UCS falcon rumours (that turned out to be true!)

gmonkey76

If you have not received your card call customer service until you get someone who knows there's a list. Somehow even though I bought day one in store I was not on the list. Had to send a copy of my receiptb and they would try to have it "reprinted" for February.

monkeyhanger

Seems that TLG cocked up many of the North American cards, anyone in Europe ordered in the first fortnight and not got their card yet?

Just finished my build tonight. The outer circumference of the plating on the non-cockpit side nearest the tube bits looks a little off, az if it needed to rotate outwards by a stud, but every other edge on the plate build lines up nicely with adjacent panels. Scrutiny of the nanual confirms I have built it right and it is looking a little wonky.

Can anyone confirm that the mandible clip-ons should not be used on OT version? The manual implies it by showing them on the EP7/8 build.

GallardoLU

A. I just got my card, USA day 1 purchase.

B. The clips are not present in the OT, and are in act new the the EP VII/VIII and beyond falcon. 

FollowsClosely

Just opened my card. I made an in store purchase a 13 days after it went on sale.

BombTec

They've all been built and are in zip lock bags in the boxes.

1265

All this talk and hysteria about the Black Card, it better give me free appetizers at my favorite restaurants.  Better yet, free oil changes.

Fizyx

BombTec said:

Just got my baby delivered today.  Had to dig out all my Falcons in welcome.  I think I will have to build them all together when I get back from Germany next month.  Just don't like the idea of taking them all apart again because of lack of display space.

Got to wait until April (I think?  It's around then, at any rate...) when the Solo movie sets come out so you can get the new original version MF to go with it!  I definitely want to see a few pictures of the resulting squadron! :D

stevemack

MilF back in stock EU [email protected]

BooTheMightyHamster

Just had it confirmed that JL will be stocking the UCS Falcon later this month.

At 25% staff discount, I'm sorely tempted to get a 2nd one.

Fizyx

BooTheMightyHamster said:

Just had it confirmed that JL will be stocking the UCS Falcon later this month.

At 25% staff discount, I'm sorely tempted to get a 2nd one.

*whistles* 25% is usually nice, but getting a MilF for 487.50 pounds... that would be a steal!  If I ever see it on discount like that, I'd be hard-pressed not to grab a second one too :P

(If it ever gets to %50 off like the original one did [I know this will never happen, BUT IF IT DOES] then I am getting 10 and I'm going to have a freaking squadron of them set up to 'fly' around my house as a permanent display.)

ecmo47

lee1980 said:

I got reply after emailing lego customer service got a reply back in 2 days or so.
saying along lines of big demand etc though you think they would of had a card for every MF made!
one bit from email:

“Everyone who placed their order on the set during 2017 will be eligible and will receive their Millennium Falcon VIP Card! As your order was placed in December your VIP card will be produced in the third batch which will be delivered during mid to late February, if you'd against all odds not receive it before the end of February, please get back in touch”

I guess that the deals wont start until at least March based on this bit of info. I wouldn't be surprised if it was July before anything happens.

Fizyx

ecmo47 said:

lee1980 said:

I got reply after emailing lego customer service got a reply back in 2 days or so.
saying along lines of big demand etc though you think they would of had a card for every MF made!
one bit from email:

“Everyone who placed their order on the set during 2017 will be eligible and will receive their Millennium Falcon VIP Card! As your order was placed in December your VIP card will be produced in the third batch which will be delivered during mid to late February, if you'd against all odds not receive it before the end of February, please get back in touch”

I guess that the deals wont start until at least March based on this bit of info. I wouldn't be surprised if it was July before anything happens.

