Collecting Predicament.

[Mraz Skintas]

I often find myself confused when it comes to buying a new set. Often times I will go for something that I already have, and am trying to build an army with, but often times I find myself both enjoying and regretting my decision, as I wanted a new set as well. My question is, should I just stick to buying multiples of one set, or buying a variety of sets, and coming back for seconds if I have money I can spare.

-'Skintas

Thanks in advance.

[Rick]

I prefer variety in almost any case, but that's personal and depends on the 'purpose' of the buy of course.

[Holodoc]

I think it depends on what theme you mostly buy sets of.

I cannot imagine buying a couple of recycle trucks (7991) to build an army, you know.

But when it comes to Star Wars, Pirates or even space police that would make sense.

I'm a townie, so I do it like Rick: Variety instead of quantity.

[RileyC]

I prefer to get a variety and not quantity because I dont have enough money to buy multiples of sets because they are so dear in New Zealand.

[Grrr]

I tend to buy one or two copies of a set when new. This ensures that I have a 'mint' copy, box, and instructions.

Then, about 2-3 years later (or more), I buy second hand copies of the set, before they become scarce. You often find a $30 set for $10 or so at this time, so can easily build up a collection. Sure some pieces may be missing, but often it's not so much of an issue with second copies anyway, as you might modify them slightly to provide differentiation, or not use all the pieces (eg the accessories with Castle or Pirate sets).

I find this works best economically, and avoids buyer's remorse for over-doing it on an oddball set.

That said I do still have 50 or so MISB copies of 6004 sitting on a shelf that I bought cheap one day. That was somewhat silly.

[Milan]

If you like to have a large amount of same parts (army) then bulking he same set(s) is perfectly normal.

[rriggs]

I prefer variety although I do have multiples of some sets when appropriate (City Corner for the buses for example). In general though it's one of each set to ensure the variety and keep it interesting. Multiple set purchases for a specific project are Ok if you are really committed to that project and can justify the expenditure to yourself in the long run.

Cheers

Rog

[Mraz Skintas]

Thank you all. You all seem to have different opinions, but thatvcould be because I wasn't too clear to begin with, so I'll clear myself up abit. I collect mainly Star Wars, and am begining to reggret missing out on so many sets because i've spent most o my money on Clone Troopers and sets including them, so I have a fairly large Clone army, abut sadly, that's about all I have. Unlike what Grrr said, I usually can find the sets with ungodly high prices after they are off the shelves. I think for right now, until I can aford more, I will just buy one if each, or a couple of the smaller sets, and hope to find them cheap later on.

-'Skintas

[Big Cam]

Fo rme it's simple, I buy as many sets in a wave that I want, and only after I have at least one of each one I want, do I go back and buy duplicates.

[ziljin]

I feel the same way. On one hand I want to buy lots of minifigs. Specifically Castle. But I also want some diversity and get some pirates. I just ordered 5 manta warriors for coastal scenes. But on the other hand what's the point of having all these minifigs without any buildings/etc to supplement them.

I think I am going to use a similar buying plan as towards the OP. Buy one of each set, then buy extras of the smaller sets for extra minifigs, horses, and maybe small structures.

And the occasional Pirates sets for pirate minifigs, and other sets with minifigs that could pass off in castle.

Edited January 5, 2010 by lego40k