Pls credit unsplash.
PETALING JAYA: The thrill of opening a blind box can quickly give way to regret when duplicates pile up for collectors, but the excitement of getting the coveted toy or figurines continues to draw them back.
Blind boxes are sealed packages containing toys or figurines that buyers purchase without knowing what’s inside.
However, enthusiasts told The Star that the sense of uncertainty and surprise keeps them buying even if duplicates dampen the joy of unboxing.
Enthusiast Azira Bahri from Sarawak confessed that collecting blind boxes is her worst addiction.
The barista said she buys at least two boxes every month, with each costing up to RM130.
“Every time there are launches of new blind box sets, I will immediately purchase them online,” she said, adding that the prices may vary.
ALSO READ: From Labubu to Skullpanda: Why Malaysians are going gaga for blind boxes
“But I try to limit my spending on blind boxes to RM350 per month, and save money every month to fund the habit,” said Azira.
“I used to think it was a waste of money, but I decided to hop on the trend and bought one from the Crybaby series in January.
“I didn’t get what I wanted, so I bought another box. It became a game for me and I got addicted. I have been buying blind boxes since then,” she added.
“If I get duplicates, I sell them on social media or to friends who are looking for those characters,” said the 28-year-old, who has unboxed duplicates at least three times.
“I use the money from the sale of the duplicates to buy another box.”
April Pang, 39, a senior content producer from Klang Valley, admits she is an enthusiast, but only collects selected characters that she genuinely likes.
“On average, I’d spend at least RM100 per month, sometimes more if there’s a series I like,” she said when interviewed.
“I feel a bit disappointed when I get duplicates and usually question myself before trying my luck a second time.
“There’s a bit of regret sometimes, but I usually manage it by selling the item or giving it to close family and friends so it will not go to waste.
“I’ve also recently joined social media groups to buy or sell duplicates more wisely,” she said, adding that she plans to buy fewer blind boxes going forward.
Pang said that if she knew she would be spending on blind boxes, she would reduce her spending on coffee or food.
“Maybe instead of getting them (blind boxes) once every two weeks, I might just get them once every month. But it all depends on the product, and new products are launched every Friday,” she said.
Another frustrated buyer, who asked to remain anonymous, admitted that repeated purchases of a particular series have left her with three identical figures and a sense of regret.
“It feels like I wasted my money,” she said, adding that getting the duplicates was both economically draining and emotionally discouraging.