You don't actually have to have the black card on hand to take advantage of the promos according to LEGO CS reps.  One of the few things that LEGO customer service has been very consistent on, so I am include to believe it.  The promo unlock is attached to your account, so you can use your regular card or even just your number.

dolphins79

so contacted Lego about my MF card not arriving yet and they responded with

I am very sorry to hear that you have not yet received your Limited Edition Star Wars™ Millennium Falcon™ VIP card.  I took a look into your account and we will make sure that a replacement card is being sent out to you. We do sincerely apologize for any inconvenience.  You will still be able to take advantage of any and all of the promotions and deals offered with the Star Wars™ VIP card.  Your currently VIP card will still give you access to the deals and promotions being offered and you will receive all information via your email. 

A little disheartening that it seems it got lost.

PapaBear

Here is the first LEGO set your black VIP card will get you. 

TyresOFlaherty

I really hope they don't turn out to be deals on SW sets I've already bought......

AdeelZubair

My hopes are that it will provide owners with 'high-end' promos and deals that will largely appeal to only the adults and collectors, such as exclusive Minifigures or promotional sets similar to the convention exclusives etc.

SumoLego

I have the sneaking suspicion that Black VIP cardholders will be really disappointed.

Other than VIP points, what 'special' benefits do regular VIP members really get?

monkeyhanger

^ They get to buy early at RRP, instead of waiting for a discount. I may have waited for another retailer like Smyths to stock if not for the perceived benefit of the black card offering exclusive promos.

samiam391

Adzbadboy said:

My hopes are that it will provide owners with 'high-end' promos and deals that will largely appeal to only the adults and collectors, such as exclusive Minifigures or promotional sets similar to the convention exclusives etc.

In my opinion that would backfire on LEGO incredibly hard. You would essentially be creating a wealth bracket that entitles those that can afford an $800 set to special benefits. Not everyone has $800. I know such special benefit programs aren't unheard of, but I think in this case I think you'd have even greater backlash.

To the likely eventual counter point that "well they do that for SDCC figures", I still think those figures serve a significant purpose. Yes, a lot of people are trying to cash in on them, but the "hype" and neat figures still serve a role in marketing LEGO to a specific audience. If you're buying an $800 set, LEGO already knows you're into LEGO (whether that's for re-sale or collection).

monkeyhanger said:

^ They get to buy early at RRP, instead of waiting for a discount. I may have waited for another retailer like Smyths to stock if not for the perceived benefit of the black card offering exclusive promos.

Which is probably the exact reason they hinted at "special deals" through this card without actually stating anything concretely. It gets you to buy from them as opposed to another source.

Stvoyager04

samiam391 said:

Adzbadboy said:

My hopes are that it will provide owners with 'high-end' promos and deals that will largely appeal to only the adults and collectors, such as exclusive Minifigures or promotional sets similar to the convention exclusives etc.

In my opinion that would backfire on LEGO incredibly hard. You would essentially be creating a wealth bracket that entitles those that can afford an $800 set to special benefits. Not everyone has $800. I know such special benefit programs aren't unheard of, but I think in this case I think you'd have even greater backlash.

To the likely eventual counter point that "well they do that for SDCC figures", I still think those figures serve a significant purpose. Yes, a lot of people are trying to cash in on them, but the "hype" and neat figures still serve a role in marketing LEGO to a specific audience. If you're buying an $800 set, LEGO already knows you're into LEGO (whether that's for re-sale or collection).

monkeyhanger said:

^ They get to buy early at RRP, instead of waiting for a discount. I may have waited for another retailer like Smyths to stock if not for the perceived benefit of the black card offering exclusive promos.

Which is probably the exact reason they hinted at "special deals" through this card without actually stating anything concretely. It gets you to buy from them as opposed to another source.

Errr... didn’t we all just spend $800 dollars in the first place to get the special VIP cards (and the Falcon obviously), and therefore aren’t we the only people entitled to these promos???  Both of those being yes, why wouldn’t we want them to be ‘high end’ promos?

TyresOFlaherty

Yeah, I was thinking that I find it hard to believe that Lego would make some crazy exclusives (as much as I want that having got the Falcon VIP Card.....in a month) that no one else would get.

But then again, SDCC. That is SO maddening for everyone who can't go to those who want to get their hands on exclusive sets/figs...

