10179 UCS Falcon Pricing

[jasonsmith]

Again, it's not an issue of money. Yes, TLG could very easily re-release the UCS again and make a lot of money but they won't. Why? Because more than many other companies, they value the relationship they have with the AFOL community, and are intimately aware of its grey-market industry.

I'm sorry but it is about money and that is why TLG is not going to re-issue it... yet. The frenzy cause by this and the "investors" who have jumped onto the Lego bandwagon are worth far more than the amount they would take in by a re-issue. If anyone thinks blindly that TLG is willing to NOT make money because of a relationship they need a reality check, businesses do not stay afloat that way. There is no doubt that Lego has been awakened to the AFOL market, but that must not be confused with them having a relationship with the AFOL.

[helicaon]

Late to the economics lesson!

But UCS sets are not 'just a toy', they were never designed for children and laymen, thus they were never designed around the limitations of playability/price/marketability to appear to a mass audience. UCS sets were designed purely for the niche, collector AFOL demographic, and because of that, TLG is not entitled to please everyone with the pricing or length of the run. This is like any other collector's item whether it be collectible games, prints, cars etc, it's not a bag of plastic or a 'toy' in the same way the Mona Lisa isn't just dried paint on canvas. It's the exclusive, limited and expensive nature of the product that increases desirability and appreciation in their customers.

And if you think this is bad, what about rare antiques which are auctioned to the highest bidder? Or collectible sneakers and film prints that are produced in such limited runs that they have more customers willing to pay for them than they have items, which induces scalping? The UCS Falcon was on shelves for a very long time, it was listed on the Lego website for just as long and even its cancellation was met with news on boards such as EB, warning fans to pick one up if they haven't done so yet. IMO TLG has been more than fair and thus has no obligation to fulfilling everyones' wants. It's just how the cookie crumbles.

Again, it's not an issue of money. Yes, TLG could very easily re-release the UCS again and make a lot of money but they won't. Why? Because more than many other companies, they value the relationship they have with the AFOL community, and are intimately aware of its grey-market industry. Doing such a thing is short-sighted and implausible because it's completely unprecedented and secondly, it does cheapen the product and the company. If TLG re-released this set, it would utterly destroy the goodwill they've cultivated with fans, and nuke the value of their products. While you might wonder how this can possibly screw them over (since they're not making any more from a second hand sale), how could Lego possibly justify the cost of subsequent collector's sets, when the people willing to pay the UCS profit margin only do so because we trust Lego's word?

TLDR: The fact is, it boils down to supply and demand. I was fortunate enough to pick one up for $750 AUD when it was available and even knowing how much they're worth now, would not have picked up a second because I'm not in it for financial gain. At the same, there are plenty of sets I kick myself for not buying, but acknowledge that it was my failure to act. It's the nature of the game, if you wanted the UCS, it was readily available, and even at full RRP it'll likely be cheaper than how much the BLers are trying to piece together (without the headache/heartache).

Sigh... Comparing any mass produced set to the Mona Lisa or any other artwork is just not logical captain, and is not really the same thing at all. And again - another version of this set, which would NOT be the same as the previous one, would not change the exclusivity or desirability of the previous version for anybody except "investors" (and probably not even a great deal for them) collectors would still have the set they bought, it would still be limited edition and it would still be there in all its massive gorgeousness, it would still be difficult to get for all those lazy people who didn't have the money to buy it when it was available (like me) - after all, I have the The Jango Fett minifig, and his wee boy with the printed limbs - but I wouldn't suddenly deem them worthless, or not worth an effort to obtain if a new Jango or printed Boba was released.

I'm not saying I think there will be a re-issue of the UCS MF, nor that I think there SHOULD be a re-issue, but I just cannot agree that any such re-issue would cause waves of resentment and revolt among the massed ranks of AFOLs.

Edited September 12, 2011 by helicaon

[Strand]

I'm sorry but it is about money and that is why TLG is not going to re-issue it... yet. The frenzy cause by this and the "investors" who have jumped onto the Lego bandwagon are worth far more than the amount they would take in by a re-issue. If anyone thinks blindly that TLG is willing to NOT make money because of a relationship they need a reality check, businesses do not stay afloat that way. There is no doubt that Lego has been awakened to the AFOL market, but that must not be confused with them having a relationship with the AFOL.

So I take it everything in the first paragraph you agreed with then? That the UCS line is not designed for children, so there is no reason for Lego to price or market them ‘appropriately.’ The set stayed on shelves and on Lego Shop At Home for plenty of time and fans were given ample warning to pick one up, months if I recall.

