Lego sales and shortages

[samlr]

This past year, I've noticed that Lego sets where quickly in shortage.Finding 2-3 year old sets was commun, it's "impossible" now. And the biggest problem is that the sets don't have time to go on sale anymore. For instance, the modular sets would go on sale between -25% to -50% at least twice a year. It's not anymore the case. I can't find the Parisian Restaurant under it's normal price (when I do find it ...).

I was wondering if it's something happening only in Europe or all over the world and if there is a reason for this happening ?

[JGW3000]

I know from a second-hand source, that at least in North America, TLG works very hard to balance supply and demand, to avoid having to sell at a discount. The internal marketing people are working overtime to make sure that their sales forecasts are accurate, which of course ties back into manufacturing forecasts and profitability. Match supply with demand, no need for sales, make more money - seems like a winning formula for TLG.

[zux]

no need for sales, make more money - seems like a winning formula for TLG.

Not always, sometimes I buy some sets just because they are reduced in price. Such way TLG gets less, but more often. There is saying I know, which is hard to translate, but it goes something like: it is better to sell something 20 times for 1$, than none but for 20$.

[Sarah]

Not always, sometimes I buy some sets just because they are reduced in price. Such way TLG gets less, but more often. There is saying I know, which is hard to translate, but it goes something like: it is better to sell something 20 times for 1$, than none but for 20$.

This assumes 1) Cost to produce the item was under $1 and 2) The production capacity could not be better used to produce a different item for more profit potential. Lego has to manage its production as well as I understand it.

Edited March 3, 2016 by Sarah

[dr_spock]

Hmm, the last couple of years TLG had job openings for business analysts and supply chain management.

No need for sales if an item is sold out. Some times you need a sales to make space for new inventory coming in. If you do it right, there would only be a few copies left in stock by the time you have to sell at the discounted price.

[geezerman402]

Yup. These days retailers don't want excess stock kicking around when the hot new stuff comes out. And since (compared to the past) there are waaaaay more new sets per year, the turnover needs to be done quicker.

[kibosh]

I have NEVER seen nor heard of a modular going on sale for 50%. I think I was able to get the first few for 20-25% though.

[samlr]

I have NEVER seen nor heard of a modular going on sale for 50%. I think I was able to get the first few for 20-25% though.

The modulars and some other expert sets where, for about a month each year at -30% at E.Leclerc in France. And they would add 30% as gift voucher on your loyalty card. I used to pay the modulars at 100euros and I've payed some (PS & TH) at 70euros this way. Fnac had also some very interesting offers.

Edited March 3, 2016 by samlr