Collection Evaluation Guide
How We Evaluate LEGO® Collections
Wondering how we determine the value of your LEGO® collection? We evaluate each collection individually, taking into account its contents, condition, completeness, current market demand, and several other factors.
The information below will help you understand our evaluation process and answer many of the questions customers ask before selling or trading their collection.
Sealed LEGO® Sets
Sealed LEGO® sets are one of the most straightforward categories for us to evaluate. Because they are unopened, they are easier to authenticate, store, and resell than most other LEGO® items. Below is an overview of how we evaluate sealed sets and determine our offers.
How We Determine Market Value
The first thing we consider is whether the set is currently available at retail or retired.
For sets that are currently available at retail, we typically use the current LEGO® retail price as our starting point when determining market value.
For retired sets, we evaluate market value using several trusted sources, including BrickLink’s sales history from the past six months and BrickEconomy’s estimated market value. If limited sales data is available, we may also reference the lowest current listings on BrickLink or eBay to help establish a fair market value.
How We Determine Desirability
Not every LEGO® set has the same demand. In addition to market value, we consider how desirable a set is when determining our offer.
We evaluate desirability using recent sales history on BrickLink, overall demand within the LEGO® community, and our own experience with how well different themes and sets sell in our retail store.
Box Condition
The condition of a sealed set’s box plays an important role in its value. Since many collectors prefer boxes in excellent condition, significant damage may affect both the market value we assign to the set and the percentage we are able to offer.
Examples of box damage include, but are not limited to:
- Heavy creasing
- Crushing or denting
- Tears or punctures
- Sticker or label damage
- Sun damage or discoloration
- Missing seals or other significant wear
Current Purchase Rates (Cash Offers)
Our purchase rates are based on the determined market value of each set and are subject to change based on market conditions.
Currently Available at Retail
- High-demand (desirable) sets: 40-50% of market value
- Lower-demand (less desirable) sets: 25-30% of market value
Retired Sets
- High-demand (desirable) sets: 50-60% of market value
- Lower-demand (less desirable) sets: 40-50% of market value
These rates apply to cash offers. Customers who choose store credit may receive a higher offer. Please Note: Purchase rates are guidelines and may vary depending on condition, market trends, quantity, and other factors.
Used LEGO® Sets
Used LEGO® sets are evaluated differently than sealed sets because their value depends on completeness, condition, and current market demand. To be evaluated as a used set, it must be fully assembled when brought to brickLAB. Sets that are disassembled or cannot be verified for completeness will generally be evaluated as bulk LEGO®.
How We Determine Market Value
We determine the market value of used LEGO® sets by reviewing BrickLink’s sales history from the past six months. This allows us to use recent sales data rather than asking prices.
If a set has little or no recent sales history, we may reference the lowest current U.S. listing on BrickLink to help establish a fair market value.
How We Determine Desirability
In addition to market value, we also consider how desirable a set is. Factors such as recent BrickLink sales activity, collector demand, and our own in-store sales history all help determine how quickly we expect a set to sell.
Sets with stronger demand generally receive higher purchase offers than slower-moving inventory.
Incomplete Sets
Complete sets typically receive the highest offers. Sets that are missing pieces may still have value, but they are often evaluated differently.
Depending on the number and importance of the missing parts, an incomplete set may either receive a reduced market value as a used set or be evaluated as bulk LEGO® instead.
Complete Builds Without Minifigures
If a set is complete but does not include its original minifigures, we will determine its value without the figures. This is typically done by referencing similar BrickLink listings or by subtracting the market value of the missing minifigures from the complete used-set value. In some cases, builds without figures may be considered bulk if they are thought to be undesirable.
Condition
The condition of a used set plays an important role in our evaluation. Damage or excessive wear may result in adjustments to both the market value and our purchase offer.
Examples include:
- Yellowing or discoloration
- Missing, damaged, or heavily worn parts
- Excessive dirt, dust, or residue
- Smoke or pet odors
- Broken or modified pieces
Current Purchase Rates (Cash Offers)
Our purchase rates are based on the determined market value of each set and may vary depending on condition, completeness, and current demand.
- High-demand (desirable) sets: Typically 40% of market value
- Lower-demand (less desirable) sets: Typically 20-30% of market value
Some sets with very low demand or those that cannot be verified for completeness may be purchased as bulk LEGO®instead of individual used sets.
