How would you feel about re-releases?

madforLEGO

Yes, because Lego should care about set values 5 years down the road..
So I guess Playmobil and Kenner/Hasbro should too....
But why stop there?
Lets see Lego Re-release the 7740, and the 7750.. I mean there are demand for those too... how about 10027? The Sante Fe cars (which again did not sell that well)
What else can they re-release??
Id say do that for the Metroliner, but they did.. and Lego had to dump them for half off (75 dollars) due to no one buying them for 150..
I think people keep misunderstanding that 100 people, or even 1000 people, do not make the majority of the toy market and it is a simple fact that not many people buy these.. either to no funds, or other reasons.... then they eventually sell out. People who were not buying them miss out then start clamoring for a re-release.. Market streets are expensive due to their colors and the fact that no one wanted to pay 90 dollars for one back when they were out, which forced Lego to stop selling them... Lego is not going to re-release a set that will only sell to 100 or even 1000 people.. It is amazing they even still do the modulars now. You can also thank resellers for this demand in the modulars.. love them or, most likely, hate them, they also cause sales which means the sets will be popular..same with AFOLs that want parts, but again if people already have them you have many people that would be really not buy these if they were re-released...
And again if they were then what is the criteria of re-release? Cause I have many train sets I would love to see come back as well as 'classic' town sets....

And to those thinking it does not cost Lego to redo these you are wrong.. it still costs them packing fees, production fees, advertising fees, distribution fees... Lego has learned from the 'Legends' lines, redone sets simply do not sell that well (resellers aside). Also, like others have pointed out numerous times, many of the parts and or colors are not being made anymore so cost going into that as well...
They are not going to do that, and also cause consumer confidence to wane thinking that Lego is just going to start rehashing old sets.
Lego wants to keep things fresh (although they have 'phoned it in' with some of the Potter sets, and most likely will bring back the original designs for Batman and Spiderman)
I just do not think there is enough demand as opposed to a new set...

Istokg

madforlegos... I was surprised that TLG ever released the #398 U.S.S. Constellation set back in the early 2000s.... the original set was a failure (all the Hobby Sets were... unfortunately)... but to re-release a set that was a failure the first time... (need a scratching head Emoticon).

vwong19

It almost seems like semantics this argument about re-releases. Maybe Lego will not reproduce one of their sets exactly as one already released, but Lego continues to release sets that appear similar to previously released models (i.e. Star Wars, Pirates, City, etc). These updates, in many occasions, are better than their predecessors. For example, sometimes the sets are the same or very similar (i.e. Maersk Container Ship 2004 and 2010). There doesn't seem to be any argument opposing the release of previously seen Star War sets. It seems like many are advocating the "re-release" of Cafe Corner and Market St, but with an interior, which would satisify those who already own one and definitely those who do not. If Lego replaces a brick or minifig from one of these sets, then it is not a re-release to the strictest meaning.

^^A big reason why Market St didn't sell well back in 2008 was because people didn't realize that the Modular would be part of a subset that would be expanded beyond Cafe Corner. Alone the building is not particularly remarkable, but as a collection, it is obvious that it is popular.

Lego has produced many failures, besides the Legends line (I am not familiar with this line because I was still in the dark ages), which includes new themes and sets such a PoP, Toy Story, etc. No one is arguing that it would be free to resell old Modular sets, but instead of selling sets that no one is begging for (i.e. PoP), why not sell sets that people are demanding... like Modulars?

Lego finally will be producing DC and Marvel related sets. Could anyone argue that the inflated prices on the Batman and Spiderman line were not some indication on their popularity? I see Batman/Spiderman and Modulars as VERY similar examples of sets that Lego should produce more of and re-release. Although we do not know what we will be getting related to DC, we at least know Batman and other DC characters will be available at affordable prices and both LEGO and their fans will be happy that they did it.

With the redesign of the current train sets, don't be surprised that the Sante Fe cars won't eventually get re-released. I believe there is a new generation of collectors who will be clamoring for those beauties.

trypticon

I don't mind about rereleases, because I don't purchase Lego with the intent of making a quick buck after sets get discontinued.

I was very happy when Lego brought back the 32x32 blue baseplates. Greedy sellers on Ebay were posting them for upwards of $20.00 each for quite a while before they went on sale again. After they started reselling them, I liked to go look at Ebay and see them listed at outrageous prices, and not selling at all.

