The value of the Imperial Star Destroyer (set 75055)

[Something_Awesome]

I don't know about you guys, but has anyone noticed the potential "steal" in value set 75055 yields? The following assumes U.S. Currency and Prices:

The set costs $130 and has 1359 parts. That yields a price-per-piece (PPP) of $.095 (just under 10 cents a piece)

In October, U.S. customers will get double VIP points which is essentially a 10% off (so it will be like you are paying $117). So in October the PPP will be $.086 (just under 9 cents per piece).

Now before you say "well, there are non-licensed sets that will likely yield a better ppp," consider that the set comes with two of the latest stormtroopers (which everyone needs for army building). The cheapest that those stormies are going for right now at a U.S. store on Bricklink is $11.00 per stormie. Assuming your intent is to buy stormies in bulk, buying set 75055 in October would be like buying the set for $95. The PPP would then be $.07!!

But that's not all. Could you see yourself amassing Imperial Navy Troopers as well? Because you get one in the set. Personally, I need some for an Endor moc I am planning. These guys right now go for about $10. So if you never intended on getting 75055, but needed the trooper, then it'd be like paying $85 for the set in October. The new PPP would further drop to $.063!

Also consider that while I do not factor in the costs of sales tax (which you would not necessarily pay on Bricklink), you'd be paying for shipping on Bricklink which could well outweigh sales tax over time. Also consider that you get a bonus holiday set in October for the purchase!

What are everyone's thoughts on this? Is there currently a set for people who only collect Star Wars Lego that yields a better PPP? Is there a non-licensed set that has a lower yield that $.063? Keep in mind that for non-licensed sets, the minifigs probably would not be put to use by people who collect Star Wars exclusively, making it harder to reach that $.063 sweetspot. That set 75055 is already less than 10 cents per piece and includes three figures for army building makes this, at the least, the best Star Wars set on the retail market in terms of value in my opinion.

Thoughts?

EDIT: If you're genuinely just a Star Wars Lego fan, then it'd probably serve you best to wait until the May the 4th promo to pick up a few of these. Especially since there is a greater chance that you'd appreciate the promo May the 4th figure more than the October holiday set.

Edited September 21, 2014 by Something_Awesome

[AFOLguy1970]

When looking at the price per piece ratio, it is also important to look at the size of the parts. With that said, it does seem like the ISD has a fair amount of decent sized parts, especially plates. It is an attractive build, and the minifigs included are among the most desired, especially for those who like imperials. The Darth Vader is a new version. The Navy trooper, crew member, and imperial officer all have nice detail. The stormtroopers give the set a lot of value, because only this one and the upcoming Slave I ($200+) are the only two sets with the new version of stormtrooper. There is a lot of debate about if the new wave will provide more of these, and there is a chance it may not. If the next wave gives these guys a complete miss (in mind and many others, the Rebels version is not even on the table for consideration as a substitute), then that increases the value of these guys even more.

Another thing to consider is that a lot of attention is being given to the Rebels show, and it can be assumed that Episode VII will have the major priority when it comes out. If there are no Imperial Star Destroyers in that movie, at least like the ones we all know, then it may be a long while, if ever, that we see another version of this made. This ship is as iconic as the X wing and the Tie Fighter. It appears in all three OT movies and is instantly recognizable as "Star Wars". I never owned one of the earlier releases of this ship, but sure am glad to have this. It is sturdy and well designed. While $130 seems like a lot, you are correct that there are a lot of parts and the minifigs are top quality. I think it was a good value, at least for someone like me.

[duboismerci]

I got mine for 105$ in Canada. It was on sale at Target

Knowing it goes for 150$ when not on sale it was an awesome deal.

I would say that if you get this set for under 120$ in Canada or under 105$ in the US it is a steal.

And as you said the minifigs of this sets are difficult to obtain and the price per piece ration is the best of 2014 (for Star Wars)

It is the best Star Wars set currently available value wise

[irispen]

Bigger set = more value for money, i posted this long ago:

75054 at-at - 110 usd - 3.3 pounds - 33.33usd per pound

75055 isd - 130 usd - 5.3 pounds - 24.53usd per pound

75049 snowspeeder - 30 usd - 0.87 pound - 34.48usd per pound

75052 cantina - 70 usd - 2.1 pounds - 33.33usd per pound

75050 b-wing- 50 usd - 1.8 pounds - 27.77usd per pound

This is more accurate than price per piece ratio

[Something_Awesome]

Yeah, but my rationale is a little different. However, the AT-AT also has good value given that it has army building value. Still, the 75055 is still a better buy IMO. I do, however, like the AT-AT as a vehicle more than the destroyer.

