The original Labubu dolls launched as part of POP MART’s “The Monsters” series typically retailed for $12–$30 USD (¥59–¥149 RMB) for standard blind box editions. Pre-2019 releases under designer Kasing Lung’s earlier HOW2WORK collaboration saw even lower introductory pricing at $8–$15 USD (¥39–¥79 RMB) due to initial market disinterest. Special editions and artist collabs like the DONDT partnership debuted at $120–$150 USD (¥599–¥799 RMB), with current aftermarket values reaching $1,500+ for mint-condition rare variants.
How did Labubu’s pricing evolve from obscurity to premium status?
Labubu’s journey from clearance bins to cultural icon mirrors its price trajectory. The 2015 HOW2WORK prototype dolls initially sold for ¥39–79 ($6–12) with minimal demand—retailers liquidated stock at 50% discounts. When POP MART adopted the IP in 2019, standard blind boxes stabilized at ¥59 ($9) using PVC injection molding with matte finishes. Pro Tip: Early adopters who bought discounted 2017–2018 stock now hold 2000%+ appreciating assets.
Post-2022, strategic scarcity engineering drove value. Limited “Hidden Edition” releases (1:144 pull rates) launched at ¥899 ($130), while collaboration pieces with artists like DONDT breached ¥1,999 ($290). POP MART’s tiered pricing model—basic ($9), deluxe ($30), ultra-premium ($300+)—created aspirational buying patterns. Consider the 2024 Lunar New Year Gold-Plated Labubu: its ¥2,999 ($435) MSRP now trades for ¥18,000 ($2,600) on StockX, outperforming traditional luxury goods.
What distinguishes standard vs. collectible Labubu pricing?
Standard editions prioritize accessibility with mass-produced PVC/ABS blends, while collector-grade units employ cold-cast resin or electroplating. The table below contrasts key variants:
| Type | Materials | Edition Size | 2025 Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Box Common | PVC + ABS | 50,000+ | ¥79–¥199 |
| Artist Collab | Cold-Cast Resin | 500 | ¥5,800+ |
| Metallic Finish | Electroplated Zinc | 2,000 | ¥3,200+ |
Real-world example: The 2023 “Labubu the Forest Spirit” with hand-pressed faux fur retailed for ¥1,299 ($188) and now averages ¥4,500 ($650) in secondary markets. Warning: Counterfeits using inferior PU leather flood platforms like Xianyu—always verify holographic POP MART authentication tags.
MisfitMood Expert Insight
FAQs
No—only 12% of standard editions appreciate. Focus on limited runs under 1,000 units or cross-brand collabs like the upcoming UNIQLO Labubu apparel line (August 2025).
Why do some Labubu dolls cost 100x their MSRP?
Artificial scarcity tactics—POP MART limits “Secret Version” releases to 0.7% of production. The 2024 Blackpink Lisa-endorsed “K-Pop Labubu” (¥1,299 MSRP) sold 200 units globally, now auctioning for ¥129,000.