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I was just able to help an older gentlemen with his truck at work today. He was very happy and gave me this token before he left. Makes my crappy day better and puts things in perspective. Thanks veterans!

I bought one back about a month and a half ago and put it together. It's seriously a phenominal set. Pictures really don't do it justice in regards to size. It's seriously BIG. It's a very good solid set. I do not regret a single penny I dumped into the set! You won't either. I would suggest buying it with it being cheap right now.

I read it as your getting a refund for the 2 sets once you send them back and then 20% off your next order

You're not reading what I wrote - maybe this is clearer: It glosses over the fact that for a set to appreciate from MSRP like 41999 has (regardless of what the sales chart shows), there must be demand for it. My point is valid whether we're talking about the value of this set three weeks ago or the sold prices you're seeing right now. This set would not sell for 50-100% over MSRP if people didn't think it was a great set or if there wasn't substantial demand for it. Why is that so controversial? As far as this comment goes: I take issue with the idea that this set has appreciated since its retirement, or even its release. Well, the price has appreciated since it's release. Anyone could purchase this set for MSRP at Lego S@H on September 1. Now, anyone can buy it for MSRP + a significant premium on secondary markets. In the US, these prices were $200 for MSRP and are $300-$400 for current secondary sales. That's a healthy premium. Again, there's no controversy or question here - the facts are clear. And what does "there's far more supply than demand" even mean? The supply isn't changing - if anything, it's shrinking and always will. Tell me how many listings or sales there were a month ago for this set compared to the number of listings or sales today. This may be a surprise, but there are fewer today. That doesn't point to any market flooding. And for every set that is sold (presumably since Mark bowed out, they are all to end users given the high price point), there is one less set that current and future listings have to contend with. While this may seem like it's in direct conflict from earlier posts, I would be willing to wager the set has decreased in demand since it's height 6-8 weeks ago. In fact, most Lego sets on the retail market go through this phenomenon after release. The difference here is that the demand is still strong enough to support a $350 purchase price (again, 50-100% over MSRP) in the US. That's what I meant when I say demand is high for this set. Again, what is so controversial about this? If you think the price will continue to decrease until it hits $300, ask yourself if you would be willing to sell one of these for $300 today. My guess is that you would hang on to it because you know the supply will continue to dwindle while the demand levels or potentially grows.

Let's put things in perspective for a second. The 41999 has been retired, what...a month? People are griping that they are only worth $350 -$375 from a MSRP of $200. LOL. That's a damn impressive return. I think many of you flippers have flipped your lids...

People hating on other people for making profits are usually envious commie types who resent that some people are just better than them. Taking advantage of Lego, and/or major resellers under pricing Lego into the Holiday season is more than fair game. To even imply that there is something immoral or unethical here is beyond anything remotely rational. I don't care if a guy gotta Troll, at least be semi intelligent about the discussions you want to troll about. As for Lego clamping down on unofficial Lego resellers. I think it's cool. It kind of adds an element of intrigue, getting around some of these hurdles is what is going to separate the winners from the losers. Such is life. If you don't like it get a helmet!

This conversation about desireability does has some merit. I think it's actually a pretty cool set and would buy it if I actually had the opportunity. But within limits. I personally wouldn't spend more than $300 tops on this set. But I can see why some people would spend a good bit for it. I'm not the biggest fan of technic but this is a nice set. I could forgo the limited run if Lego released another production that didn't have the special license plate.

This is another great point. No one knows how many of any Lego sets were made. I did a blog post estimating the number of sets made by TLG every year HERE. It's quite possible that there are fewer than 20,000 Goblin King Battle sets made by TLG, yet it's being discounted by over 50% on Target.com.

repeat 20 times.

Here's my question: how does 20,000 compare to any other set that has been produced? So we know there are "only" 20,000 of this set but what does that mean? How many Architecture Studios sets were made? How many Fire Brigades, Death Stars, The Zombies or anything else are there? None of us know, so as far we know 20,000 could be a pretty common production number for a set over $150. I'm sure it isn't the case, but just because there are "only" 20,000, doesn't really have that much meaning because we have no idea what we're comparing it to.

