LEGO VIP becomes LEGO Insiders!
Posted by CapnRex101,
The LEGO VIP program was introduced in 2009. Fourteen years later, the program is now being rebranded as LEGO Insiders, which will include some new features, although retains the familiar points system. The press release follows:
LEGO Insiders: Where Play is Rewarding
- LEGO VIP is now LEGO Insiders - connecting all LEGO accounts in one place
- Earn LEGO Insiders points when purchasing and playing
- Register your existing and new LEGO sets
- Redeem your points on discounts, member-only merchandise, cool collectables and more
- Plus, early access to new sets and events
- Connect with other fans through the LEGO Insiders Community
Today, the LEGO Group announce LEGO Insiders, a loyalty program where members can discover a wealth of exciting experiences and exclusive rewards, including offers and gifts. Launching on the 21st August, LEGO Insiders will replace the previous LEGO VIP membership program, but also brings all LEGO accounts (for over 18s) into one place. Making it easier to manage your account, earn and spend points, access special offers and be part of the LEGO Insiders community.
LEGO Insiders features all the great benefits VIP members have come to love, but with some great new perks:
One Account
- All LEGO logins, for members over 18 years old, are now in the same place.
- This includes previous separate memberships/logins for LEGO VIP, checkout, LEGO Life magazine, LEGO apps and LEGO Ideas.
- All LEGO VIP members will automatically transfer over to LEGO Insiders, including all valid VIP points.
Earn Points
- LEGO Insiders can earn points by participating in activities, purchasing sets on LEGO.com, in participating LEGO Stores, and in Target in the USA.
- Members can now also earn points by registering previously purchased sets via the unique QR code on the building instructions and cataloguing them on their account.
Redeem Points
- Points can be spent in the LEGO Insiders Reward Centre for discounts on sets, member-only merchandise, sweepstake entries (in select countries) for cool collectables, and more.
Member Perks
- Early access to sets, exclusive content, digital family fun, play ideas and activities.
- Member only gifts when purchasing certain sets.
- Access to LEGO Ideas, LEGO Life magazine, plus early details of exclusive in-store events.
Member Access
Members can share their fandom and be inspired by others. This includes:
- LEGO Ideas - share designs, vote on other fans’ designs and perhaps even see their creation become a real LEGO set.
- LEGO Insiders Community - a place where fans can unwind, share inspiring builds, learn more about LEGO sets and designers, and connect with other LEGO fans.
- Commenting on articles and leaving reviews on LEGO.com.
- Family activities - via the family area on LEGO.com.
- In-store Events - meet other fans and members.
Jason Whiting, Global LEGO Insiders Director says: “We are thrilled to unveil LEGO Insiders – a world of exciting experiences and exclusive rewards including member discounts, gifts, and digital experiences for our new and existing fans alike. At the LEGO Group we believe that play should be rewarded, so our updated program makes it easier than ever for people to enjoy all the benefits of being a LEGO fan, whilst adding new ways for them to connect with fellow builders and to share the joy of play through a global community.”
From exclusive events to unlocking hidden perks such as special gifts with purchase, digital downloads, and unique content, to early access to the most desirable new sets and limited-edition products, with LEGO Insiders there's something for everyone and a world of play inside.
LEGO Insiders will launch on 21st August. To find out more visit www.LEGO.com/Insiders
There are bound to be questions about registering sets to earn points, so to clarify, this will be possible with sets released from January 2019 onwards, which showed a unique QR code on the cover of their instruction manuals. It might also extend back to the summer of 2018, when similar codes were shown inside the manuals, but that is not confirmed.
Each manual can only be scanned once, but all codes are unique, so you could scan multiple copies of the same set.
What do you think of the new name and features? Let us know in the comments.
121 likes
154 comments on this article
Oh.
Apart from claiming points for existing sets, nothing really new or fundamental which is OK too. So long as they don’t make anything more convoluted like the last time they updated VIP…Will wait to see the detail.
well, I guess I shouldn't have thrown away all those instructions manuals then...
So any set, bought from any retailer (including Lego website) is ‘scannable’? I have a lot of work ahead of me… Good thing it doesn’t apply to boxed sets. It does rule out series like Mario or do they have a QR somewhere else? Many questions.
Kept All instructions from 2014 to now. I might have 10 to 15 USD out of it
Scanning in dozens if not hundreds of instruction booklets (depending on how far back the QR codes go) sounds like a great way to get hopelessly distracted in Lego nostalgia for hours at a time.
