Box difference between US and the world

[Motti]

THis was probably repeated, but I could not find it if there were one. Why do at least some lego boxes have piece count and relevant info on the US boxes but apparently none on international ones? This has always confused me, so please help.

[Bricks]

Well what is so strange about the differences?

Some points:

-Special Minifigures are at the U.S. boxes in 2 languages: France, English.

-Two years ago in 2008, some boxes in the U.S. had an Limited Edition Logo: 7663...

Greetings Bricks

[mania3]

Well what is so strange about the differences?

Some points:

-Special Minifigures are at the U.S. boxes in 2 languages: France, English.

-Two years ago in 2008, some boxes in the U.S. had an Limited Edition Logo: 7663...

Greetings Bricks

I believe the differences Motti was noting specifically is the lack of a piece count on the other box. Which is odd, I must say. That's always a pretty important bit of information for me.

[Motti]

I believe the differences Motti was noting specifically is the lack of a piece count on the other box. Which is odd, I must say. That's always a pretty important bit of information for me.

You're right. I did mention at the top that I wasn't talking about the languages. Anyway, the piece count difference seems to be found on all boxes, but I am not sure.

[CopMike]

An old (& classic Q )! Different markets demand different marking for customer information, to comply with the rules for selling stuff.

CopMike

[Peppermint_M]

Different legislation and regulations. Different countries/governing organisations demand different information on packaging. Some things are entirely required by law in America that aren't in Europe and vice versa.

[mania3]

Are there actually US regulations that mandate the display of the number off pieces in the set?

[kill will]

Are there actually US regulations that mandate the display of the number off pieces in the set?

Probably. Afterall, it is a free country!

Edited January 4, 2009 by kill will

[Peppermint_M]

Well, the US certainly has rigourouse procedures for toy safety testing, so packaging regulations must be pretty tight (due to all the litigation that Americans seem so inordinately fond of. Translated: They like to sue...)

[CP5670]

Well, this particular regulation is a good thing for us. I would much rather have the piece count available than not have it.

The box information varies with every market, as Copmike said. None of the boxes I have from Europe or Australia have the information (actually, until a few years ago they didn't even have the set names, only the numbers). I have a couple of early 90s boxes from Japan and South Korea and they show the names and piece counts, although I can't read the languages.

[CopMike]

Here´s the link to the last time we talked about it (The search feature - your friend in need) !

CopMike

[CP5670]

I remembered that topic too and was going to link to it, but I wasn't able to find it in the search.

[posades]

There may be different rules and regulations, but why doesn't TLG feel the need to put the number of pieces on every box? It just doesn't make sense, seeing as that bit of information is vital in me purchasing a set or not (and may be for others as well).

[kill will]

There may be different rules and regulations, but why doesn't TLG feel the need to put the number of pieces on every box? It just doesn't make sense, seeing as that bit of information is vital in me purchasing a set or not (and may be for others as well).

Yes, that would make sense, because I wouldn't want to pay a lot for a big set and find out it has very few pieces, as I buy most sets for parts.

[Dennimator]

Different legislation and regulations. Different countries/governing organisations demand different information on packaging. Some things are entirely required by law in America that aren't in Europe and vice versa.

Yup.

For example,we have no parts count on the boxes at all here in Sweden.

[JINZONINGEN73]

Could just be different executives in the company from different countries having different marketing opinions.

While piece counts are a plus, I do have to admit it once swayed my purchase of a more expensive set over to a cheaper one.

Yet it has at times also sold me on buying a Lego set period where I may have bought none.

So, it's understandable that a slight altering in perspective can favor one way or the other with packaging.

[Brickthing]

I know that the US boxes require all that information on the packaging, as well as additional more visible warnings, but I'm not too sure why the non-US boxes don't have it. It would've been easier just to have the US box internationally right?

IMO though, I prefer the non-US editions, partly because they're the main ones I can get ( ), and because they look better, because the pictures are obstructed as much by extra writing. However, the piece count is a useful convenience that I miss out on when shopping.

[Bricks]

Now, I know what you mean Motti ...

I really like the non-US boxes much more, but I would prefer the information about the pieces, too. I didn't understand why just the US get this

Well, maybe our Ambassador CopMike could ask about the reasons...

Greetings Bricks

[mrchris]

With piece count some UK boxes have them and some dont. Im not sure if UK boxes are just europe boxes, some clearly are as they are multi lingual. I doubt its legislation but maybe what TLG think the target market want in the region.

I like the piece count and even more the complete item list on the box which some have but i usually checkout the online lists first if i know what im after.

[Karto]

I guess they do mention the piece count on the US boxes because of legislation requirements as stated above.

I guess they don't use this kind of information in other countries while it is not required and this for marketing purposes: People would compare the count to other cheaper brands who usually display it (which is obviously unfavorable for TLC), people could feel disturbed by the price/piece ratio that differs a lot between the sets (and therefore ignore entire lines) and finally some sets look very big (as the price) while having a low piece count like the last RC passenger train and vice versa.

[Eilif]

I'm sure LEGO is fine with not putting the piece count on a set box, but I have a theory that the lack of set name and piece count may have more to do with the number of languages that say "piece" differently than any requirements about having to list # of pieces. In europe, where a set may be sold across many language markets, the less writing you have, the less languages you have to print the set name and word "pieces" in. If you put in set name and "piece" count, you could end up with alot more words in various languages cluttering up the front of the box. If you keep all writing (asside from set number and LEGO logo) off the front of the box, you end up with a box front that is much more dynamic and less cluttered.

Here in the NA market, you have a large enough market that whatever is on on the box is only in english, and sometimes french. This clutters up the front of the box, but not so much as would a having the info in 4-8 languages.

Interestingly, at the end of 2007, US requirements for safety information in 2008 on packages led to LEGO stores selling a huge number of sets at 50% off in order to liquidate them before 2008. I scored a number of good sets that way.

[mania3]

I find it interesting revisiting this topic after posting so unassumingly that I was surprised to think the U.S. might have regulations regarding the posting of piece counts. Now, in hindsight, after hearing about this new lead testing requirement for sales of used toys and clothing, I find myself to be a bit naive about the relentlessness of U.S. legislation.

[Eilif]

I don't think that the US actually has requirements for piece counts. That seems like an urban legend that ought to be squashed right away. You're right though that the the USA goes to rediculous ends to regulate some things, and yet often fails to regulate far more important things. Example: Rediculous used toy regulatins and lack of proper mortgage regulations.