MISB - to open or not to open...

[CP5670]

From my experience on eBay (400+ buys), you'll get way more mint parts sold as being used than getting MISB sets (I mean 20+ old ones) for the same money. It's all about how to look for the great deals. It's a shame but lots of people just never played with their Lego - and they are quite easy to track on auction sites .

I'm into collecting sets and I have about 1200 of them now (500 boxed, 300 sealed). There are some pictures in the Storage topic of the general forum. I try to keep only mint / unused sets, which is why I'm exclusively looking for mint parts. In my opinion, it is even easier and cheaper to find mint parts on eBay than on Bricklink! Note: I'm speaking about older parts which are no longer produced or have slight structural differences like closed inner-studs, side mold marks, different internal markings, etc. I sell sometimes bulk lots of used parts which are in every possible condition besides 'mint'. Last year I got rid of 75kg, in a few weeks I'll put a lot of 100kg trash

You have a point, but it depends on just how picky you are about piece condition, and whether you have the time and patience to resell sets you are not satisfied with. I've certainly gotten many great deals off used sets in the past and have actually become pretty good at deducing the condition of a used set from its pictures and description, but today I prefer to avoid the whole lottery and don't mind paying extra for it. I have a number of other used sets I got that are in reasonable shape, but are not quite up to the standard I want and which I haven't gotten around to selling for years.

I do make exceptions if a set is specifically advertised as a display model and decent pictures are available. Such display models (with boxes and catalogs) are as good as MISB sets as far as I'm concerned, but they can be quite difficult to come by reliably.

I picked up many of the older MISB sets around 2000-2002, when ebay was not as popular as it is today and sniping was easier to do, so I got many sets for considerably less than what they go for today. I have also bought more at certain times of the year or taken advantage of auction oddities (mislabeled title, seller does not take Paypal, etc.) to get lower prices. Mid to late 90s MISB sets can still be had fairly cheaply today. I got a 6575 last week for $45, less than its original price. Another thing to keep in mind, especially with 80s sets, is that prices which seem high today might be fairly close to the set's original price once you take inflation into account.

Your storage area is my Disneyland!

You should check out some of the real hardcore collector vaults. I've seen some pictures on Brickshelf in the past.

[Bricktrain]

I was very tempted to keep my two Taj Mahal as MISB but in the end I gave in and parted them out to my bricklink store.

[Zorbas]

You should check out some of the real hardcore collector vaults. I've seen some pictures on Brickshelf in the past.

I did, I did....

Even though that opening MISB sets is my source of enjoyment, every time I look at MISB collections I feel !

Perhaps it's the subconscious and the memories of walking down the toy shops aisles back when I was a kid.

Still, I would open them all!

[Karto]

You have a point, but it depends on just how picky you are about piece condition, and whether you have the time and patience to resell sets you are not satisfied with. I've certainly gotten many great deals off used sets in the past and have actually become pretty good at deducing the condition of a used set from its pictures and description, but today I prefer to avoid the whole lottery and don't mind paying extra for it. I have a number of other used sets I got that are in reasonable shape, but are not quite up to the standard I want and which I haven't gotten around to selling for years.

I do make exceptions if a set is specifically advertised as a display model and decent pictures are available. Such display models (with boxes and catalogs) are as good as MISB sets as far as I'm concerned, but they can be quite difficult to come by reliably.

I picked up many of the older MISB sets around 2000-2002, when ebay was not as popular as it is today and sniping was easier to do, so I got many sets for considerably less than what they go for today. I have also bought more at certain times of the year or taken advantage of auction oddities (mislabeled title, seller does not take Paypal, etc.) to get lower prices. Mid to late 90s MISB sets can still be had fairly cheaply today. I got a 6575 last week for $45, less than its original price. Another thing to keep in mind, especially with 80s sets, is that prices which seem high today might be fairly close to the set's original price once you take inflation into account.

You should check out some of the real hardcore collector vaults. I've seen some pictures on Brickshelf in the past.

It would be nice to make some decent pictural reviews of the older sets you open. That could help to enhance Bricklink's invetories - which are great but not perfect. Pictures showing also the bottom-side of the parts would be great!

