Selling Other Brand Pieces with LEGO in the Secondary Market

scotty12

I recently hit a few local garage sales that specifically stated they had LEGOs for sale. One had a few open sets from a few years ago and full retail and the other were 'blocks' called "Best-Lock". I know they fit with LEGO, but the quality isn't as good but I was wondering your opinion on using they with LEGO? Am I going to run into color variances? I only paid $10 for 2,500bricks so that's not a problem. I just didn't want to run into problems in the future/someday of the kids selling some of their LEGOs and people complaining they got a few "non-LEGO" in their lot. I'm leaning towards just re-selling them this fall at the town garage sale.

atkinsar

I would say that the overwhelming majority of buyers would mind if there were a lot of other brand bricks in the lot, a few they'd probably put up with.

Ypres

I stopped buying bulk lots because of all the people who claim their lots are "genuine Lego" but forget to mention that half of it is M*** B***s.

I collect Lego, not random assorted children's building toys. It's not just Lego's quality that keeps me a "purist", it's their customer service which tends to my every whim.

One thing you're going to notice if you re-sell the "non-Lego" is that you're not going to get even a quarter of the price you'd get if it were actual Lego. A huge part of actually being a collector vs. being a horder, is that you have something of value. Lego is worth money, other brands sell for half a peanut.

LegobrandonCP

One question I've been meaning to ask for a long time and I think this thread is a good place for it.

Is LEGO the only company that is allowed to use ABS plastic to produce building blocks? Or is every building block company allowed, and just depends on if they have the funds to purchase the granules?

CCC

^ Anyone can. ABS is a chemical name (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and it is used in many applications where relatively light plastic with high impact strength and chemically inert when used with water is needed - water pipes, cheap tennis raquets, hockey sticks, luggage, ..., Lego. Also note that "specialist" Lego-compatibles like brickforge and brickarms, etc, also use ABS.

LegoFanTexas

Mega Block isn't ABS, is it?

I've only tried Mega Block one time (it was complete and utter crap), it didn't feel like the same plastic...

Kreo, on the other hand, I think is ABS, because it does feel almost the same as Lego, not quite exactly the same, but very close...

Anyone know what either of those is really made from?

CCC

^ I think megabloks are PE (polyethylene). But to be honest, I haven't bought any in a while, so cannot comment if they have changed. PE is usually softer for the same thickness material (so can actually take more impact without cracking compared to ABS) but easier to warp - hence the interlocking problem. PE can also be stretched somewhat compared to ABS.

PE is actually better than ABS for babies bricks (like those giant megabloks) - you can make very lightweight toys that are soft to touch and are easy to take apart.

CCC

Back to the original subject ... I'd leave negative feedback if more than about 5% of bricks are non-Lego if I bought a lot described as Lego on eBay. And it is not just "I would leave", it is in fact, "I have left". I once complained to a seller about this, only to be told they are the same thing and no refund.

And if I sell items, I always make sure to say they are non-Lego if that is the case, even if the pieces are quality ones from brickforge, etc.

AFFOL_Shellz_Bellz

Like most of those who have spoke to the subject, when I buy Lego I'm expecting to get Lego brand not some other brand. I'm less offended by getting a few off brand bricks if I get them very cheap than if I pay a premium price. I just gave away a bucket of off brand bricks that was at least 30 lbs. You will definitely see a difference in the brands as they age, most likely in both color and in how easily they scratch.

khmellymel

I too, when I buy Lego, want only Lego. Incomplete/substituted bricks don't bother me as much as getting other brands. If someone is selling a big lot of Lego, I'll normally ask if they know of any other types of bricks are in the lot. If the seller is vague, I will usually pass, but even if they go "yeah, I think there might be some, but I went through it and it really is mostly Lego" I'll usually end up picking it up. If I get the lot and it's blatant they didn't check (or perhaps purposely tried to add to the weight with the other bricks, but I try not to think like that), I may end up leaving negative feedback if I can't resolve the issue with the seller.

I don't normally resell my Lego (sometimes I might get rid of a thing or two if I'm over a theme or something) but I have at various times purchased bulk Lego for my collection. Whenever I find I have Megablocks or other various building blocks, I set them aside in a separate bucket or box, and then when it's full I'll post an ad specifically advertising Megablocks and/or Lego compatible building bricks, usually for cheap or even to give away. Lots of parents are willing to take them off your hands, it's of minimal effort/cost for me, plus I keep my Lego collection simply Lego. Win-win-win!