Collecting Boxed vs. Built Sets

lkliment2 · January 2018

Hello all,
I have recently been wondering what everyone's opinion is in regards to collecting boxed sets or built sets. Do you collect strictly NIB sets or do you buy them to be built and displayed? Or perhaps you buy one to build and one to keep in the box? Personally, I have been torn lately as to whether or not I build older sets that I have just recently acquired or if I leave them untouched in the box. Just seemed like an interesting topic to me.

tmgm528 · January 2018

Very rarely when buying sets do I buy them to sell later - so I almost always buy and open, or buy used complete sets anyway. However I have on occasion bought a set, never got around to building it, and lost interest in building it later. So I have a decent little stack of sealed things to be sold later!

piratemania7 · January 2018

Very subjective but a good talking point. I am not well versed in the whole finding of other threads but I know there are many that speak to all of this. Personally I collect anything that interests me and don’t go into it thinking if I keep this sealed I can sell it later. But for different reasons I end up selling the random set or two.

CaptainPirateMan · January 2018

Both, but mostly to build. I do buy things specifically for my BL store, but I usually take things from sets that I like. End up parting out the rest.

Hanzo · January 2018

I build everything I buy (and then disassemble them for storage since I don't have infinite display space). I am not worried about resale value though. I mean, if you never open and build these things you're essentially "collecting" cardboard boxes no?

1265 · January 2018

Hanzo said:

I build everything I buy (and then disassemble them for storage since I don't have infinite display space). I am not worried about resale value though. I mean, if you never open and build these things you're essentially "collecting" cardboard boxes no?

WHAT!!! Let me go check..........(phew), nope there's something inside those sealed boxes I have. You had me worried.

Fizyx · January 2018

I collect to build, but I do have a hangup that I have a hard time getting past about getting used sets. For some of them I know I'm going to have to get used, but when I can I will almost always get NSIB.

Hanzo · January 2018

1265 said:

Hanzo said:

I build everything I buy (and then disassemble them for storage since I don't have infinite display space). I am not worried about resale value though. I mean, if you never open and build these things you're essentially "collecting" cardboard boxes no?

WHAT!!! Let me go check..........(phew), nope there's something inside those sealed boxes I have. You had me worried.

Sure, there's something in there. For your sake I hope they are LEGO bricks :-P

M1J0E · January 2018

I’m a buy & build person. Why not get the building enjoyment out of the sets you purchase, rather than just the ownership enjoyment? I know I wouldn’t have the budget I need to acquire old sets I want as NISB.

lkliment2 · January 2018

Fizyx said:

I collect to build, but I do have a hangup that I have a hard time getting past about getting used sets. For some of them I know I'm going to have to get used, but when I can I will almost always get NSIB.

I can absolutely relate to this. As someone who works with used Legos on a regular basis, I find it much easier to purchase a used set that I can see in person (and thus "inspect" for lack of better terms) as opposed to eBay, for example. I also agree on getting sets NIB. It is just much more satisfying to me.

Recce · January 2018

I love collecting toys, and play with them or display them nicely on shelves.

Though when I ran out of display shelves few years back, the boxed sets began to grow at a much faster rate than opened sets.

So now I have tonnes of boxed sets with little chance of seeing sunlight, unless I move to a bigger house.

Cyberdragon · January 2018

^ *GASP* triggered! Charity infomercial time!

*grim scenes of Lego boxes sitting on shelves with cobwebs and dust*

"Every day...these Lego sets sit in filth...unopened...unbuilt...and unloved. If you call our toll free number on screen right now then for the low price of 25 cents a day you can donate to help these Lego sets find a new home. Or you can visit our website at www.unlovedlego.com. Don't wait, these Lego sets need your help now!"

It would be funny if that was a real website.

Polyphemus · January 2018

I've only bought 4 retired sets NSIB from after market sellers, all local so I can pick up and pay in person (I'm a untrusting little bugger). The most I paid for any of them was double the original retail price. Only then did I pause and think "If I cut this seal then I'm seriously devaluing the contents" before forging ahead and building the model anyway. All my other sets were current models (at the time) bought from retail stores and S@H. I've only ever purchase to build. This hobby's no fun for me if I don't get to build! I have had to disassemble many of them and pack them away back in their boxes due to lack of space but I can't see myself ever selling them.

Fodder · January 2018

I don't buy anything that I don't intend to open. It might take me a couple of months to find the time, but all sets will be built eventually.

catwrangler · January 2018

Cyberdragon said:

^ *GASP* triggered! Charity infomercial time!

*grim scenes of Lego boxes sitting on shelves with cobwebs and dust*

"Every day...these Lego sets sit in filth...unopened...unbuilt...and unloved. If you call our toll free number on screen right now then for the low price of 25 cents a day you can donate to help these Lego sets find a new home. Or you can visit our website at www.unlovedlego.com. Don't wait, these Lego sets need your help now!"

It would be funny if that was a real website.

And if you went there and it was just photos of attics full of Galidor...

