BrickLink Designer Program Series 6 pre-orders close very soon
Posted by CapnRex101,
Only a few hours remain to submit any pre-orders for the BrickLink Designer Program series six sets, so if you are planning to make an order, now is the time.
View the five sets and submit pre-orders here.
Pre-orders will close at 21:00 CET, 20:00 BST, 15:00 ET, 12:00 PT.
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30 comments on this article
Here is the current status (9 hours left):
Amount Sold / Maximum Available / Set Name
44,000 / 50,000 / Outlaw Forest Den
18,359 / 30,000 / The Art Factory
16,624 / 30,000 / Gold Mine Expedition
13,527 / 30,000 / Off-road Adventure
9,933 / 30,000 / Sequoia Tree Trail
The figures for some are lower than expected considering how much everyone raved about this series. I hope there isn't a bug and everyone who ordered sets gets the ones they ordered this time.
Series 5 has changed from 'waiting for stock' to 'in process' for weeks, I wonder when that is going to change. Series 4 shipped earlier than expected, I wonder if series 5 will.
@daniellesa said:
"The figures for some are lower than expected considering how much everyone raved about this series. I hope there isn't a bug and everyone who ordered sets gets the ones they ordered this time.
Series 5 has changed from 'waiting for stock' to 'in process' for weeks, I wonder when that is going to change. Series 4 shipped earlier than expected, I wonder if series 5 will."
I had a look earlier at Series 5 and the site suggests they will be shipped in November. Hopefully they'll dribble out a little earlier ;-)
I'm very happy with this new system, where all sets are still available a week later. It's not anymore that if you don't manage to order in the first hour you're out of luck
@amok said:
"Here is the current status (9 hours left):
Amount Sold / Maximum Available / Set Name
44,000 / 50,000 / Outlaw Forest Den
18,359 / 30,000 / The Art Factory
16,624 / 30,000 / Gold Mine Expedition
13,527 / 30,000 / Off-road Adventure
9,933 / 30,000 / Sequoia Tree Trail"
Looking at these numbers and comparing to how quickly some sets sold previously, can we conclude that the BLDP is losing steam? Apart from the castles, obviously, although it seems that anticipation for this set also wasn't as high as with other medieval-themed sets, as it took way longer to even get to 30k. Is it fatigue, not interesting enough designs, or dissatisfaction with BLDP sets in general? Or are there less scalpers buying these, due to fairly low sales on the aftermarket? All of the above?
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
" @amok said:
"Here is the current status (9 hours left):
Amount Sold / Maximum Available / Set Name
44,000 / 50,000 / Outlaw Forest Den
18,359 / 30,000 / The Art Factory
16,624 / 30,000 / Gold Mine Expedition
13,527 / 30,000 / Off-road Adventure
9,933 / 30,000 / Sequoia Tree Trail"
Looking at these numbers and comparing to how quickly some sets sold previously, can we conclude that the BLDP is losing steam? Apart from the castles, obviously, although it seems that anticipation for this set also wasn't as high as with other medieval-themed sets, as it took way longer to even get to 30k. Is it fatigue, not interesting enough designs, or dissatisfaction with BLDP sets in general? Or are there less scalpers buying these, due to fairly low sales on the aftermarket? All of the above?"
Or they're just expensive off-theme sets? I think that's all there is to it.
The reasons for me why I'm still on the fence:
1) Prices vs what you get - these kits are not up to Lego standards, so builds can be frustrating or not very stable when moved. I display about 12 times a year at shows and my stuff needs to be able to travel. I don't want to shell out what they are asking when I know it will more than likely have to be modified to fit my need/want.
2) Of these 5, the mine is the most inviting design to me, but that's not saying much. My initial reaction to this wave was, "Meh".
3) Lego has yet to be able to figure out why I'm unable to merge my Lego and Bricklink accounts. Their IT dept has to be one of the worst IT departments in a major company. The only way I can currently participate in this wave, if I end up participating, is by calling customer service and waiting in queue for the luxury of giving them money I don't really think they deserve, just because of their technology issues and what I perceive to be their indifference vis-a-vie the BDP.