As to your initial question about it being overpriced? Evidently not, as plenty purchased them at the RRP and even now, BLers are paying more via the more complicated route. The set was never overpriced, the aftermarket value is. But that’s not TLG’s fault, nor is it the fans who did pick it up, or even the ‘investors’ fault. They weren’t actively denying you from purchasing one when they were available, as stock was always plentiful. They’re not even the reason why it’s overpriced now, well after you now decided you wanted one. The people you should take issue with, are the desperate fans who aren’t voting with their wallets, and ARE paying these scalpers what they want, keeping the market value so high.

The comments about TLG ‘not being a business’ are your words alone, and any perceived fiscal naivety is at your end. TLG won’t release this set because, as mentioned, it’s unprecedented, and secondly (but more importantly), it’s unsound business practice. Lego’s not on the ropes, that they desperately need a short-term windfall that would jeopardise their subsequent UCS releases. UCS sets are a range specially aimed at pleasing the collector demographic, the kind who do their research because they’re about to drop a hunk of change on an expensive toy, with an ample profit margin. TLG would never again be able to justify these prices and shatter any goodwill felt towards their brand, which is far more damaging than missing the paltry $ they can make through re-releasing a single set. Business isn’t always about milking as much as you can while you can, like it’s going out of fashion, especially not one with a history as Lego’s.

I take it you really are new to EB and other AFOL communities and thus, completely unaware of the correspondence between them and TLG? The fact that many TLG releases, roadmaps and promotions are very much affected by fans?

Additionally, re-releasing a UCS set takes up another release slot that should have been taken up by something new, or actually NEEDS a re-design, something which will please everyone, instead of a minority of malcontents. Every time this happens, some people will complain about how they want one but couldn’t get one, if the bus stopped for every case, it wouldn’t move at all. And this is where the self-interested and persecuted complex kicks in, because each of these groups who missed out on sets X, Y, Z will demand the re-release of their particular set and not give a second thought to any of the rest. Hell, usually they want new sets too! They just... want their own particular wants to be handed first. Almost as if Lego’s obligated to pleasing the needs of every fan who didn’t act until the eleventh hour. So every time a particularly valuable set has come and gone, this board will fill with threads, very much like this, where someone will initially wish for the line to be extended... then they’ll try the secondary channels, and lastly settle on wishing. Wishing for TLG to make a ridiculous, myopic and unprecedented business decision like this for no other reason, than a sudden and uncharacteristic desire for money.

Sigh... Comparing any mass produced set to the Mona Lisa or any other artwork is just not logical captain, and is not really the same thing at all. And again - another version of this set, which would NOT be the same as the previous one, would not change the exclusivity or desirability of the previous version for anybody except "investors" (and probably not even a great deal for them) collectors would still have the set they bought, it would still be limited edition and it would still be there in all its massive gorgeousness, it would still be difficult to get for all those lazy people who didn't have the money to buy it when it was available (like me) - after all, I have the The Jango Fett minifig, and his wee boy with the printed limbs - but I wouldn't suddenly deem them worthless, or not worth an effort to obtain if a new Jango or printed Boba was released.

I'm not saying I think there will be a re-issue of the UCS MF, nor that I think there SHOULD be a re-issue, but I just cannot agree that any such re-issue would cause waves of resentment and revolt among the massed ranks of AFOLs.

I'm saying it's analogous in the same way any collectible produced now comes out with the asterisk that the line is indeed limited. If any of you collect rare videogames, cars or artwork, then it's very much the same principle. If an artist produces a run of X number of art prints and demands much more than what it would normally cost, but limit it to a printing run of 10,000 people will be willing to pay more than if it was a regular item, and those very people will be very disgruntled if he suddenly decides after they're all bought and sold, that he'll print an extra 50,000. Such an artist loses all integrity.

I'm not arguing against the complete lack of any Falcons from now until the end of time. But if you approach it from that angle, it's not particularly likely either, as it has never been done, and the whole point of the UCS Falcon, was that a designer was allowed to 'go nuts' which is why it costs as much as it did, and was 5100 pieces. It's as close to perfect as it can be, the first time round. Any deliberate alteration will only disservice this amazing set, to appease all groups.

