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Collecting Boxes

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  • EricEric Member Posts: 376
    edited January 2012
    ^^^ I'm in shock. I don't own one, but I'm lost for words...
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    Yep, that price is right up there...

    Take a closer look at the pictures, the box is really not in that great a condition. The front is ok, the sides and ends are torn.

    The manual to UCS Falcon also goes for hundreds of dollars:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lego-Star-Wars-Ultimate-Collectors-Millennium-Falcon-10179-Instructions-Only-NEW-/280796689732

    $280 for the manual right there (completed auction)

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEGO-Star-Wars-10179-Sticker-set-UCS-Millenium-Falcon-genuine-rare-new-/260919656416

    That is the sticker for it, just the black display sticker... $116 delivered... for one sticker... (ok, two if you count that little 30th anniversary sticker as well)

    Amazing, isn't it? :) Everyone who has 10188, keep this in mind when throwing out your box... ;)
  • LittleBrickieLittleBrickie Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2012
    A few years ago I made a painful decision, I got rid of all the boxes that my Lego came in. I didn't have much storage room at the time so it was a good decision to make. I compacted the sets into storage tubs and even managed to make room for more sets! However, I now live in a new house with plenty of room and I really wish I'd kept all the boxes.

    What about you, would you get rid of the boxes to make room for more? Or is a set not a set without the box? How do you deal with storage?
  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    I threw away the Emerald night box, and I enjoy relaying the story because I know it'll give some people a heart attack. It was very satisfying though, the act was almost decadent in its depravity.

    I felt dirty afterwards though.
  • GalidorneveragainGalidorneveragain Member Posts: 89
    I always flatten my boxes and if I were to sell them I would simply put them glue back together. It saves a lot of space aswell as not looking to obsessive with lots of empty boxes around!
  • DuchessaDuchessa Member Posts: 287
    When I started my Lego habit, I was smart enough to keep my SW-boxes. But not the others. To get the boxes for my old castle collection I actually bought sets with box and then sold the one without box. It's hard to love boxes that much, but someone's got to do it.
  • DaddyWhaleDaddyWhale Member Posts: 130
    edited February 2012
    I collect simply to build and as materials for MOCing. I throw away the boxes. Boxes I've sent to the recycler include 10196, 10185, 10210, 8110, 8258, 10197, 10218, 10194, 10193, etc. Basically, I get a set, make sure I have all the bags, throw the box and start building.

    Have ziplock bags. Don't need boxes :-)
  • LostInTranslationLostInTranslation Member Posts: 5,572
    Never used to keep the boxes, got told off by a particularly obsessive box collector on here so started keeping them, but they're taking up too much room so they're getting binned when I can be bothered to get round to it :)
  • starfire2starfire2 Member Posts: 1,335
    I don't keep the boxes. Storage space is limited plus it costs more to ship it in te original box if I sell the set. Also alot of the times I buy a set, keep the mini's and either give the rest to my 4 year old or sell it so what's the point in keeping the box?
  • jocappyjocappy Member Posts: 207
    If you are going to trash them why not keep them for a bit and sell them as a lot?
  • DuchessaDuchessa Member Posts: 287
    I collect simply to build and as materials for MOCing. I throw away the boxes. Boxes I've sent to the recycler include 10196, 10185, 10210, 8110, 8258, 10197, 10218, 10194, 10193, etc. Basically, I get a set, make sure I have all the bags, throw the box and start building.
    You do realize how much money you recycled there? :)

  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    I think you should throw all your boxes away...

    Makes my boxes worth that much more in the future!!! Ha!
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    edit: @Duchessa - I suspect @DaddyWhale doesn't know, or doesn't care... But that was probably $200 worth of cardboard he threw away... :)
  • The_Brick_BuilderThe_Brick_Builder Member Posts: 658
    Yikes! I always keep my boxes. I don't even flatten them.
  • DuchessaDuchessa Member Posts: 287
    @LegoFanTexas - well, I hope he doesn't care. If he doesn't know, this will be a harsh wake-up call :) But I agree with @jocappy: If you're not interested in the boxes, hold on to them for a while and then sell them. Especially the boxes for the big sets are quite valuable. I'm looking for the box to 10190 myself. People pay over $100 for that one alone....
  • LittleBrickieLittleBrickie Member Posts: 6
    I think you should throw all your boxes away...

