Parts Exclusive to a Set - What's the logic?

[DrJB]

We have seen on multiple occasions parts released in 1-2 sets at most ... What's the logic behind this? What has TLG to gain by not issuing rare parts anymore? The only people who benefit from this are speculators and secondary market ... But TLG has absolutely nothing to gain there.

So what do you think, why does TLG issue 'exclusive' sets with unique parts/color ... then not anymore? I'm baffled and can't see any logic behind this.

Edited November 20, 2013 by DrJB

[Jim]

The most basic reason would be that the parts aren't needed in other sets.

[Freekysch]

And the other reason is pure marketing, if you REALLY want that exclusive part you WILL pay and buy that set.

[legolijntje]

Well, if they wouldn't make any exclusive parts, there wouldn't be any reason for someone who already has a lot of Technic to buy the set. He could just build it using his currect collection.

But, when there's a exclusive or rare part, he needs to buy the set (or pay high prices at Bricklink), so TLG will sell more.

And of course, like Jim says, often parts aren't needed in other sets. For example the blades in last year's Helicopter. They are almost only useful in..... a helicopter

[Jim]

Indeed, there are different scenarios/reasons.

New parts

Making new blades obviously filled a gap in the inventory list.

Making new (2014) tires improves the look and scale of new sets.

New colors

Making existing parts in new colors is sometimes mandatory for new models.

And I guess sometimes TLG simply doesn't know whether the new part will be exclusive or not. Will we get another model with Unimog tires for example?

[Rockbrick]

simply clever marketing

I like most of you have tens of thousands of pieces - but when I search for sometimes small simple models to make with the kids there's nearly always one or two parts that are exclusive to that set which we don't have

so you would be more inclined to buy it - if you did have the pieces you'd just make it.

[freakwave]

There are many sets that have one or a few parts in an exclusive color combination (or a part combintaiton). May be accidental but looks more like it is done intentionally. So even if it is just a 1 x 1 Plate in some special color, you need this set to have it. I haven't paid attention to this recently but I guess it continues

[Jim]

Edit: removed

[Erik Leppen]

I think you can't speak of set-unique parts if the parts are still in production, because thise means the part can still be used for future sets.

The truly set-unique parts are those that have been used once, and then went out of production. For example, the wheels, tyres and hubs of 8448, the hubs and shift plate of 8880.

And I think the main reason for creating such a part is that no other existing part offered the same functionality, and maybe the design team expected to be able to use these parts in future sets (and maybe they did use them in prototypes) but this never came to be, or the part was improved to be more versatile (like the shift plate, that got replaced by the 2x6 plates and the changeover catch that is still in use today.

[DrJB]

While all have valid points, it seems a rather expensive undertaking to develop parts (molds) unique to a set .... The 8448 had at least 4 new parts (wheel, tire, knuckle, rack) that could have been very well used in subsequent sets ... but were not. The cylinders bracket were used only in 8275 and 8421 ... and are in very high demand. I bet those molds still got quite a bit of life left in them and it would be rather easy to make few more runs.

Edited November 20, 2013 by DrJB

[legolijntje]

Well, they don't develop the mold until it's 100% certain that the part will be used in a set. Until that moment, they use prototypes, cad models, DIY parts, 3D printed pieces etc. That doesn't cost a lot.

[Blakbird]

I think we can be reasonably certain that LEGO would not release a new part unless they are reasonably certain that either:

1. They are going to be able to use it in more sets in the future (the part is versatile) or
   
2. The one set that contains the part is expected to sell a very large volume (like a Star Wars set).
   

However, predicting the future is never 100% accurate and sometimes they are wrong about demand or future utility. I would guess there are very few instances in which LEGO actually intends a part to be exclusive to only one set, it simply ends up that way due to market forces. You saw a lot more of this in the early 2000's when LEGO was much less careful about the number of parts they produced. It should be pretty rare today.

[Lost_In_Noise]

Are Flagship sets regarded as high-selling products (i.e. Supercars 1994-2011)?

[Blakbird]

Are Flagship sets regarded as high-selling products (i.e. Supercars 1994-2011)?

I don't know, but I would guess not. The smaller sets sell a lot more volume than the larger sets because more people can afford them. 8880 has a lot of unique parts though.