Alice Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 I would like to see pictures of some of the oddities you have recieved, especially marbled bricks. I'd also like to see anything that you think is just odd. I'm thinking I might want to buy a couple of lots from this guy if he has weird stuff.
Shadows Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 Interesting. Personally, I say gather up the marbled bricks in your reject pile, take a pic and send it to me, I might want them. Otherwise, unless you can pinpoint something specifically wrong that this seller is doing, you're just giving them free advertising. I want to buy a lot now just to see what I get, like LEGO gambling. I'm thinking I might want to buy a couple of lots from this guy if he has weird stuff. Are you sure we're not the same person?
dhaas06 Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 ... Please post any more problems with the parts you've recived. Well, I really don't think he's getting them from those bags you mentioned, at least not at $7.99 each. Those bags look to be about 1 pound each, but this seller generally only gets $20 for 3 pounds or $35 for 6. When you then consider that he offers free shipping and also has seller fees to pay, he must be getting the parts much cheaper. Another curiosity was when the Batman sets were discontinued a year ago. Right after they were gone from the shelves, he ended up posting hundreds of copies of two of the sets (7885 and 7886). They were complete with unassembled figures, but parts only. No boxes, instructions, stickers, or even original sealed bags. I'm wondering if these were perhaps what was left mid-production and unpackaged when TLG decided to abruptly can the line? Interestingly enough, those are the only parts I've received from him that are all of fine quality. Interesting. Personally, I say gather up the marbled bricks in your reject pile, take a pic and send it to me, I might want them.Otherwise, unless you can pinpoint something specifically wrong that this seller is doing, you're just giving them free advertising. I want to buy a lot now just to see what I get, like LEGO gambling. Are you sure we're not the same person? Well Shadows, Alice, I wish all the defects were fun like marbled bricks! Unfortunately, many of the issues are minor, uninteresting, and just plain frustrating. Also, I've seen a few crushed ones in there too. More than just stepped on, but clearly obliterated from industrial machinery! I'll try to take pics soon. I may not get to for a day or two, because I'm away from my collection for now.
CP5670 Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 Once I had 2 1x1 round plates that were still connected via "junk" plastic! Do those ever make it into sets? If you're referring to the thing in the picture JCC posted, I always like to have more of those. Those sprues have several uses, especially in Space models. They used to be placed in sets like that until 1992. As far as I know, TLG started to manufacture the pieces individually at that point, without the sprues, but it's possible that the mold has remained the same and the sprue is simply removed at the factory.
dhaas06 Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 If you're referring to the thing in the picture JCC posted, I always like to have more of those. Those sprues have several uses, especially in Space models. They used to be placed in sets like that until 1992. As far as I know, TLG started to manufacture the pieces individually at that point, without the sprues, but it's possible that the mold has remained the same and the sprue is simply removed at the factory. It's nice to know what they're called! I didn't realize the sprues on 1x1 studs actually got released in sets before 1992; I started collecting in the mid-90s. They definitely still use them, though, because mine is in new brown!
JCC1004 Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 It's nice to know what they're called! I didn't realize the sprues on 1x1 studs actually got released in sets before 1992; I started collecting in the mid-90s. They definitely still use them, though, because mine is in new brown! If you look at one you can see the parts where the spruce was connected. Yes I qouted myself. TLG still uses spruces. Look at the studs from your newest set. If you look carefully aound the sides you will see an imperfection. That is where the stud was connected to the spruce. TLG removes them before placing them in boxes. There somethimes is one that gets through the production line. Have you relized that there is always an even numer of studs in a set? (including extras) A set could call for 3 studs and you get four becuase TLG only uses full spruces. How come I know all this stuff?
The Who Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 Otherwise, unless you can pinpoint something specifically wrong that this seller is doing, you're just giving them free advertising. I want to buy a lot now just to see what I get, like LEGO gambling. Just for the odd bricks, I think I want a few of those lots too. How come I know all this stuff? Maybe because you observe what is hidden in plain sight?
CP5670 Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 (edited) Yes I qouted myself. TLG still uses spruces. Look at the studs from your newest set. If you look carefully aound the sides you will see an imperfection. That is where the stud was connected to the spruce. TLG removes them before placing them in boxes. There somethimes is one that gets through the production line. Have you relized that there is always an even numer of studs in a set? (including extras) A set could call for 3 studs and you get four becuase TLG only uses full spruces. How come I know all this stuff? Interesting observation. I looked at some of my recent sets more carefully and what you say is quite right for the normal, ABS versions of this piece. However, the transparent colored ones, which are made of PC, have no connection point on the side and instead have a clear injection mark on the Lego logo on top, which suggests that they are produced with a different mold. (unlike the pre-1992 ones) Edited October 31, 2009 by CP5670
JCC1004 Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 Interesting observation. I looked at some of my recent sets more carefully and what you say is quite right for the normal, ABS versions of this piece. However, the transparent colored ones, which are made of PC, have no connection point on the side and instead have a clear injection mark on the Lego logo on top, which suggests that they are produced with a different mold. (unlike the pre-1992 ones) I did forget to mention it was only soild colors. If the transparent ones were are spruces the marks would be more noticeable then on the solid colors. It is strange how TLG uses different moulds over time. It reminds me hoe TLG made different moulds for the cheaper figs after they had been using the same ones for decades.
