How to Authenticate Your Labubu: A Complete Guide to Spotting Fakes
How to Authenticate Your Labubu: A Complete Guide to Spotting Fakes
June 19, 2025
With Labubu's explosive popularity in the collectibles market, counterfeit versions have unfortunately flooded the market. As a collector, knowing how to distinguish authentic Labubu figures from fakes is essential to protect your investment and ensure you're getting genuine POP MART quality. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the authentication process, including the crucial QR code verification method.
Why Authentication Matters
Authentic Labubu figures maintain their value, feature superior craftsmanship, and come with POP MART's quality guarantee. Counterfeit versions often use inferior materials, poor paint jobs, and lack the attention to detail that makes genuine Labubu figures so coveted.
How to Scan POPMART QR Code for Labubu Authentication
The most reliable method to verify your Labubu's authenticity is through POP MART's official QR code verification system. Here's your step-by-step guide:
1. Locate the QR Code
The QR code is typically found on the product's packaging or on an accompanying authenticity card. For Labubu figures, check the top right corner of the box or look for a separate authentication card inside the packaging. Some newer releases may have the QR code printed directly on the figure's base or accompanying documentation.
2. Prepare Your Device
Ensure your smartphone or tablet has a QR code scanner. Most modern devices have built-in scanners accessible via the camera app. If your device doesn't have this feature, download a reputable QR code scanning application from your device's app store. Popular options include QR Code Reader or your phone's native camera app.
3. Scan the QR Code
- Open your device's camera or QR code scanner app
- Point it steadily at the QR code, ensuring the entire code is within the frame
- Hold your device 6-8 inches away from the code for optimal scanning
- Wait for the scanner to recognize and process the code
- Ensure adequate lighting for clear code recognition
4. Verify the URL
After scanning, your device will prompt you to open a URL. This step is crucial for authentication. Authentic POP MART verification links typically resemble fwsy.popmart.com
followed by a series of numbers and letters. Be extremely cautious of URLs with:
- Misspellings (like "popmaart" or "popmrat")
- Unfamiliar domains
- Suspicious extensions (.tk, .ml, etc.)
- URLs that don't contain "popmart" in the domain
5. Enter the Serial Number (if required)
Some QR codes may autofill a portion of the product's serial number, requiring you to manually input the remaining digits. This additional verification step helps ensure the product's authenticity and prevents code duplication by counterfeiters.
6. Review the Authentication Results
Upon successful verification, the official POP MART website will display information confirming your Labubu's authenticity. Genuine products will show:
- Product name and series information
- Manufacturing date
- Confirmation message stating "Authentic Product"
- Sometimes additional product details or collector information
If the verification fails, the site may indicate that the product is counterfeit or that the serial number has been previously used by another collector.
Additional Authentication Methods
Physical Inspection Checklist
Packaging Quality:
- Sharp, vibrant printing with no blurred text or images
- High-quality cardboard with proper thickness
- Correct POP MART and Kasing Lung logos
- Proper spelling and grammar on all text
- Clean, precise cutting edges on packaging
Figure Quality:
- Smooth, even paint application without bleeding or rough spots
- Proper proportions matching official product photos
- High-quality PVC material with appropriate weight and feel
- Clean molding lines without excess plastic or rough edges
- Correct color matching to official specifications
Accessories and Details:
- All accessories should be present and properly detailed
- Logo placements should be precise and clear
- Material quality should feel substantial, not cheap or hollow
- Moving parts should operate smoothly without excessive looseness
Price and Source Verification
Red Flags:
- Prices significantly lower than retail value
- Sellers with no feedback or poor ratings
- Products shipped from regions known for counterfeits
- Bulk sellers offering "wholesale" prices on limited items
- Missing or low-quality product photos
Trusted Sources:
- Official POP MART stores and website
- Authorized retailers and distributors
- Reputable collectible shops with authentication guarantees
- Established collectors with positive community feedback
Tips for a Smooth Verification Process
Technical Considerations:
- Use a stable internet connection to ensure the verification page loads promptly
- Avoid multiple rapid scans, as this can lead to server errors
- Be patient and allow the page to load completely after each scan attempt
- If the page doesn't load immediately, try refreshing or accessing it from a different device or browser
Best Practices:
- Always authenticate before removing protective packaging
- Keep authentication cards and packaging for future reference
- Document your verification results with screenshots
- Report suspicious or counterfeit products to POP MART's customer service
What to Do If Your Labubu Fails Authentication
If your Labubu figure fails the QR code verification:
- Double-check the scanning process - Ensure you followed all steps correctly
- Contact the seller immediately - Document the failed authentication
- Report to POP MART - Help them track counterfeit distribution
- Seek a refund - Most platforms offer buyer protection for counterfeit goods
- Leave appropriate feedback - Warn other potential buyers
Staying Ahead of Counterfeiters
The counterfeit market evolves constantly, with fakers becoming increasingly sophisticated. Stay informed by:
- Following official POP MART social media accounts for authentication updates
- Joining collector communities for real-time counterfeit alerts
- Regularly checking authentication methods for new releases
- Being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true
Conclusion
Authenticating your Labubu figures protects both your investment and the integrity of the collecting community. The QR code verification system provides the most reliable authentication method, but combining it with careful physical inspection and source verification creates a comprehensive authentication approach.
Remember, when in doubt, it's always better to pass on a questionable figure than to risk adding a counterfeit to your collection. Authentic Labubu figures are worth the wait and the proper price for the quality and authenticity they provide.
Stay vigilant, and happy collecting! 🔍✨
Need help with authentication? Contact us at [email protected] for assistance.