Looks like they are on the way out. Would not be surprised to see them retire in the very near future.
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LEGO |OT5| DARKNESS! NO MONEY! (or Break the Rules! Mix the Bags!)
- Thread starter PhoncipleBone
- Start date
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Looks like they are on the way out. Would not be surprised to see them retire in the very near future.
I know it is often frowned upon, but LEGOs are expensive and I need a way to fund my hobby somehow...
So I was looking around and saw that quite a few Lego enthusiasts fund their hobby this way successfully. Now, obviously, I am thinking of doing the same... invest in a few Lego sets to fund more Lego sets for me...
Now dont think massive stuff, just a couple of collectors sets.
So, uhm the question I suppose is, if an item is wanted, say a Star Wars UCS that is out of stock for 2-3 years, do people actually buy those off of bricklink (new/sealed/mint condition box ofcourse).
The only reason I am asking is that I see some crazy prices over there, and I am not really sure if people actually pay that much for these sets. So, any1 care to give me just a heads up?
PS: I am still in the process of researching this, so bare with me.
Thanks.
So I was looking around and saw that quite a few Lego enthusiasts fund their hobby this way successfully. Now, obviously, I am thinking of doing the same... invest in a few Lego sets to fund more Lego sets for me...
Now dont think massive stuff, just a couple of collectors sets.
So, uhm the question I suppose is, if an item is wanted, say a Star Wars UCS that is out of stock for 2-3 years, do people actually buy those off of bricklink (new/sealed/mint condition box ofcourse).
The only reason I am asking is that I see some crazy prices over there, and I am not really sure if people actually pay that much for these sets. So, any1 care to give me just a heads up?
PS: I am still in the process of researching this, so bare with me.
Thanks.
SiegfriedFM
Member
Many items go up in value. The problem is finding out which ones. Most of the time it happens when a set goes out of print earlier than expected. On the opposite, I doubt that Tower Bridge or Pet Shop will ever be stupidly expensive.
You also need to consider that Lego is very bulky, requires decently dry storage, and is susceptible to accidents.
I have a few spare sets that I've bought when they were really underpriced or already took off secondhand when I could find them for retail prices. But buying sets to speculate seems like a bad idea, when it's ultimately Lego's whims that decide if a set will become valuable.
You also need to consider that Lego is very bulky, requires decently dry storage, and is susceptible to accidents.
I have a few spare sets that I've bought when they were really underpriced or already took off secondhand when I could find them for retail prices. But buying sets to speculate seems like a bad idea, when it's ultimately Lego's whims that decide if a set will become valuable.
Amazing news!
LEGO store finally coming to San Francisco in the Westfield center mall!
http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/san-francisco
Looks like I'll have new (and much closer) primary LEGO store. This is going to save me so much time and let me go there much more often. Only a few blocks from my job!
If you are nearby make sure to attend the grand opening event
http://stores.lego.com/en-us/events/san-francisco-go
LEGO store finally coming to San Francisco in the Westfield center mall!
http://stores.lego.com/en-us/stores/us/san-francisco
Looks like I'll have new (and much closer) primary LEGO store. This is going to save me so much time and let me go there much more often. Only a few blocks from my job!
If you are nearby make sure to attend the grand opening event
http://stores.lego.com/en-us/events/san-francisco-go
I think that the "last 6 months" on a set page show how many were sold and at which price (although I've yet to see a written confirmation of what's tracked exactly)
That may give you some insight...
Also, you can probably lurk on Brickpicker for some information about investments / storing & preserving / etc.
Still seems to be a bit random to my taste...
MiniBossman
Member
I think trying to make money with Lego is the new sure fire hit like investing in Baseball Cards, Comic Books, and Beanie Babies.
Lego is really popular right now, and like the above examples will reach a point of saturation.
My advice would be to invest more time in learning a new skill or improving existing skills to improve your earnings in your chosen career. Then you will have extra pocket cash for more Lego if you choose.
Just my $.02
Lego is really popular right now, and like the above examples will reach a point of saturation.
My advice would be to invest more time in learning a new skill or improving existing skills to improve your earnings in your chosen career. Then you will have extra pocket cash for more Lego if you choose.
Just my $.02
Boss Doggie
all my loli wolf companions are so moe
oh fuck the Volkswagen Beetle
what are the reviews for it?
what are the reviews for it?
