LEGO Collectable Minifigures General Discussion

[Blondie-Wan]

Agreed-- so many people have been dumping on the highway patrol cop, but personally I want to get a few! I definitely plan on swapping these guys out with the current motorcycle cops on the force, so to speak. Wish the police motorcycle was still being produced, in fact-- I'd probably get 2 or 3 more just for this upcoming fig.

Funny you should mention it; as it happens, I noticed just a few days or a week or two ago myself that they're offering the police motorcycle again (assuming you do mean set 7235 - Police Motorcycle, right?). I'm thinking about picking up another one myself. I also see we're not the only ones interested; it's currently # 20 on LEGO's What's Hot list here in the US.

And yes, I also think that cop from series 2 of the collectible minifigs is a perfect fit for that bike.

[Mr. Elijah Timms]

Funny you should mention it; as it happens, I noticed just a few days or a week or two ago myself that they're offering the police motorcycle again (assuming you do mean set 7235 - Police Motorcycle, right?). I'm thinking about picking up another one myself. I also see we're not the only ones interested; it's currently # 20 on LEGO's What's Hot list here in the US.

And yes, I also think that cop from series 2 of the collectible minifigs is a perfect fit for that bike.

Crazy that it's at S@H... why isn't it in retail venues like TRU or Target? Or does this mean I should just be patient and it'll show up??

[peterab]

Crazy that it's at S@H... why isn't it in retail venues like TRU or Target? Or does this mean I should just be patient and it'll show up??

Retailers often dont want to take fresh stock of an 'old' set. S@H is happy to keep stock of sets with good sales.

I think the disscusion of the price of these figures is forgetting that the USA price is a lot lower than that in the rest of the world, and if the supply is limited in the US, their will be upwards pressure from the rest of the world on the BL price. I wouldn't think twice about buying a box in the US at US$2.50 each.

[jonwil]

The motorbike set is still available in quantity on shelves here in Australia (in the black-sticker version) if that means anything :)

[Blondie-Wan]

The motorbike set is still available in quantity on shelves here in Australia (in the black-sticker version) if that means anything :)

Yow, really? Do you guys still have the black-sticker versions of any of the other police sets (especially the car), by chance?

[Asterios]

Which is why reselling extra figures on Bricklink shouldn't be that difficult.,,

So you mean to tell me that only cheerleaders will net you a profit on the secondary market? Yes, moving scuba divers for a profit will be difficult. Moving a few clowns, forestmen, zombies, nurses, cheerleaders, skaters, robots and skateboarders to pay for the rest of your collection shouldn't be a problem. I'm sorry, but I don't see anything that would indicate that a box purchaser is going to have a terrible time unloading the extra figs and come out even when the demand for these things is so high. Yes, that could change if LEGO decides to make a second run of these figures and oversaturate the market. The thing is, LEGO has even emphasized that these will be available only for a limited time and in limited quantities. With Series 2 hitting in a bit more than a month, I don't really expect to see a lot more of series 1 in the future.

I don't think anybody implied that it is your right to get these figures. That being said, for many consumers collectables are often regarded as being an offensive marketing tactic. I mean, weren't you arguing a few pages back that barcodes were cheating and that people using them were 'abusing' the system? As collectables, these figures are going to be subject to the same practices that are common to other toys in the collectables market. Hoarding and scalping are hardly unique to this line. Still, these behaviours are something that most AFOLs aren't used to. Typically if a set becomes available, everybody has ample opportunity to obtain it. With these collectables, this isn't necessarily the case.

As for the US release date, I'm under the impression that it was simply moved forward. The figures were available through S@H, Toys R Us, LEGO stores and a few select retailers. Yes, some major retailers may not have yet received their shipment (Target, Walmart), but there are several indications that these figures are not here for the long haul. The fact that S@H has already sold out and several retailers have indicated that they are only getting one more shipment does not imply that you will be seeing many boxes in July or August when series 2 comes out. In fact, I would expect that LEGO would want series 1 to clear quickly so series 2 can make its way onto shelves.

I guess you forgot about the Dwarves mine, a "Limited" run set that saturated the market after the initial rush by people to buy them, then there was the UCS Millenium Falcon and so on I could keep going on for ever on how LEGO has lied to us about limited runs and such.