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Looking at these numbers and comparing to how quickly some sets sold previously, can we conclude that the BLDP is losing steam? "
I think the novelty and perhaps MIMO attitude seems to be wearing off, though there is still 100,000 total sales, but this is small compared to general retail sets.
Personally, if these were once (or twice?) a year then it might create some hype, but if feels like a new round happens every couple of months, so it gives you plenty of option to wait and see if there's something else that interests you more. As well as most of the sets being £200+ which seems to be the new normal for 'adult sets'.
@classicstylecastle said:
" @ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Looking at these numbers and comparing to how quickly some sets sold previously, can we conclude that the BLDP is losing steam? "
I think the novelty and perhaps MIMO attitude seems to be wearing off, though there is still 100,000 total sales, but this is small compared to general retail sets.
Personally, if these were once (or twice?) a year then it might create some hype, but if feels like a new round happens every couple of months, so it gives you plenty of option to wait and see if there's something else that interests you more. As well as most of the sets being £200+ which seems to be the new normal for 'adult sets'.
"
Maybe also the fact they're now broader and longer available is keeping the initial scalpers at bay? I mean I can't count how much facebook posts I see every delivery window with people selling 2 of each set at a 20%-100% mark up. I think these guys represent a big part of the sale.
@LegoMike said:
" @daniellesa said:
"The figures for some are lower than expected considering how much everyone raved about this series. I hope there isn't a bug and everyone who ordered sets gets the ones they ordered this time.
Series 5 has changed from 'waiting for stock' to 'in process' for weeks, I wonder when that is going to change. Series 4 shipped earlier than expected, I wonder if series 5 will."
I had a look earlier at Series 5 and the site suggests they will be shipped in November. Hopefully they'll dribble out a little earlier ;-)"
On the back of my earlier post, I have just received an email saying my Series 5 order is almost ready to go. Maybe we will get them before November ;-)
I'm not surprised by these numbers. For me personally none of the sets in this wave were interesting enough to even remotely consider spending the kind of money they ask for them. I just don't see the value here. For my taste the designs are Meh to ok at best.
Especially when I compare them to those that I bought in previous waves, like the Venetian Houses for example, or the Great Fishing Boat.
@AustinPowers said:
"I'm not surprised by these numbers. For me personally none of the sets in this wave were interesting enough to even remotely consider spending the kind of money they ask for them. I just don't see the value here. For my taste the designs are Meh to ok at best.
Especially when I compare them to those that I bought in previous waves, like the Venetian Houses for example, or the Great Fishing Boat. "
Did you ever build those?
Just out of interest as I still have mine sealed.
Really would like to build the Venetian Houses but I’m reluctant to break that seal now
@LegoMike said:
" @AustinPowers said:
"I'm not surprised by these numbers. For me personally none of the sets in this wave were interesting enough to even remotely consider spending the kind of money they ask for them. I just don't see the value here. For my taste the designs are Meh to ok at best.
Especially when I compare them to those that I bought in previous waves, like the Venetian Houses for example, or the Great Fishing Boat. "
Did you ever build those?
Just out of interest as I still have mine sealed.
Really would like to build the Venetian Houses but I’m reluctant to break that seal now "
No, I have not gotten round to building them yet, but I fully intend to.
@FlatSixLego said:
" @classicstylecastle said:
" @ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Looking at these numbers and comparing to how quickly some sets sold previously, can we conclude that the BLDP is losing steam? "
I think the novelty and perhaps MIMO attitude seems to be wearing off, though there is still 100,000 total sales, but this is small compared to general retail sets.
Personally, if these were once (or twice?) a year then it might create some hype, but if feels like a new round happens every couple of months, so it gives you plenty of option to wait and see if there's something else that interests you more. As well as most of the sets being £200+ which seems to be the new normal for 'adult sets'.
