Table of Contents
- The Labubu Surge: Why the Hype is Peaking in 2026
- Why the US Market is the Secret Goldmine for Collectors
- Overcoming Shipping Hurdles from the US to Singapore
- The comGateway Advantage: Consolidating Your Collection
- Using BuyForMe for Exclusive US Drops
- Singapore Customs and GST: What You Need to Know in 2026
- Pro Tips for Serious Labubu Collectors
The Labubu Surge: Why the Hype is Peaking in 2026
As we move into early 2026, the obsession with Labubu—the mischievous, serrated-toothed monster created by Kasing Lung—has reached an all-time high in Singapore. What started as a niche designer toy movement has evolved into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Collectors are no longer satisfied with standard releases; the demand for limited-edition colorways and US-exclusive collaborations has skyrocketed.
Market research suggests that the scarcity of these items in local retail outlets has driven a 70% increase in cross-border shopping. For many enthusiasts in Singapore, the hunt for the latest "The Monsters" series now begins thousands of miles away in American storefronts. Read more: Why 85% of Singaporean Collectors are Now Sourcing Labubu Directly from the US to understand the underlying trends driving this massive shift in consumer behavior.
Why the US Market is the Secret Goldmine for Collectors
Singaporean fans often face the frustration of "Sold Out" signs within minutes of a local launch. However, the US market, with its larger inventory allocations and different time zones for product drops, offers a much higher success rate for securing rare figurines. Retailers like Pop Mart US, NTWRK, and specialized designer toy boutiques in Los Angeles often carry stock that never reaches Southeast Asian shores.
Furthermore, the 2026 secondary market in the US is often more competitive, allowing savvy shoppers to find better deals on platforms like eBay or StockX compared to local reseller markups in Singapore. To navigate these platforms effectively, many collectors rely on a reliable package forwarder to provide them with a dedicated US shipping address, effectively opening the door to stores that don't offer international shipping.
Overcoming Shipping Hurdles from the US to Singapore
One of the biggest challenges for Singaporean collectors is the high cost of direct international shipping—if it is even offered. Many US-based art toy stores restrict their shipping to domestic addresses only. This is where a strategic approach to shipping from USA to Singapore becomes essential.
By using a dedicated US address provided by comGateway, you can shop like a local. This not only allows you to access exclusive US inventory but also gives you control over when and how your items are shipped across the Pacific. If you are worried about the logistical costs, you can always use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost before you commit to a purchase.
The comGateway Advantage: Consolidating Your Collection
For the serious collector, buying one Labubu at a time is rarely the goal. Most enthusiasts aim to complete entire series or secure multiple blind boxes. Shipping these individually would be prohibitively expensive. The key to saving money lies in package consolidation.
When you ship your purchases to your US warehouse address, you can hold multiple items and have them repacked into a single box. This significantly reduces the volumetric weight and the overall cost of shipping. Check out the FAQ section on the website to learn more about how consolidation works and how it can help you build your collection more affordably.
Using BuyForMe for Exclusive US Drops
Some US retailers are notorious for not accepting international credit cards, which can be a major roadblock during a high-stakes Labubu drop. In 2026, many Singaporeans have turned to the BuyForMe service to circumvent this issue. With this assisted purchase option, the forwarder buys the item on your behalf, ensuring you don't miss out on those 1-of-100 limited editions just because of a payment processing error.
You might also like to Read more: Advanced Strategies for Sourcing Labubu from the US: A Pro Collector's Guide for Singaporeans for more technical tips on winning high-demand drops.
Singapore Customs and GST: What You Need to Know in 2026
When importing goods into Singapore, it is vital to stay updated on current regulations. As of 2026, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) remains a critical factor for international shoppers. For goods valued below the Low Value Goods (LVG) threshold, GST is often collected at the point of sale or via the forwarder. For higher-value shipments, Singapore Customs will assess the GST (currently at 9%) upon arrival.
| Item Value | GST Applicability (2026) | Import Duty |
|---|---|---|
| Below S$400 | Applied to all air/post imports | Usually $0 for toys |
| Above S$400 | 9% GST on CIF value | $0 (Toys are non-dutiable) |
Always ensure your invoices are accurate to avoid delays at the ICA checkpoints. If you have specific questions about customs documentation, the help center provides detailed guidance on how to declare your items correctly.
Pro Tips for Serious Labubu Collectors
To truly master the art of US sourcing, you need to be faster and smarter than the average buyer. Here are a few final tips for your 2026 shopping strategy:
- Monitor US Time Zones: Most drops happen at 12:00 PM EST or PST. Set your alarms for Singapore time (usually 12 or 13 hours ahead).
- Join US-based Discord Groups: Often, stock alerts for Pop Mart US hit these groups before they reach Singaporean social media.
- Verify Authenticity: Read more: Read This Before You Buy Labubu from the US to Save Money and Avoid Scams to ensure you aren't paying premium prices for replicas.
By leveraging the right tools and staying informed, you can grow your Labubu collection with pieces that are virtually impossible to find in Singapore. Start your journey today by setting up your US address and exploring the vast world of American art toy retailers.
