How to sell Lego sets and bulk bricks
By the DeKlutterNow team. Last updated . General information, not an appraisal.
Short answer: To sell Lego, find the set number on boxes or instructions, separate sealed sets, built sets, and loose bricks, and keep minifigures and instruction booklets together. Photograph each group. Complete sets with boxes are easiest to value, while loose bricks are usually sold by the pound or as a bulk lot.
How do I identify my Lego sets?
Look for the set number, which is a number printed on the box and on the front of the instruction booklet. With the number, a buyer can look up the exact set and its parts list.
If you only have loose pieces, that is fine. Just say so.
Does it matter if a set is sealed, built, or loose?
Yes. Sealed sets in good boxes are generally the easiest to value. Built sets are valued by how complete they are. Loose bricks are usually priced as a bulk lot.
- Sealed: factory sealed boxes with no tears or crushed corners
- Opened but complete: all pieces, minifigures, and instructions
- Built: check for missing pieces and stickers that are peeling
- Bulk: mixed loose bricks, plates, and parts without boxes
Why do minifigures and instructions matter?
Minifigures from certain themes can be worth much more than the bricks around them. Keep each figure with its set, and keep instruction booklets flat and unbent.
How should I clean Lego before selling?
Dust loose bricks with a soft brush or wash them in lukewarm, not hot, water with mild soap, then dry them fully. Do not use harsh chemicals, and avoid washing printed pieces, stickers, or electronic parts roughly.
What should I send a Lego buyer?
Send photos of each box or built set, a few photos of the loose bricks, and a rough idea of how many bins or tubs you have. Mention any missing pieces or odd smells.
DeKlutterNow buys Lego in Southern California and offers prepaid mail-in nationwide. See our Lego page for details.
How do I check that a set is complete?
Look up the set number and compare the parts inventory against what you have, by size and color. Check the minifigures against the box art, and make sure stickers and instructions are present. If you cannot verify, say it is unverified.
- Watch for similar grays and tans
- Check minifigure legs, torsos, hair and accessories
- Keep each set bagged together with its set number
Quick questions
Are non-Lego building bricks worth selling?
They are usually worth far less than genuine Lego and are often valued as a mixed lot. Mention the brand when you send photos.
Should I take sets apart?
No. Leave built sets as they are and describe them. Taking them apart can mix pieces and lower value.
How do I know if a LEGO set is retired?
Check the set number on the box or instructions, then look it up on LEGO's website or a LEGO database. If it is no longer sold by LEGO, it is retired.
What does a complete LEGO set mean?
It has every part needed to build every model, ideally with instructions, stickers and minifigures. The box is not required.
Should I sort my loose LEGO before selling?
Not necessarily. A photo of the whole bin is a good start, and you can pull out minifigures and sets you can identify.
Should I wash LEGO before selling?
A light dusting is fine. Do not wash printed pieces or stickers, and do not use harsh cleaners.
Want an honest look at what you have?
Text photos and we will tell you whether it is a fit. You can say no at any time.
Related pages
- Sell Lego for cash
- Sell lego in San Diego
- Sell lego in Orange County
- Sell retired and sealed LEGO sets
- Sell LEGO nationwide by mail-in
- What we buy and what we do not
- About DeKlutterNow and how we buy