Star Wars 2025

[CsabaLazlo]

I'm struggling to see any value this year. Star Destroyer might be worthwhile if there is double VIP points.

[Dr Jedi]

I want to pick up a UCS Venator before it retires, and while I could wait for a theoretical 20% off sale sometime next year (assuming the 12/2026 retirement date holds), I'm just going to turn around and use those VIP points on the UCS Death Star later this year - assuming there's a nice GWP that's exclusive to the Death Star.  So, I could save $130 on the Venator next year, or I can save $130 on the UCS Death Star this year.  I believe that is my financial argument to convince myself to pick up the Venator now rather than later.  The question might become when to buy the Venator.  Do I jump in right off the bat and guarantee the Clone Cadet set?  Or do I wait for the Rakuten sale to start on May 5th, and maybe get an extra 5% - 10% back?  With the Venator being an exclusive, I don't think it will garner the full 15% on Rakuten, but I hate to leave that money on the table in exchange for a Clone Cadet set.

[Mr_Coat]

2 hours ago, Dr Jedi said:

I want to pick up a UCS Venator before it retires, and while I could wait for a theoretical 20% off sale sometime next year (assuming the 12/2026 retirement date holds), I'm just going to turn around and use those VIP points on the UCS Death Star later this year - assuming there's a nice GWP that's exclusive to the Death Star.  So, I could save $130 on the Venator next year, or I can save $130 on the UCS Death Star this year.  I believe that is my financial argument to convince myself to pick up the Venator now rather than later.  The question might become when to buy the Venator.  Do I jump in right off the bat and guarantee the Clone Cadet set?  Or do I wait for the Rakuten sale to start on May 5th, and maybe get an extra 5% - 10% back?  With the Venator being an exclusive, I don't think it will garner the full 15% on Rakuten, but I hate to leave that money on the table in exchange for a Clone Cadet set.

Rakuten is hit or miss when it comes to Exclusives. I've never had them payout, though others on here have. I've also heard that using VIP points with Rakuten can cause it to fail as it's considered a competing discount program. I've had better luck with Retailmenot for any purchase at Lego, but as always YMMV. 

I'm also tempted to wait for a sale on the Venator (maye Black Friday?), but with the summer sets already seeing a price hike, I could see Lego bumping the Venator up to $700, making a 20% discount worth only 15%. Assuming it even goes on sale. (Wish it would get the Razorcrest 30% off and 2x VIP like they did back in 2023)