Not very good news

[Guest eightbrick]

Heh. I'm a fair shot, but my husband is ridiculous. Last time he was at the police range with a buddy, he shot a very small lizard off a rock on a dare at about 15 yards. (Yes, I know, cruelty to lizards is wrong, but it was a quick death and an impressive shot   )

 

I'd like to see this. I'm more of a long barrel shooter, the poor accuracy of handguns frustrates me at times. If you could take out a moving fly from any distance with a .45 I'd tell you to start shooting competitively.

No one is ever going to spam this forum again. 

[Guest eightbrick]

Seriously, you guys sound like scary-good shooters lol. Anyways, can they ban you if you don't have a VIP card? If you didn't how would they know and stuff? You could just use like four cards (like willy lol).

[justafrog]

Seriously, you guys sound like scary-good shooters lol. Anyways, can they ban you if you don't have a VIP card? If you didn't how would they know and stuff? You could just use like four cards (like willy lol).

 

 

If they got to know you well enough by sight I suppose they "have the right to refuse service to anyone" if you remember those old signs. Now that'll be a dubious distinction: first one of us to be escorted from the Lego Store by Mall Security. 

 

But yes, without using a VIP card it would be a lot harder to catch us in the vile act of buying too much Lego.

[JoshTX]

Although we've discussed at length already the reasons for why Lego is banning large resalers, when I take a step back and look at it from a more "common" point of view it still just seems somewhat unbelievable. I've worked in the personal protecion/security/military environment for years, and in all that time I've removed alleged thieves, drunkards, homeless, and people violating the peace a countless number of times from various establishments. But I still feel baffled at the idea of forcibly removing someone from a retail store for spending money there.

 

Lego: We've got a guy down here we want removed from our store.

 

Cop/Security: Ok, is he causing a disturbance?

 

Lego: Well, kind of. He's banned from our store but he's here right now.

 

Cop/security: Ok, so what's the history? Was he violent in the past, made threats, stole? Should I bring additional backup?

 

Lego: No, he spends too much money here.

 

Cop/Security: Excuse me?

 

Lego: He was banned by our corporate office because he spends alot of money in our store on the same thing and we don't want that.

 

Cop/Security: So let me get this straight, you want him removed as a result of your refusal of service because he spends too much money there?

 

Lego: Yes

 

Cop/Security: Ok? I've heard of a person buying too many drinks in the bar, but this is ridiculous. We'll send someone down I guess, if that's what you really want (rolls eyes).

[comicblast]

Although we've discussed at length already the reasons for why Lego is banning large resalers, when I take a step back and look at it from a more "common" point of view it still just seems somewhat unbelievable. I've worked in the personal protecion/security/military environment for years, and in all that time I've removed alleged thieves, drunkards, homeless, and people violating the peace a countless number of times from various establishments. But I still feel baffled at the idea of forcibly removing someone from a retail store for spending money there.

 

Lego: We've got a guy down here we want removed from our store.

 

Cop/Security: Ok, is he causing a disturbance?

 

Lego: Well, kind of. He's banned from our store but he's here right now.

 

Cop/security: Ok, so what's the history? Was he violent in the past, made threats, stole? Should I bring additional backup?

 

Lego: No, he spends too much money here.

 

Cop/Security: Excuse me?

 

Lego: He was banned by our corporate office because he spends alot of money in our store on the same thing and we don't want that.

 

Cop/Security: So let me get this straight, you want him removed as a result of your refusal of service because he spends too much money there?

 

Lego: Yes

 

Cop/Security: Ok? I've heard of a person buying too many drinks in the bar, but this is ridiculous. We'll send someone down I guess, if that's what you really want (rolls eyes).

<begin rage>

Yes - To be honest, their policy is ludicrous in my head, for ANY company to adopt. Isn't the point of your business to get people to buy as many sets as possible? 

 

I don't mind if LEGO does strict limits on limited edition sets like the 41999 or something, but I do really mind LEGO putting limits on sets that don't matter as much, and that will be available in time. Doing so is stupid business, plain and simple.

