Why are Lego LA's so expensive?

[technicboi]

Hey, there forum,

I was recently browsing through Bricklink and Brickowl searching for large linear actuators and noticed that they were just too expensive. For my excavator moc, I need 4 minimum, and the cheapest I could find was $6. Im not sure if its too much, because I could find them in Europe for $3 per actuator, but then the shipping was around $10-$15, which is too much for me. Is there some other place in the US that could perhaps sell Lego Large LA's for a cheaper price? 

Thank you

[aFrInaTi0n]

"Supply and demand" I guess... unfortunately I can't offer alternatives..

[Maaboo the Witch]

Possibly because of the materials and expense of actually putting them together. They are pretty complex.

[dr_spock]

Depending on your budget, LEGO SHOP@HOME has them.  You can get free shipping (and VIP points) if your order reaches the threshold.

 

 

[technicboi]

2 hours ago, dr_spock said:

Depending on your budget, LEGO SHOP@HOME has them.  You can get free shipping (and VIP points) if your order reaches the threshold.

 

 

I just checked, but its not a bestseller so it will take longer and is also too much even without shipping.

But thanks

[Maaboo the Witch]

Well, then, you'll just have to bite the bullet.

[doug72]

I have never  brought any LA,s on line but I have plenty of them from the many Lego sets I have purchased  over the years.

This way you build up a good stock of parts.

 

 

 

Edited April 29, 2023 by doug72

[howitzer]

4 linear actuators for $6 each makes $24, which doesn't seem like very much to me. I mean, I of course don't know your background or fiscal situation, but is this really a too high price to pay for those parts?

[technicboi]

4 hours ago, howitzer said:

4 linear actuators for $6 each makes $24, which doesn't seem like very much to me. I mean, I of course don't know your background or fiscal situation, but is this really a too high price to pay for those parts?

Yes and no for me, but its mostly the shipping that drives me nuts.

I live in California, and a seller also lived in CA, and he was selling LA’s for $6.50, so I decided to get them, but the shipping cost more than if I bought something from New Zealand. 

So, no, the price of all four isnt TOO bad,  but the shipping is terrible for me.

5 hours ago, doug72 said:

I have never  brought any LA,s on line but I have plenty of them from the many Lego sets I have purchased  over the years.

This way you build up a good stock of parts.

 

 

 

I like to do that too, only prob with that is sets that have LA's are practically all over $100-$400

[dr_spock]

I buy from local sellers that offer local pickup.  I meet them somewhere like a public parking lot.  I'd inspect the goods before handing over the cash.  Some times there are weird looks from people passing by but it saves on shipping costs.

 

[2ndgen]

5 hours ago, dr_spock said:

I buy from local sellers that offer local pickup.  I meet them somewhere like a public parking lot.  I'd inspect the goods before handing over the cash.  Some times there are weird looks from people passing by but it saves on shipping costs.

 

Is there a website to find local sellers? I haven't had any luck on brinklink. 

[Maaboo the Witch]

7 hours ago, dr_spock said:

I buy from local sellers that offer local pickup.  I meet them somewhere like a public parking lot.  I'd inspect the goods before handing over the cash.  Some times there are weird looks from people passing by but it saves on shipping costs.

 

 "Need some actuators, stranger?"

[dr_spock]

9 hours ago, 2ndgen said:

Is there a website to find local sellers? I haven't had any luck on brinklink. 

Not that I am aware of.  Bricklink can show a list of stores in my state. I read through the term and conditions of those stores to see which offer local pickup. Some are helpful mentioning their city and pick up location in the T&Cs.  Otherwise, I have to message them if they have something I want.

 

7 hours ago, Maaboo35 said:

 

 "Need some actuators, stranger?"

I guess handing over cash for little plastic bags can be a bit suspicious.  Some times shopping mall security drives by. 

[howitzer]

10 hours ago, Maaboo35 said:

 

 "Need some actuators, stranger?"

Disappointing that you didn't photoshop some LA's and other bricks to the inside of the coat 

[2ndgen]

3 hours ago, dr_spock said:

Not that I am aware of.  Bricklink can show a list of stores in my state. I read through the term and conditions of those stores to see which offer local pickup. Some are helpful mentioning their city and pick up location in the T&Cs.  Otherwise, I have to message them if they have something I want. 

Well I'll give it another look forsure. 

Thanks.