LUGBULK - New concept for the AFOL community

[stuifzand]

What defines a "licensed part"? And what is a "restricted part"?

I think the blasters are a licensed part, the plates aren't.

[GIR 3691]

I need to find a LUG. This seems pretty cool. I am imagining a lot of the parts ordered will be in dark tan, dark green, and other rare or expensive colors. This could do wonders for diversity of color and elements used in big displays and large-scale MOCs. I wish they had a bulk system open to whomever wanted it, like PAB with bulk discounts.

I would also think that if BL ended up with large amounts of parts that could only be obtained through the program, they'd know people were re-selling them. But in the same vein, why are they not allowed to re-sell the bricks at a later date? They expect LUGs to keep the parts forever and ever?

[Quarryman]

The thing I really don't get about this is the 200 DKK maximum purchase limit for each person, most of the other restrictions make sense in some way, but not that.

[Rick]

The thing I really don't get about this is the 200 DKK maximum purchase limit for each person, most of the other restrictions make sense in some way, but not that.

It's per member of a LUG, not per ordering member. So the number of members determines the maximum order size for the LUG as a whole. Makes sense, because remember it is the LUG (as one) ordering, not individuals. How the LUG splits up that order is their business and (logistic) problem.

Edited August 13, 2009 by Rick

[blueandwhite]

I find this interesting but I hope it isn't abused. I certainly don't want to see people using their LUGs as a means of collecting and then reselling hard-to-find bricks on bricklink for a profit. The two-tiered nature of this system really makes me suspect that this could be abused. I'm sure that the LUG will be asked to agree not to resell the elements purchased but how would something like that be enforced? On the other hand, it will be a wonderful thing for LUGs that use it properly. It's too bad that people who are unable to join a LUG will not be able to participate in this opportunity. Still, I like the efforts made by LEGO to reach out to those who would generally be considered the most active AFOLs.

***(edit)***

Perhaps the price limit of 200 DKK per member is to prevent the aforementioned abuses with the first orders. LEGO could monitor to see if many of these elements make it into the LEGO aftermarket shortly after purchase.

Edited August 13, 2009 by blueandwhite

[Ralph_S]

I think they'll make you sign a contract.

Also, the person that does the ordering, is responsible.

So, if you order through Lowlug, and you sell the parts, I will hunt you down with an axe.

Fair enough. Seriously though, if a member of a particular LUG participating in this wants to sell the parts they get out of this, it could potentially ruin the whole deal for everyone (whatever way LEGO would use to find out about it), which is a pretty strong motivator for the LUGs themselves to keep their members in check.

So EuroBricks isn't a Lego User Group? Huh, I always thought it was...

Still, all the restrictions and regulations seem like too much hassle for whatever the benefit is. The fact that you can only order twice a year makes it nigh useless in itself. Who'd want to wait half a year to be able to continue with their building project?

I'd consider it one, but I think they are mainly looking for LUGs that operate in one particular geographical area. Can you imagine being the person taking the order on behalf of eurobricks? You in turn would be dealing with people from all over the world and shipping their part of the stash all over the place. I don;t know how you go about building large things, but I start planning them and buying parts for them many months in advance. Twice a year seems like a reasonable frequency to me.

The thing I really don't get about this is the 200 DKK maximum purchase limit for each person, most of the other restrictions make sense in some way, but not that.

It is restrictive, but as I wrote before in this thread, a limit makes sense. Imagine a large group of AFOLs ordering bits without restrictions. The logistics of it all would become unmanageable.

Cheers,

Ralph

[Quarryman]

It is restrictive, but as I wrote before in this thread, a limit makes sense. Imagine a large group of AFOLs ordering bits without restrictions. The logistics of it all would become unmanageable.

A limit makes sense indeed, but in my opinion 200 DKK is way too little to make sense.

[Ralph_S]

A limit makes sense indeed, but in my opinion 200 DKK is way too little to make sense.

I agree 200 DKK is not a lot. However, since this is a pilot, perhaps if it is a success in future rounds (if there are any) the limit will go up.

Cheers,

Ralph

[The Who]

The only thing that all this comes from is that a number of people above seems to have thought it is targeted to individuall people to buy, like PaB or BL, which it´s not.