I think it's a bit safer than Beanie Babies, though. It's really old and still popular, even if there has been high and low. And at least, Bricklink amount of sales can give you some insight about a diminishing interest.
That being said, it's still too random for me. There's probably already too many people hoarding sets now, hoping to make a big benefit in half a dozen years. I'd be curious to know how many "stored sets" there is for some modulars or other popular sets.
You may win, but you could also lose. Maybe an heavily discounted set can bring some cash (the -45% discount of UCS Tie for example) can be an opportunity (I'm pretty sure you'll be able to sell the set at MSRP sooner or later, even if interest is falling hard), but I wouldn't bet my living on it.
friskykillface
Banned
DC x Marvel really copied each other for every hero lol
Atom is basically ant man
Or
Ant man is basically atom
Figure looks pretty cool now that it's official
Atom is basically ant man
Or
Ant man is basically atom
Figure looks pretty cool now that it's official
PalaceBrother
Member
Have we ever seen this plate format with printing before?
friskykillface
Banned
Palmer technology
Pym technology
P
🤔
Pym technology
P
🤔
comic con exclusive I guess?
peteykirch
Member
Picked up a damaged box VW Beetle today for a bonus 500 VIP points
bucknuticus
Member
All the targets near me never have the minifig boxes, bums me out because I really wanted a couple of the disney ones.
I considered heavily putting a lot of money as an investment in Lego. But there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Lego takes up a lot of space
- Do you want to deal in volume or in a few big earners (mixels double in value, but you need to sell a lot to actually earn enough to make it worth your while).
- Consider that you lose about 20 / 30% to the middle man (Amazon, Ebay).
- It takes a lot of effort shipping and handling. And returns are the worst.
- If you can get big sets at a big discount (50%+) it is most likely worth it, you will most likely recoup your money.
- Go for licenced (Chima, Ultra Agents, Atlantis do not appreciate in value)
- Do you have or want to make the time for it
- There are two ways making money with this: Quick flipping and Holding. Holding will net you the most money, but will keep your funds tied up.
- Understand that there are a lot of bigger fish out there, full of warehouses with Death Stars and Tower of Othancs. Look at the picture topics on Brickpicker before investing a single buck. Ask yourself if you can and want to compete with that.
- Do you want to make your hobby into a business? Or do you just want it to be fun. I know what it is like to sit on a set and ask myself is it worth it to open it. I bought it for 26 but I could get 60 for it. Once I open it, it is worthless. Is it worth 60 to me? It sucks.
- Only do it if you can spare at least losing half the money you invest.
- Once you want to sell, price your items to sell. Items are only worth a certain price if you can actually sell it for that price.
- Keep a spreadsheet
- Get the sets not everybody is focused on. If you read a millipn times get set X for investment, chances are too many people will hoard them and it will saturate the market for that set.
That is a lot of quick tips that just popped in my head. Check Brickpicker for sure and don't believe everything you hear. They speculate a lot, but are not privy to any more information than you or me. They predicted the Death Star to go out of print for over 5 years before it actually happend and Pet Shop something similar. The big dogs do not share and the people with the loudest mouths and a lot of posts are usually not busy earning.
Edit: forgot a major one: in which country do you live. Lego is a lot cheaper in Canada, Russia and USA than in the rest of the world. If you can buy there at discounts and sell at European retail price you will make a killing. The other way around, not so much. Having a reliable and cheap post service will also help a lot.
PalaceBrother
Member
Yeah, I just don't think I've ever seen that piece with any printing on it.
MiniBossman
Member
Actually given the popularity I'm surprised we haven't heard rumors of a Spider-Gwen SDCC figure/set.
Talk about reseller bait.
Talk about reseller bait.
oneknightr
Member
Great write-up! A lot of people who are considering getting into Lego as an investment/business fail to think about the two points above. Lego takes up a LOT of room, especially the exclusives. And not just the sets, you have to have space to store all the boxes you need to ship them in.
