How much do you pay for a used set?

[seapotato]

Sorry if there is already a thread about this, but I'm wondering what is usually the going rate for a used/open set (that is still available in stores)? Is it normally half the price of retail? Most of the info on the BP price guide is for retired stuff I think.

[redghostx]

If it is a quality set, then you can expect to pay 80% of MSRP and up.

Ex Astris, Scientia.

[Migration]

Some sets see almost no discount at all, look at EEE used sold listings.

[CNH1974]

Depends on the set. Used VW Campers go for near RRP.

 

But on highly discounted volume sets it could be 50-70% off RRP. Depending on condition and completeness etc...

[comicblast]

For larger sets $200 and up, I'll usually try to monitor the set for a few months, and if I find something around 40% off retail, and instructions are included, I'm usually a buyer. It always depends on the set, and usually I'm not in a rush to buy.

[Thumper]

I usually post current & available used sets to sell at 80% retail, but I wouldn't buy at anything above 60% and even then it would have to be an "assembled once for display" & have the box, instructions & inserts included.  There is some minor returns in flipping used current sets but it's not really worth my time to collect em' Unless I already have multiples bound for the parting-out table anyway.

 

There's always exceptions in the obvious easy "anytime movers" such as pretty much any larger Technics, Trains, some modulars, or basic system bricks, duplo & very specific SW. 

[seapotato]

Thanks for the replies. Gee I guess Lego holds up its value even when used and widely available.

Edited March 17, 2015 by seapotato

[citymorgue]

I don't pay for used sets.  The semi one time was bricklinking a set, but I didn't buy a used complete one.  I'm pretty weird in general and don't like to buy a used set especially if it's not a retired set.

 

There are a couple of sets that I would like to buy used, but it's just so damn expensive.  Plus I would need one with the box, instructions, and stickers.  I know there's a market out there, and it is actually interesting to see how well lego prices hold up.  It's similar to my watch hobby that I had.  I could pay insane amounts of money, and only a couple of times did I lose some money.  And by a small percentage.  Most of the time, I would get new value even if it was used.

[Migration]

Thanks for the replies. Gee I guess Lego holds up its value even when used and widely available.

90% of what I sell are used sets pieced together from bulk lots. Even with some of the older stuff used will bring 70% or more of the sealed/new sets.

[bricksnstocks]

It's it true for the really expensive EOL sets currently selling for $Ks, like CC, the used discounts are steeper than the 70-80%? This is because bricklink cap the value a "used" set?