Addicting blind boxes: what helps them sell so well?

By Meli Callejas

Blind boxes have exploded in popularity in the last decade.

In the past couple of years, technical gambling has become a global trend, and playing the game has never looked so adorable. Corporations like Popmart carry blind boxes that usually have different designs printed on the side, showing customers their chances of getting a preferred toy. Customers can trade items and exchange them with their friends, but when do too many surprise boxes become a problem? 

When one starts collecting multiples of different sets, there is a possibility of having a recurring character; spending money on doubles is the highest offense for a collector. Reselling “secrets” can be hard to do when there are so many ratios of 1 in every 77, with the lowest being less than two percent of a possibility. Chasing the thrill quickly becomes addictive, and having a strategy in which there are exclusive items entices the consumer to become complacent to buying again and again until they have what they need.  

Styles to Choose From 

There is a variety of different series and brands to choose from, including Skullpanda, Hirono, Hacipupu, and one of the most famous, Labubus. These items are at such high demand that there have been reports of customers fist-fighting to get the last ones in the store in multiple different locations in the United States.

Tips For Shoppers 

If one starts collecting, some tips can help. 

• Do not be upset if you do not get the secret. There is less than a two percent chance of getting it at best. 

• Resell your doubles so as not to waste money needlessly.  

• Buy from official channels to avoid fake products. The market is full of those. 

• If money is no problem, buy complete sets to avoid getting repeats. 

Good luck collecting!