Now I can provide you mint parts - by mint parts I mean: no visible scratches, no discoloration, no dust, shining as new and perfect shape - in exchange for the MISB sets - with a warranty of satisfaction of corse

[Destroydacre]

Having sealed Lego sets is extremely overrated, IMO. I buy Lego for the pieces not to look at the box. I only have 10 or so sealed sets, all of which are doubles. I plan on opening them at some point in the future as space permits. I personally don't see the point of buying Lego pieces to not use them.

[Dr Kilroy]

My strategy is:

1. I buy two impulses (you know, those small sets like BBQ stand etc.).

2. I open one.

3. I hide second one somewhere in wardrobe.

4. I wait about 20-30 years.

5. I sell it.

:)

[CopMike]

I keep some sets that are special to me - because they´re well designed, like the BNSF, or are collectable like the Maersk truck.

I just moved and had to sort out my collection, here´s some pics on me first attempt on storing them:

I don´t keep the boxes ones they´re opened. If I need pieces to build a Moc, I go to BL and buy it instead of opening & harvesting my sets. I open a set if I feel the need for speed to build it.

[Legoist]

MISB = Mint In Sealed Box for those who don't know.

Its great to get a brand new LEGO set completely sealed and still in its bags. It has that new LEGO smell and you know the pieces are in pristine condition (or should be). Its like a hit of excitement opening it for the first time.

BUT... What happens if the set is no longer in production and is becoming increasingly rare to find MISB? Should they be preserved or should they be opened, after all that is the intention of the production? Remember, the older the set (usually) the less exist in MISB condition, and once they're all opened their MISB status becomes extinct.

There might be something special about opening a brand new LEGO set, but there's also something special about owning a MISB set no longer in production. You have something in a condition that very few other people have and that's rare. But once its opened it becomes another bunch of second hand LEGO pieces thus losing that special MISB status forever.

Is there a need to open MISB sets? The majority of MSIB sets are also available opened and are usually much cheaper. Its a matter of patience and waiting that little bit longer to find one. By purchasing these sets for building purposes are you not robbing the opportunity for collectors who wish to preserve these rarities for the future?

My opinion is that you shouldn't buy Lego if you are not going to use it for the intended purpose, i.e. to build and play with it.

If you just want to make an investment, there are thousands of things which give you a larger profit and take up less storage space.

[VBBN]

I open any set. I mean, if I got a town set from years ago, would I open it? Yes. It's not always about the money involved in resale, it's about enjoying the product.

That's not to say I don't have few items MISB, but it's because I've gotten them as prizes and such and I do not want them so I keep them MISB.

[gondortoast]

the way i see it Lego is a toy, its a contruction set, its a way we can all share our creativity.

and it makes me so angry when you see 'captain killjoy' swipeing up all of the new releases holding them in his hand and watching all the disheartend children go home empty handed, just becasue he wants to go home and be a complete nob and try to make a 'mint' in the futrue.

not to say that i would forbid the whole thing:

the idea that there are some people out there who lock up their lego 'MISB' is a brillient way to preserve the toys of the past, a kind of time capsule.

but like i said, its a toy its supposed to be played with, chewed up and lost in the sands of toyboxes everywhere.

and by captain kill joy i mean the kind off person that would never let the boxes see the light of day for 20 years,

like in 'james mays top toys' he went to a model railway collectors house and asked if any had been 'run' before, the man replyed "no, never been run, its factory fresh as it was when it came out of the factory, i even have the tissue paper that was in the box!".

thats not the reason it (train,lego) was created, it was created to be played with.

rant over,

peace out

[Joe H]

When I was younger, I didn't think twice about opening sets, throwing boxes away, etc. However, now I always get the nagging feeling that I should save MISB sets - because I remember that if I had done that ~10-15 years ago, I'd be really happy now, not for re-selling purposes but because of nostalgia.

Now when I purchase sets I still open them. But... for my favorite themes (Castle/Pirates), I'll try to get an extra set or so when/if they go on clearance and hold on to it, MISB. I'd find it extremely difficult to only have 1 of some set and not open it.

Edited January 3, 2010 by Joe H

[badboytje88]

Keep it MISB and buy another one second hand to play/display/use/MOD and such.

[Sumendar]

MISB = Mint In Sealed Box for those who don't know.