 

</end rage>

[Zzero6]

Although we've discussed at length already the reasons for why Lego is banning large resalers, when I take a step back and look at it from a more "common" point of view it still just seems somewhat unbelievable. I've worked in the personal protecion/security/military environment for years, and in all that time I've removed alleged thieves, drunkards, homeless, and people violating the peace a countless number of times from various establishments. But I still feel baffled at the idea of forcibly removing someone from a retail store for spending money there.

 

Lego: We've got a guy down here we want removed from our store.

 

Cop/Security: Ok, is he causing a disturbance?

 

Lego: Well, kind of. He's banned from our store but he's here right now.

 

Cop/security: Ok, so what's the history? Was he violent in the past, made threats, stole? Should I bring additional backup?

 

Lego: No, he spends too much money here.

 

Cop/Security: Excuse me?

 

Lego: He was banned by our corporate office because he spends alot of money in our store on the same thing and we don't want that.

 

Cop/Security: So let me get this straight, you want him removed as a result of your refusal of service because he spends too much money there?

 

Lego: Yes

 

Cop/Security: Ok? I've heard of a person buying too many drinks in the bar, but this is ridiculous. We'll send someone down I guess, if that's what you really want (rolls eyes).

Very funny.  You took the words right out of my mind.  As a business major, I really don't understand as well.  I can understand not selling your entire stock of something to one person or putting limits but to ban someone, I have no idea.  

[Brickmythic]

Hi Zzero6! Glad you like the site, it was created by two (genius) brothers (usernames Ed Mack and Jeff Mack).

As for the Lego issue, it seems as a result of all the outrage regarding the Minecraft product they have been tightening up their stances on people buying multiples of sets, especially the 41999 Technic Crawler Exclusive.

 

 

 

I can guarentee at least 95% of the users on this site dont have the captial to purchase enough legos to get a permanant ban from lego.com it only applies to a few investors like emzors .. that guy is nutz

 

P.S - also dont go around buying 50 funhouses or HH that will also get you banned.

true that!

 

hehe just set up a business account with TLG if you want 50 Haunted Houses!  Having your own account with TLG is crucial if you want to realistically flip UCS and larger modular sets. 

 

Setting up an account with TLG for your business may seem like an impossible hurdle at first, but in truth, it is the most effecient way for everyone in this case!

 

peace!

[legoman12323123]

Well it might not be about not having enough capital.... I could pour about 10.000

[legoman12323123]

We use it because it was the set one member here got banned for buying to many of.

 

Funhouse is a 100% money maker if you part it out = resellers buying tons of sets to do so .. thats why I use that set as a example if buying at retail you will make money parting it

[DoNotInsertIntoMouth]

I would just get the funhouse from TRU if I was repeatedly parting it out or stocking it. It's been $40 there quite a bit.

[TheDarkness]

I struggle to think how many Funhouse sets I have actually bought from TRU over the past 12 months or so.

[M4x18]

Hello and welcome to the site!

 

As I've stated in previous posts on various threads, based on TLG's latest policies, they want everyone to get a piece of the cake, whether it is exclusive sets, clearanced sets and/or heavily discounted items. They don't want Mr. Big Bag Hoarder to get everything and leave Little Jimmy having to pay full MSRP. After all, Lego is a company that makes toys for children in the first place.

[Fcbarcelona101]

Hello and welcome to the site!

 

As I've stated in previous posts on various threads, based on TLG's latest policies, they want everyone to get a piece of the cake, whether it is exclusive sets, clearanced sets and/or heavily discounted items. They don't want Mr. Big Bag Hoarder to get everything and leave Little Jimmy having to pay full MSRP. After all, Lego is a company that makes toys for children in the first place.

Right.

Plus, from a business perspective it could make sense for them to protect their brand and the perception of the main target customer (not investors). In the short term it may reduce the purchases by resellers, but I suppose the company is looking at the long term. Not that resellers actually have such a great impact on LEGO sales anyway.

[M4x18]

Right.

