Buzz
Selling your old LEGO bricks and sets presents a golden opportunity to convert unwanted plastic blocks into cold, hard cash. While some LEGO pieces may only fetch a few dollars, others could potentially command hundreds or even thousands. Selling LEGOs isn't rocket science, but it does require some effort to ensure you get the best value. Maximizing your profits hinges on knowing the specifics of your LEGO collection, its past selling prices, and the most lucrative platforms for selling.
Exploring the Essential Steps
Preparing Your LEGOs for Sale
Evaluating the Condition of Your LEGOs Assessing the condition of your LEGO pieces is paramount in determining your selling approach. Begin by evaluating their overall state, which can range from:
- Brand New (Unassembled LEGO sets)
- Gently Used (Showing minimal signs of wear)
- Well-loved (Exhibiting visible wear and tear, possibly with broken pieces)
- Boxed and Sealed
- Boxed but Damaged
Identify Your LEGO Sets Discovering the sets you possess is crucial. LEGO items are commonly sold as collections, sets, minifigures, or individual parts. If you lack original packaging or are uncertain about your LEGO inventory, scrutinize each piece for a part number, then conduct online research to identify them. Here's how:
- Use part numbers to search online, appending the term 'legos'.
- The BrickLink catalog usually contains your parts.
- The theme or franchise of your LEGO can significantly affect its value.
Examine Your LEGO Pieces for Flaws Imperfections can diminish the value of your LEGOs. Inspect each piece meticulously, noting any issues for accurate descriptions when selling. Common flaws include:
- Scratches and wear
- Bent or stretched pieces
- Loose hinges
- Cracks
- Damaged stickers
- Discoloration
- Cleanliness (Read More)
Pro Tip: Keep sealed packages intact; opening them reduces their value. For used sets with packaging, return them to their original packaging after inspection.
Categorize Pieces by Color or Shape For loose parts, create custom groupings for sale. Organize by color or shape, or feature unique pieces individually. Consider:
- Create packs of specific colors or shapes.
- For rare pieces like jewel rocks, list individually.
- Note the quantity and condition of each grouping for accurate listings.
Utilize LEGO Price Guides for Pricing Various online resources offer insights into LEGO values. Key references include:
- BrickLink: Displays historical sale prices from the last six months.
- BrickSet: Lists Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) and rarity information.
- eBay: Search by name or part number, then filter by completed sales for recent price data.
Online Selling Strategies for Your LEGO Collection
Select an Online Platform for Common LEGO Sales Choose from a variety of online marketplaces to sell your LEGOs. eBay stands out as the most popular and user-friendly option, but other alternatives like buyback stores are also available.
- Online buyback stores typically offer a straightforward process: provide a description and possibly a photo of your LEGOs, receive an offer, ship your LEGO, and get paid. Examples include The Plastic Brick, Toy Brick Brigade, and Replay Bricks.
- If you're already on eBay, leveraging your existing account simplifies the selling process.
Utilize BrickLink for Specialty and Rare LEGO Sales For unique sets or rare pieces, BrickLink offers a specialized platform tailored exclusively for LEGO sales. This niche marketplace caters to collectors seeking specialty items, potentially yielding better results than general platforms.
- BrickLink operates similarly to eBay, providing a dedicated space for LEGO enthusiasts.
Important: Avoid listing your LEGOs on multiple platforms simultaneously to prevent double-selling and fulfillment issues.
Create Comprehensive Listings for Your LEGOs Craft detailed listings showcasing your LEGOs' attributes, including condition, part numbers, and relevant details. Include set names, mini figures, collection details, packaging status, and any additional information to enhance your listing's appeal.
- Thoroughly document included items and any missing pieces.
- For LEGO collections, a comprehensive overview suffices, omitting the need to list individual pieces.
- Outline payment and shipping policies, including return conditions, if applicable. Note that shipping terms may be dictated by the platform.
Enhance Your Listing with Quality Photos Capture clear, detailed images of your LEGOs from various angles to aid buyers' understanding. High-quality photos showcasing any imperfections like discoloration, scratches, or cracks can prevent disputes and ensure transparency.
Price Fairly for Efficient Sales Determine your selling priorities: quick cash or maximizing value over time. Set a reasonable price, considering shipping costs, and the composition of your collection. Typical valuations range from $5 to $15 per pound.
Promptly Ship Sold Items Once sold, ship your items promptly, ensuring secure packaging to prevent damage. Timely shipping enhances your seller reputation and boosts future listing appeal.
Selling LEGOs Locally
Explore Local Brick-and-Mortar Options Consider selling to toy stores or pawn shops for quick transactions. While this method may not yield the highest price, it offers a swift selling process.
Utilize Local Classifieds for Selling Explore platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for local LEGO sales, eliminating the need for shipping. However, exercise caution due to the lack of moderation, staying vigilant against scams and potential hassles.
Security Tip: Take precautions when dealing with unmoderated sales, such as meeting in public places with a friend or in well-lit areas.
Explore Alternative Selling Avenues Tap into online LEGO communities, forums, and local events like flea markets or garage sales to sell your LEGOs. These platforms offer diverse selling and trading opportunities, expanding your reach beyond traditional online marketplaces.