"
Maybe also the fact they're now broader and longer available is keeping the initial scalpers at bay? I mean I can't count how much facebook posts I see every delivery window with people selling 2 of each set at a 20%-100% mark up. I think these guys represent a big part of the sale."
Yeah, I do think, especially initially, scalpers were all over these sets, which helped them to sell out so quickly. But if you can't turn a good profit on these, because everybody bought two of them to sell on eBay, scalpers are less interested to invest in these. They mostly want a quick turnaround, not wait ten years for the value to double. By raising the maximum capacity for some sets, it becomes even less interesting to them, so I guess that is partially the reason for these to sell relatively slow.
And yes, high prices and (too) frequent offerings also don't help, as there's only so much money fans can spend. I've seen other companies producing adult collectibles make the same mistake, where a line takes off with a lot of fanfare, but a year or two in the excitement dwindles down, as do the sales numbers. Quite often also because of higher production runs (since the initial excitement was there), but then not selling out, and some products even ending up at heavy discounts elsewhere.
Also, how much 200-to-300-bucks set does one need to fullfill their needs for each Castle faction to have their homebase? When it's one every two years, that's fine, but two every year feels like overkill -- and I say this as someone who loves LEGO castles!
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
" @amok said:
"Here is the current status (9 hours left):
Amount Sold / Maximum Available / Set Name
44,000 / 50,000 / Outlaw Forest Den
18,359 / 30,000 / The Art Factory
16,624 / 30,000 / Gold Mine Expedition
13,527 / 30,000 / Off-road Adventure
9,933 / 30,000 / Sequoia Tree Trail"
Looking at these numbers and comparing to how quickly some sets sold previously, can we conclude that the BLDP is losing steam? Apart from the castles, obviously, although it seems that anticipation for this set also wasn't as high as with other medieval-themed sets, as it took way longer to even get to 30k. Is it fatigue, not interesting enough designs, or dissatisfaction with BLDP sets in general? Or are there less scalpers buying these, due to fairly low sales on the aftermarket? All of the above?"
Cost.
@AustinPowers said:
" @LegoMike said:
" @AustinPowers said:
"I'm not surprised by these numbers. For me personally none of the sets in this wave were interesting enough to even remotely consider spending the kind of money they ask for them. I just don't see the value here. For my taste the designs are Meh to ok at best.
Especially when I compare them to those that I bought in previous waves, like the Venetian Houses for example, or the Great Fishing Boat. "
Did you ever build those?
Just out of interest as I still have mine sealed.
Really would like to build the Venetian Houses but I’m reluctant to break that seal now "
No, I have not gotten round to building them yet, but I fully intend to."
Me too :-)
Despite the passing of time and the fact they have nice looking seals on them ;-)
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
" @FlatSixLego said:
" @classicstylecastle said:
" @ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Looking at these numbers and comparing to how quickly some sets sold previously, can we conclude that the BLDP is losing steam? "
I think the novelty and perhaps MIMO attitude seems to be wearing off, though there is still 100,000 total sales, but this is small compared to general retail sets.
Personally, if these were once (or twice?) a year then it might create some hype, but if feels like a new round happens every couple of months, so it gives you plenty of option to wait and see if there's something else that interests you more. As well as most of the sets being £200+ which seems to be the new normal for 'adult sets'.
"
Maybe also the fact they're now broader and longer available is keeping the initial scalpers at bay? I mean I can't count how much facebook posts I see every delivery window with people selling 2 of each set at a 20%-100% mark up. I think these guys represent a big part of the sale."
Yeah, I do think, especially initially, scalpers were all over these sets, which helped them to sell out so quickly. But if you can't turn a good profit on these, because everybody bought two of them to sell on eBay, scalpers are less interested to invest in these. They mostly want a quick turnaround, not wait ten years for the value to double. By raising the maximum capacity for some sets, it becomes even less interesting to them, so I guess that is partially the reason for these to sell relatively slow.
