Labubu Blind Box Tips for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first Labubu blind box is part shopping decision, part collecting ritual. You are not just choosing a figure, you are choosing a series, accepting a little mystery and deciding how much risk you are comfortable with before you open the seal.

For first-time buyers, the goal is simple: enjoy the surprise without overpaying, buying the wrong format or ending up with a fake. This guide walks through the practical things to check before you purchase, especially if you are buying from New Zealand and want a smoother first experience.

Start with the basics: what are you actually buying?

Labubu is one of the most recognisable characters from The Monsters, created by artist Kasing Lung and popularised globally through POP MART releases. A Labubu blind box usually contains one sealed mystery figure from a specific series. You know the collection it comes from, but you do not know the exact character until you open it.

That mystery is the point. It is also where many first-time buyers make mistakes. A blind box is not the same as buying a confirmed figure. If a listing says “sealed blind box”, you are buying a random pull. If it says “opened confirmed”, the seller should already know which figure is inside. If it says “full set” or “case”, you are buying a larger format that may include multiple boxes from the same series.

If you want a broader explanation of common terms such as sealed, opened, single box and full set, BigBoiSneakers has a helpful guide to Pop Mart blind boxes for new collectors. Read that first if you are still learning the language collectors use.

Choose the series before you chase the rare figure

A common first-time mistake is buying based only on the secret or chase figure. Secret figures can be exciting, but they are usually hard to pull and should not be the only reason you buy. You will enjoy the purchase more if you like the overall theme of the series, including the regular designs.

Before buying, look at the full lineup. Check the colours, poses, materials and size. Some Labubu releases lean cute and soft, others feel more mischievous, seasonal or fashion-led. If you would be disappointed with most of the regular figures, that series may not be the best first purchase.

Use this quick filter before you add anything to cart:

Question to ask	Why it matters
Do I like at least half the regular designs?	Blind boxes are random, so your odds of enjoying the pull improve when the whole lineup appeals to you.
Is the figure size right for my display space?	Some collectors want desk-friendly pieces, others prefer larger display items.
Am I buying to open or keep sealed?	Your decision affects how much packaging condition matters.
Is the price reasonable for a random pull?	Paying premium prices for a sealed single box increases risk.
Do I understand the secret figure odds?	Chase odds can vary by release, so check the product details rather than assuming.

This approach keeps the hobby fun. Buy the series you genuinely like, then treat a rare pull as a bonus.

Know the difference between sealed, opened and confirmed

Not every Labubu listing offers the same kind of buying experience. A first-time buyer should understand the three most common formats.

Sealed blind box means the box has not been opened and the figure is unknown. This gives you the full surprise, but you might receive a duplicate or a design you like less.

Opened confirmed figure means the box has been opened to identify the character. The inner bag may or may not be sealed, depending on the seller. This removes the mystery, but it is often priced differently because the figure is known.

Full set or case usually means a complete group from one series, though details can vary by release and seller. If you are buying a full set, read the listing carefully. Do not assume it includes a secret figure unless the seller clearly states it.

For a first purchase, a sealed blind box is often the most fun. If you have your heart set on one exact character, a confirmed figure may be the smarter option.

Check authenticity before you check the price

The popularity of Labubu has created a strong resale market, and where there is hype, there are fakes. A low price can be tempting, but first-time buyers should be careful with listings that look too good to be true.

Authenticity checks are not about one single detail. Packaging, printing, seals, product codes and seller reputation all matter. POP MART products may include anti-counterfeit features or QR verification depending on the product and market, but these details can differ by release. The safest habit is to compare the product against official images from POP MART and buy from reputable retailers or sellers with clear product information.

Watch for these red flags:

• The price is far below typical market value with no clear reason.
• Product photos are blurry, cropped or copied from another listing.
• The seller cannot show packaging details when asked.
• The listing uses vague wording such as “style inspired” or “same as original”.
• The figure shape, colours or face details look slightly off compared with official images.

If you are collecting in New Zealand, it is worth understanding local availability and buying routes. For more context on the character line and what NZ collectors are looking for, read BigBoiSneakers’ guide to Labubu and The Monsters in New Zealand.

Set a first-purchase budget and stick to it

Blind boxes are easy to overbuy because each box feels like “just one more chance”. Decide on your budget before you start shopping. Include the box price, shipping and any payment or currency conversion costs if buying internationally.

For a first-time buyer, one or two boxes is usually enough to test whether you enjoy the experience. You will learn how the packaging feels, whether the figure quality meets your expectations and how much you enjoy the surprise element. After that, you can decide whether to build a collection, buy confirmed pieces or wait for a future series.

A good rule is to budget for the figure you are most likely to receive, not the secret figure you hope to pull. If the purchase only feels worth it if you get the rarest design, it may not be the right buy.

Read the product listing closely

Many buying regrets come from skimming the listing. Before you pay, slow down and read every detail. Confirm the series name, quantity, condition, language or region of packaging if relevant and whether the item is sealed.

Pay close attention to wording around random selection. A listing might show the full lineup for reference while only selling one random blind box. That is normal, but it can confuse new buyers who think they are choosing the pictured character.

