Need help appraising the value of these sets

northernbrick67

I was recommended to come here by a friend, since I'd probably get a straight answer out of a community of true lego fans. I have a relative who works for lego, and sometimes she gives me these sets that I have never seen before in the official stores/on-line. After browsing brickset's database I realized they are rare, employee gift exclusive sets. I've seen the pricing on the e-bay/amazon listings and they fetch for a ridiculous amount of cash.

So my question to you kind folks, realistically how should I price these sets? Or should I hold onto them a little longer?

samiam391

Your best price gauge will be eBay prices, as that is where these items typically sell. I would not trust Amazon prices, as those prices are typically severely inflated on exclusives like this (and not what they are actually selling for).

Here's the links to completed listings of sold/not sold for both sets:

Bird set:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=lego+employee+bird&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc

$200 average.

Christmas set:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=lego+employee+bird&LH_Complete=1&_from=R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xlego+employee+christm.TRS1&_nkw=lego+employee+christmas&_sacat=0

<$100 average

As far as holding onto them in the hopes that they will increase in value, that typically doesn't work for these types of sets. I've watched many employee exclusives that have been released in the past over several years to see if such a thing would occur, and it never really has... rather prices have stayed steady. You won't get much more, if anything additional, out of them by waiting a few years. If you're interested in selling them, I would just sell them now.

If you want to try to avoid eBay fees, you could even post them for sale on here, I know there are a few members interested in items like these.

Phonebooth

^sorted. You won't get a more thoroughly researched answer than that. Well done @samiam391

northernbrick67

Awesome thanks, I might just post these suggested prices up in CAD dollars, is that still a fair price for these sets?

samiam391

@Phonebooth - Another thread down (less competition ;) )


If you want to sell them on eBay, then yes, those prices are fair. If you're trying to sell them fast, then you may consider going 10% lower than the suggested/average prices to beat out competition. Look at those links I attached to determine the actual average of each set, then undercut it slightly.

If you want to sell them on here, you will avoid the 10% eBay fees so it's suggested that you offer a roughly 15% discount off of what you could sell them for on eBay. For example, if you could potentially sell it for $200 on eBay (albeit it might take some time to sell) then you would offer it on the forums for $170 (and you might sell it faster and to a more trustworthy person as Brickset members are 5 star buyers/traders). 

northernbrick67

Sadly I don't really do on-line transactions much, I'll likely post it up in my local classifieds and deal with a potential buyer face-to-face.

samiam391

If you do a local sale you're much less likely to find a buyer for these items. These are exclusive items and will only draw interest from a unique crowd. Not to mention you won't get near the exposure you would by posting on eBay/here.

 I expect you'll have to lower your asking price even more if you are only selling local.

northernbrick67

I'll try a posting here then, but I'll have to create some specific stipulations for it.

samiam391

That's fine. They are your items after all, sell them however you wish :)

northernbrick67

Does posting the items for sale still count in the buying & selling topics or is there another section on this forum?

samiam391

Probably the most confusing part of this entire forum... Post them in marketplace!

northernbrick67

Thanks kindly

CCC

The other thing to do is make sure that you are careful with the boxes and the instructions if opened. That is where the value is - as the bricks can be had significantly cheaper. I've recently built the birds set through bricklink and Lego parts online. I think it came to about $45 US.

northernbrick67

They haven't been opened, and I hide them away from my cats since they like scratching up boxes. I also plan to throw in a Darth Revan polybag along with it. How much should I price those 2 sets along with the polybag (in Canadian dollars of course) if I am offering it at the suggested discount for you trustworthy folks on Brickset?