Definition of a polybag

MorkMan

Question: Is there a definition of what really is a polybag? 
Does it mean any LEGO set in a sealed plastic bag? Can it be just an item? Does it have to have a bar code? Does it have to have a set number? Do limited runs count? Where does it begin and where does it end?

Does this item below count as a polybag? Does it mean it’s more rare since it is bagged versus loose?

Baby_Yoda

I believe it's anything in a sealed plastic bag that would be considered a set if it was packaged in a box. So in most cases in would mean a set number, but not for convention exclusives, for example.

CCC

It's up to individuals really. Personally, I take anything with a picture on the front like a standard polybag that looks good displayed but wouldn't include Monthly Mini Models, bags from books, etc that are included in the brickset definition / tags.

SumoLego

(I wouldn't consider the Duplo piece in a bag in the photo to be a polybag.  My personal opinion is that it needs a set or item number, and be produced for retail consumption.)

MorkMan

SumoLego said:

(I wouldn't consider the Duplo piece in a bag in the photo to be a polybag.  My personal opinion is that it needs a set or item number, and be produced for retail consumption.)

What's retail consumption? I've seen promotional polybags (i.e. "normal" polybags) given out for free... Does that not count?

oldtodd33

To me, obviously it has to be in a poly bag and have a set number printed on the bag. The brick in a bag is not a set. But I like how the components in your bag were made in four different countries:)

SumoLego

^ This, basically.

CCC

Isn't the 37unique17 the code for this 'set'? After all other polybags such as Martian Manhunter, White Boba, etc don't have a 'normal' set number on the front but do have a code (sometimes two) on the back.

What about this and similar gear sets? No set number, but code number 5000441 on the back.



And many PF parts come in polythene bags with set codes on.

Switchfoot55

I always assumed it was a bag made of polyethylene plastic?

MorkMan

I think we need a heavy hitter to weigh in. @huw thoughts? @CapnRex101 thoughts?

CCC

Here is a M-motor in a bag along with a 7 digit code.

I imagine most people would not class this as a polybag.

Here is a minifigure in a bag along with a 7 digit code.

I imagine most people would class this as a polybag.

That minifig was also issued in a clear polybag in highly limited quantities. I imagine most people would not class the clear one as a polybag.

For me, the picture is a big deal.

Hence:

I wouldn't class this as a polybag (that I would want to display), even though it is a building set in a polybag with a proper set number. But I am sure others would class it as a polybag. Should it be tagged as a polybag? Yes.

Aleydita

Almost every item produced or used in production by Lego has a 7-digit inventory code. Every bag, cardboard box, brick, etc.

imo a Polybag set worth collecting includes either a model that can be built, however naff, or a collectable such as the brick in the OP. Not every collector of polybags will think the same, as @CCC confirms.

Huw

What do you want the definition for? If to decide what to collect then it's up to you to define it.

As far as the database goes the polybag tag is used to define the packaging type so everything shown above should have one,  assuming it's in the database as a separate item.

playwell

^ Interesting because packaging is already one of the categories for the set detail page so isn't a polybag tag a bit redundant, we dont have a tag for 'box'.

MorkMan

I’m looking to see how to inventory it in my collection I’m selling off. I have this brick both “loose” and “sealed in a bag” and wanted to know if it properly could/should be labeled as a “polybag” or not. I know there are many polybag collectors and if this counts as a polybag, I could see it being a desirable item for the completionists. 

thedoctor46

I think you've just touched on it, it's a brick in a bag, nothing more.

SumoLego

Huw said:

As far as the database goes the polybag tag is used to define the packaging type so everything shown above should have one,  assuming it's in the database as a separate item.

It's better to have a wider net in the database and then do some selective paring off of the list.

Huw

The polybag tag is added automatically to make it easier to search and filter.

Aleydita

MorkMan said:

I’m looking to see how to inventory it in my collection I’m selling off. I have this brick both “loose” and “sealed in a bag” and wanted to know if it properly could/should be labeled as a “polybag” or not. I know there are many polybag collectors and if this counts as a polybag, I could see it being a desirable item for the completionists. 

Some collectors would definitely see it as a polybag.