[CMP]

From what you guys are saying, I'd better go back to Borders and pick up the rest of them. It's a bit expensive, but I've seen Bricklink...better print out that cheatsheet...

[Big Cam]

I went into my local Target store which has been selling the minifigs to get a few more. Unfortunatly I found all the packets had been ripped open and the figures were in pieces with many missing. Such a shame people would resort to this kind of behaviour.

Dang, I wish target in the USA got these. Target never jacks up the price on LEGO.

On a note that isn't complaining. How many series are there going to be? I heard someone say series 3. Any facts?

[Mr. Elijah Timms]

On a note that isn't complaining. How many series are there going to be? I heard someone say series 3. Any facts?

Could be wrong, but didn't we have it confirmed that TLG is producing at least 4 series, with the color of bags mimicking the colors of the anniversary minifig sets? First edition was yellow, second was blue, third I believe red, and fourth black.

Si, verdad?

I'm guessing they'll do at least 3 or 4 and then make a decision about how well they sold, how marketable the concept is, and how much further the series is capable of going. I'd also bet money that series 2 and 3 will run much more smoothly than this one has.

Edited June 18, 2010 by Mr. Elijah Timms

[Carbohydrates]

All I've heard on the subject is that series 2 should have a larger production run and that series 3 and beyond won't have barcodes to use, but series 2 will.

Edited June 18, 2010 by Carbohydrates

[blueandwhite]

I guess you forgot about the Dwarves mine, a "Limited" run set that saturated the market after the initial rush by people to buy them, then there was the UCS Millenium Falcon and so on I could keep going on for ever on how LEGO has lied to us about limited runs and such.

No, I didn't forget anything. I am fully aware that there is nothing preventing LEGO from re-releasing or expanding production on the series 1 collectable figures. Then again, many LEGO products do have genuine limited releases like the classic minifig collections. You are more than welcome to wait for LEGO to release a second run of series 1 figures. In the meantime, anybody who chooses to can very easily sell their unwanted stock and in all likelihood do better than breaking even; a point you seem unwilling to accept.

Edited June 18, 2010 by blueandwhite

[not-in-use-anymore]

I think what I did wrong was expect it to be limited like the UCS Falcon, which has stayed in my Lego stores shelf for months. I've decided I probably won't get any boxes because of A)money and B)I don't want to get millions of clones that I could be spending to get S2+. [fake]It's too early to say, but if they released a 5th series what color would it be? I geuss it would be transparent. [/fake]

I don't care about the quality that much, if it doesn't break if you drop it and the color isn't as off as the vintage figs( ) then it's ok for me. That doesn't mean there can't be improvements, but my main annoyance is headgear that sits high on the head.

[Asterios]

No, I didn't forget anything. I am fully aware that there is nothing preventing LEGO from re-releasing or expanding production on the series 1 collectable figures. Then again, many LEGO products do have genuine limited releases like the classic minifig collections. You are more than welcome to wait for LEGO to release a second run of series 1 figures. In the meantime, anybody who chooses to can very easily sell their unwanted stock and in all likelihood do better than breaking even; a point you seem unwilling to accept.

oh I don't doubt scalpers won't make a profit right now but i'm thinking later won't be so easy to do, since a little birdy told me next week the market is going to be glutted with them, in fact Walmarts in USA are getting them with release of next week but some are already putting them out now (not in the toy section, well maybe some stores), so right now prices are high but soon will drop like a rock me predicts.

[vexorian]

oh I don't doubt scalpers won't make a profit right now but i'm thinking later won't be so easy to do, since a little birdy told me next week the market is going to be glutted with them, in fact Walmarts in USA are getting them with release of next week but some are already putting them out now (not in the toy section, well maybe some stores), so right now prices are high but soon will drop like a rock me predicts.

Did your little bird tell you as to whether they'll return to S@H? A "friend" is going to US on July 3rd and it would be very nice if he was able to buy me some.