Good times.

I'd also love for Lego to rerelease something as recent as the series 1 figures, if for no other reason than to see all the crazily priced ones on Ebay sit there and not sell.

Then again, I have doubts they are selling well on Ebay anyway. I've been holding onto seven complete sets of series 2 since last year, and have yet to sell a single one in my listings on Ebay. Craigslist, I've sold a bunch, which is confusing since that's just local, but on Ebay, which is global? Not a one. I'm not even trying during the summer.

But then, series 2 seemed to stick around forever like the smell of a skunk passing through, a bit like series 3, which I've realized today has now been available in store for eight months, easily, unlike series 1, which was around for possibly three weeks alone in my area, and then gone, outside of the damn crash test dummy and diver that still show up at a few shops around town.

Shortly ran things like... well, outside of series 1, I'm having difficulty remembering any short tuns I didn't get a hold of.

Oh yeah, that stupid Star Wars Episode 1 dealy that dispensed the battle droids out onto the field during the war is a good example, since it wasn't out very long and was a great source of brown parts.

princedraven

^ Strange post....you seem to slate 'Greedy sellers on Ebay', then state that you haven't managed to sell a single set of series 2 (CMF's).
"I liked to go look at Ebay and see them listed at outrageous prices, and not selling at all." = bizarre pass time for someone who must have listed their series 2 sets at 'outrageous prices' or surely they would have sold....
Maybe I am missing something??

trypticon

Nah, my price was the same as the others listed, or below sometimes. My fiance was killing any interest with her idea of a shipping price though.

When I stated that the Series 2 figures have been selling well on Craigslist locally for me, it is due to listing them there at the same price without the price for shipping.

A global market is playing the numbers on a larger scale than a local market. Since I was charging the same between the two markets, which was only a few bucks over what the original retail price was for the full collection anyway, it makes sense that they were selling pretty well locally when shipping wasn't involved. But add the ten dollars shipping that my faince was demanding, and which I know full well isn't warrented unless I was going to ship them in a gold box to people, then interest from the larger market diminished.

So yes, you were missing something, and that's no big deal because I didn't provide specific details about the auctions price and shipping. We are not familiar with one another on a mental level, so confusion or surprise over our corresponding thought patterns is expected.

Or you can consider the idea that I don't actively look for overpriced items on Ebay, but rather items of interest that are a decent price, and I happen to run across overly priced items regularly. It's not a past time to look for expensive things and then watch them to see that they don't sell. It is a past time to be interested in this hobby, look for things that I'm interested in either regaining, or purchasing for the first time, and continually browse Ebay in order to find decent prices on things. Looking for a specific item number or set name is going to bring up the same auctions as long as they are running, which does include overly priced ones that I often see not selling.

Is this beginning to make more sense to you now?

Before the blue baseplates were rereleased, I was very interested in purchasing a number of them for a display I was working on at the time. Because they didn't sell them in retaila nymore, I'd often go to Ebay to look for decently priced plates, and instead found them for over twenty bucks each.

When they were rereleased, I did pick up a bunch at a Lego store nearby, and out of curiosity, went to Ebay again to check the prices. I was surprised that people were still listing them at the higher price for seemingly some time after they were established again in retail.

princedraven

Fair enough, just think some people are very blinkered. They slate people for charging too much for things they want to buy and then charge just as inflated prices for things they want to sell! Obviously everyone wants to get as much as they can for their goods, just surprised some people seem to fool themselves into thinking everyone else is a ripoff merchant and that they are just trying to earn a fair buck! :)
Not aimed at you Trypticon, just an observation.

Yellowcastle

I too was very happy to see the blue baseplates return. Now if only they would bring back the road plates with grass snd/or sell the tan plates as a pack.

As far as the CMF go, I see the situation as a perfect storm. Retailers didnt order enough which both primed the pump and then created a vacuum. But then the markets were flooded with S3 and S4 back to back and a convergent malaise developed.

Throw in the calendar and BAM distribution and you have almost cannibalized the collectibility of the figures. I cant imagine theres any profitability left in trying to resell them but am glad the avenue exists for those late to the party.

mobi

I mailed Lego and asked whether they consider it is a marketing decision not to bring back older models.

They replied that technically it is very much possible to bring back any older sets. They actually track how many people ask them to re-release a specific set. If the demand goes over a threshold (they didn't tell me that actual figure), they will seriously reconsider re-releasing those sets again. Only exception is the "limited edition" models - which will never be released as this would upset the customers who bought it because it was marketed as "limited edition".

