Save $95 on the Labubu Year of the Horse series by shopping in the US instead of Australia
Table of Contents
- The Labubu Fever of 2026
- Correcting the Myth about US Shipping Costs
- Labubu Shipping Estimates and Specs
- How to Buy from US Stores
- Australia Import Duties and GST
The Labubu Fever of 2026
If you have been scrolling through social media lately, you know that the Pop Mart Labubu 'Year of the Horse' series is the absolute must-have for collectors this year. Released in February 2026, this zodiac-themed drop has caused a massive stir, particularly in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. However, for those of us living in Australia, finding these at a reasonable price is a whole different story. Local boutique shops and resellers in Melbourne or Sydney are marking these up by nearly double the retail price.
The good news is that US stock remains one of the most reliable sources for authentic units. While many Aussie fans assume that the distance makes it impossible to get a good deal, I actually managed to save $95 on a full set by looking toward the US market instead of waiting for local hobby shops to restock their overpriced inventory.
Correcting the Myth about US Shipping Costs
A common assumption I see on Reddit and in collector groups is that shipping a small toy from America to Australia is 'too expensive' to be worth it. People think the freight costs will eat up any savings. This is actually a myth if you use a reliable freight forwarder like comGateway. By using a tax-free US address, you avoid US sales tax entirely, which often covers a significant chunk of the shipping fee itself.
When you combine that with the lower retail prices found in US stores compared to Australian 'specialty' importers, the numbers start to look very attractive. You can even use a shipping calculator to see exactly what you will pay before you commit. It turns out that for high-demand items like the Labubu Year of the Horse series, the 'shipping is too pricey' argument just doesn't hold water in 2026.
Labubu Shipping Estimates and Specs
To help you plan your budget, here is a breakdown of what to expect when shipping this specific series. These estimates are based on a full 'blind box' set of 12 figures, which is how most serious collectors prefer to buy them to ensure they get the hidden 'secret' figures.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 1.8 kg (4 lbs) for a full set of 12. |
| Box Dimensions | Medium (Approx 30cm x 20cm x 15cm). |
| Volumetric Warning | High Risk. Pop Mart packaging includes a lot of structural cardboard and air to protect the figures. This means the box is light but takes up space. Always use a service that offers repacking to reduce the volume. |
| Battery Check | No lithium batteries. This series consists of vinyl and plush-textured figures, so there are no restricted shipping rules regarding power cells. |
If you are worried about the process, you can check the FAQ for more details on how packages are handled. Most collectors find that an international shipping service that provides photos of the items upon arrival at the warehouse gives them a lot of peace of mind.
How to Buy from US Stores
The process is actually quite simple once you know how it works. First, you sign up for a US-based shipping address. Then, you head to the official Pop Mart US store or authorized retailers like Mindzai or Myplasticheart. When you check out, use your assigned US address instead of your home address in Australia.
Once the package arrives at the warehouse, you can choose to ship it immediately or hold it to combine with other purchases. This is the best way to buy from US ship to Australia because it spreads the shipping cost across multiple items. For many, this makes Australia delivery surprisingly affordable, especially when the Australian Dollar is performing well against the USD.
Australia Import Duties and GST
One thing to keep in mind for our 2026 purchases is the current state of import duties. In Australia, Goods and Services Tax (GST) generally applies to all low-value imported goods. Even if your Labubu set is under $1,000 AUD, you will likely still see a 10% GST charge. However, even with this tax added, the total cost of buying from the US and paying for shipping is still significantly lower than the $350+ prices I've seen some local resellers charging for the Year of the Horse series.
If you are planning to buy multiple sets to flip or to share with friends, make sure to read up on the latest customs tax rules to ensure you aren't surprised by any additional fees at the border. Generally, for a single set of 12 Labubus, the process is very straightforward and requires minimal paperwork.
So, if you've been eyeing that Year of the Horse Labubu but thought the US was out of reach, think again. I saved $95, and there is no reason you can't do the same for your 2026 collection.
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