Considering the countless hours spent building intricate LEGO sets and the joy of collecting them, it's no surprise that LEGO's "Pick a Brick" service has garnered significant attention. But is "Pick a Brick" worth it? Let's dive into this question and explore the advantages, limitations, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Before we delve into the pros and cons, it's essential to understand what "Pick a Brick" offers. LEGO's service allows customers to purchase individual bricks, pieces, or packs online. You can search for specific elements, create custom sets, or even buy retired pieces. Now, let's weigh the pros and cons to determine if "Pick a Brick" is worth your time and money.
Pros of "Pick a Brick"
The primary allure of "Pick a Brick" is its flexibility and convenience. Here are some advantages that set it apart:
Fill the Gaps in Your Collection
Missing a few bricks from your favorite set? Don't want to buy the entire set again? "Pick a Brick" allows you to replace those few pieces and is perfect for completing existing collections.
Furthermore, you can create custom sets or minifigures by hand-picking individual bricks. This feature adds a creative element and allows you to tailor your LEGO collection to your specific preferences.
Supercede Retired Pieces
LEGO retires pieces and sets regularly, which can be frustrating for collectors. "Pick a Brick" offers a channel to acquire retired pieces, helping you maintain an up-to-date and complete collection.
Additionally, filing a request for retired pieces can sometimes result in LEGO re-releasing them due to popular demand. This feature makes "Pick a Brick" an essential tool for enthusiasts keen on influencing LEGO's decisions.
Cons of "Pick a Brick"
As appealing as "Pick a Brick" can be, it also has its downsides. Below are some factors to consider:
Pricing and Quantity Limitations
While the service offers individual bricks, the pricing isn't Always the most affordable option compared to complete sets. Moreover, there are quantity limitations, which might make it less cost-effective for bulk purchases.
For example, sourcing a large number of a specific piece might become expensive and time-consuming. In such cases, buying a set containing those pieces may be more beneficial.
Time-Consuming and Inconvenient
As immersive as browsing LEGO's vast library of pieces can be, it's also time-consuming. Finding the exact pieces you need and creating custom sets can take hours, which might not be worth the effort, given the other cons.
Similarly, if you're replacing a large number of pieces, sourcing them individually can become an inconvenient process, especially considering the recent changes in LEGO's policies, which limit the purchases of retired pieces.
Alternatives to "Pick a Brick"
If "Pick a Brick" doesn't appeal to you, consider these alternatives to fill the gaps or expand your collection:
Locally Purchasing Sets
Buying complete sets from local retailers can offer better value for money. You'll spend less time searching and receive more pieces for your money. Plus, you'll have a complete set to enjoy or disassemble and rebuild later.
Additionally, you can always trade or sell unwanted pieces to fellow LEGO enthusiasts at LEGO forums or social media groups.
LEGO's BrickLink Program
When "Pick a Brick" doesn't suffice, you may want to explore LEGO's acquisition of BrickLink, a digital marketplace for LEGO-related goods. The platform allows for even more customized sets,.Minifigures, and individual pieces, often at more competitive prices than "Pick a Brick."
Through BrickLink, you can combine pieces from various sellers or broken sets to create customized masterpieces, making it a more convenient alternative to "Pick a Brick."
In conclusion, "Pick a Brick" can be a valuable tool for LEGO enthusiasts, especially for those aiming to complete sets orMINIFIGURE collections, or wanting to experiment with custom creations. However, the service also presents practical challenges, such as pricing and time consumption. As you navigate the world of LEGO collecting, consider the alternatives and determine which method best suits your needs.