10188 - UCS: Death Star

[jaisonline]

Since I just saw a 10188 with a 05-15 seal code and I got me thinking, not sure if the demand for 10188 is the same as 3 years ago since many of the minifigs are not aging well and have already been refreshed. For $400, I think kids and AFOLs would like the newer versions with better printing,

I then wondered if Lego ever did an internal cost vs. benefit anayslis about briefly halting 10188 production for a simple update.

- only update certain pages of the manual including the covers and revise the box design. Not many pages are impacted.

- Heck, they don't even need to replace irreverent figs (e.g. black r2-q5 and that protocol droid for Imperial Gunners) if they keep that small cheap set around.

- Maybe include newer versions of the figures if exists. For certain figures like Leia without a refresh, just include a new head piece. Keep the same hair.

- then internally call it 10188-2.

- keep the Death Star set itself the same.

I have no idea what would happen with existing 10188s at retailers since no one would buy then if a refresh is available unless Lego did a May 4th special and allowed retailers to sell older stock 30% to 40% off. .

Then they csn easily sell basicslly the same set for 5 years or even more years by increasing the demand for it. The set will look cooler.

Yeah, I'm aware my idea is good for buyers , not resellers. This is the collector in me thinking.

[KShine]

 

Edited March 24, 2015 by KShine

[mudcatsfan]

These are all very cool ideas. However since, as you noted, brand new death star codes are in stores every few months, the thing is still selling on its own.

If we were finding old codes and stagnant stock I could see them trying this.

Since I just saw a 10188 with a 05-15 seal code and I got me thinking, not sure if the demand for 10188 is the same as 3 years ago since many of the minifigs are not aging well and have already been refreshed. For $400, I think kids and AFOLs would like the newer versions with better printing,

I then wondered if Lego ever did an internal cost vs. benefit anayslis about briefly halting 10188 production for a simple update.

- only update certain pages of the manual including the covers and revise the box design. Not many pages are impacted.

- Heck, they don't even need to replace irreverent figs (e.***. black r2-q5 and that protocol droid for Imperial Gunners) if they keep that small cheap set around.

- Maybe include newer versions of the figures if exists. For certain figures like Leia without a refresh, just include a new head piece. Keep the same hair.

- then internally call it 10188-2.

- keep the Death Star set itself the same.

I have no idea what would happen with existing 10188s at retailers since no one would buy then if a refresh is available unless Lego did a May 4th special and allowed retailers to sell older stock 30% to 40% off. .

Then they csn easily sell basicslly the same set for 5 years or even more years by increasing the demand for it. The set will look cooler.

Yeah, I'm aware my idea is good for buyers , not resellers. This is the collector in me thinking.

[jaisonline]

These are all very cool ideas. However since, as you noted, brand new death star codes are in stores every few months, the thing is still selling on its own.

If we were finding old codes and stagnant stock I could see them trying this.

Solid points.

Not sure if the new production batch was planned to anticipate demand for ep 7 as fans are starting to get really excited as Dec approaches.

Sooner or later (if not already) people will start pausing before spending $400 (that's a lot) for a set that is still very cool but maybe the largest attraction (minifigs based on what 10188s are selling for w/o minifigs and sales for the figs alone. The sold prices don't appear to be as high as previous years). Even the used / complete 10188 sales are getting pretty good for buyers. I'm finding used complete sets for $250 now plus postage. Sure, these could be outliers but I'm finding more and more of these deals. The used complete sold price was usually around $300 in past years (plus postage).

I'm not taking a stance either way. Heck, I have mixed of new and used 10188s in my inventory and a simple refresh would hurt me also.

Just a "what if" conversation about the idea of it was ever done. I think ample AFOL and younger buyers would be excited.

[inversion]

Just a "what if" conversation about the idea of it was ever done. I think ample AFOL and younger buyers would be excited.

I believe that the average customers of this set don't really care about minifig versions. We are LEGO enthusiasts, so we do and often jump to conclusions based on our preferences. However the middle-class families who just want a cool SW set with all of the key figs don't even know there are differences between two Han-s or Luke-s. And they wouldn't even care if they knew. They see the DS as for as it is, a kick-arse SW set. Period.