And just before people call me unreasonable, I understand what you feel. It's a great set, and missing out on one really does suck, but as you yourself acknowledged, you were lazy and/or didn't have the money. Lego cannot possibly make concessions for every case when someone's down on their home payments or car rego, otherwise they'd be a loans office and have a big APPROVED/DENIED stamp set. It's much like life, sometimes you're in a good position and get something you want, sometimes you're not. But plenty of people are now paying more, later and with a lot more blood and sweat. Everyone has to play by the same rules, and for all the things I've been unlucky enough to miss out on, I suck it up. Blaming the game doesn't get you anywhere.

[thewatchman]

Hey guys, im currently collecting the parts for this because i had no oppertunity to get it first time around.

Im kinda surprised no one has ordered bulk grey rigging and satellite dishes from part replacement to sell online.

But now im left really wishing i had got this when it was available :(

In terms of pricing for those interested im at the 2700 part mark and ive spent about 300.

[StoutFiles]

Agree fully with Strand.

I guess we'll just see if TLG rereleases this set, but don't count on it. Lego makes a fortune whether they do or don't, and believe it or not, hardcore collectors/hoarders increase the value of the brand. They may dislike their huge profits but love how they make Lego's a hot item.

Edited September 12, 2011 by StoutFiles

[echobasehoth]

i have ordered bricks at lego customer service for a fellow eurobricks member that didnt have the option to do that. i talked with the girl in customer service and she found all the difficult ones that is hard (an expensive) to get on bricklink. but she told me that the grey lever and 1 some other parts for the 10179 (probably the light bluish grey boat mast rigging) and one of the plates isnt in production anymore and stock of those will soon be out.

[adello25]

i have ordered bricks at lego customer service for a fellow eurobricks member that didnt have the option to do that. i talked with the girl in customer service and she found all the difficult ones that is hard (an expensive) to get on bricklink. but she told me that the grey lever and 1 some other parts for the 10179 (probably the light bluish grey boat mast rigging) and one of the plates isnt in production anymore and stock of those will soon be out.

I just did a replacement parts order for the 10179 also, I needed a few extra parts and I ordered 2 extra mast riggings so when they come in, they will be available for someone who needs them.

I believe the plate you are talking about is the Dark Red 6x14 plate. The plate is not really visible so if you substitute a LBG it wont make much of a difference. But I would not stand knowing that i used hte wrong color so I had to buy one of the dark red plates off BrickLink so everything would match.

[The_Chosen_1]

There is also a Dark Red 6x14 plate with 10215, which is still in production. It should be around for a little while longer, at least.

[adello25]

There is also a Dark Red 6x14 plate with 10215, which is still in production. It should be around for a little while longer, at least.

I actually checked the replacement parts section for that set and the 6x14 dark red plate was not there. I believe the piece itself may be out of production so you can not order any of them.

I did contemplate buying that set and "borrowing" the dark red plate, but then either way I would need another one.

[jasonsmith]

As to your initial question about it being overpriced? Evidently not, as plenty purchased them at the RRP and even now, BLers are paying more via the more complicated route. The set was never overpriced, the aftermarket value is.

Strand I get that this (EB, Lego etc) plays a large roll in your life, I can feel your passion within your post. I apologize for all out disagreeing with you as I feared it may evoke a response like above, I should have stated "in my opinion". It is not my intention in the least to try and convince you of my beliefs on the subject, not that I could considering what you think of me...

I take it you really are new to EB and other AFOL communities and thus, completely unaware of the correspondence between them and TLG? The fact that many TLG releases, roadmaps and promotions are very much affected by fans?

What's the point in playing after that card has been put down.

You don't know me, you don't know what I do, and you don't know what I know but it seems as though you are trying to put me in my place because I disagreed with you. I concede, in efforts of keeping my sanity and spare time.

I am however trying to find my overpriced question that you responded to...

I actually checked the replacement parts section for that set and the 6x14 dark red plate was not there. I believe the piece itself may be out of production so you can not order any of them.

It's worthwhile to check with Lego while on the phone for the parts you don't see in the replacement parts section. Just have the Lego part numbers from the back of the instruction book ready to give them.

[adello25]

It's worthwhile to check with Lego while on the phone for the parts you don't see in the replacement parts section. Just have the Lego part numbers from the back of the instruction book ready to give them.

Hmmm that's true! I didn't even think of that. It would have saved me a few bucks too because I ended up paying around $6 on Bricklink for the dark red plate.