I think Lego did re-introduce few Technic sets in the past (I don't keep track of any sets other than Technic).

So, if you really want a set to be resurrected from past, at least drop a mail to Lego requesting for re-release.

It might affect the resellers who like to stock items as investment.

The_Brick_Builder

I would hate to see it happen to the modulars.

Renny

I'm looking at you Star Wars: Cloud City. People are selling MSIB sets for $1000+ on ebay. To think it retailed for $99. Wow.

prevere

This has certainly been discussed before. And not getting into the AFOL / Reseller aspect (chicken/egg), but only from a colors, mould, production aspect - it would be hard.

Anything pre-2003 or 2004 involving light gray and dark gray, would be very expensive since Lego has since changed to different variations of those colors (light bluish and dark bluish grays); not to mention the use of older moulds and packaging.

I think the biggest problem is space and time on the production floor. There facilities are packed 24-7 solid for just the current lines.

graphite

^ I would think a "re-release" from LEGO's stand point would include an update to the newer versions of the pieces, mainly for the manufacturing logistics issue. Same goes for packaging. They 're-released' a couple of the pirate ships. They were roughly the same but were given a new set number, packaging etc.

The factory floor issue is one they would consider with the demand that caused the desire to re-release to begin with. They obviously know what they are doing on that respect.

dougts

I think that this is just PR/Marketing spin. Sure, they are going to tell you that on the phone or by a response to mail, but I think they are just trying to keep you happy. They know that 1) they are unlikely to ever get such a groundswell grass roots campaign for any one particular set, and 2) if they did, they could easily just say "sorry, can't do it", and give any one of several reasons (lack of molds, no production space, don't want to compete with other SKUs, etc.)

It's hard to imagine a scenario whereby they could sell more of re-released set X than they could if they instead used that product slot on brand new set Y instead. Maybe a UCS MF or Taj Mahal or something, but even then I suspect they could sell more of an alternative product instead, and they would potentially be hurting sales for all their high-end collectible products for years to come. Once they show they are willing to re-release, people would be afraid to buy up a bunch of sets for later aftermarket sales. This hurts LEGO sales of those items, probably by a not insignificant amount. Thus, any re-release would more likely be some run of the mill set like the 3222 or something.

Oldfan

IIRC, re-releases under the Legends banner in 2000-2001 included 2 castle sets and 2 town sets from the early- to mid-80's, the Black Seas Barracuda from '89, and maybe a couple of others? It seemed like the Legends sets were 10+ years retired when they were re-released (for the record, with new set numbers, new part numbers if the headpiece was retired, etc.). There are some classic sets, 20+ years retired, that people might really enjoy and would not hurt the resellers' environment too much. I would fully expect that any "new Legends" sets would use Bley and Reddish Brown and any new replacement molds for long-obsolete parts, and personally I'd have no issues with this (because if I'd really wanted 6390 instead of 10041, I'd have bought 6390 instead of 10041...).

On the other hand, Legends came out right when many AFOL were just getting back into the hobby via Star Wars theme, so maybe TLG used Legends as a way to turbo-charge our collective obsession by reminding us of how cool LEGO sets could be? If so, with the company now more successful than ever, TLG has no similar incentive to bring back a Legends-like program. The Ninjago and Hero Factory kids don't care, and the AFOL has plenty of new (and long-awaited) themes to choose from, so why revisit the past? Too bad, IMO, but at least the company is doing well and our hobby is secure for the time being!

Duchessa

Lego has re-released sets from several themes. 6074 - 10039 and 6067 - 10000 is the most known examples. Like Oldfan said, they also re-released three pirate sets. I can also recall two town sets 10036 and 10037.

starfire2

I would welcome a rerealese of the Green Grocer and Cafe Corner. I don't have the money to buy them on Ebay or the patience to Bricklink the pieces.

dougts

^ I don't have either of these either, nor am I willing to pay the current prices for them. That said, I DON'T want them to be re-released. That means two less new sets that I and others could enjoy instead. I missed out on those two, but at some point you just have to accept it. Everyone missed out on something before they came out of the dark ages. Such is life. but there's always a new set around the corner to enjoy. Look forward, not back!

