Project Swapfig: a Kickstarter project that needs and deserves your support
Posted by Huw,As you will probably know by now, TheBrickStop Kickstarter project failed to reach its goal. I think there were many reasons for this, but one was that the people behind the project were not known in the community and therefore didn't have the level of trust that such a project needs to succeed.
That is definitely not the case with the latest LEGO-related project to be launched on KickStarter. Project Swapfig proposes a website that enables you to trade collectable minifigs with others. The man behind it, Drew Maughan, aka SilentMode, is a Brickset regular and known to me personally.
Take a look at the video and you'll get a good idea of what's being proposed:
I have backed this project and I encourage you to do the same. It doesn't 'tread on the toes' of other sites, because (a) there are no other (decent) ones out there that offer a swapping platform for minifigs, (b) the amount being raised is not totally out of reach, like it was for TheBrickStop, so it has a reasonable chance of achieving its goal, (c) progress has been made already and there are screenshots etc. to prove it and (d) Drew is a good guy :-)
So, head on over to KickStarter and pledge your support today.
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29 comments on this article
This looks like it could be great! just hope all the money gets raised...
This idea definitely fills a gap in the market. Don't forget to add Duplo figs to the inventory too, though.
Lovely video. Couple of questions;
- if you pledge money and it doesn't make it, do you get your money back!
- what guarantees are in place that the 3k is spent all on the business model?
You don't actually give any money until it's made it: only when it has is your card charged.
There is no guarantee other than Drew's word. But, I know Drew and I have no reason to believe he'd do anything dodgy.
Looks good. Supported.
Good idea, but ideally it should be integrated with a buying/selling platform. I would prefer to deal with a one-stop shop as I make nearly all my lego purchases via bricklink and sometimes via ebay. I would have welcomed a new buying platform.
I love the idea, I have no real need to swap CMs, but I would love to get some Minifigures from other themes if I can by trading. The best of luck to you Drew, I very much hope the project comes to fruition!
I am sure that when the site opens Huw will be able to offer some advertising here at Brickset...
Interesting, can't wait to see how this turns out!
I second Huw's nomination of Drew being a top bloke.
Is this for the UK or everywhere?
I would rather use a site like he is proposing for polybags. Is that within scope?
Drew is an incredible person. He would never do anything dodgy. I'm still trying to pledge.
I think this is a wonderful idea. The last kickstarter idea for a new unofficial lego trading website was a good idea and I really would like to see one as Bricklink is dated and awkward to use but honestly 50K to start it was way too much. Not sure what setting up websites goes for nowadays but it seemed to me they were more interested in a paycheque. This Miniswap seems more plausible. :) Good Luck!
This looks like a really great proposition, I hope it reaches its goal!
I have lots of spare minifigs and many I want. I have swapped before using fora to make contact, but a platform such as this would make the process so much easier.
I just pledged my support for Swapfig. In the interest of full disclosure, I should point out that Drew a.k.a. SilentMode is a friend of mine. But that's categorically not the reason I'm backing this project. I really do believe a minifig trading platform is needed and that Drew is the best person to make it happen.
That's a brilliant idea.
Is this a LEGO fan site without the word "brick" in its name? Preposterous!
This does seem really promising! I love the idea myself. I would reiterate the question posed by Margot, however. Is it possible to donate to this outside of the UK?
^ Yes, anyone can support it: your credit card will deal with the currency conversion.
^^There's information on the Kickstarter site about the additional charge for sending the reward minifig outside the UK. The extra charge is quite modest.
I supported already, I was just curious whether the final product was going to be for UK only or international.
Hello commenters, and thank you for the kind words and support! There's been a huge spike in "likes", backing and support, which I can't tell you how much I really appreciate.
@goldfish - No money is taken unless the target is reached, so it's all or nothing. As for guarantees: having done several trades and having sold items on BrickLink, quite a few people know where I live.
@Margot - Anyone will be able to use and trade through the site, as long as their country's flag has at least one colour, and provided they can access the Interwebs.
@Wodanis - I had my suspicions about why that project didn't succeed, and as Huw suggested it could have been a number of things, including the target. They did mention that part of the target was for spending time on developing their site.
@Zakula - I tried fitting "brick" into the name... No I didn't.
@guavamnia - When browsing you can look for people in the same country or outside of your country. You'll be able to set a "domestic only" option in your profile, so that only people in your country will be able to trade with you. I hadn't thought about regional restrictions.
I'll be pledging something in the next couple of days Drew, just have to check my finances for how much! It's a great idea, and I'll agree with the other guys you are indeed a top bloke.
Great find.
Sounds like a great site. Now maybe I can get Theoden without having to buy the set or paying three times what he's worth on Bricklink.
Great project and proud supporter!
@Jaypwr16, get the "DIBS" package, and choose Lord of the Rings. Then you'll be able to trade for Theoden ;)
Someone got DIBS overnight! I have no idea what they would go for though.
Once again thanks for all the support so far, it's all been amazing. Let's keep going!
There's a demo of the site over at http://demo.swapfig.com, check it out!