    Makes my boxes worth that much more in the future!!! Ha!
    That's hilarious! Someone should set up a stall at AFOLcon of just empty boxes, they'd make a mint!
  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    ^ sad but true
  • DaddyWhaleDaddyWhale Member Posts: 130
    @LegoFanTexas - well, I hope he doesn't care. If he doesn't know, this will be a harsh wake-up call :) But I agree with @jocappy: If you're not interested in the boxes, hold on to them for a while and then sell them. Especially the boxes for the big sets are quite valuable. I'm looking for the box to 10190 myself. People pay over $100 for that one alone....
    Yes, I know that there's money in them thar boxes (apologies LFT for trying out my Texan on you...). That's why when I buy things on bricklink or ebay I ask if they would consider shipping without the box.

    It's just that saving boxes, listing them for sale, etc is a hassle that to me personally would detract from my enjoyment. Also, if I gave a rat's a** about the boxes, I would get upset when I received damaged boxes, etc.

    Psst. I don't save instruction books either...
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    @DaddyWhale I was agreeing wholely with all your points until you got to the instructions books. Blasphemy I tell ya! After buying a couple used sets without instructions, I definitely see a tangible value in them being included. I ended up paying an extra $11 for the books to a UCS AT-ST, costly oversight when I bidded on the used set.
  • intromissionintromission Member Posts: 197
    I know there are sellers who post boxes but I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried asking if there are any spares at the LEGO store? Talking about the more recent sets.
    I regret selling some of the boxes from when I ended my hiatus and my son just began. Seems like we are getting more serious with the hobby so I wanted everything to be complete.
  • y2joshy2josh Member Posts: 1,996
    I won't keep the box for a set I have no intention of reselling... though I had no clue the boxes alone were worth so much. Whenever I get around to building 10179, that box is getting sold for sure.
  • littletokilittletoki Member Posts: 519
    I donated all my boxes this weekend. If anyone wants the next batch, let me know in a few months! :D

    I might even throw in my 10188 box - if I ever get around to building it.
  • scratchdeskscratchdesk Member Posts: 155
    I'd gladly "store" any ones unwanted boxes! Particularly larger sets. ;) @littletoki
  • aplbomr79aplbomr79 Member Posts: 159
    My collection is just that - mine. I had much of my childhood collection sold off or destroyed by my nieces and nephews.

    So in terms of boxes, I keep what I deem as necessary - others I keep panels (as of late the front and the panel that includes the MiniFigs). Other than that - most are used in my student's projects. Sacrelige, I know, but if I need the boxes later, I will pay you for them. :)
  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    Lol, funny thread. I think most of you would all feel a sigh of relief if you just threw out all your empty boxes. We all seem to go through this -- be it Lego or other junk we keep piling up in our garages and attics. Every time I go through my closet and garage and either Ebay it or give it away I always feel better.
  • gmpirategmpirate Member Posts: 1,654
    @littletoki Hey, what happened to your pic? You can't change it once its been established! Its like your logo, your brand identity now :P
  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    She's been posessed by a hedgehog
  • littletokilittletoki Member Posts: 519
    @gmpirate -it's the new Coke! :). I thought for a LEGO forum, I should have a relevant pic.

