How do promotional sets "work"?

[Zeya]

I have a simple question that I think bears a new thread. I was reading this post about a kingdoms promotional set (30061 Attack Wagon):

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=46923

From what I gather, this is a "promotional set", and it can be found on eBay/bricklink. But I'm wondering, what are promotional sets in general, and how can you get them new? How are promotional sets generally introduced to the world (distributed, sold, etc)?

I'm not necessarily interested in this particular set, per se, but I'm asking more for sets in the future. If I start collected a certain theme and want to get all the sets, I don't want to miss out (have to pay 4x the price later on in the secondary market).

[The_Customizer]

Well, first off, it depends on which themed promo set, but generally, TRU has them mostly, and Target tends to get some along Halloween time, and for Wal*Mart, I don't know if they get them at all, I have never seen them have them in stock. But they are normally distributed in TRU, and some sets are only available in certain Countries as well.

[Brickdoctor]

They also sometimes distribute them at the opening of new LEGO Brand Stores, like the apple that was released at the New York store. Sometimes they're also to use up left over pieces; LLC had two small KK2 sets only last year.

[Zeya]

For the Toys R Us ones, do they just sort of sell them off the shelf? Or is it the type of thing where you have to buy a bunch of other stuff and it comes along too?

[GRogall]

Got 30061 through Idee & Spiel stores here in Germany for €1.99 a piece!

they where lying in a basket so I just bought 20, cheap way to get Kingdom Knights

[The_Customizer]

For the Toys R Us ones, do they just sort of sell them off the shelf? Or is it the type of thing where you have to buy a bunch of other stuff and it comes along too?

Actually both ways, like right now, TRU has a special, "Spend $20USD or more and get a free Minifigure every week of October" so you get them that way, but also can buy them right off the shelf!

[davee123]

Promotional sets appear in a variety of ways. In the past they've appeared:

- In certain stores, like Toys R Us or Target (like the current Bricktober figs)

- At special events, like baseball games, conventions, store openings, etc (Audi TT set, Red Sox minifigs, etc)

- As gifts for employees of other companies (Maersk ship, Vespa, etc)

- In exclusive LEGO offers like magazines (Brickmaster sets)

- As incredibly exclusive gifts or prizes (Gold Bionicle mask, Celebration invites, etc)

- At particular locations, commonly Legoland or monthly model builds (Pelican, US Flag, etc)

You can't always get every promotional set without buying it online. The best way to make sure you get everything you're looking for is to check BrickSet for new set additions, and more importantly: keep up with the online hobbyist forums. SOMEONE out there will probably find it when it appears, and will post about it. Sometimes you'll still be able to take advantage of the promotion, and sometimes you won't be.

DaveE

[Superkalle]

Good list there Davee

I can add one:

- Magazine promotions, ex Daily Mirror in the UK (collect vouchers and exchange for polybags)

[Darth Jar Jar]

Good list there Davee

I can add one:

- Magazine promotions, ex Daily Mirror in the UK (collect vouchers and exchange for polybags)

Hee Hee He I bought ten from WHS and they didn't cut out the voucher so took it to the one down the street and got twenty for 30P each