Home› Shopping USA/Canada
Shopping at LEGO or Amazon?
Please use our links: LEGO.com • Amazon
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Lego VIP

DrmnezDrmnez Member Posts: 855
edited August 2012 in Shopping USA/Canada
is it worth buying lego at retail using the VIP program and banking the points to get a more expensive set discounted or free, or is it better to shop at the usual place (bricklink, sometimes ebay, etc...)?

Comments

  • The_Brick_BuilderThe_Brick_Builder Member Posts: 658
    It mainly depends on the set and what condition you want it in. New, used, etc.
  • hoyatableshoyatables Member Posts: 873
    edited August 2012
    As a general rule, there's something suspicious about in-production sets tat are for sale on eBay or Bricklink -- there are threads here that talk all about "drop shipping."

    VIP is a good approach for the "big" LEGO sets. Twice a year LEGO offers "double VIP" points, which is when you want to focus your purchases. Also a good place for the TRU exclusive sets -- they are almost always marked up at TRU, and even if you manage to find a coupon or sale that applies to LEGO (esp. Star Wars LEGO), you'll be better off at the LEGO store.

    For other LEGO sets, you should check Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc. They often have sales that exceed the relative 5% VIP "discount."

    This is my take if you're just looking for personal consumption. Hardcore resellers may have a different theory.
  • DrmnezDrmnez Member Posts: 855
    Thanks guys. Good info
  • chrisdojochrisdojo Member Posts: 169
    I sometimes sell MISB of current production sets on ebay and I'm legit. It's a shame that there are scammers out there.
    Andor
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    chrisdojo said:

    I sometimes sell MISB of current production sets on ebay and I'm legit. It's a shame that there are scammers out there.

    You might be, but I think you're the exception. There is so much fraud out there, I won't touch an in-production set with a ten-foot pole anywhere but S&H, Amazon, or another major retailer.
  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    I don't touch them either. Most of the time the discount is not worth the hassle or risk of poor condition. And if the discount is worth it then it probably is a scam. We are all aware of what in-production sets are going for or have gone for.
  • LegobrandonCPLegobrandonCP Member Posts: 1,917
    I can't believe I used to spend my VIP points once I hit $5. Now I'm saving them up for a larger exclusive. Maybe the Death Star? :D Only at $35 right now though...
    Andor
  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    ^ Unless you are saving double vip points, its better to use them as you get them. Unless you are one of those who claim less on their W4's so they can get a bigger tax return . . .
  • AFFOL_Shellz_BellzAFFOL_Shellz_Bellz Member Posts: 1,263
    Because VIP points don't increase or decrease in value we use ours when a particular month has more expenses than usual or there are more sets released than usual that we HAVE to have.
  • LegobrandonCPLegobrandonCP Member Posts: 1,917
    ^^ I don't buy much at LEGO stores or S@H. Maybe I'll buy some clearance sets during Black Friday this year.
  • pharmjodpharmjod Member Posts: 2,916
    gmpirate said:

    ^ Unless you are saving double vip points, its better to use them as you get them. Unless you are one of those who claim less on their W4's so they can get a bigger tax return . . .

    Perhaps I'm dense, but I don't understand the point of this statement. What do LEGO VIP points have to do with your Federal W-4? Are you implying that its better to have a minor discount as you go along than to have a large discount on a bigger set that you might not otherwise purchase (ie using your tax return to purchase it?) The whole statement is just confusing to me.

  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    ^ Many people are not very disciplined when it comes to money or spending. Hence they will let the government hold on to more of their money until after tax time. Saving your VIP points is eccentionaly the same thing, hence the reference.
  • pharmjodpharmjod Member Posts: 2,916
    Ok, I get it now, but think it is somewhat of a poor analogy. I will also often save whatever points I've accumulated for a larger purchase to lessen the blow of one large purchase. Many people have a difficult time saving (ie live paycheck to paycheck) and sometimes a tax refund is the only way they can save. Also, many people don't want to take the chance and actually owe taxes at the end of the year either (hard enough to make ends meet). I agree that it isn't great to let the government keep your money interest free, but there are worse ways to save.
  • bmwlegobmwlego Member Posts: 820
    Each time I am asked if I would like to use my VIP points my answer is always the same-
    "I'm saving them until I can get a modular or insert big set name here ______ for free."
    This goal will be realized in the very near future...in about 2 weeks when I pick up a Haunted House...for FREE!
  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    We all play mind games with ourselves to justify things :P

    To fill out your W4 to avoid having to pay taxes at tax time is one thing. To fill it out on purpose to get money back later is quite another, which I was referring to. And what is a worse way to save? lol

    Anyway, the point I was making was using your points as you go is the best use of money (save double points time). Said that in response to the post that he "couldn't believe he was using them as he went". I'm in business, so I always look things from the perspective of the best use of money/time.
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    ^ You are completely correct, however some people just aren't that good with money. If over-withholding on the W4 to get a good refund at tax time is how they can save up money, so be it.

    Ditto on VIP points, if someone is having a hard time saving up $200 for a modular, then so be it.

    Of course, if someone can't save up $200 for a modular, I would question if that is what they should be spending their money on.

    Reminds me of the advice Warren Buffet once gave when asked how best a small investor could put $1,000 to work for them, stocks or bonds or what.

    His reply? Buy bulk non-perishable food when it is on sale and store it for use when it is not on sale. That is really the best "return on investment" for someone with $1,000 to invest, since it can be a 100% or more return on investment in less than a year vs. just buying food as consumed.

    Wise man...
  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    LegoFanTexas said:


    Of course, if someone can't save up $200 for a modular, I would question if that is what they should be spending their money on.

    Reminds me of the advice Warren Buffet once gave when asked how best a small investor could put $1,000 to work for them, stocks or bonds or what.

    His reply? Buy bulk non-perishable food when it is on sale and store it for use when it is not on sale. That is really the best "return on investment" for someone with $1,000 to invest, since it can be a 100% or more return on investment in less than a year vs. just buying food as consumed.

    Wise man...

    Really, that's what I'm questioning in the first place when I hear of the "mind games" people go through to justify their purchases. And hearing about some people struggling to buy Lego seems like misplaced priorities. I'm sure a lot of it is just fun playing games with the hobby, but I'm betting a lot is not.

    I admire what Buffet has done, loved reading the biographies, but its too bad he doesn't preach what he practiced to other people now.
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    ^ Oh, I'll be the first to admit that I don't always make the best decisions. My savings plan? Give the money to the wife. :) I'm the spender, she somehow never spends much money.
  • FizzlemesexyFizzlemesexy Member Posts: 123
    @gmpirate : Unfortunately most non perishables aren't good for the body in excess- it could cause health issues and besides medical bills, the discomfort might not be worth it long term. ;]

    @Drmnez
    I lately have been holding off using my VIP points too but only for smaller exclusive sets when they pop up. Or I used them on sets I wouldn't typically buy due to low part count such as the minifigure re-packs. If your TRU carries the modular series, wait for their bogo 50% sales. Either you'll be twice as happy or the second will pay for the order.
  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    Yeah, funny, same here too. My wife is much more practical than I. She just shakes her head at me and trusts that I know what I'm doing with all this Lego :P
Sign In or Register to comment.

Shopping at LEGO.com or Amazon?

Please use our links: LEGO.com • Amazon

Recent discussions • Categories • Privacy Policy • Brickset.com

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Sign In Register

Categories

Brickset.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, the Amazon.com.ca, Inc. Associates Program and the Amazon EU Associates Programme, which are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.