My Brickpicking Year

[biking_tiger]

I'm approaching my anniversary on Brickpicker, and wanted to share a few things I've learned over the last year. For full disclosure, I wasn't new to Lego reselling when I joined, but I had just started accumulating sets again for the first time in four or five years. I'll (try to) keep it simple:

1. This site, it's forums, and most members, are wonderful resources for those willing to listen. I'm very thankful for the Macks, mods, and veterans for what they are willing to share. I've learned the value of discount gift cards, Target RC magic online, "rollovers" (buying gift cards with gift cards), "slow and steady wins the race," and more.

2. It's not about you. Or me. Or any of us alone. Ego is a killer. It feeds emotion and blinds reason--two things any investor/entrepreneur should avoid like the plague.

3. Having a plan and following that plan (most of the time) is the best strategy. It helps curb emotional spending and keeps the focus on the goal. Revisit and evaluate the plan often. Is it working?

4. A good plan takes timing into consideration. There is a time to horde and a time to sell. A time to flip and a time to be patient. I've learned what works for someone else does not necessarily work for me. We all have different resources (time, money, space), and must use them accordingly.

5. And, not an original by any means, but if it isn't making you money or making you happy, why do it? I'm fortunate enough to gain both from Lego.

Thanks to Brickpicker, I've learned the value of exclusives, shipping sales at Staples, and what Raise is all about. I've avoided ban hammers and scammers. I've started to build something I hope will grow and adapt with me for years because, let's all face it, investing/reselling Lego is an changing marketplace. It really always has been and always will be.

Thanks to all, and happy picking.

[Sandwraith]

 I've learned the value of discount gift cards, Target RC magic online, "rollovers" (buying gift cards with gift cards)

Add this to my list of: "Things i wish Canada had more of" I remember getting a TRU Gcard at %15 off once... ever since then finding ANY form of giftcard that can be applied to Lego at a discount is damn near impossible here (Outside of local classifieds that is).

[biking_tiger]

Add this to my list of: "Things i wish Canada had more of" I remember getting a TRU Gcard at %15 off once... ever since then finding ANY form of giftcard that can be applied to Lego at a discount is damn near impossible here (Outside of local classifieds that is).

I wish I could send some GC love north. I've suggested discount gift cards to friends (for things other than Lego), and they just look at me like I'm crazy. Yes, I am. Crazy like a Vulpes vulpes. 

[Fcbarcelona101]

Great post. I presume it summarizes the experience of plenty of people in this forum. Including me.

[TheOrcKing]

 

[kensBricks]

Ooh, could you elaborate on Target RC magic? That's a new phrase to me.

[fuzzy_bricks]

Ooh, could you elaborate on Target RC magic? That's a new phrase to me.

RC is short for Red Card, Target's credit card that will get you 5% off purchases and free shipping.

[kensBricks]

RC is short for Red Card, Target's credit card that will get you 5% off purchases and free shipping.

Oh, of course! I feel foolish now, know all about the RedCard. The magic has just worn off

[biking_tiger]

...and you use it in conjunction with discounted gift cards online, right? Right?

[kensBricks]

...and you use it in conjunction with discounted gift cards online, right? Right?

*THAT* is a new trick I've learned from the forums here. Next buying spree is going to be using discounted GCs for sure.

Right now I'm on a self-imposed spending freeze until I start getting money back from what I'm putting out for sale.