) – fakes often mess up precisely these things.

5) Weight & Offal

Originals from a series are surprisingly consistent in weight (tolerances are normal, but not dramatic). Large deviations can be suspicious. With blind boxes, don't weigh them to "snipe" them—it spoils the experience and isn't reliable proof of authenticity. If you use weight, use it only as an additional indicator, never on its own.

6) Price & Source

Unfortunately, "too good to be true" is often just that. If the price is significantly below the market rate, examine it with urgency. Buy from an authorized source and save yourself the hassle, returns, and loss of value.

7) Transparency in the shop

Reputable retailers provide clear product descriptions, authentic photos, shipping information, and return policies. With us, you'll find, for example, EU-wide shipping , collector-friendly packaging, and clear series information. Take a look at these examples:

• Big Into Energy – Single Blind Box
• Wacky Mart – Figure Blind Box
• Coca-Cola Series – Figure

If you want to be sure right away: the “No-Stress” option

Save yourself the guesswork and get your figures directly from our Labubu category . We guarantee 100% originals , package them in collector-friendly packaging, and ship quickly and securely within the EU . For set fans, the sealed case is the best choice – less frustration with duplicates, more chances to get complete sets.

Series Deep Dive – our highlights in detail

Here we present some of our most popular series—including their special features, collectible value, and selling points. All are 100% original and available from Shade Studios .

Big Into Energy Series

This series brings Labubu with a sporty, energetic look—perfect for fans who love dynamics and bold colors. The figures come as vinyl plush counterparts and are a real eye-catcher in any collection. The sealed case is particularly popular, as it offers the best chance of getting a complete set.

Wacky Mart Series

Labubu in the supermarket universe – from squishy charms to figures in shopping scenes. This series is rich in detail and witty, ideal for collectors who appreciate a sense of humor. Our recommendation: The Squishy Charm Sealed Case Version for those who want to secure several variants at once.

Coca-Cola Series

An iconic collaboration: Labubu meets the world-famous Coca-Cola branding. From classic red outfits to vinyl face variants, this series is a must-have for both Labubu and Coca-Cola fans. The Vinyl Face Blind Box is particularly popular.

Tasty Macarons

Labubu in a sweet pastry case look – perfect for collectors who like colorful and cute things. This series also makes a great gift for newcomers to the Labubu world. Now available as a blind box .

Have a Seat

A calm, charming series depicting Labubu relaxing. Especially great for displays, as many of the figures are seated. Available from us as a blind box .

Collector Pro Tips

Understand value creation – and use it purposefully

Why originals can increase in value: Limited editions, series changes, and constant demand lead to certain Labubu variants becoming rarer. Complete sets, "Chase" figures, and sought-after collabs in particular develop value potential – provided the condition and packaging remain immaculate.

Collector psychology & FOMO: The "fear of missing out" effect is powerful: Those who miss out on a figure will seek it out even more urgently later – and accept higher prices. Manufacturers and retailers deliberately release series in waves, creating desirability. Those who are informed and decide early are more relaxed when collecting.

Strategy for smart buyers: Buy at release from verified sources , document the purchase date and series, and keep everything intact (instruction leaflets, protective films). Focus on series with a clear fan base—such as Big Into Energy (Sealed Case) for set opportunities or iconic Coca-Cola designs. This way, you can enjoy the fun of collecting and preserve the value over the long term.

• Buy early: Many series sell out within a few weeks.
• Prefer sealed cases: higher chances of getting a complete set, fewer duplicates.
• Keep the original packaging: Significantly increases the resale value.
• Optimal storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light to prevent fading and material aging.
• Document clearly: Record the series name, release year, and receipt – important for collector value.

Myth Check

• “Fakes are instantly recognizable”: Some counterfeits are extremely well made – protect yourself by purchasing from verified dealers.
• “Price guaranteed original”: Even expensive offers can be fakes – the source counts.
• “All sealed cases are complete”: Not always – but the chances are significantly higher than with individual figures.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Labubu

Are all of your Labubu series original?

Yes – each figure is checked before shipping and comes in the unopened original packaging.

Can I recognize fakes by the figure itself?

Yes – fakes often lack fine details, the colors appear dull, and the material is inferior.

Why shouldn't I buy from cheap shops?

Many of these shops sell counterfeits where quality and safety are not guaranteed.

What are the chances of getting rare figures?

The probability is usually written on the box – at Shade Studios you always get sealed, original goods.

Which series do you have in stock?

From Big Into Energy to Wacky Mart to Coca Cola Series – our range is constantly updated.

Do you also ship outside of Germany?

Yes – we ship throughout the EU.

Conclusion – secure your original now

Whether you're new to the world of Labubu or already have a cabinet full of figures, the most important step is to only buy from trusted retailers. Shade Studios offers you verified, original Pop Mart Labubu figures, EU-wide shipping, and collector-friendly packaging. This way, you're not only securing a piece of pop culture, but also a collectible with potential. And remember: With series in high demand, acting quickly is key—otherwise, you'll soon be sold out.