Plus, from a business perspective it could make sense for them to protect their brand and the perception of the main target customer (not investors). In the short term it may reduce the purchases by resellers, but I suppose the company is looking at the long term. Not that resellers actually have such a great impact on LEGO sales anyway.

 

That's correct, customers don't go "damn those hoarders that take all the exclusives/discounted items", they go "damn you Lego, you broke my heart". And Lego wants none of that on their brand.

 

The phrase "sharing is caring" could be TLG's new slogan.

[CNH1974]

How much or how many would you have to buy before Lego would ban you?

 

This is making me paranoid about buying 3 or 4 for the same set.     

[willy431]

Hello and welcome to the site!

 

As I've stated in previous posts on various threads, based on TLG's latest policies, they want everyone to get a piece of the cake, whether it is exclusive sets, clearanced sets and/or heavily discounted items. They don't want Mr. Big Bag Hoarder to get everything and leave Little Jimmy having to pay full MSRP. After all, Lego is a company that makes toys for children in the first place.

 

I believe they make toys for profit...not for children.  Not many kids can afford lego sets--it's usually the parents, guardians, family, care givers, daycare operators, investors, and flippers who make the market.  It's not some socialist santa claus type outfit making toys for all the girls and boys.

[Fcbarcelona101]

I believe they make toys for profit...not for children.  Not many kids can afford lego sets--it's usually the parents, guardians, family, care givers, daycare operators, investors, and flippers who make the market.  It's not some socialist santa claus type outfit making toys for all the girls and boys.

Right, so I would just assume that the company is implementing this policy to positively impact their long term profits. We don't have the data they have about their company, but I don't think they would implement this policy just to spite resellers, there has to be some economic benefit we are just not in a position to determine.

[justafrog]

Right, so I would just assume that the company is implementing this policy to positively impact their long term profits. We don't have the data they have about their company, but I don't think they would implement this policy just to spite resellers, there has to be some economic benefit we are just not in a position to determine.

Yep, although there are some viable theories. Bottom line, though, is that each of us needs to determine OUR own policy to positively impact OUR long term profits. LEGO's only interest me insofar as they impact me, and of course as an interesting point of workplace gossip.

[Guest TabbyBoy]

Well, I'll just have to let TLG do want they want and I'll just plod on regardless.  At least most other shops let us fill our boots.  If I was selling anything.... "Of course you can have as much as you want Sir, how about 100 Haunted Houses to go with that?"

[Fcbarcelona101]

Well, I'll just have to let TLG do want they want and I'll just plod on regardless.  At least most other shops let us fill our boots.  If I was selling anything.... "Of course you can have as much as you want Sir, how about 100 Haunted Houses to go with that?"

I would agree, but again we would need more info as to their actual reasons. If you are selling 100 HHs to one customer and then other 99 customers come to the store and can't get it, at least some of them will be pissed at the company and think twice about buying there again (can't understand why someone would react like that, but I have seen it several times)

Assume 10 of those 99 react like that. I am sure LEGO rather have 10 customers buying sets for probably a long time than one guy buying 100, dropping out of the LEGO market and not buy them ever again.

[Guest TabbyBoy]

I would agree, but again we would need more info as to their actual reasons. If you are selling 100 HHs to one customer and then other 99 customers come to the store and can't get it, at least some of them will be pissed at the company and think twice about buying there again (can't understand why someone would react like that, but I have seen it several times)

Assume 10 of those 99 react like that. I am sure LEGO rather have 10 customers buying sets for probably a long time than one guy buying 100, dropping out of the LEGO market and not buy them ever again.

 

I think it may stem from that time when this young boy was after a train and it sold out by the time he saved up for it.  I'm pleased that TLG went out of their way to source one for him.  If TLG's reasons are solely that "Little Johnny" can have his Orc Forge without paying over the odds then, that's fine by me.  I also think TLG would be happy that their products are highly valued after EOL.  I believe we are just small fry compared to the whole market.