As for the second bullet, people think it's easy to sell. It might be easy if you're selling something small where you can find boxes easily (and free if USPS) or something that doesn't need to be packed extremely well but selling Lego sets is way different. They come in different sizes. Big boxes are needed for the exclusives and you need to pack them well so they don't get damaged in transit. A lot of Lego buyers are also super picky, so you need to spend more time taking pictures of all aspects of the box and longer description write-ups to make sure you're protected in case of a return. And one last thing, selling to make money takes time. A lot of time. As I get older, I find time being worth more than money. I'd rather be spending time with my kids or building than doing other things.
Anyone keen to use any collectors' hobbies as "investments" should think carefully. Even though market prices dictate whatever the cost...you have to find a buyer willing to pay that for it to actually be a return.
I have a several thousand dollar magic card, but until I actually sell it to a buyer, it's just a piece of paper. And as you say, collectors tend to be super picky if they're paying top dollar for something like a piece of paper. Lego can be like that too.
Man this guy has been getting alot of scoops on Lego. I know hes probably getting them from boards but he's even been beating Ghostmind to the punch
Marceline Fun Pack
And it's begun the store exclusive wars for Dimensions has. F'in TRU. The fun pack looks fantastic though. Fig looks great, I love that crazy ass amp build. The whole thing reminds me of Brutal Legend for some reason.
Marceline Fun Pack
And it's begun the store exclusive wars for Dimensions has. F'in TRU. The fun pack looks fantastic though. Fig looks great, I love that crazy ass amp build. The whole thing reminds me of Brutal Legend for some reason.
j2g is welcome to it - this is the season for next-year rumors, and they are flying fast and furious (return of LEGO Sports? who knows!) and verifying these can be exhausting.
I'm just hoping that the information is distributed freely, and monetization, etc is kept to a minimum this time.
MiniBossman
Member
j2g is welcome to it - this is the season for next-year rumors, and they are flying fast and furious (return of LEGO Sports? who knows!) and verifying these can be exhausting.
I'm just hoping that the information is distributed freely, and monetization, etc is kept to a minimum this time.
I guess I have to go to TRU now.
BentBricks
Member
Key words, "save time". I am starting a new job shortly, but for the past 4+ years a LEGO store was a couple miles from my workplace. It probably ended up making it easier for me to spend more money.
What? It isn't a minidoll? Sadness. Really hope we get Princess Bubblegum or Ice King eventually. The ones they have and those two will be all I really need to feel I have a complete Adventure Time minifig collection.
Brianimaniac
Banned
The problem there is getting hung up on getting what you think it's worth. I've sold books worth $300 for like $200 because I'm more interested in moving them than sitting on them for months, and I'm still making a substantial profit.
Lego is a good investment if you don't get too deep into it. It's not difficult to pick out key sets that are guaranteed to be in demand after they're no longer in production, and there's good opportunity to undercut the competition and still come out ahead. It's not a great idea if you're looking at it as a regular supplement to your income, but it's a great way to pull in a few hundred dollars to offset the purchase of some ridiculously expensive set you want or a game console or something.
WordAssassin
Member
They put the bite marks on her chest? Ugh they should have just accepted defeat and left them out, that looks so weird to me.
BentBricks
Member
Yeah. I could have taken a permanent marker and just put two dots on the actual neck part of head.
Absolutely amazing. I really value and appreciate the time you have taken to make this reply to me.
Like I said I am still in the process of researching all the things you mentioned. Which are really spot on might I say and I admit 1-2 things I didnt consider before reading your post.
The idea was to just fund Lego Hobby, not make it a business to earn more money.
I thing the most valuable thing you said was that it could potentially mess up the way I think about Lego in general as a hobby. Plus the fact that a lot of stuff is being written that it really isnt much close to the actual truth.
So I guess, in a way, I think I will keep researching this, closely monitor the market for the moment, see what is real and what isnt (in terms of sales of old sets) and hold on for the moment.
Once again thank you for the post, it was pretty much exactly what I asked for.
toythatkills
Member
I'm getting a bit like this. I'm not even buying sets for re-sale, but then things happen. I got the Sea Cow just before it retired (by sheer fluke) for £150, and now I see it's selling for £250 and I'm thinking "do I really want to open it?"
I mean, fucking YES I want to open it, but with that price potentially going up and up, can I afford to open it? Hopefully I do overcome this hurdle but there's a few sets I own now that I'm umming and ahhing about.
Didn't take long for her to appear on TRU's website for oder!
