In the world of flipping collectibles for profit, the game is changing fast. For years, sneaker reselling dominated the side hustle space. With iconic drops like Jordan 1s or Yeezyst fetching double or even triple their retail value. But in 2024 and 2025, a new competitor stepped into the spotlight: Labubu—a mischievous vinyl figure from Pop Mart that’s taken the internet by storm. And suddenly, the whole sneakers vs Labubus debate took center stage.
Now, reseller forums, TikTok feeds, and online marketplaces are filled with blind boxes, secret rare pulls, and viral unboxings. So, everyone’s asking the same thing: Are Labubus more profitable than sneakers? Is the sneaker market cooling off, or is this just a temporary hype bubble?
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of reselling sneakers vs Labubus from a business-first lens: startup capital, profitability, market risk, and the tools you’ll need to win, like bots for both SNKRS and Pop Mart. And if you’re just getting started with $500 in hand, we’ll help you figure out where to invest for the fastest, safest returns!
1. Hype & Market Sentiment
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Sneakers: Major drops (Air Jordan 1, Kobes) hold enduring cultural and resale value. The global resale market was ≈ $10 B in 2021, projected to reach $30 B by 2030.
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Labubus: Went viral in 2024–25 via blind‑boxes and celebrity exposure (BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Rihanna, Marc Jacobs). Scarcity and social-media mechanics helped resales hit 2× to 10× retail, with some secret chase figures selling for $100–$500, and mega auctions hitting $150k.
Conclusion: Sneakers dominate traditional consistent hype while Labubus bring fresh attention and fast‑rising viral buzz.
2. Short‑Term vs. Long‑Term Gains
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Sneakers: If we know anything about sneakers, it’s that exclusive sneakers and retros gain a ton of profit with time. Some kicks are indeed instant flips like the Levi’s Air Max. But when it comes to Air Jordans, Dunks, Travis Scotts, and Kobes, the longer you hold on to them, the more money they make you. Which is why we consider sneaker reselling to be a long-term investment. One that will pay off big time, especially when you buy them at retail and store them properly.
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Labubus: When it comes to quick cash flips, Labubus are currently leading the charge. These collectible toys often retail for about $28, yet common figures can easily flip for $50–$70 right after release. And if you pull a Secret Rare, resale prices can shoot up to $150, $300, or even $500. It’s this instant resale potential that’s drawn in side hustlers, resellers, and collectors alike. But unlike sneakers, Labubus rely on short-term hype and scarcity. The moment Pop Mart restocks a series or overproduces, expect prices to crash by 30%–40% overnight. That’s why Labubu flipping is considered a short-term hustle. It’s all about speed, timing, and volume if you want to cash in before the bubble cools down.
Conclusion:
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Sneakers: Better long-term wealth among blue-chip pairs.
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Labubus: Quick-turn flips, but risk sudden retail supply dumps.
3. If You Had $500—Where Should You Start?
Let’s break down exactly what $500 can get you in both the sneaker and Labubu reselling worlds, including the hidden costs like bots, proxies, and tools you’ll actually need to scale.
| Item | Sneakers | Labubus (Pop Mart) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Product | 1–2 pairs (e.g. Jordans at $180 each) | ~18 blind boxes at $28 each |
| Resell Value | $350–$700+ (depending on hype & model) | $50–$70/box for commons, $150–$400 for rares |
| Bot License (NSB) | $249/year (NSB supports both) | $249/year (NSB supports both) |
| Proxies | $30–$60+ for residential proxies | $30–$60+ for residential proxies |
| Server | $0–$50 (optional, depending on your setup & internet speed) | $0–$50 (optional, depending on your setup & internet speed |
| Profit Potential | $200–$400+/Drop once scaling | $300–$800+ per drop if you hit rare pulls |
| Speed of Returns | Slower—depending on the drop calendar | Faster due to restocks. Daily flips possible |
| Risk Level | Moderate (predictable cycle) | Higher (restocks might crash value) |
What This Means:
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With $500, you’re realistically buying either:
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1–2 pairs of sneakers and entering a few drops using a bot like NSB, or
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Multiple Labubu blind boxes, hoping to flip commons quickly and pull a Secret Rare.
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Bot costs: Nikeshoebot applies to both sides of the business. NSB supports Nike SNKRS, Shopify, Amazon, Pokémon Center, and Pop Mart, so it’s a smart all-in-one investment.
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Proxies: You need them to avoid bans and run multiple tasks. Luckily, you can use the same set of proxies for sneakers and Pop Mart—no difference in cost there.
Verdict:
If you want faster flips and quicker learning curves, start with Labubus. You can turn over products and profits daily. But if you’re in this for long-term value and sustainable growth, sneakers still reign supreme. And with a sneaker bot like NSB, you’re fully equipped to win at both!
4. Need for Bots & Tools
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Sneakers: Sneaker bots have been in the market for so long, they feel like a prerequisite to becoming a sneakerhead. It is very tricky to get even 1 pair of Dunks without them. However, it’s not completely impossible. But since we’re talking about investing and starting a reselling business, your highest profit comes from buying sneakers in bulk. and THAT is impossible to do without a bot like NSB!
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Labubus: Whenever there’s a limited edition item, there are bots. So, Labubu bots have recently become a thing. Do you need them to buy a blid box? Yes and no! This depends on how much money you go to start with. And on the items you wanna buy. If it’s something as wildly popular as the Have a Seat or Big Into Energy series, you definitely need one!
5. Risk & Volatility
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Sneakers: Moderate risk – The presence of big stable brands in the sneaker game ensures consistency and continuity of drops. Names like Jordan Brand, Nike, and Adidas increase the industry’s credibility and the possibility of newcomers investing more in sneakers.
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Labubus: Higher short‑term risk— Restock waves can crash prices 40% within weeks. In addition, Pop Mart beign a relatively new name in the reselling community poses many concerns regarding its ability to maintain momentum in the long run.
6. Profitability
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Sneakers: Long-term average ROI 50%–200% per pair; blue‑chip kicks like Travis Scotts, Off‑White, and high-end Jordans deliver outsized returns.
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Labubus: Flips offer 100% return on commons quickly; chase variants yield 200%–1,000% (i.e. $100-$500 resell). But restocks bring volatility.
Sneakers Vs Labubus: Sneaker Bots Always Win
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Bots: Essential in both worlds. With a sneaker bot, like NSB, you capture hyped sneaker drops AND replicate that efficiency in Pop Mart for Labubus.
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Vision: Begin flipping Labubus as short‑term wins; build capital/backbone to pursue high-end sneaker drops.
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Capital: Start
$500 → Labubu flips → reinvest in a powerful sneaker bot → scale into sneaker drops. -
Risk hedging: Nimble Labubu flips + durable sneaker reserves = balanced portfolio.
With this game plan, you’re poised to benefit from the sneakers Vs Labubus debate. Capturing the current Labubu wave and building a sustainable sneaker empire.
