To build or not to build...

Thesheriff

I went to the Brick 2015 exhibition at the NEC a couple of weeks ago and bought a Grand  Emporium 10211 which is BNIB for £210. The box has a small dent on the side. Do I build or not and save it for a couple of years to fund other lego sets that will come out in the future.

Shib

Why do you need strangers to tell you what to do?

MattsWhat

^Don't call me a stranger!

Thesheriff

Sorry Shib

Shib

sorry if my comment was a bit curt, but to me questions like this are no different to the should I buy this or that threads...do you want to build it? if yes then build it. do you want to try to make money off it? if yes then don't, if yes to both then you have to decide for yourself which you want more...

TigerMoth

If you want to make use it to fund future sets, it has to be what you think it is, not a random pile of clone bricks in a carefully resealed box. The only way of check this is to open the box.

It also has to be complete. There are two ways of checking this. You could just the count the bricks and compare what you find with an inventory. The easiest way of doing this requires you to open all the bags. Once you've done this, you've destroyed most of the premium value attached to it being BNIB, so you might as well make it. The other second way is just to make it anyway.

It's a bit like Schrodinger's cat. You thought quantum theory was easy?

klatu003

^Schrodinger's Lego.  Excellent @TigerMoth.   Is this now the Brickset term for all questionable NISB sets?  "I picked up some Schrondinger's Lego at a garage sale this weekend."

Thesheriff

No worries Shib. After re-reading my post it is quite pointless. I should have expanded on it. It was meant to be a bit of fun. My son and I was having a discussion. I am on the side of keep it for a couple of years then sell and my son is desperate to build it.
I thought it would be a laugh for the forum to decide,  call it the lego factor if you will.

TigerMoth

Some adults collect trading cards, pampering them accordingly. On the other had, children do all sorts of things with similar items, many of which ensure they are a long way from being pristine. If you collect trading cards, you'd be horrified if your son treated them in such a fashion.

On the other hand, LEGO bricks are a toy, designed primarily for children. Is it therefore any wonder that a child would be similarly horrified by the thought of stashing sets in a cupboard, never to be made?

CCC

Compromise. Build it, then sell it in a few years.

Goldchains

As I've said before, when in doubt, flip a coin.  Heads you open and build, Tails you keep closed.  Don't trust the opinions of random internet strangers!  :-)

Rainstorm26

I would say open and build. The question I would ask is this. Is the fun and enjoyable memories that you will have with your son now worth the potential profit you might gain? What if your son decides he doesn't like Lego by the time you go and sell it?  That in my opinion is a major opportunity cost and not worth the risk. 

Pmh

Build it,its such an awesome set.

Its the only discontinued modular that I realy want to have.

Would have bought it for 210 without hesitation but 300,meh.

TheLoneTensor

When in doubt, build.  Profit margins come and go.  Building a modular for the first time only happens once in your lifetime.

JELJ1S

Its a great set.  Looks great on display.  I say open it and build it.  Funds for future sets will come one way or the other. 

madforLEGO

CCC said:

Compromise. Build it, then sell it in a few years.

TheLoneTensor said:

When in doubt, build.  Profit margins come and go.  Building a modular for the first time only happens once in your lifetime.

This. If you keep it an open it you can still sell it later (and keep the box and Im guessing they will help narrow down the 'used' vs 'new' price difference).

For me, it is far better to have it now then sell it than to sell it and then want it later on when it is likely more expensive than what you bought the original one for.

MAGNINOMINISUMBRA

"If you want to make use it to fund future sets, it has to be what you think it is, not a random pile of clone bricks in a carefully resealed box. The only way of check this is to open the box.

It also has to be complete. There are two ways of checking this. You could just the count the bricks and compare what you find with an inventory. The easiest way of doing this requires you to open all the bags. Once you've done this, you've destroyed most of the premium value attached to it being BNIB, so you might as well make it. The other second way is just to make it anyway."
Huh? - it's early and I'm tired but this statement makes no sense whatsoever... 
At what stage was there any question regarding the legitimacy of its sealed status? Wouldn't the more logical method be to accurately weigh the sealed set? Obviously the weight of 2.14 kg of dog kibble is exactly the same as 2.14 kg of clean fresh brick... But using this methodology and lime of thought there would be no market whatsoever for aftermarket sealed LEGO sets...
Apologies if I'm missing some kind of sarcasm, irony or humour...

TigerMoth

MAGNINOMINISUMBRA said:

At what stage was there any question regarding the legitimacy of its sealed status? Wouldn't the more logical method be to accurately weigh the sealed set? Obviously the weight of 2.14 kg of dog kibble is exactly the same as 2.14 kg of clean fresh brick... But using this methodology and lime of thought there would be no market whatsoever for aftermarket sealed LEGO sets...
Apologies if I'm missing some kind of sarcasm, irony or humour...

When? At any time you buy any set from virtually anywhere.

If you don't understand, read around these boards.  Seemingly sealed sets have been found that have obviously been opened because selected pieces (or all of them) are missing. That includes sets purchased from legitimate mainstream retailers - and the set here didn't have that benefit. OK, so perhaps the risk is small but, like all scams, once something is proven to be possible, more people will try it and get better at it.

Yes, there was an element of humour intended. People frequently ask whether they should build something or keep it as an investment. Sets are made to be made, and I think that's what you should do with them. So, some people also buy them as an investment. Fine, if that's what you want to do, but don't switch course mid-stream. If you bought something to build it, do so, even if it was a while ago. You've already made the build / invest decision.

As for the secondary market, that is a problem for those who wish to use it. There are people sitting on "sealed sets" that aren't what they seem to be. Caveat emptor.

And please, let's not start an argument - it happens. Sometimes.

Another problem with older sets is that it's harder to replace missing parts. If something is missing from a new set, TLG will generally replace it; for something that's older, they may not be able to because the part is no longer in stock.

ryjay

Build it

stank2k

LEGO sets are meant to be played with.

Fauch

that's quite how crazy the world is now, where things are considered to have value only if you can make money from them :/

bandit778

I didn't realise there was such a demand on the secondary market for used Dog Kibble. (Does this come in different colours and Join together or are they stand alone BURP's)?

;D