You’ve just received a long-awaited package. The box is in your hands. But before the joy can fully set in, a familiar pang of doubt arrives: Is this the real deal?
For any Labubu collector, that moment is a rite of passage. With the explosion of Labubu's popularity, the market has been flooded with convincing counterfeits, known in the community as "Lafufus." Mastering labubu verification is no longer just a good skill to have—it’s essential for protecting your collection and your wallet.
As a seasoned collector who has been through the wringer of authentication, I’m here to share five essential tips that will help you verify your Labubu with confidence.
Understanding Labubu Verification
What is Labubu Verification?
Labubu verification is the process of determining whether a Labubu figure is an authentic product officially licensed by Pop Mart and created by artist Kasing Lung, or if it is an unauthorized counterfeit (Lafufu). It involves a multi-point inspection of the figure itself, its packaging, and any accompanying codes or documentation.
Importance of Authenticity
Why does this matter so much?
Value: Authentic Labubus, especially rare "secret" editions, hold significant monetary value. A fake is worth only a fraction of the price.
Quality: Authentic figures are made with high-quality, safe materials and superior craftsmanship. Fakes often use cheap plastics and paints that can be harmful.
Respect for the Artist: Buying authentic supports the artist, Kasing Lung, and the brand that brings his creations to life.
Community Standing: In the collector community, authenticity is paramount. A collection built on fakes has no standing.
Tip 1: Check the Verification Code
This is your first and most powerful tool. Pop Mart has a built-in authentication system for its products.
How to Locate the Labubu Verification Code
Look for a small, peelable QR code sticker on the outside of the blind box packaging. This is usually found on the back or side of the box.
Gently peel back the sticker. Underneath, you will find a unique, alphanumeric verification code. Be careful not to damage the code.
This code is a one-time-use key. Once it has been checked on the official website, it cannot be used again.
Using the Pop Mart Verification Website
Go to the official Pop Mart website and navigate to their "Authenticity Check" or "Verification" page. The specific URL can usually be found in the help or customer service section.
Enter the unique code from under the QR sticker into the designated field on the website.
The website will then tell you if the code is valid and if it is being checked for the first time. A valid, first-time check strongly indicates an authentic product.
A word of caution: While a valid code is a great sign, it's not 100% foolproof. Some sophisticated counterfeiters have been known to duplicate valid codes. Therefore, this should be your first step, but not your only one.
Tip 2: Inspect the Packaging
The box itself can often be a dead giveaway.
Recognizing Authentic Labubu Boxes
Print Quality: The colors on an authentic box are vibrant and sharp. All text, including the Pop Mart logo, series name, and any fine print, is crisp and clear.
Cardboard Quality: The cardboard used for authentic boxes is sturdy and of high quality.
Consistency: The box design will perfectly match official images from Pop Mart.
Common Packaging Flaws in Fakes
Blurry Printing: If the images or text look fuzzy, pixilated, or have color bleeding, it's a major red flag.
Flimsy Material: If the cardboard feels thin and cheap, be suspicious.
Typos and Misspellings: Counterfeiters often make errors in the text. Look closely at the wording.
Incorrect Colors: The colors on the box might be slightly off or washed out compared to official photos.
Tip 3: Examine Physical Attributes
This is where you get hands-on and look for the telltale signs of quality.
Do Labubu Feet Rotate?
A common question among collectors is, "do labubu feet rotate?" The answer varies by series.
For the popular "Have A Seat" and "Tasty Macaron" plush pendants, the feet are not designed to rotate freely. They are attached to the legs and have some limited posability, but they shouldn't spin around 360 degrees with ease. If the feet are extremely loose and spin effortlessly, it could indicate poor manufacturing, which is a sign of a fake.
Always compare the specific movement to official unboxing videos to see what's normal for that figure.
How to Tell If a Labubu is Genuine: A Physical Checklist
When you have the figure in hand, run through this mental checklist.
The Teeth (The Golden Rule): Count them. An authentic Labubu has nine (9) sharp, defined, serrated teeth. This is the single most important physical feature. Ten teeth, misshapen blobs, or an incorrect number is an instant fail.
The Fur: Authentic Labubu plush uses a dense, incredibly soft vinyl plush. Run your fingers over it. Does it feel luxurious, or rough and plasticky?
The Face: Is the expression balanced and mischievous, just like the official photos? Or is it asymmetrical, with a crooked smile or misaligned eyes? The "face" is extremely hard for counterfeiters to get right.
The Feet and Details: Look closely at the feet, hands, and any accessories. Is the sculpting clean and sharp, or are there rough edges, excess plastic ("mold lines"), or sloppy paint?
Tip 4: Use Online Resources for Authenticity
You are not alone in this hunt. A vast community of collectors is online and ready to help.
Labubu Authenticity Check Websites and Apps
Beyond the official Pop Mart verification page, other resources exist.
Legit App: Services like Legit App have dedicated guides and offer professional authentication services for Labubu and other collectibles.
Blogs and Guides: Many collector blogs and retail sites (like Feltify or blog.jane.com) publish detailed guides with high-quality photos comparing real and fake Labubus side-by-side.
Community Insights on Labubu Verification
This is perhaps your most powerful resource.
Reddit: Subreddits like r/labubu and r/PopMartCollectors are filled with "Is this real?" (labubu check) posts. Experienced collectors are usually quick to offer their opinions. You can also search these communities for posts comparing specific figures you're interested in.
Facebook Groups: Large, active Labubu collector groups are excellent places to ask for a second (or third, or fourth) opinion before you make a purchase.
When posting for help, be sure to include clear, well-lit photos of the front, back, side, feet, teeth, and the box with the QR code.
Tip 5: Trust Verified Retailers
The absolute best way to avoid the headache of verification is to buy from sources you can trust from the start.
Recommended Retailers for Safe Purchases
Official Pop Mart Channels: The official Pop Mart website, app, and physical stores are 100% safe. This is always your best option.
Authorized Retailers: Pop Mart has a network of authorized retailers worldwide. Check their official website for a list.
Reputable Resale Platforms: If buying on the secondary market, use platforms with strong buyer protection and authentication services.
StockX: They authenticate items before they are shipped to you, offering great peace of mind.
eBay: Stick to sellers with an extensive history of positive feedback. Carefully examine their photos and don't be afraid to message them with questions before buying.
Final Thoughts on Labubu Verification
Mastering labubu verification is a journey. It starts with learning the basics—the nine teeth, the QR code—and evolves into a deeper understanding of the subtle nuances that separate a real treasure from a clever fake. Use these five tips as your foundation, lean on the incredible knowledge of the collector community, and always trust your gut. If a deal looks too good to be true, or if something about a figure just feels "off," it probably is.
Happy (and safe) collecting, everyone. May your collection be ever authentic.