Karto Posted November 1, 2009 Posted November 1, 2009 (edited) Another curiosity was when the Batman sets were discontinued a year ago. Right after they were gone from the shelves, he ended up posting hundreds of copies of two of the sets (7885 and 7886). They were complete with unassembled figures, but parts only. No boxes, instructions, stickers, or even original sealed bags. I'm wondering if these were perhaps what was left mid-production and unpackaged when TLG decided to abruptly can the line? Interestingly enough, those are the only parts I've received from him that are all of fine quality. He probably gets his parts from larger stores (Toys Я Us alike). I've seen it once, here in Belgium with a local toy store chain which has quite a large amount of returned and defect goods to manage. In fact, it is too large to start processing every single item because of the nature of the possible failure (missing parts, damaged box, delivery incident, etc.) and because of the amount of administration to return it to TLG. So instead of losing time and money, they drop the 'trash' somewhere in a warehouse and sell the whole thing as bulk every year or so. That's usually a foreseen cost by large companies, something like the cost caused by theft. The lot I saw was probably over 1 ton and there was one set in particular (from the Racers theme) which was present in a large amount. All the boxes were crushed and it looked like it was caused by some forklift truck accident. I guess that's the kind of sets you'll sell without the damaged boxes and instructions and just leave the bags. This can also explain the amount of damaged - but yet new - parts. On the other hand, I've seen several times here on EB, topics about bulk purchases of 1m³ (1,000 litres) parts. The last picture I remember had lots of those horrible lime green parts. Another thing: It also happens that people having a large Bricklink store sell there worthless parts in bulk on eBay. You can find some pictures on Brickshelf from such stores buying thousands of boxes (especially the ones that are on sale) and sorting all the pieces out, one by one... Edited November 1, 2009 by Karto
EllieMental Posted November 8, 2009 Posted November 8, 2009 (edited) About the above ebay sales with suspicious origins, is this the sort of thing our Ambassadors can pass on? This seller is shifting a lot of lego bricks. Based on what people have said, as far as I can see, the only fully legitimate way he could be operating is by being a returns reseller. But surely you're talking a fairly sizeable contract, one store isn't going to generate this many returns, right? Has anyone tried asking him what his source is? Btw, he's also selling just the Batcycle and batman minifig from 7886 The Batcycle Edited November 8, 2009 by EllieMental
PittSOB Posted November 9, 2009 Posted November 9, 2009 I don't know how he gets those bricks but it annoys the hell out of me when im searching for legos and 100 of his auctions comes up. It annoys me even more with the whole picture only represents an example thing.
dhaas06 Posted November 9, 2009 Posted November 9, 2009 He probably gets his parts from larger stores (Toys Я Us alike). I've seen it once, here in Belgium with a local toy store chain which has quite a large amount of returned and defect goods to manage. In fact, it is too large to start processing every single item because of the nature of the possible failure (missing parts, damaged box, delivery incident, etc.) and because of the amount of administration to return it to TLG. So instead of losing time and money, they drop the 'trash' somewhere in a warehouse and sell the whole thing as bulk every year or so. That's usually a foreseen cost by large companies, something like the cost caused by theft. The lot I saw was probably over 1 ton and there was one set in particular (from the Racers theme) which was present in a large amount. All the boxes were crushed and it looked like it was caused by some forklift truck accident. I guess that's the kind of sets you'll sell without the damaged boxes and instructions and just leave the bags. This can also explain the amount of damaged - but yet new - parts.On the other hand, I've seen several times here on EB, topics about bulk purchases of 1m³ (1,000 litres) parts. The last picture I remember had lots of those horrible lime green parts. Another thing: It also happens that people having a large Bricklink store sell there worthless parts in bulk on eBay. You can find some pictures on Brickshelf from such stores buying thousands of boxes (especially the ones that are on sale) and sorting all the pieces out, one by one... Thanks! You definitely provided a lot of interesting information here, and I think either one of these scenarios is possible. About the above ebay sales with suspicious origins, is this the sort of thing our Ambassadors can pass on?This seller is shifting a lot of lego bricks. Based on what people have said, as far as I can see, the only fully legitimate way he could be operating is by being a returns reseller. But surely you're talking a fairly sizeable contract, one store isn't going to generate this many returns, right? Has anyone tried asking him what his source is? Btw, he's also selling just the Batcycle and batman minifig from 7886 The Batcycle I completely agree, and I too wonder if it's worth passing on to the ambassadors. It's time to get some answers. As I said before, I've gotten way too many damaged parts from these lots. A lot of you were marveling at the idea of unique finds like marbled bricks, but unfortunately most of the stuff has been worthless, like round studs where the stud is actually crushed flat into the piece or mangled girders. Yes, I have asked what his source is, and I was very polite and asked simply out of genuine curiosity (this was before I got fed up). No reply. That Batcycle and minifig from 7886 are actually left over from a year ago, when he was selling both sealed polybags from the set as separate items. The Harley Quinn minifig + truck sold out a long time ago. I don't know how he gets those bricks but it annoys the hell out of me when im searching for legos and 100 of his auctions comes up. It annoys me even more with the whole picture only represents an example thing. Agreed. I understand that his secrecy may just be to protect his sources to prevent competition, but it's time to learn the truth, because otherwise it leaves us to suspect something illegal or unethical. I know some of the Lego plants have had major security issues in the past (and may still), and it would make me sick to think that this guy could be getting these parts without permission.