Gooker1

I can imagine it's along the lines of the Space Slug set from a few years ago.  

Astrobricks

SumoLego said:

I have the sneaking suspicion that Black VIP cardholders will be really disappointed.

Other than VIP points, what 'special' benefits do regular VIP members really get?

Umm, being able to buy a MF?

bandit778

Having thought about this a bit I wonder if to keep both sides of the coin happy they might have a free /discounted set or minifigures for those that have the card then at a later date sell at a regular price to those that don't. At least that way, whilst not being exclusive it would be beneficial to have the card but would not totally alienate those that couldn't get hold of the Falcon last year.

SumoLego

Astrobricks said:

SumoLego said:

Other than VIP points, what 'special' benefits do regular VIP members really get?

Umm, being able to buy a MF?

Umm... considering these will be available at TRU in the upcoming year, I wouldn't consider that much of a benefit.  

Anyway, my point being is that there isn't really any benefit to a VIP card - other than tracking reward points... that you have to spend on more of the same brand product.

samiam391

Stvoyager04 said:

samiam391 said:

Adzbadboy said:

My hopes are that it will provide owners with 'high-end' promos and deals that will largely appeal to only the adults and collectors, such as exclusive Minifigures or promotional sets similar to the convention exclusives etc.

In my opinion that would backfire on LEGO incredibly hard. You would essentially be creating a wealth bracket that entitles those that can afford an $800 set to special benefits. Not everyone has $800. I know such special benefit programs aren't unheard of, but I think in this case I think you'd have even greater backlash.

To the likely eventual counter point that "well they do that for SDCC figures", I still think those figures serve a significant purpose. Yes, a lot of people are trying to cash in on them, but the "hype" and neat figures still serve a role in marketing LEGO to a specific audience. If you're buying an $800 set, LEGO already knows you're into LEGO (whether that's for re-sale or collection).

monkeyhanger said:

^ They get to buy early at RRP, instead of waiting for a discount. I may have waited for another retailer like Smyths to stock if not for the perceived benefit of the black card offering exclusive promos.

Which is probably the exact reason they hinted at "special deals" through this card without actually stating anything concretely. It gets you to buy from them as opposed to another source.

Errr... didn’t we all just spend $800 dollars in the first place to get the special VIP cards (and the Falcon obviously), and therefore aren’t we the only people entitled to these promos???  Both of those being yes, why wouldn’t we want them to be ‘high end’ promos?

I'm not saying you don't want them to be high end promos. I'm saying everyone else (the majority who did not purchase a falcon) would hope they would not. Before I go any further, understand that I personally don't really care, I'm just stating my opinion.

LEGO isn't going to lose your business. You just spent $800 on a LEGO set and will likely be back for more no matter what the promos will be.

Making them high end would likely enrage the majority... they get peeved enough already with the SDCC ones and those actually serve a relative purpose as I described above. Potentially, turning them off from making purchases in the future. Seen it before already with just the SDCC figures.

Making them more high end would be a large risk for the majority while only making the minority a little bit happier. I just don't see any merit in them making the promos high end unless they plan to do something similar again in the future. 

Astrobricks

Why worry about who will be enraged? We’ll find out soon enough. 

Mr_Cross

I'm totally prepared for lacklustre promotions, but I am hoping that whatever they are, they are kind of worth having.
I forget who pointed it out a fair ways above, but LEGO can't please everyone with this, there will always be dissatisfied consumers whatever they do. So why not win with some of the ones who they can win with?
So I'm inclined to think that all the promos will be reasonably desirable, otherwise, what's the point?
Nien with a moulded head, Lando, even new variants of Obi-wan and R2 would be welcome additions to the selection of mini figures. A couple of Storm troopers with scanning equipment? A small tan wall with a doorway to depict docking bay 94 in the style of #4475 Jabba's message?
A  glossy cardboard display mat designed to look like bay 327? Not sure of the merits or desirability of those but there are certainly no end of things that could be offered.
A selection of mini-builds?

monkeyhanger

Samiam: What's wrong with special exclusive promos for hitting a "wealth bracket" as you describe it? They already decided to exclude people from owning the UCS MF by putting the price tag, either via lack of affordability or reluctance to spend that much even if they can afford it. 