These rates apply to cash offers. Customers who choose store credit may receive a higher offer. Please Note: Purchase rates are guidelines and may vary depending on condition, market trends, quantity, and other factors.
Minifigures
Minifigures are evaluated individually based on their market value, condition, completeness, and demand. Because many minifigures contain unique or highly collectible parts, even small differences in condition or completeness can significantly impact their value.
How We Determine Market Value
We determine the market value of minifigures by reviewing BrickLink’s sales history from the past six months. This allows us to base our offers on recent market activity rather than asking prices.
How We Determine Desirability
In addition to market value, we also consider how desirable a minifigure is when determining our offer. We evaluate factors such as recent BrickLink sales activity, collector demand, rarity, and our own in-store sales history.
Minifigures that sell quickly or are in high demand typically receive stronger offers than figures that have slower sales or lower customer demand. Rare, exclusive, and highly sought-after minifigures may also qualify for higher purchase rates based on current market conditions.
Damaged Minifigures
The condition of a minifigure plays an important role in its value. Cracks, bite marks, scratches, fading, discoloration, or other damage may result in adjustments to both the market value and our purchase offer.
If the damaged component represents a significant portion of the minifigure’s value, we may offer substantially less than the standard purchase rate or evaluate the figure as a bulk minifigure instead.
Incomplete or Incorrect Minifigures
Minifigures that are missing parts or assembled with incorrect parts are generally evaluated as bulk minifigures, which are purchased at a higher rate per pound than standard bulk LEGO®.
If a minifigure is only missing a common or low-value part that can be easily replaced, we may still evaluate it as an individual minifigure. In these cases, the market value and purchase rate may be adjusted accordingly.
Current Purchase Rates (Cash Offers)
Our purchase rates are based on each minifigure’s determined market value.
| Market Value | Typical Cash Offer |
| $0.00 – $4.99 | 25% |
| $5.00 – $9.99 | 30% |
| $10.00 – $19.99 | 35% |
| $20.00 – $49.99 | 40% |
| $50.00+ | 50% |
Exceptionally desirable or high-demand minifigures may receive offers 10–15% higher than the standard purchase rates.
These rates apply to cash offers. Customers who choose store credit may receive a higher offer. Please Note: Purchase rates are guidelines and may vary depending on condition, market trends, quantity, and other factors.
Bulk LEGO®
Bulk LEGO® collections are evaluated differently than sets and minifigures. Since loose LEGO® does not have individual set values, we focus on the overall quality, condition, and contents of the collection to determine its value.
How We Determine Condition
When evaluating bulk LEGO®, we consider several factors, including:
- Overall quality and condition of the LEGO® pieces
- Presence of minifigures and minifigure parts
- Presence of valuable or desirable pieces
- Amount of dirt, damage, or wear
- Presence of non-LEGO® items, fake LEGO®, or trash
- Whether the collection can go directly into our cleaning process or requires additional sorting and preparation
Based on these factors, we classify bulk LEGO® collections into one of five categories: Poor, Decent, Good, Great, or Excellent.
Poor
Poor-condition bulk typically includes LEGO® that requires significant cleaning or sorting. These collections may contain damaged pieces, non-LEGO® items, trash, little to no minifigures, or a large number of undesirable pieces.
Decent
Decent-condition bulk contains mostly authentic LEGO® pieces in fair condition with some value. These collections may include few or no minifigures and may require additional sorting or preparation before resale.
Good
Good-condition bulk contains clean, quality LEGO® pieces and includes a good amount of minifigures or minifigure parts. These collections typically require less preparation and contain more desirable inventory.
Great
Great-condition bulk contains high-quality LEGO® pieces in good condition and includes desirable minifigures or minifigure parts that add significant value to the collection.
Excellent
Excellent-condition bulk contains high-quality LEGO® pieces, valuable elements, and desirable or collectible minifigures. These collections may require minimal preparation and contain a strong mix of valuable inventory.
Current Purchase Rates (Cash Offers)
Our bulk LEGO® purchase rates are based on the overall condition and value of the collection.
- Poor: $1/lb or less
- Decent: $2/lb
- Good: $3/lb
- Great: $4/lb
- Excellent: $5/lb
Bulk Minifigures
Bulk minifigures are evaluated separately from standard bulk LEGO® due to their additional value.
