Oct 16, 2024

How to Find the Best Deals on Used LEGO® Sets

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Whether you're a seasoned LEGO® collector or just starting out, getting your hands on the best deals for used LEGO® sets can feel like a bit of a treasure hunt. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can find high-quality sets at great prices. This guide will walk you through practical tips and tactics to score the best deals on second-hand LEGO® sets.

Why Buy Used LEGO® Sets?

First, let's talk about why buying used LEGO® is a fantastic option. For starters, LEGO® bricks are incredibly durable, designed to last for generations. When you buy second-hand sets, you're essentially getting the same top-notch quality at a fraction of the original price. Plus, many used sets come fully intact, sometimes with instructions and even the original box! It's an eco-friendly choice too, as you’re giving a pre-loved set a new home and reducing plastic waste.

Now, let’s dive into how you can find those deals!

1. Shop on eBay, Bricklink, and Brick Owl

Your first stop for finding used LEGO® deals should be popular online marketplaces like eBay, Bricklink, and Brick Owl. These platforms are filled with sellers offering everything from rare, vintage sets to bulk bricks.

  • eBay: Known for its auctions, eBay is a fantastic place to find competitive prices. Set up alerts for specific sets or themes, and keep an eye on auctions to swoop in at the right moment. You can also check out “Buy It Now” listings for instant purchases.
  • Bricklink: Often referred to as the ultimate LEGO® marketplace, Bricklink is a haven for LEGO® enthusiasts. Here, you can search for individual pieces or complete sets, new or used. You can filter by condition, price, and location to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
  • Brick Owl: Another excellent platform for used LEGO® sets, Brick Owl specialises in both sets and individual parts. It’s user-friendly, making it easy to compare prices and find exactly what you need, whether it’s a full set or just a few missing pieces.

2. Consider Buying LEGO® Bricks in Bulk

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If you’re more of a builder than a collector, buying LEGO® bricks in bulk can be the best way to get loads of bricks at a low cost. Bulk buys are typically unsorted collections of pieces, which means you could get a mix of everything - perfect for custom builds!

  • Advantages of Bulk Buys: You get more bricks for your money, and it’s an exciting surprise to discover what’s in the lot. Many bulk buys include a wide variety of pieces that can fill out your collection or help you start a large custom project.
  • Where to Find Bulk Deals: eBay, Bricklink and other online marketplaces are great places to look for bulk LEGO® brick buys. Some sellers even offer themed bulk lots if you're looking for a particular colour scheme or part type.

3. Check Local Classifieds and Facebook Marketplace

If you prefer buying locally, platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace can be gold mines for used LEGO® sets. Many people sell their old LEGO® collections to make space, and you can often find incredible deals close to home.

  • Haggling Opportunity: Unlike fixed-price marketplaces, local classifieds give you more room to negotiate. If you see a set you’re interested in, don’t hesitate to make an offer. Sellers may be willing to lower the price, especially if they’re looking to sell quickly.
  • Save on Shipping: Since you’re buying locally, you can often arrange to pick up the sets yourself, which saves you shipping costs and allows you to inspect the LEGO® bricks before you commit.

4. LEGO® User Groups and Communities

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Joining LEGO® User Groups (LUGs) or participating in LEGO® communities can also lead to some great deals. Many enthusiasts sell or trade sets within these groups, often at prices lower than what you'd find online. Plus, the members of these communities tend to take good care of their LEGO® parts, so you can feel confident about the quality of what you're buying.

  • Where to Find These Communities: Start by looking for LUGs in your local area, or join online communities on forums like Reddit (check out subreddits like r/LEGO®), or on Facebook. These groups often host swap meets or sales events where members can sell off parts of their collections.

5. Buy the Build It Box from WeBuyBricks

If you're looking to get the most bang for your buck, the Build It Box from WeBuyBricks is the perfect choice. Packed with a wide variety of high-quality, pre-owned LEGO® bricks, it offers an affordable way to expand your collection without sacrificing quality.

Why the Build It Box is a Great Deal:

  • Incredible Value: You get a large assortment of LEGO® bricks at a fraction of the cost compared to buying new sets. It's perfect for builders who need a lot of bricks on a budget.
  • High-Quality Bricks: Even though they're pre-owned, all the bricks in the Build It Box are carefully cleaned and inspected to ensure top-notch quality.
  • Eco-Friendly: Buying second-hand helps reduce plastic waste, making it a smart and sustainable choice.

Head over to WeBuyBricks and check out the Build It Box for an unbeatable deal on LEGO® bricks!

6. Don’t Forget Seasonal Sales and Discount Events

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Even for used sets, certain times of the year can offer bigger savings. Keep an eye out for sales around holidays like Black Friday, Christmas, or back-to-school season. Sellers on platforms like eBay, Bricklink and WeBuyBrick often run discounts or bundle offers during these times.

7. Be Patient and Set Alerts

Finding the best deals on used LEGO® sets often requires a bit of patience. If you're after a specific set, it’s worth setting up alerts on platforms like eBay, Bricklink, or even Google Shopping. That way, you’ll be notified as soon as a new listing goes up, giving you a chance to snag the set before anyone else.

8. Watch Out for Fake LEGO®

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One downside of buying second-hand is the risk of stumbling across fake LEGO® bricjs (also known as LEPIN or other knock-off brands). When buying from online marketplaces, always check the seller's ratings and reviews to ensure you're getting the real deal.

How to Spot Fake LEGO®: Authentic LEGO® bricks will always have the LEGO® logo on the top of each stud. If the studs are blank or have another logo, you might be looking at a counterfeit set.

Start Your LEGO® Deal Hunt Today!

Used LEGO® sets and bricks are a great way to build your collection without breaking the bank. Whether you’re after bulk bricks for custom builds or hunting down a rare, retired set, there are plenty of strategies to find the best deals. From online marketplaces like eBay, Bricklink, and Brick Owl to local classifieds and user groups, the opportunities are endless.

And don’t forget to explore the WeBuyBricks shops on eBay, Bricklink, and Brick Owl for high-quality second-hand LEGO® bricks at fantastic prices. Whether you're after a specific set or just looking to add variety to your collection, we've got you covered!

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