Price Signals
Labubu retail starts at $14–22 for a standard blind box. Any unopened box offered significantly below retail (especially $8–12) is almost certainly a counterfeit — the cost of production for the authentic article exceeds that price.
More subtle: prices that are just slightly below market, like $16 for a figure trading at $35 secondary. The slight discount feels like a deal, but the seller may be moving counterfeits that look convincing enough for online photos.
Photo Red Flags
Authentic sellers typically provide multiple clear photos showing the box from multiple angles, the QR code, and often the opened figure. Sellers who only show one or two photos — especially of just the front of the box — may not have the item in hand.
Watch for stock photos used instead of actual product photos. Reverse image search any photo you're suspicious of. Counterfeit sellers frequently use Pop Mart's official product images for listings of counterfeit goods.
Seller Profile Red Flags
New accounts with no history selling immediately at scale — listing 50+ Labubu figures with no prior seller reputation — is a significant warning sign. Established resellers have review histories you can examine.
Sellers located in certain manufacturing regions selling directly at under-retail prices deserve extra scrutiny. This doesn't apply to all international sellers, but it's a pattern associated with counterfeit distribution.
The QR Code Test
The definitive test: ask the seller to provide a photo of the QR code before purchase. Legitimate sellers will comply — it takes 30 seconds. Sellers who refuse, ignore the request, or provide an excuse are a serious red flag.
Even if they provide a QR code photo, complete the purchase through a platform with buyer protection (eBay, StockX, Mercari) so you can verify the code yourself on receipt and return if it doesn't authenticate via the Pop Mart app.