[Darth Dino]

Hi

I have checked today Legos "lost a part" online service. Surprizingly they offered me all parts of the MF including the Radar dish (25€ at BL). Do they check afterwards some kind of serialnumber or are you only allowed to order this way single parts each partnumber? I will not buy more of one dish, but maybe 16x a bley technic brick that is otherwise hard to get.

Can you also give recommendations (maybe a list of parts) which parts better should ordered in a way at Lego directly?

Dino

Edited September 13, 2011 by Darth Dino

[adello25]

Hi

I have checked today Legos "lost a part" online service. Surprizingly they offered me all parts of the MF including the Radar dish (25€ at BL). Do they check afterwards some kind of serialnumber or are you only allowed to order this way single parts each partnumber? I will not buy more of one dish, but maybe 16x a bley technic brick that is otherwise hard to get.

Can you also give recommendations (maybe a list of parts) which parts better should ordered in a way at Lego directly?

Dino

I believe that since this is a licensed set, if you request replacement parts for the minifig parts you need to provide the 7 digit number from the back of the instruction manual. I did however, get around this once; I just placed an order with a few minifigs from Batman and the Lego rep never asked for the 7 digit number. She just put the order through as normal/.

I ordered the rader dish, the 1x16 Dark Bluish Grey Technic bricks, the Yellow technic corner bricks, the all great levers, the 3 different size hoses, and the mast rigging from Lego replacement program and I did not run into a problem at all.

[Darth Dino]

Hi

Good to know that they are probable asking for the number on the manual. This one is "eaten by the dog" or "redesigned as paper planes by my son" ;)

I think if you obviously doing this for yourself and a single model, no one will hurt you. It will be differnt if you have a bricklink shop and oder 10 of them ;)

Dino

[adello25]

Hi

Good to know that they are probable asking for the number on the manual. This one is "eaten by the dog" or "redesigned as paper planes by my son" ;)

I think if you obviously doing this for yourself and a single model, no one will hurt you. It will be differnt if you have a bricklink shop and oder 10 of them ;)

Dino

Haha well I actually tried that once. I said "Well I've moved a few times and can't seem to find the instructions anymore" but they guy told me that he "needed" that number for the order to go through.

Right, I basically tried that with some older sets because I just came out of the dark ages and getting pieces or a minifigure that way was way cheaper. I'm a collector and just missed out on some pretty fancy sets.

[echobasehoth]

with the 10179 increasng pricess, it might be better to use your dollar bills on this one

dollar falcon

[qvack]

Any of you guys who have made a set from parts have a guesstimate on how much it cost you in the end?

[jasonsmith]

Any of you guys who have made a set from parts have a guesstimate on how much it cost you in the end?

There are a few factors, but somewhere from $500-700 USD would be my guess. There are some tips in the previous posts to help you along.

[qvack]

There are a few factors, but somewhere from $500-700 USD would be my guess. There are some tips in the previous posts to help you along.

I live in Australia unfortunately, and lego won't ship replacement parts here. So unless I can find someone in the states willing to order it for me, it looks like I'm stuck with bricklink :(

[Cwetqo]

I am just disasembling it and i am again suprised how large of bricks it is. I am almost sorry that i didnt buy one just for lbg parts and alll detailing parts.

I also did not think that it would be sondifficult to disassemble. Outer skin goes well, but interior structure is demanding even for long time bulider like myself.

Btw, where in manual is reference number for ordering spare parts. I looked everywhere but i was not able to find it.

[The_Chosen_1]

Btw, where in manual is reference number for ordering spare parts. I looked everywhere but i was not able to find it.

In the parts list toward the back of the manual, each element has a corresponding number directly underneath it.

[Cwetqo]

I know about those numbers. I thought that there some kind of unique identifier for each falcon, to prevent unauthorized ordering of spare parts.

[adello25]

I know about those numbers. I thought that there some kind of unique identifier for each falcon, to prevent unauthorized ordering of spare parts.

That is for Licensed parts. So if you were to order the minifig parts via the replacement parts program, you would need to provide that number to "prove" that you already own the set.

That number is a 7 digit (I believe) that is located on the back of the instruction manual.

[Praiter Yed]

Watched a brand new boxed one of these go on eBay yesterday for £1,270 + £30 postage (totalling around 1,485 Euro or 2,050 USD) that's the most I've ever seen one sell for. Suddenly becoming quite tempting to sell mine.

Edited September 16, 2011 by Praiter Yed

[apps]

Who here thinks $13.45US is a little too cheap for shipping of a ucs falcon from the states to australia?