This is a good change for customers buying from not target or the Lego store but rough announcement if you recycle your manuals diligently like I do.
I kind of like the name VIP better to be honest.
It is cool anyone who held onto their instructions since 2018 get a perk, though!
At those conversion rates, I don't think they're going to get much buy-in on this whole manual registration business.
Not sure if I like the new name. Also seems to me to just be the old VIP stuff but with Brickset collection functionality
I guess it'll be funning getting free points by scanning all my instructions, but what's stopping you from scanning QR codes from the online PDFs?
Has "rebranding" ever turned out to be good for consumers?
Wouldn't it be about 32.5 manuals for a $5 voucher? 650 points = $5, 650/20 points = 32.5 manual scans.
I'm very open to having my math corrected here, though.
Last time LEGO VIP changed the rewards got worse. l have little doubt it will be the same this time as well.
@TheBrickBulbasaur said:
"Not sure if I like the new name. Also seems to me to just be the old VIP stuff but with Brickset collection functionality
I guess it'll be funning getting free points by scanning all my instructions, but what's stopping you from scanning QR codes from the online PDFs?"
Imagine some absolute madlad just starts opening boxes in stores to scan the QR code.
He doesn’t even steal the LEGO. He just needs some extra points.
I know it's just a name change but the symbolism of removing "Important" and especially "People" from the previous name can't be lost on Lego....or can it?
@560heliport said:
"Has "rebranding" ever turned out to be good for consumers?"
No.
I think there are QR codes on boxes as well, or is that just for the digital instructions link?
There's a reason to keep boxes and instruction manuals. I will have to get scanning!
@vizzitor said:
"I know it's just a name change but the symbolism of removing "Important" and especially "People" from the previous name can't be lost on Lego....or can it?"
At least this name is more honest now....
As for the "insider" part: You can log out anytime you like, but you can never leave...
*Quickly checks how many sets I have since Jan 2019 and if I know where the instructions are for each of them.
Now I don't feel very important!
And lacking is any TLG "insider" aspect added, ironically. Any sense of community depends on people doing their thing. It would be interesting if they allowed you to scan sets to learn how many "insiders" have the same set and what they are saying about them, get new downloadable alt models both from other "insiders" as well as TLG by scanning the set, obtain designer insights and comments about the sets, ease the process for obtaining any replacement of parts, secure some kind of part warranty if they break within a certain number of years, etc.
"Each manual can only be scanned once, but all codes are unique, so you could scan multiple copies of the same set."
What about sets with multiple manuals?
E.g. brickheadz double packs, does each manual have a code, or just one between the two?
Wait, if VIP members are now "Insiders," what does that make everyone else that buys LEGO? "Outsiders"?
I like being able to scan instructions for more points since I have my instructions going back to the mid 2000s(although it will only count for the past 5 years). I do appreciate them condensing logins! I don't think I even remember my Lego Ideas info. I don't know about that name change though. Insiders sounds more like media than a rewards program.
I've read somewhere that the QR code you have to scan has only been in place since 2018 - might have been earlier on some sets but as a 'general rule' it was there for ALL sets in 2018. So, no need to scan your Legoland sets and other relics for $0.15 - ish.
I suppose it's better than nothing but not groundbreaking. Helps them (targetted marketing) more than it helps you. Targetted marketing can be good but the sets must exists in the first place if you want to signify to the company that you have an interest in them. Example: castle sets must exists for you to buy them and register them for the company to realize that you like and buy all castle sets. If there are no castle sets and you buy all sorts of themes to get the pieces you need to build your own castles, Lego will incorrectly think that you like all sorts of other themes not related to castle at all. So far, Lego has 'somewhat' refused to acknowledge that AFOLs like Space, Castle and Pirates (we've got a few in the last 2 years) - that may change however with the upcoming theme Lego Moments.
I would guess the data gained by scanning your instructions goes into some database. Lego would use the database to see who is buying what. Lego would use this data to market products accordingly. The customer is compensated for this data by "Insider Points."
I wonder if the CMF flyer also counts.
Weird system but it woud allow lego to see what lego VIP's buy outside of the lego store.
@leetshoe Thanks for the warning
Just skimming over that there seems to be a lot of emphasis on using points to redeem stuff, like they will be having more GWP's only available via points. Seems like a lot of good things for the USA consumers and some for countries with Lego Brand stores. The rest of us though......