And yes, high prices and (too) frequent offerings also don't help, as there's only so much money fans can spend. I've seen other companies producing adult collectibles make the same mistake, where a line takes off with a lot of fanfare, but a year or two in the excitement dwindles down, as do the sales numbers. Quite often also because of higher production runs (since the initial excitement was there), but then not selling out, and some products even ending up at heavy discounts elsewhere.
Also, how much 200-to-300-bucks set does one need to fullfill their needs for each Castle faction to have their homebase? When it's one every two years, that's fine, but two every year feels like overkill -- and I say this as someone who loves LEGO castles!"
This round finished out my desires for modern castles for old factions. Lion Knights have the official, of course, Forestmen have two BLDP sets and the GwP, Black Falcons have Mountain Fortress, Wolfpack have this round, Fright Knights have Transylvania (close enough, though I do need to find a copy of the CMF remake of Basil). Black Knights had two major castles (which could be argued for Lion Knights as well, with King's Mountain and King's Castle), and a minor one, and I seem to have plenty of their sets around. I don't really care much about Royal Knights though I do have the drawbridge and main castle. After that, no thanks. So this is the end of BLDP castles for me. Dustmark looks cool and I'm happy for anyone who gets one, but I'm all set.
I'm certain the dynamic production runs help with the scalper issue. I suspect it also will give Lego more information on actual, true demand.
That said, I wouldn't mind seeing this go to every six months. I do sometimes buy other sets (modular construction site, art factory, mushroom house, kakapo), but it feels a bit oversaturated. Give people more time to come up with good ideas and the money to buy them.
@LegoMike said:
" @daniellesa said:
"The figures for some are lower than expected considering how much everyone raved about this series. I hope there isn't a bug and everyone who ordered sets gets the ones they ordered this time.
Series 5 has changed from 'waiting for stock' to 'in process' for weeks, I wonder when that is going to change. Series 4 shipped earlier than expected, I wonder if series 5 will."
I had a look earlier at Series 5 and the site suggests they will be shipped in November. Hopefully they'll dribble out a little earlier ;-)"
I would love to get Transylvania before Halloween.
102,000 out of a possible 150,000 is definitely a bit low. I wonder how much initial enthusiasm was wasted on the unprecedented tech issues in the US.
Of course, there's bound to be eventual burn-out from money, space, time, and greed limits. Lego always wants more money, but gives less, and less, and incredibly... even less.
For me, these sets represent the best of contemporary Lego. There's a lot more fun and value than buying SW Lego sets, that's for sure!!
I’m honestly a bit surprised that Sequoia Tree Trail isn’t a bit higher, but I guess I can see where that’s coming from. I can’t wait for series 5 orders to ship though…
@StyleCounselor said:
" @LegoMike said:
" @daniellesa said:
"The figures for some are lower than expected considering how much everyone raved about this series. I hope there isn't a bug and everyone who ordered sets gets the ones they ordered this time.
Series 5 has changed from 'waiting for stock' to 'in process' for weeks, I wonder when that is going to change. Series 4 shipped earlier than expected, I wonder if series 5 will."
I had a look earlier at Series 5 and the site suggests they will be shipped in November. Hopefully they'll dribble out a little earlier ;-)"
I would love to get Transylvania before Halloween.
102,000 out of a possible 150,000 is definitely a bit low. I wonder how much initial enthusiasm was wasted on the unprecedented tech issues in the US.
Of course, there's bound to be eventual burn-out from money, space, time, and greed limits. Lego always wants more money, but gives less, and less, and incredibly... even less.
For me, these sets represent the best of contemporary Lego. There's a lot more fun and value than buying SW Lego sets, that's for sure!!"
Transylvania before Halloween is exactly what I’m hoping for :-)
@AustinPowers said:
"I'm not surprised by these numbers. For me personally none of the sets in this wave were interesting enough to even remotely consider spending the kind of money they ask for them. I just don't see the value here. For my taste the designs are Meh to ok at best.