Oh. Well that stinks. I really liked the idea to start with, but just too many things ruined it for me.

So EuroBricks isn't a Lego User Group? Huh, I always thought it was...

Me too. I don't understand why it isn't.

Still, all the restrictions and regulations seem like too much hassle for whatever the benefit is. The fact that you can only order twice a year makes it nigh useless in itself. Who'd want to wait half a year to be able to continue with their building project?

Agreed.

What defines a "licensed part"?

I could be wrong, but I think that means things like Indy's whip, or something created specifically for and used only in Licensed themes.

[puddleglum]

If I understand it correctly, LUGs will have the opportunity to request production parts that are not available via PaB. I'm sure this would be a huge boon to many looking to aquire parts in rare colors that are otherwise only available via high prices at BL, or buy buying lots of a certain set. (For example, imagine being able to buy 1000 1x4 bricks in dark blue at the PaB price ($.20), instead of BL prices ($.28)).

[Mariann Asanuma]

What defines a "licensed part"? And what is a "restricted part"?

Okay, I've been reading this through thoroughly. On one side, this idea sounds exciting. On the other side there are an awful lot of rules.

Now, because I worked at LEGOLAND and actually did some of the ordering for them let me make a few things clear.

One thing that a lot of you seemed to skip over in the rules is that it can take up to 3 months to receive the bricks. Although this is normal, sometimes it took up to 6 months in the Model Shop, you can't plan to use the bricks until you have in front of you. With Bricklink and PaB at least you can get it in a fairly reasonable time.

As for what is a "licensed part?" Licensed parts are only the ones specifically for a license. For example any of the Star Wars minifigs. There is a grey line however. Lightsabers, both the blade and the handle are from Star Wars but have been used in many other themes since they were created. Any specific type of plate, even if it is only in the X-wing, most likely isn't considered a licensed part.

LEGO doesn't look at the parts in the same way AFOL's do. To them it isn't a "rare" element even if it is in only one set. So rarer colors and elements don't factor into it -- on their side.

A "restricted part" most likely the special Q elements that only the Model Shop can order. These elements are a small amount of parts that LEGO doesn't sell commercially any more, because they don't make it for a set.

I do see some benefits to this, and I understand it is a pilot program. Since it doesn't matter one way or the other since I'm in the states, I look forward to see how this plays out.

[blueandwhite]

So what constitutes an "active" element as opposed to a restricted or licenced one? Does the element need to be produced in an existing colour to be considered active? For example; in 2001 LEGO sold bulk bags of sand red 1x2 bricks (I bought several). These bricks now go for an absurd amount on bricklink. Would this be considered an active element or does the fact that it is not currently being used in a set make it inactive? In other words; does colour play a roll here or is it possible to request an element that is currently in production in a different colour?

(It appears that my question has been answered just as I asked it).

Edited August 13, 2009 by blueandwhite

[prateek]

Sounds good to me. A very good concept for LUGs to get hold of a lot of Lego

[JopieK]

Well, this looks promising! Good idea from LEGO.

[CP5670]

I don't really see the point of this. It would only be useful to a very limited group of people and the benefit over existing systems like PAB and Bricklink is questionable, with the heavy price and timing restrictions they have in place.

I noticed the 3 month delay for orders, although it sort of fits in with their 2 orders per year rule.

EB actually fits all their requirements for a LUG except for the one about holding two display shows a year. I'm not sure even how many "physical" LUGs do that.

I'm sure that the LUG will be asked to agree not to resell the elements purchased but how would something like that be enforced?

It probably cannot be. Such a rule would violate laws on reselling rights in many countries. They can only request people not to do it.

[Captain Green Hair]

Wow, this sounds promising!

Since it is a new concept, it is of course far from perfect, but i don't think there is too many rules.

Lug's are popping up left and right, and this way you pick the good from the err.. not so good.

So EuroBricks isn't a Lego User Group? Huh, I always thought it was...

Still, all the restrictions and regulations seem like too much hassle for whatever the benefit is. The fact that you can only order twice a year makes it nigh useless in itself. Who'd want to wait half a year to be able to continue with their building project?

