Noob purchasing the modular buildings - a few questions

Comments

• Rainstorm26 Member Posts: 1,013

  May 2017

  1. No
  2. No
  3. Random
  4. Possibly at end of life to clear stocks (PS went on sale at the end)
  

  

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• elspankdog Member Posts: 403

  May 2017

  Yeah, there is usually a very short window for sales right before retirement.  I missed the sale from Lego on the PS, but was able to catch it at Wal-mart last year.

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• RogerKirk Member Posts: 365

  May 2017

  In regards to the best order to buy, there have been surprises in which set retires next, it suggests there are numerous factors in determining when to retire a set. But generally, the age of the set does seem to be a major factor.
  
  So the best way to minimise the risk of missing out would be the start with the oldest and work forward. But be prepared for the Parisian Restaurant to be retired next before Palace Cinema, for example.
  
  I never followed this advice though and have bought 5 modulars to date. In order, these were Palace Cinema, Detectives Office, Parisian Restaurant, Pet Shop and Brick Bank.
  
  I got the Pet Shop within days after it's retirement was announced (well persuaded my wife it would be the perfect Christmas present for me).

  

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• Eaglefan344 Member Posts: 10

  May 2017

  How are the retirements typically announced? 

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• mustang69 Member Posts: 544

  May 2017

  I dont think they are really announced. Though there might be an indicator on the [email protected] site where it might say "Retiring Soon" I think. Mostly though I think people keep an eye on the site and when it starts going out of stock and on back order is when it might be getting close.
  
  As far as the order of them retiring, as was mentioned it's not always oldest first. I believe it was the Town Hall in 2012 that retired before the Pet Shop from 2011. Granted that is the first time it happened to my knowledge but something to keep in mind.

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• dragon114 Member Posts: 642

  May 2017

  i would go for the cinema first because that one could be on it way out soon

  

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• catwrangler Member Posts: 1,894

  May 2017

  Definitely worth snapping up the cinema before it goes. While it's not the most beloved of the currently available modulars, it's such a distinctive building and displays beautifully on its own even if you don't expect to be able to pick up any more modulars for a while. We've had some inventive customisations from forum members, too...

  

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• jonmdudley Member Posts: 23

  May 2017

  I tend to try and get the oldest one first. That being said if you are only able to get one within a long period of time I would wait for the announcement for one to be retired and then purchase that one. From there go back to the First in first out thought process. with most of us now it is just figuring out what is the best time to buy the new one.

  
  

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• monstblitz Member Posts: 653

  May 2017

  It really doesn't matter the order If you're anything like me or some of the others on this forum.  Buy the first one and then 2 weeks later, you will somehow own them all, even the retired versions and be several thousands in debt! 
  

  

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• josekalel Member Posts: 683

  May 2017

  As someone who recently got into the modulars too, be aware that you'll wanna own them all (especially the retired ones...I'm looking at you, Selfridge & Co. Grand Emporium!).
  
  Buy them all if you can afford to, wait for the 2X VIP points to get a better deal, since they don't usually (if at all) go on sale. The only one that has gone on sale, like mentioned already, has been Pet Shop, but I am sure they did so to get rid of stock (not as popular as others). 
  

  

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• madforLEGO Member Posts: 10,793

  May 2017

  Typically most sets, not just mods, seem to run out of stock at LEGO around the holidays(from around thanksgiving in the US through the first week of January). Typically it is 5-6 years per mod and the oldest set released is the one that goes first.
  The only go on sale if LEGO is trying to clear out stocks, or if LEGO did clear out their stock which seems to give other retailers the ability to then put their stocks on sale.
  

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• ecmo47 Member Posts: 2,101

  May 2017

  If you like them, just go buy them now! Modulars are a terrific bargain at regular price. For example the Palace Cinema has 2196 pieces and sells for $150.00 USD. That is only 6.8 cents per piece. If you find a 20% off sale (a very rare thing) the price per piece only goes down to 5.4 cents. 
  
  For comparison, the new USC snow speeder (#75144) is 1703 pieces for $200.00 or 11.7 cents per piece. Double the price!
  
  My point? Don't risk missing out on currently available sets chasing a sale that probably wont happen. They do not get cheaper after retirement despite how many everybody has stashed.

  

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• mustang69 Member Posts: 544

  May 2017

  I agree that if you want them buy them as soon as you can. Although, if you can manage to wait a little for the ones that have been out for less time it might be worth picking them up the next time there is a double VIP event (if you arent already a VIP member then join now, its free).

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• josekalel Member Posts: 683

  May 2017

  As I was reminded a few days ago, if you have a Discover card you can also get 5% cashback if you go through the Discover site, which in the end you can say that made you save about 10% overall. 

  

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• BooTheMightyHamster Member Posts: 1,533

  May 2017

  I really need to stop reading this thread...

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• HugeYellowBrick Member Posts: 496

  May 2017

  I've found the best bargains in October & November, if you can wait that long. I've picked up second sets at that time of year.

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