CCC · January 2018

lkliment2 said:

Personally, I have been torn lately as to whether or not I build older sets that I have just recently acquired or if I leave them untouched in the box.

Why did you buy / acquire them? If you bought them to build, then build them. If to keep them in the box, then do that.

I only really buy new sets so there is no issue, I open them. But I can understand there might be a slight dilemma if you pay top price for a sealed vintage set if the set price is more than the parts are worth.

Astrobricks · January 2018

I buy more than I can build or display, so I have a LOT of unopened boxes. Personally, I enjoy the anticipation of building them later, so it’s not just about owning them. I have bought duplicate sets to keep MISB if I think they have a good chance of appreciating in value, but I’ve really cut back on doing that lately. I also have many sets still unopened that I bought at deep discounts just to accumulate parts for MOCs, but I will definitely get around to opening those up (and usually building them too). I like to learn what I can from building a set even if I just take it apart right after. A lot of my new sets are waiting while I finish cleaning and sorting all the used parts I’ve accumulated.

FowlerBricks · January 2018

I always build my sets unless I instantly trade or give away ones that I don't need/want.

Cyberdragon · January 2018

Ok then...as long as we don't have to call PETL.

daewoo · January 2018

I buy used sets from stores unless I find the price to be ridiculously high. In those cases, I'll download the parts lists and instructions and buy what pieces I need. When I buy new sets, I always open and build them. I have no interest in collecting a bunch of unopened boxes.

Ma1234 · January 2018

I admitedly have a few cool older sets still boxed in my collection - #105 and #1484 are my favorites, plus I have a sealed #6394 to go along with an open one - but I collect LEGO to build them. Most of the sealed sets in my collection are sealed simply because I haven't found time to build them, including a Tower Bridge I bought in 2012 and just have not build yet.

the_creative_box · January 2018

I always build the sets I buy (unless I only buy a set for the minifigure(s), in which case I keep the pieces in new condition in their bags to use them later in a MOC). I keep some of my used sets disassembled and in the boxes, because if I do otherwise they will take up too much space. Also, I keep a majority of my CMF:s in crisp condition in zip-bags, because 1. I don't have a proper place to display them 2. I might use them in a MOC/stop-motion and want them to look new and shiny 3. I want to keep a few to trade for parts or figures in the future.

I do sell some sets, but only those that I've lost interest in - selling off some older sets gives me more money and space to update my collection. When I sold my Pig Farm for $90 last year I realized that some sets can turn themselves into a smaller profit at the right time, regardless if they are in used or new condition. Gosh, I've even seen 3180 Tank Truck sell for $50 on Swedish Ebay!

Yodalicious · January 2018

I have a handful that will never be opened, but they are duplicates that I wanted for “collecting” purposes...an extra Iron Man polybag or two (or 10), the Big Bang set (big fan of the show), a Mystery Machine (again big fan). Nothing big though. Anything else that’s still boxed is only because I haven’t had a chance to build it yet. I even opened my Death Star about five years ago even though I still haven’t built it. I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t be tempted to keep it shut in the future.

I don’t keep sealed for value purposes (although some of the polybags I will admit to having for possible future trades)...but any I do have I only got because they are also ones I wanted. So if I never do trade them, I’ll be perfectly happy with them as part of my collection.

SumoLego · January 2018

Yodalicious said:

...I even opened my Death Star about five years ago even though I still haven’t built it. I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t be tempted to keep it shut in the future...

We're not so different, you and I. I have an extra unopened SDD that hasn't been built for that exact reason. It's too 'valuable' to open and assemble...

Cyberdragon · January 2018

Until the cardboard gets old and crumbles to dust...

Cyberdragon · January 2018

You guys might be wondering why I'm so triggered by box collectors. I've seen the worst of it in person. Not Lego, but there was some sort of machine kit at an auction that was unopened. We knew the brand but that's it, not even what was inside. It was just a small, ugly brown box taped shut with yellowed tape and had a number on it...yet so called "box collectors" were oggling over it. Some of the people there were on my side, I mean sure it was rare, but it was unidentified and looked disgusting. So now I have box collector PTSD. At least Lego boxes look nice...but still...*shivers*

Game_on · January 2018

I don't collect to collect, I buy to build.

I'm picky as to what sets I want to get. I don't get hung up on needing to collect the entire series of some theme. I go for what catches my eye, and what looks interesting to build. Then I try to build it when time allows. Which there hasn't been a lot of time to do lately, so my queue is considerably larger than I meant to let it get. (10 sets at the moment ... yipes)

There are a few older sets that have caught my eyes lately, and if I go searching for them I won't get hung up on if they are in a box or not.

lkliment2 · January 2018

SumoLego said:

Yodalicious said:

...I even opened my Death Star about five years ago even though I still haven’t built it. I wanted to be sure I wouldn’t be tempted to keep it shut in the future...

We're not so different, you and I. I have an extra unopened SDD that hasn't been built for that exact reason. It's too 'valuable' to open and assemble...

