- The Star People Phenomenon in 2026
- Myth: US-Exclusives are Out of Reach for Malaysians
- Where to Find Star People in the US
- The Secret to Seamless Shipping: Using a Package Forwarder
- Calculating Your Total Costs to Malaysia
- #What to Do if a US Store Rejects Your Payment
- Navigating Malaysian Customs and Taxes
The Star People Phenomenon in 2026
If you have been keeping an eye on the designer toy scene this year, you know that 2026 has been dominated by one name: Pop Mart Star People. This latest series has transcended the typical blind box hype, blending celestial aesthetics with high-concept storytelling that has captivated collectors globally. While Pop Mart has a presence in Southeast Asia, the "Star People" collection has seen specific, high-demand variants released exclusively in the United States market.
The trend is fueled by the rarity of the "Super Secret" figures and the unique matte-metallic finish used only in the North American batches. For fans in Malaysia, seeing these figures trend on social media can be frustrating when local shelves remain empty or stocked only with standard editions.
Myth: US-Exclusives are Out of Reach for Malaysians
There is a common misconception among Malaysian collectors that US-exclusive releases are either impossible to get or prohibitively expensive to ship. Many believe that you need a physical US address or a US-issued credit card to even participate in these drops. This simply isn't true in 2026.
The myth that shipping costs will double the price of your figure is also outdated. By using a reliable package forwarder, you can consolidate your purchases and choose shipping methods that fit your budget, making the dream of owning a Star People set much more attainable than most realize.
Where to Find Star People in the US
To get your hands on the authentic Star People series, you should look toward major US retailers. The official Pop Mart US webstore is the primary source, but high-tier hobby shops like Mindzai or even major platforms like NTWRK often host exclusive colorway drops. Because these stores often do not offer direct international shipping to Malaysia—or if they do, the rates are astronomical—having a US base of operations is essential.
The Secret to Seamless Shipping: Using a Package Forwarder
The most efficient way to bridge the gap between a US warehouse and your doorstep in Kuala Lumpur or Penang is through comGateway. When you register, you receive a sales-tax-exempt US shipping address. This is a game-changer for collectors because it allows you to shop at US stores as if you were living there, often avoiding the 6-10% US sales tax depending on the state of the warehouse.
Once your Star People figures arrive at the warehouse, you can manage them via your dashboard. If you have questions about how the process works, the FAQ or support section provides a wealth of information on everything from storage limits to packaging options.
Calculating Your Total Costs to Malaysia
Transparency is key when importing collectibles. No one likes surprise fees at the door. Before you commit to a purchase, you should use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on the weight and dimensions of the Pop Mart boxes.
By comparing different international shipping rates, you can decide whether you want express delivery for that instant gratification or a more economical option to keep your shipping fees low. Remember, consolidating multiple blind boxes into one shipment is the best way to maximize your ringgit.
What to Do if a US Store Rejects Your Payment
Some US retailers have strict payment gateways that reject non-US credit cards. If you find yourself unable to check out your Star People order, don't panic. You can use the BuyForMe service. With this assisted purchase option, the forwarder buys the item on your behalf, ensuring you don't miss out on limited-time drops just because of your billing address.
Navigating Malaysian Customs and Taxes
As of 2026, Malaysia continues to refine its import regulations. It is important to stay updated on import duties and the prevailing customs tax or Sales and Service Tax (SST) requirements for low-value goods. Generally, items imported into Malaysia are subject to specific thresholds; knowing these can help you avoid unexpected delays at the Port Klang or KLIA customs checkpoints.
Check our guide on GST/VAT and duties to ensure your Pop Mart haul doesn't get stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Being a savvy collector in 2026 means being as informed about logistics as you are about the latest secret pulls.
By debunking the myths of international shopping and using the right tools, the Pop Mart Star People collection is well within your reach. Start your US shopping journey today and bring the stars home to Malaysia.