Most people don't need a knew version desperately because it has more wrinkles. And for LEGO it is better to scatter them around in new sets so the avid minifig collectors (minority!) buy them all and in the end spend more.

Edited March 24, 2015 by inversion

[meowsmeowsmeows]

The Death Star listing has been removed from Target's web site.  It was there earlier this morning.

 

Also appears to be absent from TRU's web site.

[mudcatsfan]

Solid points.

Not sure if the new production batch was planned to anticipate demand for ep 7 as fans are starting to get really excited as Dec approaches.

Sooner or later (if not already) people will start pausing before spending $400 (that's a lot) for a set that is still very cool but maybe the largest attraction (minifigs based on what 10188s are selling for w/o minifigs and sales for the figs alone. The sold prices don't appear to be as high as previous years). Even the used / complete 10188 sales are getting pretty good for buyers. I'm finding used complete sets for $250 now plus postage. Sure, these could be outliers but I'm finding more and more of these deals. The used complete sold price was usually around $300 in past years (plus postage).

I'm not taking a stance either way. Heck, I have mixed of new and used 10188s in my inventory and a simple refresh would hurt me also.

Just a "what if" conversation about the idea of it was ever done. I think ample AFOL and younger buyers would be excited.

 

 

I think the analysis of the DS price sealed right now is completely irrelevant. The set has strong stock across many retailers and with bonuses, and discounts etc.

However your note about the loose value is very interesting.

 

The DS sealed price is low because retail stock is currently easy to find. That is a cycle that seems to ramp up and down. If it were to run out everywhere tomorrow (as has happened 2-3 times in the last 2 years) the price spikes. I guess the question is would the loose price rise and fall linearly with the sealed price or is it independent? Perhaps in times of easily findable 399 and discounted gift cards or double VIP points etc, more folks are likely to drop the 400 on the sealed set, rather than messing with ebay to get the set for 300 and potentially be missing pieces, etc.

 

Your theory about the loose price slipping is a good one though, considering the long lifespan of this item. In isolation, it makes sense that eventually everyone will have their fill of a set if they just keep pumping it out. However with no comparable alternative. (there really isnt one) folks will always want this set. And with a new generation about to get at least 5-7 new movies over the next 8 years, i'd say that population may grow.

Edited March 24, 2015 by mudcatsfan

[KShine]

If there has been any drop in recent price activity with used DS's - I would say they were likely outliers, or ones that were sold as being unconfirmed as far as being complete.

 

This is one set that holds used prices very well (comparable to the modular sets).

 

It is notable that I did a search, and there didn't seem to be any "buy it now" listings for used 10188's on ebay (which is a big positive).

[shortyz]

The Death Star listing has been removed from Target's web site.  It was there earlier this morning.

 

Also appears to be absent from TRU's web site.

its on .ca but it doesnt have that button "email me when availble"

 

is it happening?!?!

[meowsmeowsmeows]

I don't know.  It would be unusual for Target to delete a listing completely if an item is just temporarily out of stock.

 

Perhaps it's a glitch on their site, but OOS items such as Pet Shop, Palace Cinema, and Red-5 are still listed.

[davem1111]

I really hope DS is retiring.

It will end all the questions for once.

fingers crossed.

but then a new one in october for another few years

[toycrazedchris]

I don't know.  It would be unusual for Target to delete a listing completely if an item is just temporarily out of stock.

 

Perhaps it's a glitch on their site, but OOS items such as Pet Shop, Palace Cinema, and Red-5 are still listed.

 

I have been monitoring quite a few lego products over the past year+ at Target and it is actually not that unusual for them to delete a listing and bring it back like you say.

[GhostDad]

I've been calling all the major retailers and asking them to delete their Death Star listings, as no product with 'Death' in the name is appropriate for kids, and products with 'Star' in the name encourage unwholesome pagan astrological practices.  Or so my argument goes.  With any luck, Lego will feel the pressure and publicize the retirement date, as they did in the 9516 controversy.  Here's hoping!