In Australia at least, the local retailers have pretty regular sales of 20-25% off Lego, so unless money is not an issue, I doubt many people buy much outside of D2C and smaller stuff you can only get from Lego from the official site. We only have Lego Certified Stores that have their own VIP program (almost all owned by same group). This change doesn't seem to have much outside of earning a very small amount of points from scanning the manual for this patch of the Earth, will have to wait and see.
Thank-you for the post covering this :)
I prefer the old naming. Felt more commercial. I’ll leave it at that.
So far (for me) the benefits of a Lego VIP membership are rather underwhelming. Earning and spending them is at least a lot more expensive than ignoring them and buying elsewhere.
Same goes for cataloguing; they would need to give out a lot of points to make it worth my while. Of course they'd be using them to create a profile (which in itself is fine), but I'm sceptic about Lego using and analysing that profile properly.
And, of course, with hundreds of sets (a small collection in my view), I'm fine with having just one site to keep track of my collection
Erm could you not just simple scan the QR codes of the online instructions? And what is not clear to me: do sets you already bought years ago all of sudden give you new ‘VIP’ points?
Packrats of the world unite!
And in other news, rumors abound that Huw, CapnRex and several other key members of the Brickset team have been approached by someone who only described themselves as, "An agent recruiting employees on behalf of President Business."
Too bad the instruction scanning for VIP… I mean Insider… points only extends back to 2019. I have all my instructions going back to the 1980’s.
My question is, if they’re consolidating all accounts into one, what will my login information be…?
As long as I can keep my ancient handle and its references to the "Lego Web Club" that it was originally created for!
I dont like the name change.
@Librarian1976 said:
"Too bad the instruction scanning for VIP… I mean Insider… points only extends back to 2019. I have all my instructions going back to the 1980’s."
Same here. And I felt a great disturbance in the...
How will this effect the used the market in the short term? Will people snatch up used manuals in the hope of getting some quick points?
I see some comments mentioning some conversion rate between QR codes and Insider points, but I cannot find a source for that. Has anyone seen a confirmed point amount per scanned QR code? Might it be that the amount of points differ based on set value?
I think online PDFs don't have QR codes on them
Hmm. Pretty underwhelming.
My only thought is, "I hope they don't mess too much up in the changeover"
Lego don't exactly have an IT Department renowned for its slick operation!
I'm an Insider
It's a circle of deception
It's a hall of strangers
It's a cage without a key
You can feel the danger
All* of my instructions pre-date QR codes. So...thanks for that, Lego. Us 80s kids getting screwed again.
*vast majority. I do own some modern sets, but still. I have binders full of 80s and 90s instructions.
I recycle 90% of manuals... Darn.
I like the ideas here, but couldn’t LEGO have kept the VIP name and just integrated these changes into the existing program?
Maybe, just maybe, I will finally be able to participate in LEGO Ideas!
Does the registering of sets functionality pose a threat to Brickset’s business model? After all, some FOLs - especially new ones - may find recording their sets in LEGO’s official register more appealing than Brickset’s unofficial one.
I wonder how they will handle used sets. Someone buys new, gets points, then sells later. Can the second owner scan and get points too? What if someone makes multiple accounts and scans their own stuff twice.
@NITRO_J said:
"I wonder how they will handle used sets. Someone buys new, gets points, then sells later. Can the second owner scan and get points too? What if someone makes multiple accounts and scans their own stuff twice."
I imagine since the codes are supposedly unique, once it is used it is used.
Does give them interesting information though if people do try scanning used codes,
(Who is selling to who, who likes to buy second hand, who sells sets after having for a few years etc...)
Assuming this is all just a data gathering exercise from their end.
@dimc said:
"All* of my instructions pre-date QR codes. So...thanks for that, Lego. Us 80s kids getting screwed again.
*vast majority. I do own some modern sets, but still. I have binders full of 80s and 90s instructions. "
In what way are you ‘getting screwed again’?
Lego has also brought Bricklink logins into the common login also. A few months ago Bricklinkers were required to align their Bricklink Logins with their Lego logins.
I have lots of booklets but is 0.13 euro per really that worthwhile? I could maybe get a vip shop set since i avoid using lego.com but other than that… eh?
Do we get to keep our vip points. I've saved up thousands for when something good comes along.
@fluffy39126 said:
"Do we get to keep our vip points. I've saved up thousands for when something good comes along."
... did you even read the article?
@gunther_schnitzel said:
" @dimc said:
"All* of my instructions pre-date QR codes. So...thanks for that, Lego. Us 80s kids getting screwed again.
*vast majority. I do own some modern sets, but still. I have binders full of 80s and 90s instructions. "
In what way are you ‘getting screwed again’?"