Its great to get a brand new LEGO set completely sealed and still in its bags. It has that new LEGO smell and you know the pieces are in pristine condition (or should be). Its like a hit of excitement opening it for the first time.

BUT... What happens if the set is no longer in production and is becoming increasingly rare to find MISB? Should they be preserved or should they be opened, after all that is the intention of the production? Remember, the older the set (usually) the less exist in MISB condition, and once they're all opened their MISB status becomes extinct.

There might be something special about opening a brand new LEGO set, but there's also something special about owning a MISB set no longer in production. You have something in a condition that very few other people have and that's rare. But once its opened it becomes another bunch of second hand LEGO pieces thus losing that special MISB status forever.

Is there a need to open MISB sets? The majority of MSIB sets are also available opened and are usually much cheaper. Its a matter of patience and waiting that little bit longer to find one. By purchasing these sets for building purposes are you not robbing the opportunity for collectors who wish to preserve these rarities for the future?

The funny thing about MISB sets as collectibles is that they have next to no display value at all. The value comes from the parts (their particular combination, or rather, the model you can build from them) inside, which, if you want to keep the set MISB and thus collectible, you will never see. Sure, there's the box, but due to yellowing and other damage from light, you can't really display those either. Honestly, it's a bit like collecting old wines, maybe a bit easier to store and with some residual value left after opening and first use and you can be quite certain what you're getting if you do decide to open it. I don't see many rational reasons for keeping a MISB set, either a) Build up an actual collection where the whole has a value of its own, or b) aim to profit from the rising value by selling the set at some point in future, in which case you'll want a decent return for your investment of storing the box. There's also the understandable emotional reasons for keeping a set, like knowing it's one you had as a child, but in that case I don't think there's any question about what you should do with it.

Now, if I found myself in possession of a collectible, but not ultra-rare (like >500$ and/or likely to rise fast) MISB set and had low storage space (who doesn't?), I'd probably sell it and buy a couple of other sets for building, or maybe the same set if I like it. Let the collectors have their fun, I'll have mine, everybody wins in the end.

[CommanderFox]

Well for me, its open them.

I find I can't afford to keep them MISB, Id love to though!

Then open them with my kids in like 30 years, saying this was from 2009! *shocked expressions on their faces*

But hopefully one day when I do have the money, ill be able to do that.

CommanderFox

[Piranha]

I open all sets I get that are MISB. Where is the fun in a box?

One time I tried to see how long I could keep a set MISB, it just sat there on the shelf, just waiting to be torn open and enjoyed.

A few days later I could resist no longer and I finally opened it.

However I would not open say a MISB Galaxy Explorer or Airport Shuttle, for 2 reasons

1. They are very rare and should be preserved

2. I would never buy an old MISB set in the first place, I would buy an excellent condition used one

[Zorbas]

I opened a MISB 5581 Magic Flash Model Team early this afternoon and built it. It was my first Model Team set and although that I don't collect Model team, I bought it because it was for 40 euros and has some great parts in it. The best part is that some of them are the ones that I was missing from my Classic Town sets!

I would also like to report that all pieces were in excellent condition and only the stickers had a minor flaw. The glue from the long side of the stickers was gone and they had taken a curvy shape. That was good because it saved me from the dillema of putting them or not.

Fresh 1993 danish air filled the room! And those colours...

[CP5670]

I would also like to report that all pieces were in excellent condition and only the stickers had a minor flaw. The glue from the long side of the stickers was gone and they had taken a curvy shape. That was good because it saved me from the dillema of putting them or not. default_laugh2.gif

This is a strange but known issue with the stickers in that particular set. Mine had the same problem, and others have reported it too.

You got a good price on that set in any case.

Edited January 5, 2010 by CP5670

[Zorbas]

This is a strange but known issue with the stickers in that particular set. Mine had the same problem, and others have reported it too.

You got a good price on that set in any case.

Yes, the price was too good to ignore this set, even if you're not a Model Team collector. Since it's a SYSTEM set, it is always useful.

The box had some shelfware but that was in my advantage because I could bargain the price.

The stickers.

I know that these pictures have to do with quality but since it's a 1993 set, I thought that posting them in the quality topic is not fair for TLG.