Down $50 from $400 (100% ROI) given a $200 MSRP? Any set that's been retired for less than a month that's garnering a 50-100% ROI can't be considered anything but a winner. Who implied anything? The fact is that this set has sold from $100 to $200 over MSRP in the last two weeks. Period. Neither you nor I have any idea how it will sell in the future. Do you know how far it will decline? Maybe it will start to climb? Past sales never guarantee future performance. My point was that this set isn't being sold on average at $350 strictly because of resellers flipping, which is what CB said in his post. Here's what he said: This bold/italicized comment is what I disagreed with. It glosses over the fact that for a set to appreciate like 41999 has (regardless of what the sales chart shows), there must be demand for it. Lego may have a limited production run on this set, but it's the desirability of this set to its target market COUPLED with the limited distribution that has pushed its price up. I'm sure there are models of Lego clocks that have a lower production level than 20,000, but you don't see them being sold for twice retail price. Why? Because no one wants them at that price, like Alcarin posted earlier. The fact remains that people continue to pay for this set at very high prices because the people that want it will pay for it! The reality is that 41999 IS an extremely attractive build to the the normal Technic builder, which is who it was designed for in the first place. No one would have purchased it for $350 yesterday if it wasn't.

41999 back on TRU $174.99 plus tax!!! I already ordered 20. they still have stock.

Yes, fortunately I did. I recognized him from the last time I helped him. Upbeat and happy person despite the things he has obviously seen and done.

Sales over the last 7 days (Numbers in parenthases are my take home after fees and shipping): Decorating the Tree 40058 14.49 (10.80) Iron Man Drone Poly x 15 12.50 each (8.20) Battle of Helms Deep x2 189.99 each (154.60) Urak-hai x1 54.48 (43.32) Series 10 Minifigure Blind Bag x14 8.95 each (5.19) In this case, when multiples were purchased, there was more like $6-7 take home each. Razcal Glider x2 18.00 each (12.84) B-Wing x2 232.00 each (189.55) Stephanie's Bakery x6 16.50 each (11.56) Technic Mini Offroader x18 22.00 each (16.51) Lake Town Chase x2 90.00 each (73.66) Tanker Truck x4 24.94 each (18.21) Hobbit Wargs 40.00 (31.01) Fire Boat Poly 30220 19.50 (14.15) Lego Arch. Willis Tower 43.00 (34.09) Chima CHI Bowling x2 15.50 each (10.71) Hoth Echo Base LE 106.00 (84.35) Vampyre Hearse x5 52.50 each (41.63) Friend Advent Calendar 49.00 (39.19) Gatehouse Raid 32.50 (24.63) A-wing 24.00 (17.49) Minecraft 21102 70.00 (57.04) Heartlake Stables 85.00 (66.50) Vampyre Castle x4 130.00 each (103.99) Log Cabin x3 40.00 each (30.63) Minifigure Collector's Box (TRU Freebie) x2 24.00 each (17.41) Clone Trooper Battle Pack 9488 x5 18.00 each (12.84) Dino Ocean Interceptor x3 60.00 each (48.01) Forest Ambush x2 18.00 each (12.84) Technic Mini Tow Truck 22.00 each (16.24) Jedi Defender Cruiser x6 125.00 each (100.18) Technic Mini Backhoe x2 50.00 each (39.51) Endor REbel Trooper Battlepacks 9489 x2 20.00 each (14.54) Chima Ewar Polybag 10.99 (6.92) Friends Fawn' Forest 9.89 (7.42)

Amazon was in and out of stock at RRP all weekend. Currently 200 or so in stock at RRP but those probably won't last the day. Also Amazon has a note saying there is extra handling time when buying from Amazon. That's a pretty hot item!

I haven't really used FedEx much before. I notice it is more available now on my sold items - how is the shipping speed vs. Parcel Select? Wondering how reliable FedEx is, with USPS I usually see items delivered within 3-4 days regardless of distance in the lower 48 for the most part.

Tower Bridge is still available now from Lego, whereas Fire Brigade is sold out on most. Think Tower Bridge still has some legs in it yet.

