- The Labubu Obsession: Why 2026 is the Year of The Monsters
- The Australian Price Crisis: A Critical Comparison
- The Strategic Move: Securing US Inventory
- Bypassing Geographic Restrictions with comGateway
- Critical Alert: Australian Import Rules and GST
- Final Verdict for Serious Collectors
The Labubu Obsession: Why 2026 is the Year of The Monsters
As of January 2026, the obsession with Kasing Lung’s creation, Labubu, has reached a fever pitch. What started as a niche designer toy under the Pop Mart umbrella has transformed into a global cultural phenomenon. The mischievous, rabbit-like creature with its jagged teeth and soulful eyes is no longer just a toy; it is a high-value asset. In Australia, the demand has completely outstripped local supply, leading to a desperate situation for collectors who are tired of seeing "Out of Stock" signs on domestic shelves.
The hype is fueled by limited-edition drops and high-profile collaborations that sell out in seconds. For Australians, this often means relying on secondary markets where prices are inflated by 200% or more. However, savvy collectors have identified a loophole: the US market. While Australian stores struggle with inventory, US retailers often receive larger allocations and more frequent restocks of the most coveted series.
The Australian Price Crisis: A Critical Comparison
The price discrepancy between the US and Australia is more than just a minor annoyance; it is a financial drain. Let’s look at the cold, hard numbers for a standard Labubu blind box and a high-demand vinyl figure in 2026.
| Product Type | US Retail Price (USD converted to AUD) | AU Resale/Boutique Price (AUD) | The "Aussie Tax" Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Box Series | ~$25 AUD | $55 - $80 AUD | +120% |
| 17cm Vinyl Figure | ~$130 AUD | $350 - $500 AUD | +250% |
| Limited Edition Collab | ~$400 AUD | $1,200+ AUD | +300% |
As the table demonstrates, continuing to buy locally is no longer a viable strategy for the serious collector. By utilizing a freight forwarder, you can access US-only pricing and significantly reduce your total spend. Before you make your next purchase, you should use a shipping calculator to see exactly how much you can save by shipping from the States.
The Strategic Move: Securing US Inventory
To beat the local price gouging, you must look toward major US retailers like Pop Mart US, eBay.com, and StockX. These platforms offer a depth of inventory that Australian stores simply cannot match. However, many of these US-based stores do not offer direct shipping to Australia, or if they do, the costs are prohibitive and the shipping times are abysmal.
This is where a international shipping service becomes an essential tool in your collecting arsenal. By obtaining a tax-free US address, you can shop like a local, avoiding US sales tax and taking advantage of domestic shipping deals within the USA. If you find that a US store refuses your Australian credit card, do not panic. You can utilize the BuyForMe service (also known as a proxy shopping service), where experts handle the transaction on your behalf.
Check our guide on: Read more: Think Those Rare US Pop Mart Labubus are Out of Reach for Aussies? You’ve Been Looking at the Wrong Map.
Bypassing Geographic Restrictions with comGateway
The process of getting your Labubu from a US warehouse to your doorstep in Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth is simpler than you think. Understanding how it works is the first step toward reclaiming your hobby from scalpers. Once your items arrive at the US facility, you can choose to consolidate multiple packages into one shipment to further reduce costs.
For those who are serious about their 2026 collection, the Prime membership benefits offer even deeper discounts on shipping rates and extended storage times. This allows you to wait for multiple Labubu drops throughout the month and ship them all at once, ensuring you aren't paying for multiple individual overseas shipments.
A Note on Shipping Safety
While Labubu figures are generally safe to ship, always ensure that any bundles you purchase do not include prohibited items such as certain cleaning solvents or flammable materials that might be included in "toy care kits." Most vinyl figures pass through customs without issue, but it is always better to be informed.
Critical Alert: Australian Import Rules and GST
When importing goods into Australia in 2026, you must remain aware of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulations. For goods valued under $1,000 AUD, Goods and Services Tax (GST) is usually collected at the point of sale or by the freight forwarder. If your Labubu haul exceeds the $1,000 AUD threshold, you may be liable for additional import duties and processing fees.
This is why the "Price Gap" strategy works best when you manage your shipments carefully. Use the estimate shipping cost tool to factor in these variables before you commit to a high-value purchase. The goal is to keep your total cost—product plus shipping—well below the inflated Australian resale market prices.
Final Verdict for Serious Collectors
The message for Australian Labubu fans is clear: stop settling for the crumbs left by local distributors. The US market is ripe with opportunity, and the price differences are too large to ignore. By leveraging comGateway, you gain a strategic advantage, allowing you to build a world-class collection without the "Australia Tax."
Start by following this step-by-step guide to set up your account today. 2026 is the year of the smart collector. Don't let geography dictate the size of your collection.
