Introduction
Due to the significant popularity and collector demand for the Labubu 'Have A Seat' series – especially the coveted 'Secret' styles – the market has unfortunately seen a proliferation of counterfeit items. This guide outlines critical verification points to help collectors distinguish authentic figures from unauthorized replicas, ensuring the integrity of your collection and confirming you have the genuine article behind the Labubu 'Have A Seat' names you cherish.
1. Facial Sculpt: Proportions and Pigmentation
Carefully scrutinize the Labubu's facial details:
- Authentic: Features a characteristically rounded and broad facial structure, complemented by prominent and vividly pigmented cheek blush with well-defined edges.
- Counterfeit: Often exhibits a disproportionately elongated forehead relative to the authentic sculpt.
2. Sole Markings: Logo Application
Inspect the markings on the underside of the Labubu's feet:
- Authentic: Displays the official logo precisely debossed (engraved into the material) on only one sole.
- Counterfeit: Frequently and incorrectly features the logo on both soles, potentially applied via stamping or printing methods rather than debossing.
3. Ultraviolet (UV) Security Feature: Sticker Verification
Examine both soles for distinct security elements:
- Authentic: One sole bears the debossed logo (as noted above), while the opposite sole features a special fluorescent security sticker. This sticker emits a distinct, bright blue luminescence when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
- Counterfeit: Typically lacks this fluorescent UV-reactive sticker on either sole.
4. Exterior Box Finish: Surface Texture
Assess the texture of the outer packaging box:
- Authentic Packaging: Possesses a subtle, finely textured finish, often characterized by slight, irregular undulations rather than a perfectly smooth or uniform pattern.
- Counterfeit Packaging: Frequently presents a highly regular and more pronounced texture, such as a distinct grid or linear striped pattern that feels coarser.
5. Included Collector Card: Clarity and Print Fidelity
Observe the transparent card included within the packaging:
- Authentic Card: Exhibits exceptional clarity (crystal clear) and high-resolution printing with sharp, well-defined details and accurate, vibrant color reproduction.
- Counterfeit Card: Often appears cloudy, hazy, or blurry. Print quality is typically inferior, potentially showing color inaccuracies, distortion, muddiness, or a lack of fine detail.
6. Debossed Feature Detail: Definition and Text
Focus on any specific debossed design elements on the figure itself (distinct from the sole logo):
- Authentic Feature: Shows a crisply defined, deeply impressed debossed element. Any associated text within or near this feature is clear and distinctly legible.
- Counterfeit Feature: The debossing often lacks definition, appearing shallow, soft-edged, or blurred. Accompanying text may be faint, thin, poorly formed, or difficult to read.
7. Desiccant Sachet: Print and Seal Characteristics
Inspect the small packet of desiccant found inside the box:
- Authentic Desiccant: The text printed on the sachet is typically a solid, deep black and sharply rendered. The heat-sealed edges of the sachet are generally wider.
- Counterfeit Desiccant: Printed text often appears greyish, faded, or blurry. The sealed edges of the sachet may be noticeably narrower.
8. Sewn-in Label / Tag: Barcode and Text Attributes
Check the wash label or product tag attached to the figure:
- Authentic Label: Often includes a barcode (Note: Absence of a barcode does not definitively rule out authenticity for all genuine versions, as some variations exist). The printed text is characterized by sharp definition and excellent clarity.
- Counterfeit Label: Frequently omits the barcode. The text may appear thicker, bolder, less refined, or slightly fuzzy compared to the authentic font weight and sharpness.
9. Front Box Artwork: Image Resolution and Detail
Examine the primary image of Labubu printed on the box front:
- Authentic Box Art: Characterized by high resolution and clarity. Fine details, such as individual strands of Labubu’s hair, are typically distinct and well-defined.
- Counterfeit Box Art: The main image often suffers from lower resolution, appearing generally blurry, pixelated, or soft-focused. Details like hair edges may lack sharpness and appear fuzzy or indistinctly merged.
10. Head Sculpt Profile: Side View Contour
Observe the shape of the Labubu head from a side profile, often visible through packaging windows:
- Authentic Head Profile: Tends to exhibit a slightly flattened contour from the side, appearing less than perfectly spherical.
- Counterfeit Head Profile: The head shape in profile frequently appears more uniformly round or bulbous.
Conclusion
Thorough examination using these ten key verification points significantly enhances your ability to differentiate authentic Labubu 'Have A Seat' figures from counterfeit items. Diligence in assessing these details is crucial for ensuring you acquire genuine collectibles worthy of the beloved Labubu 'Have A Seat' names. Protect your investment and collecting passion by staying informed!