Offered a large lot from ex LEGO employee

Mortenbn1988

Hi Brickset Forum and thank you for the membership.
I've been offered a large lot (~50sets) of unopened boxes from a former lego employee who is in my extended family.
I've been sent pictures, however not all of the boxes are visible (I'm working on getting better pictures). I've been able to make out 44 of them, and the value of those based on Bricklink minimum price is around 5870 EUR (6642$).

Here's a spreadsheet of the sets so far:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1jIXaot1laKUFK_asuZOHeHCmijuKUj1JqYl7FqFN70I/edit?usp=sharing

I've been asked 2673 Eur (3025$) for the lot, which by the look of it, is a pretty good deal. My main concern is how difficult it is to re-sell as a seller with no online reputation (yet)? I don't mind keeping the collection until i need the money, but at that time, it would be nice if it wouldn't take several years to sell. :P

What's your take on it? Go or nogo?

Thank you in advance.
-Morten

Mr_Cross

Looks like a great lot. I'd snap it up.

I'd sell those things on ebay as Buy it Nows initially.
To avoid losing out on any of the potential income, I'd sell some "junk" on eBay to build up a reputation.
If you don't fancy selling any of your own belongings, I'd consider scouring local charity shops for other items that could have a wider market... anything in decent condition, even DVDs. Don't skimp on packaging and despatch very promptly... obvious stuff really.
So long as you keep 100% feedback, even with a feedback score of 25, buyers won't care if the prices are competitive.

truck730

This is a great deal and depending on the set your value may be less than actual and the price you're getting them for you'll double your investment ,I say if you can afford it DO IT

madforLEGO

Keep in mind, if you buy the collection, some of it may not sell right away, or may not have the demand to get even what the price guides in BL, say. You can also search for completed sold listings for items on eBay as well (but get an average price from there as some falsely sell items that have larger values to try to game the system I think).

While it is far easier (IMO) to sell factory sealed sets, if you sell on eBay, even with 0 feedback, just be descriptive and spell out your terms and conditions in the listing: Detailed pics of the item (namely any seals on the box to show they are in good condition), Good description of item (no matter how many detailed photos are taken), if you insure, what those costs would be for the item, how the set will be shipped (i.e in a new box) descriptive shipping and handling costs, If it comes from a smoke and pet free home, etc.

I also will say use Buy it now on the sets you where you know what they are worth, and that is the price you want. You could probably use an auction for items that may or may not do well but it would be best to have some (positive) feedback before doing that.

Another note of importance, realize that this takes time and effort to sell a collection. Be sure that it is worth your time, as I think a lot of people forget that.

In the end, I say the more descriptive you are it makes it easier for you and the buyer IMO.

Mortenbn1988

Thank you for some really good tips. Exactly what i was looking for!
I've decided to buy the lot, so once i get my hands on it, you'll probably see a post in the bragging thread. ;-D

Polyphemus

Surely I can't be the only person who read it like this:

Dear drug addicts,

I've been offered a large pile of crack from an ex-Cartel member. Should I buy it?

I'm willing to sell...

chuckp

^ Funniest thing I've read today! I didn't initially see it like that, but now I can't read it any other way.

Best of luck with your purchase Mortenbn1988 . There are a lot of really nice sets there. If you're into Technic sets in any way, I would recommend keeping the 4x4 Crawler. Interesting build and actually kind of fun seeing what it can drive over. Well, for at least 20 minutes or so. 

SumoLego

Where's the free crack!?!?!?!?

datsunrobbie

SumoLego said:

Where's the free crack!?!?!?!?

In the brown plates, tiles and bricks.

FollowsClosely

Employees get 50% off. So don't assume he is taking a loss at that price.

MrJackson

@FollowsClosely Oh, he's not. When I worked there we were expressly told that buying sets with our discount for the purpose of reselling was not allowed and could result in termination. It's almost impossible to track, tho. 

SumoLego

OP indicates it is a former employee.  Kevin Hinkle is a similarly situated former employee selling all sorts of interesting LEGO stuff.

And yes, there's a 50% discount, and depending on your taste in boxes and damaged product, sometimes larger discounts.

(There was once a LEGO outlet in Colorado that sold all sorts of damaged product at a hefty discount.)

wrangler6915

^also used to be one at Potomac Mills in Virginia. I got several imperial Flagships for like $125 each. Plus they would sell all the mini figures from the display sets.  You could buy three for $10 just like a pick a mini pack.  They might still be doing this....was like five years ago tho

SprinkleOtter

^ Can someone confirm if this still exist??

Russell844

I think the one at Ontario Mills used to do this too.

MrJackson

We definitely didn't do that when I worked there which was May '14 to April '18

SumoLego

The outlet out in Colorado was more than 15 years ago.  I wasn't aware of one in Virginia.

But that was when outlet malls were actually outlets, and not just sneakily marketed retail stores.  

Oh, the good ol' days!

DadsAFOL

The "outlet" in Ontario Mills, Ca does still sell the smashed boxes from LBR, but they only give 10-20% discount, and if its an exclusive D2C set they give zero discount but some "bonus" VIP points.  So rarely any great deals there.

I miss the good old discount days when Lego was struggling - I remember walking into the Anaheim Lego store once and seeing a big stack of Eiffel Towers at 50% off.

ReesesPieces

Haven't been to the Potomac mills VA one in a few years but I believe it is just a regular Lego store.  The discounts are the same as the ones @DadsAFOL mentioned which is what most Lego stores offer.