Zorbas Posted November 15, 2009 Posted November 15, 2009 "This is madness!!!" "Madness? This is Sparta eBay!!!"
WhiteFang Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 "This is madness!!!""Madness? This is Sparta eBay!!!" I find its quite a pity to know that he is putting up his collection for sales... Sigh...
chris_austin Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 On eBay UK there are several Medieval Market Village for sale and they are all well above RRP. I'll get mine 30% cheaper direct from LEGO, thanks. (cheaper shipping with TLC too!) Zorbas, what was that auction? It has been removed now...
Zorbas Posted November 16, 2009 Posted November 16, 2009 Zorbas, what was that auction? It has been removed now... Some guy was selling a HUGE -and when I say huge, I mean HUGE!- number of sets, 99% MISB, from Star Wars, City and other themes. There were many large sets in the auction like 10179, trains, buildings and many sets were in multiple copies. If I remember correctly there were 3 or 4 7744 Police Stations for example. There was a complete organised list of all the sets and how many copies from them and just looking at that list was like riding a rollercoaster! I cannot estimate the number of sets but if I say >100 I think I'll be in the spot. The price was $25000.
chris_austin Posted November 20, 2009 Posted November 20, 2009 I was outbid on this set: 7121 Naboo Swamp I'll go to Bricklink and buy a MISB one for less, thanks.
SupaaSayajin Posted November 21, 2009 Posted November 21, 2009 Yeah ebay nowadays is freaky, sometimes its way cheaper than bricklink sometimes its way more expensive... nobody can tell for sure..
LordGalewind Posted November 22, 2009 Posted November 22, 2009 Bidding on eBay has become nightmarish...people having crappy listings where you don't get enough info or you get an item that wasn't as described, those evil snipe bidders, and people paying ridiculous prices for sets they could get cheaper elsewhere (i.e. an 8258 Crane Truck sold for over $200 when it was available on lego.com and not on backorder). Bidding has become mad, rushing, and fearsome fight to get things anymore.
Sisco Posted December 1, 2009 Posted December 1, 2009 I don't think that Cloudcars Usually go for this cheap .
Sisco Posted December 2, 2009 Posted December 2, 2009 It's just a shame I didn't see it before 3 seconds left.
Karto Posted December 4, 2009 Posted December 4, 2009 (edited) Yeah ebay nowadays is freaky, sometimes its way cheaper than bricklink sometimes its way more expensive... nobody can tell for sure.. You've done some pretty amazing sales on eBay.de lately. 2 vintage 6374, several rare US-Only sets, 6380, 6372, 6399 (US), etc all MISB. Do you have some pictures of your hidden vault with all that stuff? I have seen a used 1525 container lorry (with box) being sold for 1300$ on bricklink lately. I'm wondering what these people would give for a MISB one. Edited December 4, 2009 by Karto
SupaaSayajin Posted December 5, 2009 Posted December 5, 2009 You've done some pretty amazing sales on eBay.de lately. 2 vintage 6374, several rare US-Only sets, 6380, 6372, 6399 (US), etc all MISB. Do you have some pictures of your hidden vault with all that stuff?I have seen a used 1525 container lorry (with box) being sold for 1300$ on bricklink lately. I'm wondering what these people would give for a MISB one. Nah I don't have pictures of my "hidden vault" because all my sets are kept in cartonages, as I don't have too much space. I have to sell some sets, because I am doing an expensive apprenticeship and dont have time to work. But that's it for now, I will sell more when I need the money. I know its a pitty to let all those amazing sets go, but at least i receive good price for most of them.. But ebay is really just a lottery, some days you get way more than bricklink, some days you get way less.. I don't think container lorry would go for more than ~600 , the maersk trucks though sell amazingly 2000 - 3000$..
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