Have a question. I want to buy more Lego sets in the near future, but I'm wondering - would it be better to purchase them via Lego Shop's website (to build up VIP points) or would it be better to just pick them up in a regular store? How to do you manage your lego purchases?
The nearest actual LEGO store is 2 hours away, sadly I don't get to make it there much. I'm leaning towards purchasing them Onlines to build VIP points...
I don't suppose those points expire, do they?
I used to be a devout Amazon only LEGO buyer (when I had Amazon Prime). After that ended, I started going between Amazon and LEGO store (either S@H or the actual store). I avoid buying at any other store UNLESS there's a sale on a set I want or I have a coupon (TRU is the only place I can think of). Here's my brief review of each...
Amazon - If you have Prime, free 2-day shipping is awesome. Otherwise, free super-saver shipping is still awesome (and can save you a good amount from the LEGO S@H option). Sales on Amazon are mixed, but they sometimes have open box warehouse deals. If you see those, it's often worth jumping on. Be careful around the holidays though - people will sell IN PRINT sets for HUGE markups because people are dumb. I remember when GE, FB, and Pet Shop were selling for $200+ around Christmas. Absolutely stupid. Be smart though, the internet.
Other stores (non-TRU) - Often, Target/Wally World/Meijer/etc will have sales on sets. 5-10% off, sometimes 15-20% depending on the set and time of year. If it's a theme you like and the price is right, it's a savings that you won't get elsewhere. Worth it on the larger sets. Be careful as SOMETIMES these stores have a small markup. I always whip out my phone when I see a sale to check the price on S@H and Amazon.
TRU - This is the fucking bane of our existence as LEGO lovers. They mark nearly every set up by 10-20%...Sometimes more! It's insane, but parents are dumb and don't research first (sorry for anyone in this thread I offend with that statement, ha). The larger sets (modular buildings, trains, large Technic stuff) often goes at MSRP, but NOT always. The only time I ever buy from TRU is when they have a 20% sale AND it's on an MSRP set. Otherwise, it's often not worth the hassle.
LEGO store - This has two major benefits. First, VIP points (which add up quick, especially with 2x points that they run once or twice a year). The other awesome part is (besides the fact that the LEGO stores have SO many sets available right there, so you impulse buy like WOAH) the PAB wall and random extras you CAN'T find anywhere else (or not without heavy hunting). Magazines, baseplates, exclusive polybags, etc. Definitely worth it IF YOU'RE NEAR ONE. Going out of your way for one is only worth it for large purchases (VIP points), unique sets that you want NOW (and don't want to wait or pay for shipping), and/or to use a 10% off coupon that sometimes comes on the monthly magazine (these rule). Remember to factor in gas price vs shipping cost...Seriously, I do it when deciding what to order/go buy.
Shop at home (LEGO S@H) - Like the LEGO store, it has a massive selection. You get VIP points, access to all the sets, some extras, and still can get exclusive polybags (spend $50+ get x). But...Shipping...Shipping is the killer. If you can wait for free shipping (which is rare but DOES happen), that's what I'd do. Sometimes, shipping can get outrageously expensive (hence why I said compare shipping vs gas price). You can't use your 10% paper coupon, though. That's the bummer of it all. I use S@H when I KNOW I can't get the LEGO store for a while and want a unique set, AND when it's marked up on Amazon.
OK, that's my basic synopsis of where to shop and why. Obviously there are other opinions and options, but this is how I approach it. Craigslist can be good if you find a nice deal and just want parts, Bricklink is great for older sets (not as marked up as eBay and Amazon) or for building OOP sets from scratch. Get intimate with Bricklink if you opt to delve into the LEGO Abyss...It will be your best friend (and your wallets worst enemy).
Hope that helps!
I picked up the Gandalf arrives set for my friend and the Spidey set for myself. The Spidey set is a great set imo, great minifigs and it's a just a fun set overall. I recommend it.