Secure your Marceline
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=102478276
To reach the free shipping threshold I added a NECA E.T. figure I've been eyeing for a while.
Secure your Marceline
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=102478276
To reach the free shipping threshold I added a NECA E.T. figure I've been eyeing for a while.
How have you not opened Sea Cow yet??!! That ship build was an experience, so much fun. It's still on display, and will probably stay on display forever. In fact i'm going to change my will that I be cremated with Sea Cow, Orthanc and some red velvet oreos.
PhoncipleBone
Banned
Yeah, I can't bring myself to disassemble the Sea Cow either. One, it fits perfectly on top of the tallest bookcase, so I don't have to mind it much. But, it looks so damn great when on display, so I can't bring myself to strip it for parts.
Oh, and the LEGO fairy visited my home while I was at work this morning.
toythatkills
Member
I've only been buying Lego for just under a year, and have already amassed quite a number of large sets! I'm trying to pace myself building them so I usually just go for one every time I have a week off work so I can spread it out over a few days and take it slow and really appreciate the techniques and details involved. I've built nothing but modulars basically, and the Arocs, it's all I've had time for!
I'm off next week though, and it's a toss-up between Town Hall and Sea Cow. Whichever one I open is going to be like a £200 breaking of the seal, haha.
I'm off next week though, and it's a toss-up between Town Hall and Sea Cow. Whichever one I open is going to be like a £200 breaking of the seal, haha.
I'm thinking a release on October 1st, but I'm not sure if we will have an early VIP release, with the Death Star also due around that time.
PhoncipleBone
Banned
I have no idea what that ship is, but it looks awesome and I want it.
It's a re-purposed medical frigate from the Clone Wars, a Pelta-class frigate named Phoenix Home, under the command of Jun Sato.
PhoncipleBone
Banned
All I see is frigate and it makes me want an UCS Medical Frigate.
friskykillface
Banned
Huh guess no Lego sets for comic con , just the mini figures
That's a slight bummer but eh I'm on vacation
Lego does store exclusives now? Toys r us gave them a blank check? Lego should have infinite money
That's a slight bummer but eh I'm on vacation
Lego does store exclusives now? Toys r us gave them a blank check? Lego should have infinite money
LEGO has been doing store exclusives for years - TRU, Walmart and Target usually. It does seem that TRU has pulled ahead of the others in getting the "bigger" exclusives, but then again they donate a lot of their store space to the brand.
BentBricks
Member
Absolutely amazing. I really value and appreciate the time you have taken to make this reply to me.
Like I said I am still in the process of researching all the things you mentioned. Which are really spot on might I say and I admit 1-2 things I didnt consider before reading your post.
The idea was to just fund Lego Hobby, not make it a business to earn more money.
I thing the most valuable thing you said was that it could potentially mess up the way I think about Lego in general as a hobby. Plus the fact that a lot of stuff is being written that it really isnt much close to the actual truth.
So I guess, in a way, I think I will keep researching this, closely monitor the market for the moment, see what is real and what isnt (in terms of sales of old sets) and hold on for the moment.
Once again thank you for the post, it was pretty much exactly what I asked for.
I make a good living, but I'm salaried and have a lot of financial obligations so I supplement my LEGO hobby via a Bricklink store. It's definitely work and I sometimes question if it's worth it. I average about 1 order ever 1-2 weeks that vary in amount and size. I have 136 orders in a bit over 4 years with no returns or issues. Minifigs usually carry bigger margins. If you only sell full sets it will be a lot less work, but storage could become an issue.
Key thing is you can make it whatever level of work you want. If you just sell occasional promos from LEGO store or a modular or two, it won't be much work IMO.
They have the exclusive Brickheadz sets (but there will be retail version out in 2017).
PhoncipleBone
Banned
Halfway through bag 2 of the VW Beetle. Might be the best build of the Creator expert vehicles since the Camper. So much SNOT and stuff going on oddly. I love it.
And love how quickly the detail starts coming in.
And love how quickly the detail starts coming in.
toythatkills
Member
Haha, yes. Though Town Hall was not bought at RRP. I bought the Detective's Office on August first last year which is what started all this, and I now have nine modular buildings, the Sea Cow, the Arocs, and various other things.
It's been a difficult year.
BentBricks
Member
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