It would be good of TLG to give these promos to those that put £650/$800 straight into TLGs hands rather than wait and buy from a retailer that often discounts (Smyths/Amazon/TRU etc.) who probably paid TLG £300/$400 per unit.

lee1980

I would not think they would offer things just to MF buyers, maybe will get first dibs, but after a while offer to all VIP, much as they do with VIP stuff now we get to buy early sometimes.
I may self am glad to say have it and its currently biggest lego set ever (though not told hardly any family or friends as 90% would think I am nuts but its ok to spend thousands on football or clothes etc)  To me £650 is a lot of money still, but not in grand scheme of things I guess.
Expect it will be reduced once over places start to sell it to.

Something to add to a display for MF would be most welcome to.

samiam391

monkeyhanger said:

Samiam: What's wrong with special exclusive promos for hitting a "wealth bracket" as you describe it? They already decided to exclude people from owning the UCS MF by putting the price tag, either via lack of affordability or reluctance to spend that much even if they can afford it. 

It would be good of TLG to give these promos to those that put £650/$800 straight into TLGs hands rather than wait and buy from a retailer that often discounts (Smyths/Amazon/TRU etc.) who probably paid TLG £300/$400 per unit.

To keep it very brief- it needlessly rubs salt into the wounds of those already hurting.

TLG will show us soon enough which one of us is wrong and which one of us right. I'm done debating it, I'll just let TLG answer it whenver they choose. :)

monkeyhanger

^ I wouldn't be surprised if TLG doesn't know exactly what you'd get yet. Doubt we'll see a perk before May 4th seeing as all eligible card holders won't have had their cards before the end of February (to current schedule of people waiting).

As for "rubbing salt in the wounds of those already hurting", do people really feel that hurt/bitter if they can't afford or justify the purchase when they see it at the Lego shop or mentioned here? I don't feel hurt everytime I see an Audi, because I could afford to drive an Audi S3 but not an R8.

I'm sure most people out there who already buy Lego could justify the price if they wanted it that much, they might need to cut back on the holiday budget or save up, or maybe their partner decides it is a crazy smount for one set and forbids it.

TLG pushed the launch hard to early purchasers with the promise of unconfirmed Star Wars themed perks with a black VIP card. It strongly implies you won't get these perks without one, otherwise what is the point of the card?

GallardoLU

Speaking to the hurt. On day one when I missed out on in store by only 2 people, yeah there was some hurt and anger there. Mostly due to low in store stocks all around the world. Then came the stress of trying to get an order in online. Which thankfully I managed to get in on. I stressed and got emotional because it was my Christmas so to speak. The promos for 2018 a bonus to make my purchase more palatable. 

Now that said if I had missed it in 2017 I would be bummed to not get the promos but no more so than I was when I didn't win a bat-cycle. (Which I definitely still would like to get some time) point being I know I can' have everything I want. And if I focus only on what I don' have I will never enjoy what I do have. 

FollowsClosely

monkeyhanger said:

...They already decided to exclude people from owning the UCS MF by putting the price tag...

Given that logic you could argue that every set is priced to "exclude people from owning". You see, for some with large incomes that limit may be $1,000. On the other extreme little Timmy who get $1 a week allowance may draw that line at $5.

This set proved that there are plenty of people willing to drop $800+ on a set and hopefully opens the door to more in the future. I for one would drop much, much more if a good ca$tle ever came out. A 20,000 piece ca$tle would be awe$ome.

King_J

Just finished the MilF (woot!), and upon looking into the cup of spare parts which had accumulated throughout the build, I was struck with the thought, "Well golly, there's enough pieces in there to build a full 'nother Lego set!"
So I did.  This is SP-R18, scourge of the Millennium Falcon, with as many parts as could possibly be connected.  