Collections containing mixed, incomplete, or less desirable minifigures may be purchased at approximately $15–$20/lb
Collections containing desirable themes or higher-value minifigures may be purchased at approximately $25–$50/lb
These rates apply to cash offers. Customers who choose store credit may receive a higher offer. Please Note: Purchase rates are guidelines and may vary depending on condition, market trends, quantity, and other factors. Final offers may vary.
Other LEGO® Items
In addition to sets, minifigures, and bulk LEGO®, we may also purchase select LEGO® merchandise, promotional items, instruction manuals, and other collectible LEGO® products. These items are evaluated individually based on their market value and demand.
LEGO® Gear & Merchandise
LEGO® Gear & Merchandise includes LEGO®-branded items that are not traditional building sets, minifigures, or loose parts. Examples include apparel, keychains, promotional items, collectibles, storage products, and other LEGO® merchandise.
How We Determine Market Value
We typically determine market value by reviewing BrickLink’s average sold prices from the past six months. If there is limited sales history available, we may reference the lowest current U.S. listing on BrickLink or another reputable marketplace to establish a fair market value.
Current Purchase Rates (Cash Offers)
Depending on the item’s desirability, condition, and current demand, our cash offers typically range from 20–40% of the determined market value.
Boxes & Instructions
We generally do not purchase empty LEGO® boxes or instruction manuals. However, we may purchase instruction manuals or original boxes from certain collectible or highly desirable sets.
Examples include instruction manuals from classic LEGO® themes such as Space, Castle, Pirates, and Star Wars, as well as other rare or collectible sets.
How We Determine Market Value
Market value is typically determined using BrickLink’s average sold prices from the past six months. If recent sales data is unavailable, we may reference the lowest current U.S. listing to help establish market value.
Current Purchase Rate (Cash Offers)
Offers for collectible instruction manuals and boxes generally range from 10–40% of the determined market value, depending on rarity, condition, and overall demand.
Looking to expand your LEGO® collection? Choosing store credit is a great way to get even more value from the items you’re selling.
In most cases, our store credit offers are 20–25% higher than our cash offers. Store credit can be used toward purchases in our retail store, giving you the opportunity to turn your old LEGO® collection into your next favorite set, minifigure, or building experience.
Store credit values are based on the same evaluation process as cash offers and are subject to the same market conditions and purchasing guidelines.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Now that you know how we evaluate LEGO® collections, we’d love to take a look at yours. Whether you’re selling a few sets or an entire collection, our team is here to provide a fair, transparent evaluation.
The information on this page is intended as a general guide. Final offers are determined after an in-person evaluation and may vary based on condition, completeness, quantity, market trends, and other factors. Purchase rates are subject to change without notice.
Collection Evaluation FAQs
Do you purchase large or high-value LEGO® collections?
Absolutely! We regularly purchase collections ranging from a handful of sets to large, high-value collections. Our team has experience evaluating collections of every size and can provide a fair, competitive offer based on current market conditions.
For large collections, we take the time to evaluate each item carefully using current market data to ensure a fair and competitive offer. Collections containing rare, retired, or highly sought-after LEGO® sets and minifigures may qualify for enhanced purchase rates based on their desirability and market demand.
If you have a large collection or believe your collection contains rare or valuable items, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to discuss your collection or request a personalized quote.
Can I sell my entire LEGO® collection at once?
Yes! Whether you have a few sets or an entire room full of LEGO®, we’re happy to evaluate collections of all sizes. Selling your collection to brickLAB is a simple, convenient way to offload everything in one transaction without the hassle of listing and shipping items individually.
Why do assembled sets receive higher offers than disassembled sets?
A fully assembled set allows us to quickly verify its completeness and condition. Disassembled sets require significantly more time to sort and inspect, so they are generally evaluated as bulk LEGO®.
Why does box condition matter for sealed sets?
Many collectors prefer sealed sets with boxes in excellent condition. Damage such as heavy creasing, crushing, tears, or sun fading can reduce collector demand and affect both the market value and our purchase offer.
Why do you use recent sales instead of current listings?
Current listings only show what sellers are asking—not what buyers are actually paying. We rely primarily on recent sales history because it provides a more accurate picture of current market value.
Why should I sell my LEGO® collection to brickLAB instead of selling it myself?
Selling individual sets online can take time and often involves listing fees, shipping, and coordinating with multiple buyers. At brickLAB, we offer a fast, convenient alternative by purchasing your collection directly, allowing you to sell everything in one place without the hassle.