- Why Labubu is the Must-Have Collectible of 2026
- The Struggle for Australian Collectors
- The Fastest Way to Buy Labubu from US Stores
- How to Ship Your Labubu Haul to Australia
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Using comGateway
- Understanding Australian Customs and GST
- Maximizing Your Savings on International Shipping
Why Labubu is the Must-Have Collectible of 2026
If you have spent any time on social media lately, you have likely encountered a mischievous, sharp-toothed elf with a wide grin. This is Labubu, the standout star of "The Monsters" series created by artist Kasing Lung. While these characters have been popular in Asia for years, 2026 has seen an unprecedented explosion of interest in the United States and Australia.
The hype is driven by limited edition drops, high-profile celebrity endorsements, and the sheer variety of the figures—from the classic blind boxes to the highly coveted plush pendants. For many collectors, owning a Labubu isn't just about the toy; it is about the thrill of the hunt. You might also like to Read more: Why Labubu Figures are Taking Over Your Social Feed and How to Score Them from the US to understand the cultural phenomenon behind these vinyl creatures.
The Struggle for Australian Collectors
Despite the global demand, Australian fans often face a significant hurdle: local availability. Retailers in Sydney or Melbourne frequently sell out within minutes of a release, and the secondary market prices can be astronomical. Many Aussie collectors feel forced to pay three or four times the retail price just to secure a specific figure from a local reseller.
However, there is a better way. By looking toward the US market, where stock levels are often higher and exclusive releases are more frequent, you can bypass the local shortage. Check our guide on how to Read more: Stop Believing You Can't Get Genuine Labubu Drops in Australia Without Paying Reseller Prices.
The Fastest Way to Buy Labubu from US Stores
The US market is home to some of the biggest distributors of Pop Mart products and designer toys. Websites like the official Pop Mart US store, Mindzai, and even major retailers like Amazon US often have stock that never reaches Australian shores. The challenge, of course, is that many of these stores do not offer direct shipping to Australia, or if they do, the costs are prohibitive.
To solve this, savvy collectors use a reliable package forwarder like comGateway. This allows you to shop like a US resident, providing you with a US-based shipping address to use at checkout. This simple workaround opens up a world of shopping possibilities that were previously off-limits to those living in the land down under.
How to Ship Your Labubu Haul to Australia
Once you have secured your Labubu figures from a US store, the next step is getting them home safely and quickly. Logistics can be intimidating, but shipping from USA to Australia has never been more streamlined. By using a dedicated forwarding service, you gain access to premium couriers like DHL and FedEx at significantly reduced rates.
Before you commit to a purchase, it is always a good idea to check the international shipping rates to ensure you are staying within your budget. Many collectors choose to "consolidate" their packages—meaning they buy from multiple US stores, have everything sent to their US address, and then ship them to Australia as one single package to save on costs.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using comGateway
If you are new to package forwarding, here is a quick how it works guide to get you started:
- Sign Up: Register for a free account to receive your unique US shipping address.
- Shop: Visit your favorite US toy retailers and enter your comGateway address at checkout.
- Notify: Once your Labubu arrives at the US warehouse, you will be notified.
- Ship: Choose your preferred shipping method and pay the fees to have it sent to Australia.
For more detailed questions about the process, the FAQ section on the website provides comprehensive answers regarding package handling and restricted items.
Understanding Australian Customs and GST
When importing goods into Australia in 2026, it is important to be aware of the local tax laws. For most Labubu collectors, the total value of a single shipment will likely fall under the AUD $1,000 threshold. However, since 2018, Australia has applied a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) to low-value imported goods. Most forwarding services will help you manage this process, but it is important to factor this into your total cost.
To get a clear picture of your total landed cost, you can use a shipping calculator. This tool helps you estimate shipping cost including potential taxes and duties, so there are no surprises when your package arrives in Australia.
Maximizing Your Savings on International Shipping
If you are a serious collector planning to make multiple purchases throughout 2026, you should consider the Prime membership benefits offered by comGateway. Members often receive lower shipping fees and extended free storage at the US warehouse, which is perfect for waiting for multiple blind box drops to arrive before shipping them home in one go.
By leveraging these tools, you can build your collection faster and more affordably than by relying on local retail alone. For more tips on why this is the best strategy this year, Read more: 5 Reasons Labubu is the Biggest Toy Trend of 2026 and How to Buy Them in Australia.
Final Thoughts
The Labubu craze shows no signs of slowing down. By shopping the US market and using a trusted partner like comGateway, you can ensure you never miss out on a drop again. Start your US shopping journey today and bring those elusive monsters home to Australia!