How long is a set on the market?

[Maltem]

Well there is a few sets that i like to buy before they get off the market. But i dont know in what order.

Its the following sets i'm thinking off: 10185, 10188, 10194, 10199 1601

How long is a set normally on the market? Cafe corner was 2.5 year or something?

[Derek]

I would buy Green Grocer and the Death Star ASAP because I don't think they will make it past Christmas. Winter Toy Shop too.

You might have a while for the Emerald Night though...

Hope it helps.

-Derek

[Brickdoctor]

It depends on the type of set and what theme it's from. Limited or Special edition sets like from SW are usually available only from certain retailers, and in the case of the Fighter Tank, it was sold out in matter of months. Holiday specific sets like the Winter Bakery and the little ornaments are usually available only for that holiday, although you might be able to find them for a little while afterward. And then there are exceptions, like the current X-wing, which has been around since 2006.

Short answer: Average of two years; limited editions may or may not sell out quickly despite their status, and seasonal stuff is available only for a short time. I will point out that if you're willing to gamble, the seasonal sets may go on sale after the holiday.

[Mirandir]

I'd say go for 10185 Green Grocer. It's official "stop date" is 31/12 2010. And looking back at Cafe Corner it's stopdate were also 31/12 but it was sold out already in october. So I'm expecting green grocer to sell out any day now. And when it does the prices on bricklink will skyrocket...

[pacific493]

I'd say go for 10185 Green Grocer. It's official "stop date" is 31/12 2010. And looking back at Cafe Corner it's stopdate were also 31/12 but it was sold out already in october. So I'm expecting green grocer to sell out any day now. And when it does the prices on bricklink will skyrocket...

I'm curious how you can find out the "stop date"? Any idea on what the stop date is for the Death Star 10188?

[prateek]

I'm curious how you can find out the "stop date"? Any idea on what the stop date is for the Death Star 10188?

It's listed as in Limited Quantity, so that means that the production run has stopped. Get it ASAP, because when it's gone, it's gone for good.

[Follows Closely]

It's listed as in Limited Quantity, so that means that the production run has stopped. Get it ASAP, because when it's gone, it's gone for good.

I just added 99 of 10188 to my cart. Also, 10188 is still in the fall catalog. I think it will be around for another season. However, it is an awesomne set, and I would not take the risk of missing it.

[Brickdoctor]

I just added 99 of 10188 to my cart.

[Zzz]

He tried out if it is possible. I think. Not that "Follows Closely" has a 40,000$ lying around or likes to spend it on Lego, or even one single set. But I think he just tried if hte system accepts it. I just think it doesn't work like that. If they don't have 99 lying around, the will call you or cancel the order or something afterwards, not in that specific moment when you put them into the cart. That would mean a realtime system, and Lego doesn't have that. At a specific point they change the status from "in stock" to "call to see availability" - that's all.

[Brickdoctor]

He tried out if it is possible. I think. Not that "Follows Closely" has a 40,000$ lying around or likes to spend it on Lego, or even one single set. But I think he just tried if hte system accepts it. I just think it doesn't work like that. If they don't have 99 lying around, the will call you or cancel the order or something afterwards, not in that specific moment when you put them into the cart. That would mean a realtime system, and Lego doesn't have that. At a specific point they change the status from "in stock" to "call to see availability" - that's all.

*shew*

I thought he was monopolizing BL.

[Follows Closely]

He tried out if it is possible. I think. Not that "Follows Closely" has a 40,000$ lying around or likes to spend it on Lego, or even one single set. But I think he just tried if hte system accepts it. I just think it doesn't work like that. If they don't have 99 lying around, the will call you or cancel the order or something afterwards, not in that specific moment when you put them into the cart. That would mean a realtime system, and Lego doesn't have that. At a specific point they change the status from "in stock" to "call to see availability" - that's all.

Yeah, I did not purchase. I have seen LEGO limit sets right before they are discontinued.

[Brickdoctor]

Yeah, I did not purchase. I have seen LEGO limit sets right before they are discontinued.

Yeah, it's usually limit of 5.

[Yeow]

I'd go for the Winter Toy Shop first, as you're lucky enough there was a second run of it made this year, and I doubt there will be a third run. Then Death Star, Green Grocer, Emerald Night, in that order. Or, skip the Death Star and get all three in one go.

[louisc]

And just like that, Green Grocer is sold out on lego.com and toysrus.com. Get it while you still can!

[prateek]

*shew*

I thought he was monopolizing BL.

If I were him, I'd take a bank loan for $40,000 just to buy 99 of these bad boys.

[Brickdoctor]

If I were him, I'd take a bank loan for $40,000 just to buy 99 of these bad boys.

Only 99?

[prateek]

Only 99?

Well that's the quantity limit for one order isn't it?

[Follows Closely]

I bought an extra two last week, just in time. Amazon has some if anyone missed out on this set. Target.com as well.

EDIT1: I added one to my cart, and then it was gone at checkout. So Target.com is done.

EDIT2: Amazon just upped the price.

Edited November 12, 2010 by Follows Closely

[Brickdoctor]

Well that's the quantity limit for one order isn't it?

How many people do you know and how many credit cards do they have?

This is getting off topic.

[roamingstop]

But dont forget, after the success of Cafe Corner and Market Street Resales, everyone is jumping on the same bandwagon; and can flood the resell market.

[Yeow]

I really hope they do a rerun of some of the modular buildings. Market Street has already hit $500+ on eBay, and that was MSRP $89.99!

Edited November 16, 2010 by Yeow

[Mabes]

What about Medieval Market Village, do you guys think it will be discontinued soon? I've been meaning to pick it up for a long time, but Star Wars sets keep diverting my purchases...

[Brickdoctor]

What about Medieval Market Village, do you guys think it will be discontinued soon? I've been meaning to pick it up for a long time, but Star Wars sets keep diverting my purchases...

I'd say yes. This is the second Christmas it's been available. I know the catalog lists it as 'Hard to Find', but I'm not sure about 'Limited Quantity'. I'll have to check.