Especially when I compare them to those that I bought in previous waves, like the Venetian Houses for example, or the Great Fishing Boat. "
I do not buy these sets. But if it were at all feasible, I'd wish Lego buy/get the rights for 910029-1 (I don't know what kind of agreement exists between the parties involved) and make it an official Lego set - they managed to relaunch the Saturn-V (21309-1, 92176-1), I suppose they can do this. I'm not especially into castle (I'm in the so-called space-mafia). But from looking at the instructions, this set is that good - and also seems to answer (as far as I could tell) @LegoMike concerns about stability. even the instructions are well done and agreeable to follow. In general, I think Ideas and BDP are tremendously lacking in Classic Space and Technic models (some pundits will propose there is probably no interest but I'm having a hard time believing that a nice Classic Space setup would sell less than 10k copies). Although very few and far in between, there were also very neat Technic ideas that I believe were overlooked .
@LegoMike said:
" @AustinPowers said:
"I'm not surprised by these numbers. For me personally none of the sets in this wave were interesting enough to even remotely consider spending the kind of money they ask for them. I just don't see the value here. For my taste the designs are Meh to ok at best.
Especially when I compare them to those that I bought in previous waves, like the Venetian Houses for example, or the Great Fishing Boat. "
Did you ever build those?
Just out of interest as I still have mine sealed.
Really would like to build the Venetian Houses but I’m reluctant to break that seal now "
That was how I originally became an evil reseller. A set I bought meaning to build but never got around to it, then when I found it in the cupboard I saw how much sealed sets were selling for and what other current sets that money could purchase.
But for these sets, there are none I'd buy for myself due to value and definitely none I'd purchase to sell due to lack of value when multiplied by 1.5 let alone by 2.
@Wallace_Brick_Designs said:
"I’m honestly a bit surprised that Sequoia Tree Trail isn’t a bit higher, but I guess I can see where that’s coming from. I can’t wait for series 5 orders to ship though…"
To be honest I'm surprised it's as high as it is. While it's an ok looking set I guess, I have zero clue why anyone would want it. Maybe if you're really into trees for some reason, but still. And then there's the price, which going by what you get for it seems insane.
For the TLDR crowd…
With these type questions, my experience is that we each find the answers we want to find. Frustration overall with LEGO as a company will likely lead us to see BLDP through that same lens.
When this first started in its current form (Round 1), it was very different. Sets were competing against each other, Max amounts were 5,000, and FOMO was rampant. The process, not unexpectedly, began to change.
BLDP Series now come along every few months
Max amounts went to 10,000, then 30,000, and now to an open / fluid amount of maybe 50,000 /60,000 for 1 of the sets.
BLDP sets no longer compete against each other. Each one funded will get made. Heck, LEGO just assumes they’ll all be funded and stopped providing us the normal pomp and circumstance labeling to reflect such.
BLDP Sets are getting much bigger and unfortunately much more expensive.
LEGO Sets themselves are unfortunately getting much more expensive.
So, is BLDP starting to lose steam? Probably. But what isn’t with this expensive hobby.
I used to collect every minifigure sized Star Wars ship but I still haven’t picked up the Tie Bomber even at 20% Off, and nothing newer. I’m actively contemplating skipping Jazz Club and Natural History Museum, though I own all modulars. Even with Creator doing so well lately, there are still a number I’ve yet to get. I love the new Harry Potter castles but alas they sit on my list, right next to Notre Dame, Endurance, Arkham, Xavier, and D&D.
Most of us are on a budget and LEGO is getting more and more difficult to collect at our previous appetites. I feel bad investing more in BLDP than regular sets. But not so bad not to do it. Series 6, IMHO, was the absolute best collective series to date. Last night, I gave up my internal fight and picked up my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Series 6 set. Sorry KingCreations, I have to say no somewhere. It helps that Series 7 is an easy skip for me but ugh, Series 8 is looking good.