[Big Cam]

oh I don't doubt scalpers won't make a profit right now but i'm thinking later won't be so easy to do, since a little birdy told me next week the market is going to be glutted with them, in fact Walmarts in USA are getting them with release of next week but some are already putting them out now (not in the toy section, well maybe some stores), so right now prices are high but soon will drop like a rock me predicts.

What reliable source do you have for these being released at Walmart. As I highly doubt its happening.

[Asterios]

Did your little bird tell you as to whether they'll return to S@H? A "friend" is going to US on July 3rd and it would be very nice if he was able to buy me some.

well i'm willing to bet they will be back for the mere fact the listing is still on the site, if it was truly sold out they would have removed the listing already.

even in Europe the listings are still there and they sold out a long time ago.

Edited June 18, 2010 by Asterios

[CMP]

I know what you guys mean now. One day the figs are in Borders, the next, gone! Well, I'm going on a long drive tomorrow and might stop by some of the other Borders.

[xyxstradus]

I personally have had no luck with any retail stores stocking them, although I've been told that Toys R Us has stocked a few times. I've resorted to using collectibles sites like bigbadtoystore or just using bricklink.

Maybe its just me but the minifigures from the series feel "softer" or more "flexible" than regular minifigs. The legs in particular; I notice that the legs actually wiggle near the waist whereas the regular minifigs are stiff. The legs also have a small rectangular indent at the top. Perhaps its done intentionally for easier posing?

[Big Cam]

Could be wrong, but didn't we have it confirmed that TLG is producing at least 4 series, with the color of bags mimicking the colors of the anniversary minifig sets? First edition was yellow, second was blue, third I believe red, and fourth black.

Si, verdad?

I'm guessing they'll do at least 3 or 4 and then make a decision about how well they sold, how marketable the concept is, and how much further the series is capable of going. I'd also bet money that series 2 and 3 will run much more smoothly than this one has.

All I've heard on the subject is that series 2 should have a larger production run and that series 3 and beyond won't have barcodes to use, but series 2 will.

Sweet thanks for the info.

This just got expensive.

[Asterios]

Another thing to consider is LEGO is not known to use a mold for a one-off project so we might end up seeing some of these figs in themes in the future.

[SLBX2]