The_Brick_Builder

I'm sure current owners of CC and GG would have a heart attack if they were re-released. :)

LegobrandonCP

^^ Well said. I missed out on both the CC and the GG, but I'm moving on and making sure I don't miss out on the current modulars.

starfire2

I like having new modulars but I think they can release new sets and rerelease the old. That is just my opinion and am entitled to it.

dougts

^ well, there is an actual limit to manufacturing capacity and in-store shelf space, so a re-release would have to take the space that could go to something else instead. That's not really a matter of opinion, but rather one of logistics. Sure, maybe it wouldn't take the place of a new modular, but it would have to take the place of something - call it opportunity cost.

LegoFanTexas

Yes, they can, but they won't...

For all the reasons already discussed, the time and production space are better used else ware.

Right now, TLG is producing at capitacy and still can't keep up with the Ninjago demand...

Jezebel_19

I'am one of those that just didn't see the Cafe Corner, Green Grocer and the Market Street on the shelves and have just taken up collecting Lego for my own personal collection and I have no desire to ever part with any of my collection.
Having said that, and now that I've discovered these beautiful sets I would love to add them to my collection, however I'm not prepared to pay the ridicious prices these are being asked for on ebay and other sellers sites.
So I've had to resign myself to accepting I may never get to own these or hope and wish lego do a re-release on them.
I have sent Lego an email asking them if they would ever to a re-release, but they replied it wasn't on their consideration list at this time.

Amberyl

Lego has stated (in an HBR article, I think) that they believe that childrens' interest in toys cycle very quickly -- they're interested in a particular thing for only a short period of time, so Lego has to keep putting out new themes very quickly, leaving each available for only a brief period of time, because kids will move on to being interested in the next hot things.

However, Lego apparently estimated, several years ago, that 5% to 10% of their sales are AFOLs buying for themselves. That's a hefty chunk of change, if that trend has continued. Lego did about $3.5B in revenue in 2011, which would mean as much as $350m coming from adult collectors. For that market, I imagine that they would still be better off continuing to release new product rather than rehashing old product. After all, a brand-new modular will get everyone who is collecting modulars -- and a reissue will mostly only get the people who didn't pick it up the first time around.

BuriedinBricks

Agreed. At this point I would think resources would be better spent producing something every AFOL wants, not just a smaller market that missed out the first time around.

bluemoose

Amberyl said:

... a brand-new modular will get everyone who is collecting modulars -- and a reissue will mostly only get the people who didn't pick it up the first time around.

^ This.

Over the last year or so, Lego have put a lot of analysis effort into quantifying the 'buying power' of AFOLs. They are now pretty confident that it accounts for ~5% of sales (in monetary terms rather than boxes shifted); it's been presented to the Board & they are happy that the evidence stands up to scrutiny ... (previously the Board weren't happy that the evidence was strong enough to allow them to endorse the figure). The Board are apparently very happy with the '~5%' figure & the contribution that the Fan community makes to their bottom line ... yay, us.
(from discussions with the Community & Events team at the Skaerbaek Fan Weekend last month).

CCC

Amberyl said:

After all, a brand-new modular will get everyone who is collecting modulars -- and a reissue will mostly only get the people who didn't pick it up the first time around.

It's not just that. If they reissue, they also pee off people that bought it first time around (especially if there are any small modifications making it better), and that sets in an attitude of why buy now if it will be released again in future.

prof1515

People keep bitching as if there aren't hundreds (if not more) of copies of the Cafe Corner and other sets available. They're out there, they simply cost more now because they're out of production. Someone said that re-releasing these sets would be good for collectors who want to complete the line. Well, if they're a collector they shouldn't have to wait for a re-release since that's NOT the same thing as having the original (For one thing, it might have different parts as Lego changes molds from time-to-time; addditionally, it'll have a different set number). If you're a collector worried about having the complete collection, you should be out spending the cash on those sets before they truly do run out (unlikely, by the way, since there's enough of them out there to meet demand). $1000 for a Cafe Corner? Pfft, if you want a complete collection of modulars you'll happily shell out $2000.

As for Lego "missing out" on sales, every set that's going for $1000 now was originally sold by Lego in some manner. They got their money's worth of the production. If Lego were to re-release some sets, they'd risk the market being flooded and having to sell them at discount, essentially hurting their bottom line since they could have produced a new set instead, a set which would have netted them more sales anyway.

bluemoose

prof1515 said:

If Lego were to re-release some sets, they'd risk the market being flooded and having to sell them at discount, essentially hurting their bottom line since they could have produced a new set instead, a set which would have netted them more sales anyway.