(Maybe off-topic, but I feel like this is a very general MF thread at this point)

lee1980

Got my printed pieces from Steindrucker, look really good especially the name plate so should of been printed by lego.  Hopefully all lego sets will go with printing more.
Wonder how they decide as it appears to be random some sets have all printed some both print and stickers.  I guess stickers are a lot better than used to be thinner and stick better to.
Is there a database that shows what sets have printed parts or anything?

monkeyhanger

^ Printed piece use for unique pieces seems to be tied to the target audience age for the set, nothing more or less than that. Every single Duplo piece that needs a design on it is printed - TLG is not expecting toddlers to put stickers on straight or for them to remain on when they get covered in drool. There are a lot of printed parts in Duplo, not a single sticker. Move up the ages in sets and you get fewer printed parts. All sets seem to have access to very common printed parts (generic console prints etc.). TLG expects all 14+ set builders to be able to apply stickers correctly and stand up to the rigours of play in that age bracket, so I doubt TLG will be printing more unique parts for UCS sets that aren't used many times in said set.

SumoLego

monkeyhanger said:

^TLG is not expecting toddlers to put stickers on straight or for them to remain on when they get covered in drool.

This rationale would also apply to AFOLs and printed pieces.

Muftak1

SumoLego said:

monkeyhanger said:

^TLG is not expecting toddlers to put stickers on straight or for them to remain on when they get covered in drool.

This rationale would also apply to AFOLs and printed pieces.

I don't drool on my Lego. Its the wet weather here in Ireland...

560Heliport

Maybe LEGO figures that a lot of AFOLs build MOCs, so stickers mean you can choose whether or not to apply them. If they always printed parts, some of us would whine that we had to remove printing, "Why don't they use stickers so I don't have to strip printed parts?" I put some on, leave others off. I use tweezers, no big deal. But I do hate trying to put a sticker on a 2x2 round plate.

Astrobricks

^ I assume you mean 2x2 round tile.

monkeyhanger

560Heliport said:

Maybe LEGO figures that a lot of AFOLs build MOCs, so stickers mean you can choose whether or not to apply them. If they always printed parts, some of us would whine that we had to remove printing, "Why don't they use stickers so I don't have to strip printed parts?" I put some on, leave others off. I use tweezers, no big deal. But I do hate trying to put a sticker on a 2x2 round plate.

So how many here that have the Falcon ended up putting the bullet hole sticker on? I never did, nor did I do the little red ones that go on the upper turret (although I might do those).

TyresOFlaherty

^ At the risk of this blowing up/sidetracking this thread (can you imagine?? haha) I've made a poll to answer the above question:

Did you put stickers on your 75192 Millennium Falcon?

lee1980

I see Johnlewis have it listed online now but out of stock, i would of probably waited if knew, but never thought they sell it as to expensive but guess biggest lego set will sell.  Did they ever sell death star?
been so much easier to click and collect to!

waynlewis

I heard they’re gonna release a true-to-size Lego House in 2020!!

Astrobricks

^ You mean 1:1 scale?
(Sorry. Perpetuating off topic tangent.)

PapaBear

waynlewis said:

I heard they’re gonna release a true-to-size Lego House in 2020!!

Kind of like this one they tore down because no one wanted it?

Toker

I finally received my VIP card on Saturday. I'm in the Northeast, US and bought my UCS Falcon in store in mid October.

560Heliport

Hi Astrobricks! Yep, I meant a tile... But trying to put a sticker on a 2x2 plate would be so much worse. :) Or maybe four tiny stickers, one on each of the studs... Things can always be worse!

PapaBear

Toker said:

I finally received my VIP card on Saturday. I'm in the Northeast, US and bought my UCS Falcon in store in mid October.

I'm also in Northeast US and got mine Saturday.  I ordered the day it was released