OK, THIS IS MY VERY FIRST POST SO WILL TRY TO DO THIS RIGHT AS SEEMS A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GUESSING AS TO WHETHER OR NOT ANOTHER "WAVE" OF THESE SERIES 1 FIGS WILL BE RELEASED. THIS WAS VERY EASY TO FIND THIS OUT. I JUST CONTACTED LEGO DIRECTLY AS ANY OF YOU CAN VIA 800-838-9647 BUT DO NOT ASK FOR THE SALES DEPT AS THEY REALLY ARE LOST WHEN IT COMES TO QUESTIONS OF THIS NATURE. INSTEAD ASK FOR THE TECHNICAL DEPT (I THINK OPTION 2, CALLED COUPLE DAYS AGO, SO FORGOT THE OPTION). I SPOKE WITH WILLIAM, AND HE WAS FRIENDLY AND TRIED TO GIVE ME SOME ADVISE ON HELPING A FATHER WITH SONS WHO NOW WILL BE SHORT OF COMPLETING THEIR 16 FIGS SETS FOR THIS SERIES 1 ON WHERE TO LOOK FOR THEM IN SECONDARY MARKET (WHICH WE ALL KNOW WILL BE BRICKLINK, BUT I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT ONCE THE WORD GETS OUT THAT THIS IS IT THE PRICES WILL NO DOUBT ONLY GET HIGHER). LOTS OF INFO, SO WILL TRY TO PUT MOST DOWN. WILLIAM STATED SERIES 1 IS DONE & THERE WILL BE NO OTHER'S MADE, THAT'S IT!! NO MORE SHIPMENTS GOING OUT TO TOYS-R-US, OR YOUR LOCAL LEGO STORES, NO WHERE AS THEY ARE SOLD OUT & WILL NOT BE MADE AGAIN. HE SAID THESE SERIES 1 WERE A LIMITED RUN AS WILL BE FUTURE SERIES. THEY ARE DONE & OVER. THEY ARE PREPARING TO GET SERIES 2 OUT, BUT WOULD NOT GIVE ME EXACT DATE. ONLY STATED THEY WOULD BE OUT LITTLE SOONER THAN EXPECTED. I WOULD ASSUME THIS IS B/C SERIES ONE SOLD OUT & LOTS OF ANGRY CONSUMERS OUT THERE, LIKE MYSELF. HE SAID THAT WHEN THEY TOOK OFF THE LIMIT OF 5 THEY DID NOT THINK THEY WOULD SELL OUT THAT FAST!! I DID LET HIM KNOW THAT I AM A FATHER OF 2 BOYS WHO LOVE LEGOS & WHILE YES I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT MORE AT OUR LOCAL TRU WHEN I SAW THEM I WAS IN NO RUSH AS I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT THEY WOULD HAVE SOLD OUT ON THESE "BRAND NEW" RELEASED ITEMS, AND THAT I WAS UPSET BY THE WHOLE SERIES 1 FROM MARKETING/SALES LIMIT OF 5 INITIALLY/DISTRIBUTION/ETC (LIKE IT REALLY MATTERS WHAT ONE FATHER HAS TO COMPLAIN ABOUT RIGHT?). SO NOW ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE A LIVING OR SECONDARY LIVING WITH LEGOS BASICALLY BOUGHT THEM ALL UP TO RE-SALE FOR MORE MONEY LATER DOWN THE ROAD. WHILE I DO NOT MIND SOMEONE MAKING A PROFIT, THIS WHOLE THING HAS LEFT A BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH. YES, I KNOW SOME WILL SAY "WELL YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY THESE" THEN YOU MUST NOT HAVE CHILDREN, AS I CAN ASSURE YOU MY 10 & 8 YEAR OLD BOYS ARE QUITE UPSET. LEGO'S ARE SUPPOSE TO BE FUN & NOT HAVING A FATHER SPEND ALL THIS EXTRA TIME TO LOCATE & PURCHASE HIS SONS SOME NEW LEGO PIECES THAT WERE JUST RELEASED FOR DOUBLE OR MORE THAN ORIGINAL PRICE....SORRY MY FIRST POST IS VENTING, BUT WANTED TO GET IT OFF MY CHEST & THIS INFO OUT SO OTHERS WILL KNOW.

SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS, THAT'S JUST HOW I TYPE......TAKES ME FOREVER AS NEVER TOOK TYPING CLASS, SO ALWAYS LEAVE THE CAPS LOCK ON.....HOPE I GAVE SOME NEW/GOOD INFO....I DID ASK HIM ABOUT THE WHITE BOBA FETT TOO, BUT WILL POST THAT IN RIGHT ARE WHEN I FIND IT.

[Asterios]

SLBX2 while we appreciate your information about what LEGO technical support said they said the same thing about other items that were sold out and then magically had another supply show up, since the listing is still on their website, they are not sold out, you know an item is sold out when the listing is removed.

[Siegfried]

SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS, THAT'S JUST HOW I TYPE......TAKES ME FOREVER AS NEVER TOOK TYPING CLASS, SO ALWAYS LEAVE THE CAPS LOCK ON.....

Don't apologise. Just don't do it. I never took typing classes either and I can type without looking at the keyboard. (In some cases I have to; the keys have worn out.)

[SLBX2]

WE TALKED FOR A VERY LONG TIME, JUST DID NOT WANT TO TAKE UP SOOO MUCH SPACE & TIME....BUT I ASKED HIM THAT EXACT SAME QUESTION & HE SAID THE SERIES ONE FIGS WILL MOST LIKELY COME OFF THE SITE JUST BEFORE SERIES 2 HITS. HE WAS VERY OPEN & HONEST ABOUT SEVERAL THINGS & CALL ME GULLIBLE, BUT I BELIEVED WHAT HE HAS TELLING ME. COUPLE THINGS I WILL KEEP TO MYSELF TO SEE IF IT COMES TRUE THEN I WILL KNOW IF HE WAS HONEST WITH ME!!

[Asterios]

Well trust me when I say LEGO is always quick on removing a listing once sold out usually within the day 2 at the most but has been listed on European sites for several days now after selling out and well over a day in the US, also wouldn't be surprised if they even offered a box listing (with 60 minifigs)