Which is exactly what happened when Lego tried this before with the 'Legend' series. The demand simply wasn't there despite the AFOL community lobbying for them.

bigjsd

I have no problem with re-releases as long as their is some enhancement in design (as there ususally is) that create noticeable differences that preserve the uniqueness and collectible integrity of the original. I have heard some collectors argue that it would compromise the value of the original release but I disagree. If the original is a good set then it should hold it's value regardless. A classic car is still a classic car no matter how many models the company continues to build year after year.

bea

I missed all 3 of those sets. If they were re-released, I'd probably pick up green grocer but put off the other two in favour of other new releases since I find them unappealing, regardless of price. I don't think I have that completionist streak to compel me to buy them solely for "catch them all" reasons. I'd prefer to see new sets with cool building techniques and features rather than seeing the same old sets hit the shelves repeatedly.

madforLEGO

prof1515 said:

People keep bitching as if there aren't hundreds (if not more) of copies of the Cafe Corner and other sets available. They're out there, they simply cost more now because they're out of production. Someone said that re-releasing these sets would be good for collectors who want to complete the line. Well, if they're a collector they shouldn't have to wait for a re-release since that's NOT the same thing as having the original (For one thing, it might have different parts as Lego changes molds from time-to-time; addditionally, it'll have a different set number). If you're a collector worried about having the complete collection, you should be out spending the cash on those sets before they truly do run out (unlikely, by the way, since there's enough of them out there to meet demand). $1000 for a Cafe Corner? Pfft, if you want a complete collection of modulars you'll happily shell out $2000.

As for Lego "missing out" on sales, every set that's going for $1000 now was originally sold by Lego in some manner. They got their money's worth of the production. If Lego were to re-release some sets, they'd risk the market being flooded and having to sell them at discount, essentially hurting their bottom line since they could have produced a new set instead, a set which would have netted them more sales anyway.

Exactly this.... And why Everyone keeps referencing the Legends lines, I'm not quite sure why.
If I remember correctly, the only set that sold out immediately was the club car.. The metroliners they had to heavily discount to get rid of them. For every 1 person that wants a re-issue there are probably about 1000 that either do not want this, or more importantly couldn't care less and would not buy it as a re-release either. The numbers just do not add up.

I mean far be it from me to discourage people from using their time the way they want I guess, so go ahead and send an email.
However, I think CUUSOO should be a good reminder of how LEGO changes the rules as the game goes on, and usually toward it being harder to make something.

I think all in all LEGO does listen, but they are unlikely to re-release a set, they will just make a set that looks like the one people are clamoring for.
For example, if LEGO decides to do another Cloud city it will most likely be a new Cloud city set, with better pieces to assemble it.

jpcz

I love the modulars...they are the reason i am into lego again. I missed out on CC, MS, GG but since i love the modulars so much, i went out an bought a sealed GG in January 2012. The set has already appreciated enough that i am holding back opening it...just dont have the space to display them all right now, so might as well keep it sealed. I also bricklinked the other two, so i consider my modular line to be "complete".


I dont want them to re-release the sets...i decided to shell out nearly 400 bucks for GG, and about 500 for both the others (lots of shopping around and kept it as original as possible and did them together to save costs) and i would hate to see that "investment" fall into the red. While i fully intend to open and build GG at some point, theres something about holding onto the sealed set right now, knowing i could make a little profit if i chose to. The money spent, the time spent, and the potential profit i made for myself is not something i want to see go away because TLG decided to cash in a little....

Not to mention...anyone here watch pawn stars and similar shows? How much will Rick shell out for an original of something? How much less will he shell out for a reproduction? And finally, how much less will he shell out for an original if there have been reproductions? Reproductions hurt, even if there are minor variations.

madforLEGO

Amberyl said:

However, Lego apparently estimated, several years ago, that 5% to 10% of their sales are AFOLs buying for themselves. That's a hefty chunk of change, if that trend has continued. Lego did about $3.5B in revenue in 2011, which would mean as much as $350m coming from adult collectors. For that market, I imagine that they would still be better off continuing to release new product rather than rehashing old product. After all, a brand-new modular will get everyone who is collecting modulars -- and a reissue will mostly only get the people who didn't pick it up the first time around.