Edited September 22, 2014 by Something_Awesome

[Frankjaeger]

The pieces are very common. Thet being said is a very decent price

[rollermonkey]

I don't think you understand economics... The aftermarket prices of figures don't change the opportunity cost of buying complete sets.

[Pointblank]

The new hologram also (attempts to) sells for quite a decent price too on ebay.

[Frankjaeger]

As far as i undestand, lego sets the price of each set relative to the numbre of unique pices exclusive to the sets, since its more expensi to produce those. This set is awesome and i love it, im just giving the reasons, as far as i know, as to why the set is so inexpensive

[HawkLord]

I think it's a great set for the price and brick count, but I wish I had a reason to army build it compared to other sets in that wave. AT-AT and the Cantina are good army builders and I have two of each so far - might try to get another AT-AT, but I'm good on Cantinas.

[Something_Awesome]

I don't think you understand economics... The aftermarket prices of figures don't change the opportunity cost of buying complete sets.

You have no idea what you're talking about. Nice try on making a relevant sounding post though!

As for the Cantina, I had trouble with that one. There are some useful pieces if you need a bunch of tab colored bricks and a dome to make Tatooine structures for a Tatooine diorama. The Dewback should fetch a nice pirce which should help you recover a lot of your money. The problem is that the set is loaded with minifigs that'd be difficult to sell.

I am not so sure that everyone wants the star destroyer; it'd be a safer bet to say that everyone wants the Darth Vader that comes in the set. With that in mind, it should be easier to unload a bunch of Vaders than it would be to unload a bunch of Obi-Wans (assuming you bought multiples of their respective sets). The Vaders would also fetch a much better price.

Edited September 26, 2014 by Something_Awesome

[rollermonkey]

I don't? I guess I'd better tell my econ professor to explain it to me again then.

:P

The set costs what it does and the figures cost what they do. Just because the figures can be sold doesn't change the initial cost of the set or the PPP of the rest of the pieces.

Edited September 26, 2014 by rollermonkey

[AFOLguy1970]

AT-AT and the Cantina are good army builders and I have two of each so far

As for the Cantina, I had trouble with that one. There are some useful pieces if you need a bunch of tab colored bricks and a dome to make Tatooine structures for a Tatooine diorama. The Dewback should fetch a nice pirce which should help you recover a lot of your money. The problem is that the set is loaded with minifigs that'd be difficult to sell.

Interesting perspectives on the Cantina. I certainly would not think of it as an overall army builder set. The dewback and sandtrooper for sure would be in demand, and I think there are many who would want to get more Bith musicians to expand the band. That then leaves you with Luke, Han, Obi Wan, and Greedo. I can see there being demand for Greedo, since he is not in any other active set. The mains, especially Han, are fairly common.

Back to the ISD, while the price does not say "army builder", the minifigs certainly are ideal for it. Who would not want a horde of stormtroopers, navy officers, crew members, and imperial officers? The extra Darth Vaders would be fairly easy to sell. It is just a shame that we cannot have an OT battle pack with common grunts like stormtroopers, naval officers, snowtroopers, sandtroopers, etc. I especially do not understand why TLG is deliberately trying to avoid selling stormtroopers in the cheaper sets. The battle packs are mainly about CW or PT. While Death Star Troopers was nice, who really needs a horde of red imperial guards and Death Star gunners? OK, maybe if I had a Palpatine and/or a Death Star, they would suddenly become more useful. The minifig lineup in ISD is definitely the best one I have seen so far in my opinion, followed by the Cantina.

[Flieger]

What about the AT-AT, while we are at it...? The only named figure is General Veers, and he can go as generic imperial army officer; alternatively you can just change his head. The driver, the snowtroopers and the snowtrooper commander are obviously well suited for army building, albeit a bit top heavy in the ranks.

While Death Star Troopers was nice, who really needs a horde of red imperial guards and Death Star gunners?

The gunners fit every imperial battery, so I don't see a problem there. And you need six guards for the Emperor's arrival, furthermore you can use them for a number of other scenes as they have appeared in three movies and TCW. It is not an army builder set of grunts to buy dozens, but every army needs specialized personnel.

As for the lack of the stormtrooper army builder, it seems the winter wave will solve that problem.

[AFOLguy1970]

As for the lack of the stormtrooper army builder, it seems the winter wave will solve that problem.

You might want to check out the 2015 pictures and rumor thread. There is a very spirited debate about the Rebels vs OT stormies and which sets will be getting which version. I have a definite opinion about each version, but have already stated such in the other thread with several others. About that, I will say no more.