Hopelessly living in the past?
Great, now there's another thing I'm inside of.
Is there any final depth to marketing stupidity? Can't we just put all the marketing people on a ship and send them on some far-off, endless trip (a la Hitchhiker's Guide)?
I say this as I'm in the midst of my 'Great Lego Reorganizing Project' whereby I'm flattening all the empty boxes and categorizing the manuals by theme. Never would this Insider scanning scheme be more accessible to me. But, I can't seem to work up any desire to do this.
My collection is already on BS. Paying me $18 an hour for a crappy data-entry job seems horrible (assuming 30 sec for $0.15)!
Neat. The Lego logins have always been a mess. Hope this links into the instructions iPad app as well - if you purchase a set, it would be very handy to have it automatically add to your collections.
@KotZ said:
" @fluffy39126 said:
"Do we get to keep our vip points. I've saved up thousands for when something good comes along."
... did you even read the article?"
But, how does it compare with the shadow box version?
I don't care what the program is called, as long as it offers interesting perks.
Speaking of which, that idea of earning points for existing sets might be something to consider, since I buy most of my sets from other shops. Will depend on the details, once they are revealed.
Please explain to me, the sets I've already bought and earned VIP points, I can now scan the codes on these sets and earn more points? Thanks.
If it ain't broke don't bloody well break it. VIP sounds way better than Insiders. Wonder how that's going to work with the Inside Tour...
Merging accounts makes sense but the rebranding?
As others have said, the instruction scanning will provide them with a wealth of information about what people buy elsewhere. Remember, if the product is free, you are the product. Have to check the ROI to see if it's worth my time to scan all those sets.
So big thumbs down on the new name, and meh on the rest of the changes.
@gunther_schnitzel said:
" @dimc said:
"All* of my instructions pre-date QR codes. So...thanks for that, Lego. Us 80s kids getting screwed again.
*vast majority. I do own some modern sets, but still. I have binders full of 80s and 90s instructions. "
In what way are you ‘getting screwed again’?"
Lego doesn't really do much for vintage stuff online. Instructions, renders, etc. I get it, but they're a big company and clearly can afford the resources to do it. Along with fixing things like Bricklink, but that's a whole other thing.
That said, I don't really care about this change. As long as I get VIP points for discounts and can occasionally get a cool GWP or use points for things like Wonders of the World, it's fine. I don't have any desire to scan in my stuff or store my inventory there. Bricklink is better, but rebrickable is best. Neither have, as far as I know, the ability to add a set with missing parts or recolored parts. For vintage builders like me, that's pretty key. I frequently don't have everything for a set, especially if it has unique or very rare combo parts. As such, I don't yet have a decent brick inventory system. Bricklink would be ideal since I could use those missing parts to make or pad out orders.
I realize that we are not a big group, but still, Lego as a company typically cares and does good things, so maybe someday. Maybe they'll hire me to do it, ha!
@graafderk said:
"I see some comments mentioning some conversion rate between QR codes and Insider points, but I cannot find a source for that. Has anyone seen a confirmed point amount per scanned QR code? Might it be that the amount of points differ based on set value?"
@hawkeye7269 did the mathematics for us (for the US market). It comes to about 15 cents USD per scan. Might be slightly different in your country but should be reasonably close. You can see his/her post: 13th from the top.
For example:
In Canada you need 500 points to get CDN$5 rebate. From there, you would need 25 scans at 20 points each to get the same 500 points. If you get CDN$5 per 25 scans, that means that one scan is worth 20 cents $CDN - which is fairly close to $0.15 USD.
(As it happens, in Canada, there are no conversions to be made: 1 point = 1 cent CDN)
@StyleCounselor said:
" @gunther_schnitzel said:
" @dimc said:
"All* of my instructions pre-date QR codes. So...thanks for that, Lego. Us 80s kids getting screwed again.
*vast majority. I do own some modern sets, but still. I have binders full of 80s and 90s instructions. "
In what way are you ‘getting screwed again’?"
Hopelessly living in the past?"
Can't deny this one. ;)
As I look around, I see maybe 8 sets from post-2000. There are 80+ from pre-2000, with the majority being 85-95.
Anyone got a link to info on the conversion from manuals to points ? Is it simply 1 manual = x points or does my second hand UCS Star Destroyer count for more ?
Sucks if you have a lot of sealed sets like I do due to lack of space to build them.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @KotZ said:
" @fluffy39126 said:
"Do we get to keep our vip points. I've saved up thousands for when something good comes along."
... did you even read the article?"