Here is a simple pre-check table you can use before buying:

Listing detail	What to confirm
Series name	Make sure it is the Labubu series you actually want.
Quantity	Check whether you are buying one box, multiple boxes or a full set.
Condition	Confirm sealed, opened, confirmed, display-only or damaged box.
Character selection	Check whether the figure is random or specifically identified.
Shipping	Confirm delivery cost, estimated timeframe and destination coverage.
Returns	Understand whether returns apply after a blind box is opened.

This is especially important when buying from marketplaces. A clear listing protects both the buyer and seller because expectations are set before the box is opened.

Understand odds without obsessing over them

Most blind box series include a standard lineup and sometimes a secret figure. The chance of pulling the secret can vary, so do not assume the odds are the same across every release. If odds are listed on the packaging or product page, read them carefully.

First-time buyers should think of odds as a reality check, not a strategy. Buying more boxes may increase your chance of pulling a favourite, but it also increases your spend and your risk of duplicates. Unless you are comfortable with every possible result, chasing a rare figure through repeated random pulls can get expensive quickly.

If you are serious about a specific secret figure, compare the cost of repeated sealed boxes with the cost of a confirmed resale listing. Sometimes paying more for the exact figure is cheaper than trying your luck over and over.

Plan for duplicates before they happen

Duplicates are part of blind box collecting. Even if you only buy a couple of boxes, there is a chance you will pull the same figure twice, especially if friends or family are opening from the same series.

Have a plan before you buy more. Some collectors trade duplicates locally, some keep one sealed and one displayed, and others gift extras to friends. If you trade online, use safe payment methods, take clear photos and be honest about condition.

Keep the box, card and inner packaging until you are sure you want to keep the figure. Complete packaging can make trading or resale easier later, and it also helps prove which series the item came from.

Take care when opening your first box

The unboxing is a big part of the fun, but it is worth being careful. If the outer box condition matters to you, open it slowly from the flap rather than tearing it. If you think there may be an issue with the product, take photos before opening further.

Once opened, check the figure for paint marks, loose parts or damage. Small production variations can happen with collectibles, but obvious flaws should be documented straight away. Keep your order confirmation and packaging until everything is resolved.

If the figure includes accessories, do not throw away the inner packaging too quickly. Small pieces can hide in plastic trays, bags or cardboard inserts.

Display and store your Labubu properly

Labubu figures are collectibles, so basic care matters. Keep them away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours over time. Avoid damp areas, especially if you plan to keep boxes in good condition. Dust display shelves regularly and handle figures with clean hands.

If you are keeping items sealed, store boxes upright in a dry space where they will not be crushed. If you are displaying opened figures, consider grouping them by series rather than mixing everything at random. A focused display often looks better and helps you see what you already own before buying more.

Collectors who move between sneakers, streetwear, trading cards and designer toys often treat display as part of the hobby. A clean shelf, sneaker wall or collectibles cabinet can make even a small collection feel intentional.

Do not treat every Labubu blind box as an investment

Some Labubu releases do rise in value, especially limited editions, discontinued series or highly desired secret figures. That does not mean every blind box is a guaranteed investment. Prices can move quickly, demand changes and condition matters.

If you are new, buy because you like the character and the experience. If a figure becomes valuable later, that is a bonus. If you buy only for resale, you may find the hobby stressful and expensive, especially once shipping, fees and duplicates are included.

For collectors who want to build gradually without spending too much too soon, BigBoiSneakers has a separate guide on starting a Labubu collection without overspending.

First-time buyer mistakes to avoid

Most first-time mistakes are easy to prevent. Do not assume every listing is official. Do not pay premium prices without checking the series, condition and seller reputation. Do not buy multiple boxes just because social media makes rare pulls look common.

Also, avoid buying a series only because it is trending. Hype can introduce you to a product, but your own taste should decide whether it belongs in your collection. The best first Labubu blind box is one you will enjoy even if you do not pull the rarest figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Labubu blind boxes random? Yes, sealed Labubu blind boxes are random within the stated series. You usually know the possible lineup, but not the exact figure until the box is opened.

Can I choose the Labubu figure I want from a blind box? Not from a sealed blind box. If you want a specific figure, look for an opened confirmed listing from a reputable seller and check the condition before buying.

Are Labubu secret figures guaranteed in a full set? Not always. Full set rules can vary by release and seller. Read the listing carefully and do not assume a secret figure is included unless it is clearly stated.

How can I avoid fake Labubu figures? Buy from trusted retailers, compare details with official product images, check packaging quality and be cautious with unusually cheap listings. Vague wording or poor photos are common warning signs.

Should I keep the box after opening? Yes, at least at first. Boxes, cards and inserts help with storage, trading, resale and verifying the figure’s series later.

Ready to buy your first Labubu blind box?

A good first purchase comes down to three habits: choose a series you genuinely like, buy from a source you trust and set a budget before the surprise takes over. If you keep those in mind, your first Labubu blind box can be a fun entry into designer toy collecting rather than a rushed impulse buy.

BigBoiSneakers brings together authentic sneakers, streetwear, collectibles and trading cards for NZ buyers and collectors. Explore the latest drops through BigBoiSneakers and start your collection with a little more confidence.