Wow, there is really no need to say that 3 times.

The thing I really don't get about this is the 200 DKK maximum purchase limit for each person, most of the other restrictions make sense in some way, but not that.

That rule is stated as an ''average'', so i think that is more to inform the leaders of the LUG what they can expect from their members.

The LUG should have at least 10 members and buy 2000 DKK of bricks. 2000 divided by 10 members makes 200.

i think just the 2000 DKK rule is handed.

[blueandwhite]

It probably cannot be. Such a rule would violate laws on reselling rights in many countries. They can only request people not to do it.

I was thinking along the lines of a gentlemen's agreement. LEGO can't restrict your rights per se, but they could easily ask LUGs not to sell elements on the aftermarket. By enforcement, I'm thinking that LEGO might monitor Bricklink activities to discern if the elements that local LUGs recieve are being used or simply being turned over to garner a large profit. I think that LEGO's idea is sound, but it may be open to some abuse which could cause a bit of a stir in the AFOL community.

Edited August 13, 2009 by blueandwhite

[Holodoc]

Thank for the info, Copmike!

Two things I would like to have clarified:

1) about the 200 DKK (26€):

It's per member of a LUG, not per ordering member. So the number of members determines the maximum order size for the LUG as a whole. Makes sense, because remember it is the LUG (as one) ordering, not individuals. How the LUG splits up that order is their business and (logistic) problem.

Is that so? For EB (7000 members) that would mean ... well - a lot!

• The LUG need to feature at least 2 public smaller or bigger displays each year

Does Eurobricks really meet that requirements?

It doesn´t look like it.

[Lt. de Martinet]

Do you think the prices will be the same as the online PaP (making a bulk order essentially ridiculously overpriced), or discounted?

[Svelte]

A limit makes sense indeed, but in my opinion 200 DKK is way too little to make sense.

Absolutely. Most of my BL orders would easily exceed by a factor of several times.

And until there's some idea about prices, I wouldn't assume discounts will be that large. Unless it's a way to soften a(nother) forthcoming PAB price hike. Let's hope some LUGs that take advantage of this scheme keep us informed.

Does Eurobricks really meet that requirements?

It doesn´t look like it.

Not yet; but remember, this is a pilot program. With so many members, I don't think it would be impossible to arrange

Partly why some of us are asking so many questions is to see whether the discount would be worth taking that step to set up LUGs in areas which there may be none, in future.

[jonwil]

I am pretty sure that we won't be able to order parts in colors that arent currently in a set.

[Darth Bug]

Nice Idea! Even If I'm not a member of any LUG yet. That kind of promotions could really help LUG to intensify their projects ;) and we all know that LUGs particpate a LOT in the LEGO advertisement strategy

So what constitutes an "active" element as opposed to a restricted or licenced one? Does the element need

to be produced in an existing colour to be considered active? For example; in 2001 LEGO sold bulk bags of

sand red 1x2 bricks (I bought several). These bricks now go for an absurd amount on bricklink. Would this

be considered an active element or does the fact that it is not currently being used in a set make it inactive?

In other words; does colour play a roll here or is it possible to request an element that is currently in

production in a different colour?

(It appears that my question has been answered just as I asked it).

Good Question! Does active pieces mean just the ones on PAB?

[jonwil]

If a part is in a set that LEGO are still making, its a good bet that the part is an "active part" although it may not be.

[peterab]

This sounds quite exciting. And the rules mostly seem to make sense to me.

The one rule I find problematic is the re-sale one. I can understand TLG not wanting the program to be the basis of anyones bricklink business. On the other hand some of the members of my LUG make huge Mocs, an eight foot high Eifel tower for example. After our yearly show those Mocs are broken down, and the parts resold, to finance the next years parts purchase. This rule effectively excludes those members.

I think perhaps a better rule would be 'You may not sell these parts at a profit'. Although that may compete with PAB which is probably not a desired outcome.

Any new bulk source of lego is probably a good thing, I just hope it's at a price where I can afford to take part.

Edited August 14, 2009 by peterab

[Yeow]

How in the world can they restrict if you sell them or not? Would this not fall under the first sale doctrine?