CMF Distribution

[Bricksan]

Some news from the Ambassador forum regarding the CMF Boxes via Kim Thomsen.

The reason for the new split is that we are introducing a smaller box with only 30 bags – and 3 is such a troublesome amount to split in half.

So now (soon) you can buy a box and get a whole set plus 14 instead of buying a box of 60.

So what that means is instead of a box of 60, there will be boxes of 30 with one full set and 14 spares. Please share your views on this as no doubt it will ruffle a few feathers and also please others.

[tomdobs55]

I like this idea should save me some money to get a full set. Where can I buy a full box? The Lego store near my house told me their policy was only to sell individual bags (I can buy as many as I can but they wouldn't sell me a whole box)

[HawkLord]

Thirty bags at $3 each make for a case at under $100. I think that's a good move if Lego wants to move more cases. Plus, it give the impression the product is moving faster - one 30 bag case gives you one full set (which should sell quick) and 14 extras (which the army-builders will sell quick). Cases moving that quickly will encourage stores to order more.

[TheLegoDr]

That is an interesting move. I suppose ordering a case would be a good move for a lot of individuals. I'm not sure where to buy a case exactly though. And it still stinks about some of the figures that aren't as plentiful. But I guess they have a reason for what they are doing.

[Hey Joe]

_{A box of 32, with two complete sets inside, would have probably been better? It's pretty obvious so I'm guessing that the box layout didn't allow for this configuration but layouts can be changed. Thanks.}

Edited December 13, 2012 by bjtpro

[TrumpetKing]

But then why did WhiteFang's review have a box of 60?

[MstrOfPppts]

Future probably means series 10 and on.

Interesting decision, but usefulness of the box will depend on what the spare 14 figs are :D (wonder if the distribution will be the same in all boxes?

[Hive]

Smart move, buying an entire box makes much more sense for the average consumer now.

Personally, I'm only interested in a limited amount of figures per series - and will likely stick to Bricklink.

[Hammerstein NWC]

As a box buyer this is great news for me! I try to keep a set and then trade or use the additional ones! :)

[Hrw-Amen]

If a box contains just thirty mini-figs and is certail to have one complete set, then I will definately be interested in getting one. I can always just use the others as random people in my town.

[kibosh]

If this is done improperly, we will see massive hoarding of those 2 "singles". Will the distribution of each box be the same? If so, this means the two missing figures from the 2nd set will be singles, thereby making them twice as rare as all the rest. THis will be REALLY bad if those two figures are "army" builders like the knight. :-/

[Sylvius]

As there would be another reason for TLG, but increasing their profit with this dicision. But thats economy and I havent got a problem with this aspect, but selling it as a service for custummers is sort of questionable. But according to most of the answers, it looks loke it works. Lets face it: If there will be the same amount of produced figures, there will be less full series avaible. So the ones, that will be fooled, a parents or grandparents, buying a figure blind as little gift and most importent, children (the core target goup), which dont get there last or most wanted figures, because there arent any left because they are super rare.

Edited December 16, 2012 by Sylvius

[CMP]

It's an okay decision in my mind, I'm fine with the fact that it's easier to divide figs evenly (and I do look forward to the smaller boxes), I'm just a little annoyed at the proportions of figures. I'd rather there be a max of 4 each of fig per box, so that there would be less figs with only 2 per box.

Edited December 14, 2012 by CallMePie

[TheLegoDr]

I agree. When there are just 2 figures of a certain kind per box, those become the rarer figures, even if they aren't the most desired figures. For the people wanting a complete set, buying a box makes the most sense. For people trying to buy multiple sets (as some do) it will be incredibly difficult, especially with the rarer figure out there. Even if it wasn't the army builder but the least popular figure, it would almost become the more popular option because it is so rare and finding it would be a big deal. I'm sure this doesn't make sense. I haven't collected a complete set, nor will I unless I buy a box for myself, but I would hate to be left with multiples of figures I don't care about and never get the chance to pick up more of the figures I do care about.

[Nagyzee]

I just don't buy into this reasoning that a smaller box was needed to increase desirability for those who do buy boxes (or would buy in the future with the new half size box). Unopened boxes are pretty much unavailable to the average buyer. You don't see unopened boxes on store shelves anywhere.

[Haltiamieli]

I just don't buy into this reasoning that a smaller box was needed to increase desirability for those who do buy boxes

I don't think they are introducing the smaller boxes so that people would be more prone to buy whole boxes, it's just a thing that's kind of relevant to AFOLs, so it was mentioned. The change itself was probably ignited by something else entirely. Maybe they want to have CMF series sold in even more places and presume that some smaller retailers would be less unsure about smaller boxes, or something like that.

Edited December 14, 2012 by Haltiamieli

[HawkLord]

Unopened boxes are pretty much unavailable to the average buyer. You don't see unopened boxes on store shelves anywhere.

I've seen unopened boxes in stores before - Fred Meyers when they get stacks of them in. When S7 hit, they had maybe 5-6 boxes at each store all out at the same time. Plus, the average buyer can easily get a sealed box from Ebay of new or older series'.

I think the smaller boxes get people closer to getting full sets for the cheapest price possible. If you look at collectible games or cards, most of the time the cases are designed to net someone a full set with some extras and a chase item. I almost think CMF could get close to that with this model - you get on full set, some extras, and a couple really hot figures (which almost count as chases, in a way) if you buy a case.

[Gunman]

box of 32 and 2 ful sets imo