Are you looking to buy a LEGO set for your kid as a birthday or holiday gift, but find it surprisingly expensive?
LEGOs are probably the most popular toys around and can be an excellent gift for children and LEGO lovers. But why are LEGO sets so expensive?
It all comes down to their high-quality, precise engineering, durability, attention to detail, and more. Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
What Makes LEGO Toys Expensive?
High-Quality Materials
LEGO bricks are made from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a durable petroleum-based plastic. Price fluctuations in oil can affect the cost of this plastic, which in turn influences LEGO prices.
LEGO bricks are designed to last for decades. You can buy a LEGO set today, and it’ll still be functional 20+ years later. That kind of durability isn’t common in most toys.
Precise Engineering
LEGO molds are incredibly accurate within microns, which is tighter than the width of a human hair. Each brick fits perfectly with the others from any set, even years apart.
Each mold has an ID code so LEGO can trace and fix quality issues fast. This precision comes at a high production cost, but it ensures consistency and compatibility across all sets.
Set Size and Piece Count
The more pieces a set contains, the more materials and labor it requires to produce. Bigger sets with more intricate designs naturally cost more due to the increased production and packaging requirements.
Licensing and Branding
LEGO collaborates with major franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel. These licenses are expensive. Sets under licensed themes usually cost more than original LEGO themes due to the fees paid to these brands.
Global Location and Taxes
Prices vary depending on your country. Import taxes, local demand, and availability influence the final retail price. For example, LEGO sets are often cheaper in the U.S. compared to countries like Germany or Australia.
Resale Value
LEGO sets often retain or increase in value, especially after retirement. A set that sold for $500 in 2007, like the Millennium Falcon, now resells for $5,000.
While this doesn’t directly affect retail prices, it adds to the perceived value and demand, especially among collectors.
Are LEGOs More Expensive Than 15 Years Ago?
Surprisingly, no. While prices on some sets have increased, LEGO has reduced costs in certain areas. For instance, they moved some production to China and Mexico and switched to more efficient packaging. As a result, the price-per-piece ratio has generally gone down over time, although newer sets often contain smaller or more specialized pieces.
Why Are Retired LEGO Sets So Expensive?
Once LEGO retires a set, it’s no longer produced. Scarcity increases demand, especially among collectors. Many resellers or LEGO investors buy these sets early and later sell them at a premium.
Why Are LEGO City Sets So Expensive?
LEGO City sets are among the most popular themes. High demand allows LEGO to price them higher. Also, these sets often include larger baseplates and more plastic, which increases manufacturing cost.
Why Are LEGO Architecture Sets So Expensive?
LEGO Architecture sets may include licensing costs tied to the original buildings or architects. These sets also appeal to adult collectors, which increases perceived value. Licensed or specialized sets generally cost more due to design and royalty fees.
Final Thoughts
LEGO sets are expensive for a reason:
- High-quality, durable materials
- Extremely precise molds and production
- Licensing fees for branded sets
- Packaging, marketing, and global logistics
- Resale value and collector demand
Larger sets or those with more intricate parts cost more due to production complexity. Themes like LEGO City and LEGO Architecture tend to be pricier due to demand, size, and licensing.