So long as LEGO is going to skimp on areas with regular sets while charging an arm and a leg, I guess I’d rather spend my brick budget on more exciting, more innovative, more clever, and more special BLDP Series sets
@AustinPowers said:
" @Wallace_Brick_Designs said:
"I’m honestly a bit surprised that Sequoia Tree Trail isn’t a bit higher, but I guess I can see where that’s coming from. I can’t wait for series 5 orders to ship though…"
To be honest I'm surprised it's as high as it is. While it's an ok looking set I guess, I have zero clue why anyone would want it. Maybe if you're really into trees for some reason, but still. And then there's the price, which going by what you get for it seems insane. "
The director of BDP, Alex, said in a webinar that the Sequoia Tree Trail will likely appeal to American fans compared to the rest of the community. Which makes sense, since these things are only really in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. As someone who has seen these behemoths in person, I can totally see the appeal in LEGO form. Especially if you have a LEGO city and need some nature stuff or are looking to add something additional to your Treehouse, A-Frame Cabin display.
@LegoMike said:
" @AustinPowers said:
" @LegoMike said:
" @AustinPowers said:
"I'm not surprised by these numbers. For me personally none of the sets in this wave were interesting enough to even remotely consider spending the kind of money they ask for them. I just don't see the value here. For my taste the designs are Meh to ok at best.
Especially when I compare them to those that I bought in previous waves, like the Venetian Houses for example, or the Great Fishing Boat. "
Did you ever build those?
Just out of interest as I still have mine sealed.
Really would like to build the Venetian Houses but I’m reluctant to break that seal now "
No, I have not gotten round to building them yet, but I fully intend to."
Me too :-)
Despite the passing of time and the fact they have nice looking seals on them ;-)"
I’m in the same boat (no pun intended) but funnily enough, the Fishing Boat and Venetian Houses were 2 of the few early BLDP sets I didn’t get. I love, love, love my little Sheriff’s Safe but I’ve yet to crack the seals on a number of them , including the Windmill and Observatory. The Bowling Alley and Studgate were Day One builds for me while Brick Cross Station waited maybe a couple weeks.
I love setting aside a greatly anticipated set for future build. It helps stock up my personal LEGO store.
@amok said:
"Here is the current status (9 hours left):
Amount Sold / Maximum Available / Set Name
44,000 / 50,000 / Outlaw Forest Den
18,359 / 30,000 / The Art Factory
16,624 / 30,000 / Gold Mine Expedition
13,527 / 30,000 / Off-road Adventure
9,933 / 30,000 / Sequoia Tree Trail"
Thank you again for these tallies. If you could let us know how they end up, that would be awesome. I’m curious to see what if any final push they receive on the final day of an abbreviated offering.
@zegel0802 said:
" @AustinPowers said:
" @Wallace_Brick_Designs said:
"I’m honestly a bit surprised that Sequoia Tree Trail isn’t a bit higher, but I guess I can see where that’s coming from. I can’t wait for series 5 orders to ship though…"
To be honest I'm surprised it's as high as it is. While it's an ok looking set I guess, I have zero clue why anyone would want it. Maybe if you're really into trees for some reason, but still. And then there's the price, which going by what you get for it seems insane. "
The director of BDP, Alex, said in a webinar that the Sequoia Tree Trail will likely appeal to American fans compared to the rest of the community. Which makes sense, since these things are only really in the Pacific Northwest of the United States."
Maybe. Then again, even if someone made a really great looking set of a German forest I wouldn't be interested (and I am really into hiking in our forests. It's great, but I don't need a set representing it).
@daewoo said:
"builds can be frustrating or not very stable when moved. I display about 12 times a year at shows and my stuff needs to be able to travel. I don't want to shell out what they are asking when I know it will more than likely have to be modified to fit my need/want."
Just curious, why would you object to modifying a set before displaying it at a show? Wouldn’t that at least make it partially your own work?
Pre-orders are now closed. Can anyone scrape the data for how many were placed?