Breathing after 17 years! (Also notice the yellow stripe on the door.)

[Rick]

Must have been a very special experience opening such an 'old' set. I'm never that lucky to find really old sets. I guess there are too many AFOLs around here. Also Lego doesn't tend to stay on the shelves for very long here in The Netherlands and quickly gets discounted if it sits around for too long.

[Zorbas]

Must have been a very special experience opening such an 'old' set. I'm never that lucky to find really old sets. I guess there are too many AFOLs around here. Also Lego doesn't tend to stay on the shelves for very long here in The Netherlands and quickly gets discounted if it sits around for too long.

There are still some precious gems out there, ready to be found. Just like the One Ring from TLOR. " It wants to be found".

Now, I know that it's pretty difficult. Here's what I did. I tried to remember every toy shop from my childhood, especially not the big ones and if that toy shop was selling LEGO back then. I remembered that tihs particular shop was a LEGO seller in the past so I called them to ask about LEGO and the owner said that he only had some other brands.

But I didn't stop!

I went there since I know that giving infos from the phone is sometimes not too accurate. I didn't mention that I was the person who called and I asked him again. He told me the same thing and showed me the clone brands and when I started saying "Yes, I remember playing with LEGO when I was a kid too" in a most ignorant and non-expert way (minifigs=little people) and asked "Do you by any chance have older LEGO sets", -- BAM!-- he remembered!

"I think I still have one or two sets from the past if I remember correctly."

The next seconds were thrilling. He started unstacking some boxes and I was praying: "Airport Shuttle, Metroliner, Eldorado Fortress, Launch & Load Seaport, TOWN, TOWN!"

We never have discounts on toys here in Greece that's why there are still great chances of finding an older set. Toy shop owners also, don't have a clue on how precious older sets are. You just need patience, luck and search.

The experience of opening an old set was great because just the thought of this set being made during your childhood is .

Also, these small 2-paged catalogues that are included are a thing to remember.

Sorry for the rather long post guys...

[Enilder]

wow. some hardcore collectors out there!

i am buying MISB to open, build, and show so my vote is to open it.

1 set is more than enough for me! :)

[Artahn]

I'm starting to feel the need to buy spares to keep in MISB so that my hobby doesn't cost as much :P

Here's hoping the minifig collection's figurines won't be reproduced in other sets! *raises glass*

[AllanSmith]

I keep some sets that are special to me - collectable like the Maersk truck.

I managed to obtain a carton of 24 Maersk trucks from a LEGO rep when they came out so they are still in perfect condition.

I normally build all my sets but I am 5 years behind in building them due to moving around the country.

I do have lots of extra MISB sets for parts. I recently opened about 10 Outback Airstrip sets to get the tan baseplates

[richb]

I'm starting to feel the need to buy spares to keep in MISB so that my hobby doesn't cost as much :P

This is what I do. Most sets I buy either to open and build as-is or use as parts packs. As money is available though, I have on occasion bought sets that are desirable and held them MISB until they're out of production so that I can resell to subsidize more LEGO for myself. The modular houses, Castle, Trains, and many seasonal items are all product that typically see 2x (or greater) increases in resale values after they're out of production.

e.g., Buy two Cafe Corners for $139, open one and hold the other. Wait 2-3 years, resell the one you held for $300 then roll that into two Fire Brigades. Rinse, Wash, Repeat.

Currently, I have no use for holding onto MISB sets longer than what is required to recoup my costs-plus. I have other too-expensive hobbies and hoarding-compulsions to be able to manage long-term LEGO storage too. I would probably change my tune if I could un-invest myself in all the other crap cluttering my man-cave at present (video games, Magic: the Gathering, Heroscape, paintball equipment) but I'm too lazy to lay all the goods out, photograph them, and get them on eBay.

[Strand]

The eternal to open or not open. On one hand, opening a rare, discontinued set is a great feeling. That feeling you get when you pry open a toy that has travelled/stored unopened for years. Yet MISB sets are a finite resource. I find that while I cannot resist the allure of an unopened set I haven't yet played with, there are times I'd rather admire the handiwork and artistry in a toy's pristine packaging. Hence with more desirable sets, I usually buy one to play and display and one for storage.