The Best Way to Sell LEGO: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you're an avid LEGO collector, a parent decluttering your kids' toys, or someone with a treasure trove of vintage sets, selling LEGO can be a profitable venture. LEGO’s enduring popularity and the deep-rooted passion among collectors create a thriving resale market, but to make the most out of your sale, you'll need to approach it strategically. This guide will walk you through the best ways to sell your LEGO sets, bricks, and minifigures for maximum value.
Determine What You're Selling
LEGO comes in many forms, from complete sets to bulk bricks, to minifigures and individual rare pieces. Your approach to selling will differ depending on what you have:
Complete Sets: These are often the most valuable. Sets that include the original box, instructions, and all pieces in good condition are sought after by collectors.
Loose Bricks: Selling loose LEGO bricks by weight, color, or type can be profitable, especially if you organize them properly.
Minifigures: LEGO minifigures can be incredibly valuable, especially those from licensed themes (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Marvel) or retired sets. Rare or exclusive minifigs often fetch high prices when sold individually.
Clean and Organize Your LEGO
Presentation matters, and clean, organized LEGO will attract more buyers and higher bids. Here are a few tips for preparing your LEGO for sale:
Clean the bricks: Use mild soap and water to clean dusty or dirty LEGO pieces. Avoid using harsh chemicals or putting them in the dishwasher.
Sort by type or color: If you're selling loose bricks, organize them by color or type (e.g., plates, tiles, bricks). Buyers appreciate the effort and are more likely to pay a premium for sorted lots.
Reassemble sets: If possible, reassemble the sets you're selling to show potential buyers that all pieces are included and in good condition.
Research Market Value
Before listing your LEGO for sale, research what similar items have sold for to set a fair price. Use online marketplaces like BrickLink, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to gauge recent sales and demand for specific sets, minifigures, or bulk bricks. Factors that influence LEGO prices include:
Rarity: Retired sets or rare minifigures can command high prices due to scarcity.
Condition: Complete sets with boxes and instructions in good condition will sell for more.
Themed sets: Popular themes like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and LEGO Technic often have a higher resale value.
Choose the Right Selling Platform
Where you sell your LEGO can greatly affect how much you make. Here are some of the best platforms for different selling strategies:
eBay
A popular choice for selling LEGO, especially rare sets and minifigures. eBay's auction format can drive up prices for in-demand items, but the “Buy It Now” option provides more control over your final sale price. Just remember to factor in eBay’s fees and shipping costs when setting your price.
BrickLink
This site is specifically for LEGO enthusiasts and collectors. It’s an excellent platform for selling rare pieces, sets, and even individual bricks. Buyers on BrickLink tend to be knowledgeable, so prices can be higher than on general marketplaces.
Facebook Marketplace
Perfect for selling locally and avoiding shipping costs. Facebook Marketplace is great for quick sales, especially for bulk LEGO lots. You can also negotiate directly with buyers, allowing for more flexibility.
Craigslist
Another local option, Craigslist works well for selling bulk LEGO collections. You can avoid shipping hassles, and there are no fees, but beware of scams or low-ball offers.
Specialized LEGO Groups
There are numerous LEGO-focused Facebook groups or forums where AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) buy and sell sets. These groups offer a more targeted audience of enthusiasts who are willing to pay top dollar for specific sets.
Photograph Your LEGO
Clear, detailed photos are crucial to attract buyers. Follow these tips for taking great photos of your LEGO:
Use good lighting: Natural light works best, as it reduces glare and shows off the true colors of the bricks.
Highlight details: Take close-ups of rare pieces, minifigures, and set numbers. If you have the original box or instructions, include those in the photos.
Show the entire set: If you’re selling a complete set, make sure to show the set fully assembled, as well as a shot of all the individual components.
Set a Fair Price
Once you've done your research, set a fair but competitive price. If you're not in a hurry to sell, you can list your LEGO at the higher end of the market and wait for the right buyer. For quicker sales, consider pricing slightly below the average market value.
Handle Shipping Carefully
Shipping LEGO can be tricky, especially for large sets or collections. Be sure to:
Pack securely: Use bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and padding to prevent damage during transit.
Weigh and measure: Accurate shipping costs are important. Offering free shipping can make your listing more attractive, but be sure to factor that into your price.
Provide tracking: Buyers will appreciate tracking numbers for peace of mind, and it helps avoid disputes.
Consider Selling in Bulk
If you’re more interested in decluttering than maximizing profit, selling your LEGO in bulk might be the way to go. Bulk sales are less time-consuming but tend to fetch lower prices. However, you can still make a decent return by selling large collections to buyers looking for raw materials for their MOCs (My Own Creations).
Selling LEGO can be both fun and profitable if done right. Whether you’re selling rare minifigures, vintage sets, or just a pile of loose bricks, following these steps will help you get the most out of your sale. With a bit of effort in organizing, researching, and choosing the right platform, you can ensure your LEGO finds a new home and that you get a fair return for your investment.
So, go ahead—dust off those bricks, fire up your camera, and get ready to cash in on your LEGO treasure!
Build, Display, Repeat.
