Need BrickLink Advice - Random Minifigs for wedding

brandonhaz

Hey guys,

First time poster. I am looking for some help regarding BrickLink stores. I am planning on having a "create your own minifig" table at my wedding where guests can piece together parts to create a minfig similar to what is in the Lego stores. I recently found out about BrickLink, which is an amazing resource but is also a little overwhelming.

I am basically looking for pieces to create ~200 minifigs (+ accessories). I would like to have as much variety as possible, and am looking for some direction towards specific sellers/stores that may be able to provide everything I'm looking for. I was able to find some "random" lots on ebay/amazon, but those would only get me about 75% of the way there.

I am hoping some of you have some expertise about some good options. Thanks!

flord

I wonder if you aren't better off buying a minifigure lot or two off ebay. The issue with Bricklink is that you would have to add each figure (or part) separately, unless it was all in a superlot which in my experience is not common.

brandonhaz

flord said:

I wonder if you aren't better off buying a minifigure lot or two off ebay. The issue with Bricklink is that you would have to add each figure (or part) separately, unless it was all in a superlot which in my experience is not common.

I wouldn't be opposed to buying a couple lots off of ebay and then filling in the extras I need from bricklink, I am just wondering what the best way to do this is. I would prefer not to have to buy from lots of different sellers if possible.

Dawn

There are many sellers, with 100s of legs, torso, head, hair, hat, etc.

If you do not have a specific selection of part in mind, you can get all you need with one seller.

haakono

If you are looking for a variety of minifigs in bulk, you might try goodwill's online shop. http://www.shopgoodwill.com/search/SearchKey.asp?itemTitle=minifig&catid=388&sellerID=all&closed=no&minPrice=&maxPrice=&sortBy=itemEndTime&SortOrder=a&showthumbs=on If you avoid the star wars and harry potter themed listings, you can probably get a good number of used minifigs for a reasonable price. Shipping cost tend to be high there, so be sure to use the shipping estimator before you bid.

BrickDancer

@Brandonhaz for what you're doing, I would highly suggest buying only 'new' minifigs. Your guests may be turned off if they receive noticeably worn or damaged figs, essentially killing the positive effect you're aiming for. So you may luck out on Ebay or Goodwill for a find or two, but Bricklink would probably be your best bet. It will take some navigating and time of course, but should end up being more reliable and cheap in total after all said and done.

brandonhaz

BrickDancer said:

@Brandonhaz for what you're doing, I would highly suggest buying only 'new' minifigs. Your guests may be turned off if they receive noticeably worn or damaged figs, essentially killing the positive effect you're aiming for. So you may luck out on Ebay or Goodwill for a find or two, but Bricklink would probably be your best bet. It will take some navigating and time of course, but should end up being more reliable and cheap in total after all said and done.

That was my thought as well. Are you familiar with any specific vendor which has a large inventory of minifig parts?

BrickDancer

My first question would be "What theme of figs?" Are you basically after only regular City type of figs? Or specialized themes like Superheroes, Star Wars, etc.?

BrickDancer

On Bricklink, you should start the search with the biggest stores based in the US. For example, this store has 93 Lots in the 'Minifig' section alone with good pricing of $2-$3 each. Not to mention the huge 'Minifig parts' section that you'll need to browse through.

http://www.bricklink.com/store/home.page?p=tcoats#/shop?o={"showHomeItems":1}

SprinkleOtter

I would steer clear of ebay for this- quality there tends to be so-so, at best.

My Bricklink store (Set_You_Up) has loads of minifigure parts, perfect for build-your-own-minifigure stands. I have loads of colorful parts, cheap heads, skirt pieces, etc, all new.

piratemania7

Just adding two cents.  Close to 200 minifigures with all accessories is definitely a great idea but will quickly be pricey! Hopefully your partner is very understanding. : )

SirBen

#40158 Pirate Chess Set, #9349 Education Fairytale and Historic Minifigures Set, #9348 Education Community Minifigures Set, and the Target mini figure cube #5004077 will each give you new minifigs for $2-3 apiece

CCC

The first question is what is your budget? If you want a single seller, I'd just go to Lego replacement parts and order there. Prices will not be that different to BL, unless you were after the really generic police and firemen.

ecmo47

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/tag/5701796323.html

Keep an eye on Craiglist. Here's a lot in your state for about $1.00 each. They do not get much cheaper than that.

Also see if there is a Lego Users Group (LUG) in your area. Maybe they have resources to help.

weeksuk

I did this for my wedding, mainly using eBay and also Argos (in the uk) when there were clearing out old series of mini figures. We Leo got hold of a load of Perspex boxes on eBay (this they called them dice boxes) which they all fit in nicely as a display piece.

got great reactions around the tables, and everyone gets a momento 

HugeYellowBrick

The LEGO set What Am I? (40161) gives you 16 new minifigures for $32. I've not opened mine so can't comment on the minifigs themselves. The Pirates Chess Set has some unusual figures. Some of the City Starter sets and their smaller brethren will give you 3 or 4 minfigs each, with accessories.

brandonhaz

Thanks so much for all of the responses! I will look into all of your suggestions. My budget is around $500. I don't need everything to be on the high end/expensive side of things (star wars/harry potter themes), just a good variety of legs/torsos/heads/hats/hair so that everybody can create a figure of their choosing.

SprinkleOtter

I would say your best bet would be to buy new from Bricklink then so that you don't have any hassles. That is a very reasonable budget, and you should have some left over.