Would that be #10221 Super Star Destroyer? High on my list of sets I would like to get soon.

Brixfan02 · January 2018

I usually collect to build. But I have one boxed set; I got this set:

75137: Carbon-Freezing Chamber

For Christmas, but I already had it so I kept it in its box.

SumoLego · January 2018

lkliment2 said:
Would that be #10221 Super Star Destroyer? High on my list of sets I would like to get soon.

It's been sitting for a few years now. I will eventually build it - once I have a spot to display it.

Or until there is a re-release.

Astrobricks · January 2018

Brixfan02 said:

I usually collect to build. But I have one boxed set; I got this set:
75137: Carbon-Freezing Chamber
For Christmas, but I already had it so I kept it in its box.

That is a very nice link. But in case you were unaware, you can create such links by simply adding a # before the set number, like #75137.

Brixfan02 · January 2018

Ohhhhhhh...

FowlerBricks · January 2018

^Nice avatar! Best Spider-Man minifig ever.

Brixfan02 · January 2018

Yeah, it looks pretty great. I did not take the picture, but I do have the figure... twice

FowlerBricks · January 2018

Brixfan02 said:

Yeah, it looks pretty great. I did not take the picture, but I do have the figure... twice

The Civil War version or Homecoming? Or both?

donutboy · January 2018

If you collect Kenner Star Wars figures, in their blister packs, you can still see the actual figure so in some respects, I can see why people like to keep them sealed.
With Lego, the contents are a jumble of bricks, you can't even see them, so all you've got is a box, with photos on, that rattles.
Having said all that, I still have quite a large sealed polybag collection.

dmcc0 · January 2018

^ you could still try to make the sets without opening the polybags!

Brixfan02 · January 2018

FowlerBricks said:

Brixfan02 said:

Yeah, it looks pretty great. I did not take the picture, but I do have the figure... twice

The Civil War version or Homecoming? Or both?

Just two of the homecoming one, I got both sets.

FowlerBricks · January 2018

^Ah, ok. I have the Civil War version. I like him better, but probably only because he was the first version.

Powderfinger · January 2018

Build. Display Move on.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5015319/uploads/editor/yo/px9ixrr7pbwo.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5015319/uploads/editor/8y/qb34gpwps68q.jpg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5015319/uploads/editor/ik/1scmjr4cdllo.jpg

lee1980 · January 2018

Wow I thought I had enough, how do you all keep built un protected lego clean? I have about 6/7 built now and need to dust every so often, use an old soft brush mostly. Plan to get some perspex cases for some but not all.
Is it just a case of regular dusting really I guess.

mh3490 · January 2018

I use a paintbrush works really well for me

xwingpilot · January 2018

Powderfinger said:

Build. Display. Dust. Dust. Dust. Du...

Fixed that for you.

Brixfan02 · January 2018

FowlerBricks said:

^Ah, ok. I have the Civil War version. I like him better, but probably only because he was the first version.

I'd trade a homecoming one for a civil war one ;) you probably wouldn't do it though. Unless you have two

FowlerBricks · January 2018

Brixfan02 said:

FowlerBricks said:

^Ah, ok. I have the Civil War version. I like him better, but probably only because he was the first version.

I'd trade a homecoming one for a civil war one ;) you probably wouldn't do it though. Unless you have two

No, I don't have two. I highly recommend the whole Tanker Takedown set, though.

Cyberdragon · January 2018

xwingpilot said:

Powderfinger said:

Build. Display. Dust. Dust. Dust. Du...

Fixed that for you.

If you want to be efficient, use a compressor and airbrush. Just make sure there are no loose figs or anything. Canned air might work too, but it might take several cans for all of it.

gmonkey76 · January 2018

^With a compressor or canned air you're just moving dust around. You really need a small vacuum with computer dusting attachments to pick up the dust

Fizyx · January 2018

gmonkey76 said:

^With a compressor or canned air you're just moving dust around. You really need a small vacuum with computer dusting attachments to pick up the dust

Yeah, I think the anti-static part of that (ie the computer dusting part) would be pretty important. Otherwise you may charge your sets, and then they'll end up attracting more dust than they would have otherwise. Especially if they are on long term display.

JRL · January 2018

The dust issue is the thing that stops me building my sets. Until I can work out adequate display solutions (I just bought a Detolf) they oftentimes stay in their boxes.

Powderfinger · January 2018

Ha, you all need to let go of this dust obsession of yours, it's not on display in the British Museum.
Here's what I do once a year: Open the garage door, take sets outside, blow it clean with your breath. Put it back.

vitreolum · January 2018

90% go to parts (those I'm getting either for parts or minifigs, sometimes I'll build them, most of the time I won't), 5% built and displayed (those rare models I really dig, like imperial shuttle or black pearl), 5% sealed (polybag collection and sdcc or similar exclusives).

For dust, my favorite option so far are kabuki brushes.

Collecting Boxed vs. Built Sets

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