Last I checked 3B > 350m.
LEGO will ALWAYS be for kids first and foremost, otherwise we would see Army lines left right up and down... While they get that 350m from Afols and resellers the question is are those same people going to buy a set that most of them already have? Probably not.
Look at most modulars. I guarantee that most sales of these are like a trough in terms of demand. High demand at release, then goes into a low point. Until the rumors of it being discontinued and then sales pick up because of all the speculators.
I'm guessing Ninjago by contrast is a pretty steady line of demand from start to end.

bigjsd

I agree Lego is and always should be about making toys for kids first and foremost. At the same time it would be foolish not to keep appealing to the AFOL because after all it is adults who are making the purchases regardless if the toy is for a kid or not. I love Lego's myself and because we enjoy them together as a family I am more than willing to shell out big bucks to buy them for my kids as well. I would probably be much less inclined to open up my wallet for Lego's if they didn't appeal to me as well. As for re-releasing exact copies of previous sets, I think that's dumb. When I first read the thread title I thought it was referring to new versions of previously retired sets. As for re-releasing CC or GG, I think it's much too soon to re-release anything made within the last 5 years. In my mind I think an updated version of Cafe Corner to mark the 10 year anniversary of the modular line would be an awesome idea if the line is still being produced and flourishing at that time. I think it would have very little effect on the value of an original CC and cause no harm to collectors.

BrickDancer

For a company that is created on the premise of creativity, imagination, and building new & awesome things out of the same ol' pieces... re-releasing a set is the exact opposite of what they represent!

Re-hashing the same SW sets over and over is bad enough. But to re-release it same as before would be blasphemous. Same with a re-rehashing an existing castle. Why should Modulars be different? It's a lazy approach to painting on a blank canvas. (SW does get some leeway since they are bound by the limits of source material, but original themes do not.)

For integrity's sake of brand, Lego should not re-release and move on with new, exciting and modern sets. Don't change your identity to capture a few bucks or silence a few cries.

Amberyl

Of course Lego is for kids first and foremost; I don't know how you read otherwise into my post. But $350m isn't anything to sneeze at either (or if it's 5%, around $175m). That's clearly enough for Lego to keep producing products aimed at AFOLs. But it's also not enough for them to target a narrow segment of AFOLs. I think that makes re-releases very unlikely.

For kids, making sure that you can always buy an X-Wing, and making sure that the X-Wing is up to par with the current generation of Lego sets, is going to pretty much make sure that certain Star Wars bits are "evergreen". I don't think the same thing applies for adults.

Aanchir

My personal attitude (which comes up a lot in "bring back BIONICLE" discussions on BZPower) is that there's really no incentive for TLG to revisit old ideas when they can create new ideas that are a) unfettered by fans' high expectations of any sort of "revival" and b) able to incorporate all the experience the company gained in the intervening years.

Really, while completion-minded collectors might appreciate the chance to get sets they missed out on the first time around, anyone else isn't likely to care whether a set is brand-new or a re-release as long as its quality meets their expectations. So there's little reason TLG would want to release a set noted for being groundbreaking six years ago when they could create something that's just as groundbreaking now.

Renny

I really don't mind re-releases since they are different in most cases. It offers a great opportunity for fans to get a version of a set that is no longer made, most often times vastly improved. Look at the City theme for example. There is almost always a new version of a police station, airplane, airport, ambulance, etc. Same goes with Star Wars. There always seems to be a X-Wing, Y-Wing, TIE Fighter, Millenium Falcon or Sith Infiltrator available, one version better than the next.

I don't personally care about how new versions affect value since the sets I own and build for personal display are not for sale. The sets I do keep to sell I will usually unload well ahead of any new version coming out.

As for the idea of re-releasing an older set piece for piece like a Cafe Corner or Statue of Liberty, I just don't see that ever happening. Lego sets are constantly improving year to year that releasing a replica of an older set seems like a step backwards. I don't think replicas of 10 year old sets would sell very well at all compared to a similar new product. For example I know the Statue of Liberty set is well sought after and is pretty pricey but I honestly think it's one of the ugliest sets I've ever seen. It's just a giant blob of sand green.

pharmjod

I agree about the statue of liberty. I would however love to see a newer version done that looks better. Maybe even complete with the base this time.

