How are sellers able to offer large quantities of minifigure from sets?

Lark

I was curious how some sellers can sell large quantities of minifigures that only seem to be available as part of sets - and then they don't seem to be selling the actual sets. Can some resellers just get the minfigures direct from Lego?

factorybelt

I assume they would be holding onto the bricks or selling the pieces separately...

Matthew

As a general rule they will buy large quantities of sets (from clearance sales normally) and take the minifigures out to sell separately. Minifigures reach a better price on ebay normally, though some people sell them on BrickLink. They will either keep the parts for personal use, sell them as components of a set (ie: Diagon Alley #10217 as the 3 buildings) or sell the parts individually on BrickLink.

dougts

^ this

tdhbr

I bought a couple sets of #7929 at 30% off, then sold the droid figures as a group and kept the rest of the parts to use. After ebay fees and such, I ended up spending about $5 per set for the parts I kept. Not making a profit in this case, but getting some cheap parts in colors I wanted.

Lark

Hi thanks guys - I had noticed some people selling up to perhaps 12 of one type of set minifigure and not really at a huge price - so I wondered what they would do with so much of the remainder! I guess maybe they keep all the parts for a good inventory stock to sell

akunthita

Just like others have said above. One other thing I would like to add though is parts also sell MUCH BETTER if you have a large quantity. Basically often when you sell the minifigs from the set, you end up owning the set free and clear. At that point you can keep the parts in the set for your own use (and own your LEGO free), or sell the parts once you accumulate a good amount.

I also know that some eBay sellers who sell minifigs have a collaboration with a LEGO builder who wants a lot of parts for large projects, or a LUG (LEGO Users Group). The seller will sell the minifigs online, then sell the parts for a good price to the individual or group who don't care about the minifigs. It is a win-win for everyone. (c:

ChanMcL

I saw someone on BL with about 20 odd Darth Malgus figures... I was surprised that he has so many as its a new set too.

dougts

People part out sets by the dozens. 20 isn't really that much, even for a $90 set

TheBigGuy

I wondered this myself. The repsonses make sense that I'm surprised I didn't think of it!