Buy Lego The Right Way

The Hunt for the Best Bricks

Whether you’re after that new UCS release, a retired set, or just trying to score a deal for your collection, the question always comes up: where’s the best place to buy Lego?

I will be honest, there’s no single right answer as it depends on what kind of fan you are and what you are looking for. Some builders chase sealed boxes, others hunt down used parts, and some are just looking for their next minifig fix. So let’s break down the pros and cons of what I consider the most popular ways to buy Lego in 2025.

Buying from LEGO.com & LEGO Stores

The Pros

• LEGO Insiders Points: Every purchase earns points you can redeem for discounts, exclusive sets, and special rewards.
• Early Access & Exclusives: Certain sets launch early for Insiders, or never appear anywhere else (think Gift-With-Purchase items or LEGO House exclusives).
• Deals: Exclusive Insider discounts can often go unmatched for sealed sets.
• Guaranteed Authentic: You’re buying directly from the source, no worries about fake or missing pieces.
• Returns & Support: Lego’s customer service is legendary. If you’re missing a piece, they’ll replace it fast and free. If the set never arrives, they will send another.
• Shipping: Regardless of size, free shipping is an option on orders of a certain value.

The Cons

• Full Retail Prices: Lego rarely discounts new sets on their own site.
• Limited Stock on Retired Sets: Once it’s gone, it’s gone, and the aftermarket takes over.
• Gift-With-Purchase Temptation: You’ll end up spending more just to hit that “free set” threshold (we’ve all done it).

Buying from eBay

The Pros

• Access to Retired Sets: eBay is the go-to for anything out of production, from classic Star Wars to the 90s Castle theme.
• Sealed & Used Options: You can find new-in-box collectibles or gently used sets at solid prices.
• Global Marketplace: If Lego didn’t sell it in your country, eBay sellers probably have it.
• Return Policy: eBay has a very good return policy ensuring money-back if the product is not up to standards.

The Cons

• Risk of Fakes or Missing Pieces: Especially with rare minifigures, counterfeit parts have become an issue. Chinese knockoff brands have become rampant.
• Price Fluctuations: Prices can skyrocket fast depending on demand. Resellers are ruthless.
• Shipping Costs: Larger sets can come with hefty international shipping fees.
• Tons of Sellers: It is a saturated marketplace, so finding the best deal can take some time.

Buying from Whatnot

The Pros

• Live Auctions & Community: Whatnot combines live-stream shopping with collector interaction. You can chat, bid, and see sets or minifigs up close in real time. Requests reduce search time.
• Competitive Deals: Smaller sellers often list rare minifigs or bundles cheaper than eBay.
• Community Feel: Many Lego streamers build relationships with regulars, you’ll find friendly sellers and collectors fast. Friendships breed deals.
• Apps & Tools: With tools like WhatFig, you can track auctions, see value trends, and follow your favorite sellers easily.

The Cons

• Impulse Buys: The auction format can make you overspend quickly. Drawer-style games entice people to spend for the chance to win big.
• Inconsistent Shipping & Packaging: Quality depends heavily on the seller. Shipping costs are always on the buyer, so small item purchases aren't as worth it.
• Limited Returns: Not all purchases are covered if something goes wrong.

Buying from Facebook Marketplace

The Pros

• Local Deals & No Shipping Fees: You can meet locally and inspect the Lego before paying. No shipping and no taxes.
• Bulk Lot Bargains: Great for used parts, random minifigs, or large collection buys. People getting rid of stuff are usually willing to bring prices really low.
• Direct Negotiation: You can haggle, something you can’t do on LEGO.com or eBay.
• Free Stuff: Marketplace is actually a great place to find free stuff as well, Lego that people just don't care to even sell.

The Cons

• Scams & Counterfeits: Always meet in safe, public places and inspect for fake Lego logos or clone brands. Scammers also try to provide "too good to be true" deals to entice unsuspecting customers.
• No Buyer Protection: Unlike eBay or Lego, there’s no guaranteed refund policy. Once it is bought, its bought.
• Condition Varies Wildly: Photos don’t always tell the full story, sometimes “complete” isn’t actually complete.

Other Options Worth Mentioning

BrickLink

Now owned by Lego, BrickLink is the best platform for finding specific pieces or minifigures. It’s also home to the BrickLink Designer Program, where you can buy fan-designed, officially produced (by Lego) sets.

Pros: Enormous part selection, verified sellers, official Lego oversight, and organized by prices and quality.

Cons: Shipping from multiple stores can add up, and listings aren’t always beginner-friendly.

Local Toy Stores & Conventions

Don’t sleep on local shops like Bricks and Minifigs or fan conventions. You’ll often find sealed retired sets at fair prices or discover fan vendors with incredible MOCs and vintage figs for you to collect.

Pros: Instant gratification, no shipping. Plus, you’re supporting local Lego communities and fans alike.

Cons: Smaller inventory and sometimes higher prices due to rarity.

My Take

I’ll be honest, I buy mostly from LEGO.com for the Insiders points and peace of mind, and from Whatnot when I’m hunting for something unique or want to support fellow collectors. eBay has its place, especially for older sets, but it’s a gamble I take sparingly. One too many close calls, and you tend to call it quits.

If you’re new to collecting, I’d say start with LEGO.com for reliability, explore Whatnot for fun and community, and venture into eBay or Marketplace once you know how to spot authentic pieces and know what you want.

Final Thoughts

Each LEGO buying option has its own niche:

• LEGO.com for new releases and rewards.
• eBay for retired gems.
• Whatnot for live deals and community.
• Facebook Marketplace for local steals.
• BrickLink for specific parts and customization.

The key is knowing your priorities: are you collecting, investing, or just building? Once you figure that out, the best buying spot becomes clear. Using all of them is probably your best bet to get the best of all the worlds. Happy building (or buying)!