LEGO FOMO: The Fear of Missing Out in the World of LEGO
In the world of LEGO, there's a phenomenon that has swept across the community, especially among Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs). It’s something that has collectors setting alarms for midnight releases, scouring the internet for rumors, and sometimes paying top dollar for a retired set. Welcome to the world of LEGO FOMO: the Fear of Missing Out.
What is LEGO FOMO?
FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, is a psychological phenomenon where individuals feel anxious about not participating in something that others might be enjoying. In the LEGO community, FOMO manifests in the fear that a particular set will sell out, retire, or become unattainable, leading to a scramble to buy it before it's too late.
This fear isn't unfounded. LEGO has a habit of retiring sets suddenly, and once a set is gone, the aftermarket prices can skyrocket. For many AFOLs, missing out on a set isn't just about losing a cool build; it’s about missing a piece of history, a chance to create something iconic, or the opportunity to own a part of a limited collection.
Why Does LEGO FOMO Happen?
Limited Editions and Exclusives: LEGO often releases sets that are limited in number or available exclusively through certain retailers or events. These exclusives can become highly sought after, and the fear of missing out drives collectors to buy them as soon as they’re released.
Retirement of Sets: LEGO sets have a limited shelf life. Once LEGO decides to retire a set, it’s no longer produced, and the value on the secondary market can rise quickly. Knowing that a favorite set might retire soon pushes fans to make impulsive purchases.
Social Media Hype: The LEGO community is highly active on social media. When a new set is announced or a rumor about an upcoming release spreads, the buzz can create a sense of urgency. Seeing others buy or talk about a set can amplify the feeling that you need to act fast to avoid missing out.
Resale Market: The aftermarket for LEGO is robust, with some sets doubling or tripling in price once they retire. The fear that a set will become unaffordable after retirement adds pressure to buy it while it’s still on the shelves.
The Impact of LEGO FOMO
For many AFOLs, LEGO FOMO is both a thrill and a curse. On one hand, it adds excitement to the hobby, with the anticipation of new releases and the challenge of securing rare sets. On the other hand, it can lead to stress, impulse buying, and even financial strain.
Some collectors find themselves buying sets they’re not even passionate about, just to avoid the regret of missing out. Others might spend hours monitoring online forums, tracking release dates, or setting up alerts for when a set goes on sale.
How to Manage LEGO FOMO
Set Priorities: Not every LEGO set will be a must-have. Decide what themes or types of builds you enjoy the most and focus your collection on those. This can help you avoid the pressure to buy everything.
Create a Budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new release, but it’s important to stick to a budget. Plan your purchases in advance and avoid impulse buying.
Stay Informed: Being aware of LEGO’s retirement schedules, upcoming releases, and market trends can help you make informed decisions. But remember, it’s okay to let some sets go if they don’t fit into your collection or budget.
Embrace the Aftermarket: While it’s true that prices can increase after a set retires, not every set will become unaffordable. Sometimes, patience can pay off, and you might find a good deal later on. The aftermarket can also be a way to trade or sell sets that no longer fit your collection.
LEGO FOMO is a real and powerful force within the AFOL community. While it can add excitement to the hobby, it’s important to approach it with a level head. By setting priorities, staying within budget, and understanding the market, you can enjoy collecting without the anxiety that comes with the fear of missing out. After all, LEGO should be about creativity, fun, and the joy of building—not just the fear of what you might miss.
Build, Display, Repeat.