[Sozial]

As today I hit my quota of DS. I guess it is more or less on its last legs. In germany most of the retailers do not have any stock and the one who has, just reduced the order quantity from  6 to 4. Could be a concidence, but I will give it a shot

[baldilocks]

It's still available at Amazon

[GhostDad]

Amazon is often the last US retailer to go out of stock, because they have 'hard' order limits (2, usually).  Excepting LEGO Shop at Home, amazon was last to stock both 10937 and 10225.  Not that I'm calling EOL for the DS.  I tried that last summer, and all I got for my trouble is 17 MISB Death Stars...

[meowsmeowsmeows]

I've been calling all the major retailers and asking them to delete their Death Star listings, as no product with 'Death' in the name is appropriate for kids, and products with 'Star' in the name encourage unwholesome pagan astrological practices.  Or so my argument goes.  With any luck, Lego will feel the pressure and publicize the retirement date, as they did in the 9516 controversy.  Here's hoping!

I'd like to give this more than 1 like.

[meowsmeowsmeows]

It's still available at Amazon

Yep, Amazon and Wal Mart.  And Lego shop at home.

[meowsmeowsmeows]

I have been monitoring quite a few lego products over the past year+ at Target and it is actually not that unusual for them to delete a listing and bring it back like you say.

That's fine as I've only been observing Target since last summer.  I could be wrong and Death Star reappears tomorrow. This is an honest question -- do you have any examples of sets Target has completely deleted and brought back that haven't been on the verge of EOL?

 

R2 was brought back recently as I guess Target had some stock.  Before that, I can remember Grand Emporium removed from their hard to find page when out of stock, but not completely deleted, and brought back to their hard to find page when back in stock.  

[FattyMatty]

I agree

ImageUploadedByBrickpicker Forum1427163247.469235.jpg

 

I'm liking these midi size x-wings and tie fighters, anyone know if these are actual sets or if they're custom? Is there any chance you might have more close-up photos of these Alpinemaps? 

[fuzzy_bricks]

That's fine as I've only been observing Target since last summer.  I could be wrong and Death Star reappears tomorrow. This is an honest question -- do you have any examples of sets Target has completely deleted and brought back that haven't been on the verge of EOL?

 

R2 was brought back recently as I guess Target had some stock.  Before that, I can remember Grand Emporium removed from their hard to find page when out of stock, but not completely deleted, and brought back to their hard to find page when back in stock.  

Batcave was gone Christmas 2014.  I had to use a cached mobile page to find a listing so I could get the DCPI.  I believe that was the two year mark for that set, and it ended up retiring in the rest of the world but remained in the US for a third year.

[Sozial]

As today I hit my quota of DS. I guess it is more or less on its last legs. In germany most of the retailers do not have any stock and the one who has, just reduced the order quantity from  6 to 4. Could be a concidence, but I will give it a shot

 

and sold out , lets see if they get a restock

[Alpinemaps]

I'm liking these midi size x-wings and tie fighters, anyone know if these are actual sets or if they're custom? Is there any chance you might have more close-up photos of these Alpinemaps? 

 

I really like them, too.  I don't believe they are a set - I'm pretty sure they are custom created for this display.

 

Next time I'm able to, I will bring my nice camera and good zoom lens, and try to take some close up shots.  It's tough because you can't get too close to the displays (because of the way they are constructed), and because the display is in full sunlight almost the entire day.

[FattyMatty]

I really like them, too.  I don't believe they are a set - I'm pretty sure they are custom created for this display.

 

Next time I'm able to, I will bring my nice camera and good zoom lens, and try to take some close up shots.  It's tough because you can't get too close to the displays (because of the way they are constructed), and because the display is in full sunlight almost the entire day.

 

That would be awesome if you could. Thank you

[toycrazedchris]

That's fine as I've only been observing Target since last summer.  I could be wrong and Death Star reappears tomorrow. This is an honest question -- do you have any examples of sets Target has completely deleted and brought back that haven't been on the verge of EOL?

 

R2 was brought back recently as I guess Target had some stock.  Before that, I can remember Grand Emporium removed from their hard to find page when out of stock, but not completely deleted, and brought back to their hard to find page when back in stock.  

 

No, I would be guessing if I tried to give specific examples since I don't log or take notes. Also, I only monitor exclusives. Maybe others here can give specific examples or you could check out older posts from a specific thread since many folks around here post in/out of stock as well as listing updates for Target and other online retailers.