    Also, I opened up the Vet the other day and went nuts over the hedgehog. I took it to work. Is that weird?
  • FurrysaurusFurrysaurus Member Posts: 156
    I know there are sellers who post boxes but I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried asking if there are any spares at the LEGO store?
    my local store was told to take their beat up 10188 box off the shelf. i happened to walk in shortly thereafter and they asked if i wanted it - it held no value for them, and now i got a big empty box sitting in my storage unit. eh, maybe it'll be a giveaway at a local show.
  • JoelyJoely Member Posts: 2
    edited May 2012
    Right so I have a conundrum that I'm sure has plagued many Lego fans, what to do with the boxes? I've become quite the collector of late particularly of Star Wars and previously Bionicle. Now at some point (I don't know when) I do plan to sell my collection, but is it worth keeping the boxes? I am rapidly running out of space and now have an attic full of Bionicle canisters and boxes. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
  • drdavewatforddrdavewatford Administrator Posts: 6,756
    If you intend to sell then keep the boxes - it's a no-brainer.
  • JoelyJoely Member Posts: 2
    yeah I suppose, but the trouble is I'm not sure when or if I am ever going to sell them, I may be slightly attached
  • samiam391samiam391 Member Posts: 4,507
    You have to imagine that someday you are probably going to sell them. If you are thinking of possibly selling them, then it's highly likely you are going to sell them somewhere down the road. Thinking about the future too, there may be a time you are downsizing, move across country, etc... you never know. In that case, the LEGO will most likely have to go, and it will be best if you have the boxes as that increases their value quite a bit. Not only because it's the original box, but also when the person sees "with box" they think of the item as more collectible, or in better condition as opposed to one that doesn't have it's original box. Just my humble opinion.
  • dimefielddimefield Member Posts: 314
    Ive shown my kids my boxes of boxes with instructions that if they sell my Lego after my demise that they will be worth more with the box. Im not selling anything!
  • seonadancingseonadancing Member Posts: 92
    I've never kept any of the boxes for the last 20 yrs. I had all of the instructions in a box but lost it when I got married and moved to a new house. I may have CC box folded up somewhere but I never thought of selling it, it was just too big to put into the trash can.
  • ChompersChompers Member Posts: 658
    ^^ Don't chuck it!!!! Any box for that set is better than no box. If you do want to chuck it, can I have whats left of it :)
  • AFFOL_Shellz_BellzAFFOL_Shellz_Bellz Member Posts: 1,263
    Just a tad off topic, but not really. If you are storing your Lego boxes on the floor in a dark area, such as under a bed, and you live in an area that has termites be sure to pull them out periodically and check for termite damage. In our last home I lost many family keepsakes (letters from my grandmother, etc) which were stored in a cardboard box under our bed. I never imagined the critters would come up through the floor, the carpet and the cardboard but it was obviously a tasty treat for them! It could just as easily been Lego boxes, except those were stored on the upper floor rather than th ground floor.
  • Myst3riousMyst3rious Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2012
    So I'm finally throwing away all my Lego boxes. They were taking up a lot of room, but I can't help but feel sad somehow ha ha ha. But I see no use for them.
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    Wait! What sets are they? I may wish to buy them off you.
  • samiam391samiam391 Member Posts: 4,507
    Same here! Don't throw those precious items away yet!!
  • JBricks27JBricks27 Member Posts: 678
    "no, not the precious..." hahah. I recently rewatched the LOR trilogy and cannot hear the word "precious" without repeating it in a gollum voice
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    ^Lol so fitting that Sam Wise Gamgee is the avatar also.

    You think we said 'Stop' in time or has @Myst3rious already dropped the rebels into the trash compactor?
  • Myst3riousMyst3rious Member Posts: 10
    Hello... I didn't know that people collected the boxes... But I thought I would post it just in case.... I have mostly star wars boxes.
  • Myst3riousMyst3rious Member Posts: 10
    But I already disassembled most of them... Just I flatten them out. :/
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    edited July 2012
    ^Hi @Myst3rious! These are all the boxes I'm still missing (or want a better condition one), so if you or anyone else is able to help with these, please PM. Thanks in advance and flattened is okay if you have any of the following:

    #8010: Vader
    #7181: UCS TIE Interceptor
    #7191: UCS X-Wing
    #10179: UCS Millenium Falcon
    #10198: Tantive IV
    #10177: Boeing Dreamliner
    #10181: Eiffel Tower
    #10189: Taj Mahal
    #10151: Hot Rod
    #10187: VW Beetle
    #10220: VW Camper Van
    #10182: Cafe Corner
    #10224: Townhall
    #10216: Winter Village Bakery
    #7784: UCS Batmobile
    #7888: Batman Tumbler
    #8652: Ferrari Enzo
    #8157: Ferrari F1
    #5892: Sonic Boom
    #6458: Satellite and Astronaut
    #3300020-02: Holiday Set 1 & 2

  • Myst3riousMyst3rious Member Posts: 10
    Sorry I dont have those :/
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    Aw alright, it was worth a shot but thanks anyways! Still holding out hope someone somewhere has these boxes collecting dust and can help.
  • Myst3riousMyst3rious Member Posts: 10
    Well right now I was going to toss:
    7264: imperial inspection
    7283: ultimate space battle
    6208: b-wing fighter
    7671: at-ap walker
    7250: clone scout walker
    7252: droid tri-fighter
    7656: general Grievous starfighter
    7256: Jedi starfighter & vulture droid
    7128: speeder bikes
    7140: x-wing fighter
    7144: slave 1
    7163: republic gunship

    I have a few more but I haven't got to them yet.
  • sidersddsidersdd Member Posts: 2,432
    FWIW, I'm looking for a #7191 UCS X-Wing box as well. And a #3450 Statue of Liberty (no luck in searching the rubbish piles near @huw - http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/comment/372/#Comment_372)
  • BrickDancerBrickDancer Member Posts: 3,639
    So a question for everyone else, are you guys going through the trouble of buying back boxes also? If so, what is general target price? I'm seeing value of box as around 10% of a used set's aftermarket price, so using that as decision maker on buying or not.
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