Jezebel_19

Well I've managed to finally purchase one of the Modular sets from ebay, the Green Grocer and without having to pay through the roof, I managed to get it for $430.00 which I believe is the cheapest I've seen one go for since looking. Very happy AFFOL

malkhaz

I definitely like the idea to re-issue the sets which are very popular and there is so big demand among the LEGO fans. I personally like several LEGO Technic sets from second half of 2000's (2005-2009) and would like to purchase them, but prices are so high that it is impossible for me to pay 10 times more price then the release price.

Sherlockbones

I personally would love LEGO to re-release a few sets, particularly some of the older Space sets

krklint

If Friends vs. Belville is an example of how markets change, and an understanding that the AFOL community is growing each year, due to the fact that most people joining the AFOL community are part of the minifigure era of Lego, instead of pre-minifigure era, then an understanding of why Legends failed in the early 00's is easy to understand... dark for many AFOLers was still on.

For Lego, though, they have no reason to visit and redesign the past. TLG is moving forward at light speed. Re-releasing sets means firing up specific molds using colors that are not in the current color-scheme Lego offers. Yes, there is a method to the main colors they produce each season.

The end, no need for Lego to look backward, when the building and design options (and product) are endless when building with Lego

jack_bricks

I thought about this issue about a year ago and also wrote Lego an E-Mail, with the usual response.

Right away, I'm also seeking for CC, GG and MS and I would appreciate a re-release. But what I do not understand is, if TLG is making around 10% of its revenue of AFOL why not try the following. Take preorders for a certain set for example Cafe Corner. If the number of pre order hits a predefined and limited threshold, lets say 100.000 they do a rerun. I also think the price could be 10-30% higher than the original was. But the key for a rerelease is (in my opinion) that it must be the same as it once was, no improvements, same set number, etc.. No alterations in any way. And a very import thing is to me, make the threshold number public if it's 100k, 200k,…. If the demand is so strong as some AFOL think, it will hit the rerun mark quiet fast, I also think it should be limited of the first pre oder to 6 months or a year. As soon as something like this takes place, I assume the prices of resellers will fall, just because of the uncertainty of a re-release. Therefor the prices would stay at a relatively normal level.

Though if resellers are very important to Lego, then of course a re-release will never occur. Because prices will rise and rise if they do nothing.

Basta

@jack_bricks That may work as an idea, but I would think 10,000-20,000 would be the number.

One of the reasons that they may not do this though, is that all the people who have it will not buy it. TLG would rather make a new set that everyone would buy. As at least some who buy the remake wil not be spending money on one of the new sets. That means the Lego Group has to produce two different sets (one new, one remake) to potentially sell the same amount of sets as one new one.

Basta

I also don't think it is the resellers who TLG would be worried about that much. A lot of Lego's customers justify spending the large amounts of money on the bigger sets by knowing that in most cases if they need to sell down the track they could get their money back.

It's not nesasarily a bad thing having Lego looked at as a colectabale, if it was like most other toys I doubt we would have ever seen the likes of the MF and ISD and Modulars etc, the hardcore Star Wars collectors helped revive Lego when they were in financial trouble.

Worse thing a company producing colectables can do is release lots of remakes or over produce products. Granted Lego is more popular then ever as just a Toy with Kids so looking after the collector side of their customer base may not b high on the priority list, but I'm sure they are aware of it.

jack_bricks

@Basta The number is of course up to TLG I only used it as an example. The argumentation of people won't buy it because they have it does reflect some sets. In case of the CC obviously not, if prices go for 10 x higher than retail, I guess there is also some demand out there.

And about producing new sets. As a company I would prefer producing with existing materials and reuse them like cutting die, labels, molds, desgins etc... Therefore you have as less research costs as possible and additional to that you profit of a higher retail price at less production costs, if the batch is big enough.

But as stated before I don't know who this would impact the existing market and how it would effect Lego as a brand. If you just listen around how many people jumped on the train with making profit of the modular sets I assume a rather big number was sold currently to reseller or wanna be resellers. Sold is sold, because why or to whom - who cares. It's sure hard to tell if the number of sold re-release sets would be higher than the number of sets being sold just because of some people want to make fast bug of it.

Basta

I would actually like a remake of some sets that I never got, and exactly as they were as well would be awesome, but from TLG's perspective they need to look at all aspects and outcomes for doing such a remake. I was just raising some points they may take into consideration, they may or may not have any weight to them.