I agree and for me I think this is the sleeper of the line. Any set with Joker has high appeal and the henchman is sublime. The Tumbler in 76001 is terrible and way too small. The Bat though is excellent, as are the minifigs.

Ugh. This thread is like bad peer pressure. I picked one up yesterday on eBay using some eBay bucks.

Batwing over Gotham is a seriously awesome set. Don't think it will be the Batcave or the Two Face chase, but it will be the best behind them. After that - 76001 - The Bat vs the Bane. Definitely a killer set.

Here's the solution: Keep the QAR Buy AT-TE tomorrow Buy Rep. Gunship the day AFTER tomorrow....(if we are still alive)

Indeed. I have also noticed a bit of a trend where sets take off after EOL, and then plateau or even dip a bit. I think that's due to many people seeing the high price increase and clamoring to sell and bank the profits. That results in a bit of over supply on the secondary market dampening the price. Many sets recover to have "normal" growth after that.

Good time to snag a couple then with the sagging prices.

Yeah its just the december area. It will go back up. There aren't an insane amount of them on Ebay or anything driving the price down. its more that its not a Christmas Target set for people. It will go back up for sure. I am thinking about snagging one before it pops back up (used). I really want to build the set.

Probably a result of what I believe is a trend for large retired sets on December. We'll see if it recovers after the holidays.

Sold out sets can be replenished. It just means that LEGO hasn't produced enough of the set to meet demand. EOL=End of Line = LEGO is not going to produce any more of that set. It can be distinguished when LEGO changes the status to retired.

Brickset judges end of line based on whether it is sold out or not. It isn't always accurate.

I never thought I would see the day Alcarin and Mos_Eisley team up. Isn't this one of the first signs of the apocalypse ?

Hate to say it but the end consumer always gets the cost added on to them. If you don't pass on the costs and eat them yourself you won't be in business very long.

Scalping, reselling, flipping, investing...it's all the same. Buy at one price, sell(hopefully) at a higher price. Bottom line is LEGO likes to manipulate the market. The bans and restrictions are just a few ways to generate buzz and cause people to further inflate the value of LEGO sets. LEGO is doing us a favor. They are instilling in consumer's minds that these sets are valuable and that they as a company are out there fighting against "scalpers and flippers," making sure Little Johnny gets his Minecraft set for XMAS, while in fact, LEGO is actually making sets more valuable in the secondary market because of these same restrictions, bans and sales reductions.

I like "cyber-hustler."

Don`t know why some are complaining about the price tag. $3000 is perfectly reasonable given the rare/limited nature of the set! I was seriously going to buy this until I realized that shipping was $25. That last little bit will break the bank

Totally agree, which is why I also added the (admittedly churlish) part about my sales and procurement going so well despite the website ban. I just wanted them to know that they are not stopping or even slowing my game. As far as previous posts speculating about the reason for all this, my theory is the following: Lego wants to have as much control as possible over resellers because they are selling an item with a low inherent value. Lego items have a high value because of name and design. Without name and design they are simply pieces of nearly worthless plastic. This is similar to Coach handbags, another company which tries to stop resellers (they go even further than Lego in their zeal to stop resellers) because they also know that their items have low inherent value. They are selling fabric bags worth around $5 in actual money. They become $500 because of the Coach name and design. The diamond cartels also engage in similar practices of strict control because diamonds are not actually scarce, contrary to public opinion. The diamond market is artificially created. Go try to sell a used diamond and you will find out really quickly what the inherent value of a diamond is. In fact, most diamond dealers have a strict policy of not buying used diamonds. I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. The bottom line is this: if you are selling an item with a low inherent value you need to tightly control the flow (sale) that item. If the market gets flooded with items like this the price will drop precipitously and the whole house of cards will collapse. Lego knows this. Coach knows this. The diamond cartels know this. I don't think it's much more complicated than this.

Big Tom Baker fan. I grew up playing with LEGO sets while watching Doctor Who on Saturday afternoons. The best of times as they say...

It means someone must have breathed on it.