Buying loose or specific Minifigures has always been a challenge, and sometimes a confusing and expensive process. Hopefully this short guide will point you in the right direction.
The LEGO Group are very particular about supplying individual Minifigures, as this would be a bad business model. They need to sell Sets, and depending on which theme you’re collecting, Marvel, Star Wars etc, you’ll need to purchase multiple, sometimes big, Sets to grab those rare and illusive Minifigures to complete your collection.
My personal Minifigure collection flitters from one theme to another every week it seems. From Marvel to Lone Ranger, Star Wars to CMF (collectible minifigures), its forever changing. Each week the Postman pops a new Minifigure through my letter box and I can’t wait to rip open that packet and take a look at my latest acquisition!
Minifigure collection
This article will highlight a handful of key places to shop, which have helped me personally to obtain most of my Minifigure collection over the Years!
Websites:
Finding and buying Minifigures is relatively easy, if you know where to look of course.
There are two main websites that I use, BrickLink and BrickOwl.
Brickowl screenshot
Bricklink screenshot
These two websites host every LEGO Minifigure, parts, bricks, sticker sheets, and more, that LEGO have ever produced.
Mixed bricks
They are very similar in terms of usability, each having a vast user base and individuals selling their wares.
You’ll quickly notice that each website is setup as a selling platform, similar in ways to eBay. Each seller has their own shop, own catalogue and own postage rates and minimum purchase rules.
Bricklink stores
Be sure to shop around and compare prices, and always factor in postage costs.
Facebook groups:
I’m a member of several Facebook groups that allow members to post sale listings. They usually work on a ‘first comment, first served’ basis, which is great, but in some cases this means you have to be quick, and I mean QUICK!
LEGO groups
These Facebook groups are a great way to grab Minifigures at a usually cheaper price. ‘Collector to collector’ groups have some of the best deals going, as collectors hold each other in the same regard, often passing on Minifigures below other website/group prices.
Another advantage to joining a Facebook group is that you can ask for certain items. If you’re after a certain Minifigure and can’t seem to find it anywhere, simply post on the groups page and ask for it, it couldn’t be easier really!
As always when buying please be careful, a lot of the selling or trading that goes on in the groups is above board, some enforce a ‘name & date’ policy, which means when selling you must prove that you have the item in your possession, this requires you to write your name and the date on a small piece of paper when photographing any item. A great way to make sure the person you’re dealing with actually has the Minifigure you require!
Name and date example
All deals must be agreed upon and finalised in the posts comment section before moving on to private messages, where you’ll exchange payment details and address.
Please be careful and always use PayPal Goods & Services, this covers both you and the seller if things don’t quite work out as intended.
Two of the groups I use:
Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Shpock:
Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and Shpock all work in a similar way to each other as they allow you to search your surrounding area for private goods. Usually secondhand, with the occasional new or unopened item.
I’m going to be honest here and say that I don’t normally find what I’m looking for on these types of platforms as it’s totally random and usually household items that get listed. I do however recommend setting up an ‘alert’ on Shpock and Gumtree to notify you of any LEGO that gets listed, you just never know what may pop up for sale.
Shpock alerts
eBay and auction websites:
eBay can also be quite a decent place to shop for Minifigures and LEGO, if you don’t mind paying a little more for it. Indeed there are bargains to be had, but being such a popular website it’s somewhat unlikely and may push you over your budget.
eBay Screenshot
Again just like the Marketplaces above you can setup alerts. I’ve found these to work really well and have been lucky enough and won some great bargains!
Carboots:
During the Spring and Summer months Carboots can be a great place for finding bargains.
If you head to your local Carboot and get there early enough, you can bag some great deals, from Minifigures to Sets, joblots to boxes full to the brim with bricks. But be aware of others on the prowl, you’re not the only one looking for cheap deals!
Carboot example
When you see the LEGO logo or a box full of bricks out the corner of your eye and very quickly but covertly wander over to it, remember to have a decent look at the item you want to purchase, don’t be afraid to pick it up and inspect it thoughly. Ask if all the bits and pieces are there, the accessories, the Minifigures etc. Also check if it’s actually LEGO, you’ll be surprised how many people unknowingly call every brick LEGO, when it’s clearly not. They may try to fob you off with Megablox, Blox, or dare I say it….fake stuff!
Mixed Joblot at carboot
If you didn’t know it already, LEGO stamp their name on every piece they produce.
- Bricks and plates (baseplates) have a stamp on every stud.
- Minifigures have multiple stamps as they’re made up of a few parts. The one I check for is stamped on the neck after you pop the head off. Others to look out for are situated inside the legs (toe section), under each arm, and inside the head piece itself. Rotate each part to catch them in the right light, they’re there!
LEGO stamp on neck peg
Once you’ve spotted, fondled and inspected what you’re after, next is price and negotiations. Don’t be afraid to haggle, always try and get a better/lower price. To make haggling easier, point out that a piece is missing (if there is) or any defects you notice. Most importantly, don’t feel forced to commit to it if the seller has asked to much.
We hope this article helps you in obtaining some much sought-after Minifigures to add to your collections. Please feel free to comment and ask questions below.
Please note that we do not endorse or sponsor any of the above mentioned websites and/or groups, and buying & selling is at your own discretion and risk.
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