[lowillsw]

I would agree, but again we would need more info as to their actual reasons. If you are selling 100 HHs to one customer and then other 99 customers come to the store and can't get it, at least some of them will be pissed at the company and think twice about buying there again (can't understand why someone would react like that, but I have seen it several times)

Assume 10 of those 99 react like that. I am sure LEGO rather have 10 customers buying sets for probably a long time than one guy buying 100, dropping out of the LEGO market and not buy them ever again.

 

That's definitely one of the reason.  They don't want to piss off the non Lego-investing adults/collectors that are repeat customers.  Keep in mind, the City line is by far the most profitable and highest volume line vs anything else they sell.  Most parents don't buy the big sets for their kids nor can most of them can afford to.  When you walk into a toy section most toys are in the $20-40 range that dominates the shelf space. 

 

Secondly, any of the exclusive is the lowest margin product of their business line.  Just think so how much man hour it takes to plan, design, and logistics of a larget set vs a small set.  Hence, they put the small find print in their coupon.  It's a halo effect that an adult would be interest in the big sets and they'll buy smaller sets that are higher margins. 

 

Thirdly, they don't want too many people hogging 50 copies of the same set.  It's okay to have 1 or 2 Emazers around but think of what that will do to the secondary market if you have 10 people that owns 50 copies and wants to unload their sets on Ebay during Xmas.  That will effective knock out 80-90% of the people on this site.  On a separate post, it was already mentioned TLG condone someone buying 3 of the same sets; 1 to build, 1 to sell, and 1 to save.  TLG want a secondary market and they want small leaks but not a flood. 

[gregpj]

Right, so I would just assume that the company is implementing this policy to positively impact their long term profits. We don't have the data they have about their company, but I don't think they would implement this policy just to spite resellers, there has to be some economic benefit we are just not in a position to determine.

 

To me its pretty simple ... Lego wants customers to buy NEW sets from them at retail price instead of old retired sets at an inflated price.

 

If I have $500 to spend on Lego and I buy a 41999 off eBay, then Lego got their $250 from the original buyer (I'm in Canada don't forget). If I walk into a Lego store and spend all $500 on the original crawler and some other sets, then Lego got all of my money. I don't think it's any more complicated than that. For those that suggest resellers are buying Lego inventory, I would hypothesize that Lego would have sold most of those sets anyways. It may have taken a little longer, but if someone was willing to buy them MISB from eBay or Craigslist or where ever, then they'd have eventually sold from a Lego store or S@H.

 

It's all about profits and perception. Resellers make money .. money people may have spent on Lego anyways. Resellers make money .. meaning that more often than not, people paid above retail which gives that perception that Lego is more expensive than it really is.

[M4x18]

I believe they make toys for profit...not for children.  Not many kids can afford lego sets--it's usually the parents, guardians, family, care givers, daycare operators, investors, and flippers who make the market.  It's not some socialist santa claus type outfit making toys for all the girls and boys.

 

Yes, that's right, but with these measures they are doing what's in their hands to assure that their main target, children, drive up their profits, that's why I said that they make these toys for children. All companies look to increase their profits, always, this is them trying to make sure that everyone gets their share.

 

I'm pretty sure that they know they'll sell, let's say, 100 units of a set, they just don't want it to go to the same person. Why is that? We all can speculate, so far over here everything has been speculation and I think it'll always be that way as I don't think TLG will come out and explain why they are banning customers and limiting purchases.

 

In my mind I picture a store selling 10 Ninjago sets to an investor to be stored away, while those same 10 sets could go to 10 different kids, who will show that set to more kids, who will ask their parents to get it for them, and so on. It makes sense from that pov. How many customers can we bring to Lego and how many customers can these kids bring?

 

It sucks for the big time investor, but companies will always look after their interests.

[willy431]

Why is there a "secondary" market?  There isn't one for megablocks.  Lego consistantly under prices their products, and doesn't make enough.  This is all very simple to me.  If the crawlers are selling for $400--then Lego should have done market research and priced them at $400.  If they sold out of 20K at $200 and wanted to leave the price point alone, they should have printed 50k.  The secondary market is only picking up the scraps that Lego, Amazn et all are leaving on the retail table.