Securing that rare Hirono 'The Other One' vinyl figure for less than a fondue night

Decoding the Hirono 'The Other One' obsession in 2026

Collectors in the designer toy space know that Hirono is not just a figure; it is a vibe. The 'The Other One' US-Exclusive Vinyl Figure from Pop Mart has become the 'Rising Star' of 2026 precisely because of its limited regional availability. While the rest of the world gets the standard drops, the US webstore received this specific variant that features a unique weathered finish and a miniature accessory not found in the global blind boxes.

For fans in Zurich or Geneva, the frustration is real. Pop Mart’s US store typically does not provide direct shipping to Europe for these high-demand exclusives to prevent mass reselling. This artificial scarcity has driven up demand on the secondary market, but smart collectors are finding ways to buy at retail price by using a freight forwarder to bridge the gap between North America and the Alps.

Shipping Estimates and Logistics for Swiss Collectors

Before you hit that 'Order' button, you need to understand the physical profile of this collectible to avoid surprises. While the figure itself is small, the packaging is designed for display and protection.

Calculating the math for a Swiss delivery

Buying locally from a boutique in Switzerland often results in a 40% to 60% markup due to the scarcity of US exclusives. In 2026, the retail price in the US remains significantly lower, even when factoring in international shipping rates. By utilizing a tax-free US address provided by **comGateway**, you eliminate the US state sales tax (which can be up to 10%), effectively offsetting a chunk of your courier fees.

Checking your international shipping service options allows you to choose between express delivery (3-5 days) or standard economy. For a single Hirono figure, the cost-to-benefit ratio is highest when you consolidate this purchase with other US goods, though even as a standalone shipment, it remains cheaper than the Swiss resale market.

Ordering from the US Pop Mart store with a tax-free address

To secure your figure, you will need to register on the Pop Mart US site. During checkout, use the US warehouse address provided by your comGateway account. This makes the store believe you are a local buyer. If you find that your Swiss credit card is being declined—a common hurdle with US regional stores—you can opt for a BuyForMe service. This proxy shopping solution involves a local agent purchasing the item on your behalf, ensuring you don't miss out on the drop.

Once the item arrives at the warehouse, you can inspect photos of the box to ensure the corners are crisp—essential for any serious vinyl collector—before you ship to Switzerland.

Managing Swiss import regulations and duties

When you buy from US ship to Switzerland, you must account for the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG) regulations. Switzerland has specific thresholds for import tax. As of 2026, most small hobby items are subject to a standard 8.1% VAT if the tax amount exceeds 5 CHF.

You might also like to check our guide on import duties to see how to properly declare your collectibles to avoid processing delays at the Zurich airport hub. Ensuring your Switzerland delivery is smooth involves accurately stating the value of the 'The Other One' figure on the customs declaration form provided in your shipping suite.

By following these steps, you can add this elusive Hirono piece to your shelf without the stress of overpaying or dealing with shady resellers. It is about shopping smarter, not harder.