But, how does it compare with the shadow box version?"
It's app-based, and I am old. I already hate it. I HATE IT LIKE I HATE CLOUDS."
Clouds! Pshaw. Who needs 'em?! Constantly changing and taunting our lack of imagination and inability to fly!
Also... wait for it... get OFF my lawn!!!
@dimc said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @gunther_schnitzel said:
" @dimc said:
"All* of my instructions pre-date QR codes. So...thanks for that, Lego. Us 80s kids getting screwed again.
*vast majority. I do own some modern sets, but still. I have binders full of 80s and 90s instructions. "
In what way are you ‘getting screwed again’?"
Hopelessly living in the past?"
Can't deny this one. ;)
As I look around, I see maybe 8 sets from post-2000. There are 80+ from pre-2000, with the majority being 85-95. "
Hmm. That sounds pretty, pretty good. :)
@HOBBES said:
" @graafderk said:
"I see some comments mentioning some conversion rate between QR codes and Insider points, but I cannot find a source for that. Has anyone seen a confirmed point amount per scanned QR code? Might it be that the amount of points differ based on set value?"
@hawkeye7269 did the mathematics for us (for the US market). It comes to about 15 cents USD per scan. Might be slightly different in your country but should be reasonably close. You can see his/her post: 13th from the top.
For example:
In Canada you need 500 points to get CDN$5 rebate. From there, you would need 25 scans at 20 points each to get the same 500 points. If you get CDN$5 per 25 scans, that means that one scan is worth 20 cents $CDN - which is fairly close to $0.15 USD.
(As it happens, in Canada, there are no conversions to be made: 1 point = 1 cent CDN)"
I think the question was rather 'where is "20 points per scan' coming from?". I'd like to know too.
@MisterBrickster said:
" @HOBBES said:
" @graafderk said:
"I see some comments mentioning some conversion rate between QR codes and Insider points, but I cannot find a source for that. Has anyone seen a confirmed point amount per scanned QR code? Might it be that the amount of points differ based on set value?"
@hawkeye7269 did the mathematics for us (for the US market). It comes to about 15 cents USD per scan. Might be slightly different in your country but should be reasonably close. You can see his/her post: 13th from the top.
For example:
In Canada you need 500 points to get CDN$5 rebate. From there, you would need 25 scans at 20 points each to get the same 500 points. If you get CDN$5 per 25 scans, that means that one scan is worth 20 cents $CDN - which is fairly close to $0.15 USD.
(As it happens, in Canada, there are no conversions to be made: 1 point = 1 cent CDN)"
I think the question was rather 'where is "20 points per scan' coming from?". I'd like to know too."
From the mouth of the horse:
You’ll then receive a flat 20 points for every single set you register to your Insiders account – a number the LEGO Group has deemed to be the right ‘balance’ between risk and reward.
“We had done some research on what was the right value, and what did we expect people to earn?” says LEGO Insiders Global Director Jason Whiting. “Because a lot of this will be kids’ sets. We wanted to make sure we found a number that they could get some value out of that, but that also didn’t drive any type of fraud. It’s really about a balance. We did a bunch of testing to find the right level to put it in.” (source: Brick Fanatics)
This is a great way for LEGO to find out what sets people buy and then what sets they open. I wonder if a large number of sets bought but not opened would raise a flag in their system?
Remember a while ago when LEGO started going after resellers? I wonder if this is a similar effort, or for another more nefarious reason.
@Murdoch17 said:
"well, I guess I shouldn't have thrown away all those instructions manuals then..."
I will be very busy indeed.
@Ridgeheart said:
" @StyleCounselor said:
" @KotZ said:
" @fluffy39126 said:
"Do we get to keep our vip points. I've saved up thousands for when something good comes along."
... did you even read the article?"
But, how does it compare with the shadow box version?"
It's app-based, and I am old. I already hate it. I HATE IT LIKE I HATE CLOUDS."
If you hate clouds that much, you might have to consider changing country. ;-)
https://weatherspark.com/y/51381/Average-Weather-in-Amsterdam-Netherlands-Year-Round
According to this, your best month is July and even in that month the sky is clear only 30% of the time and completely covered also 30% of the time. In Jan and Dec, it is clear 10% of the time and completely covered 50% of the time. Very nice and fun country though!
I agree many people don't thoroughly read all press releases. For those asking the question about scanning the QR code and haven't already seen the many posted responses like I'm about to post...
The QR code on the instructions can only be registered once. Period. So, all the permutations of when a third party might come into possession of an already-registered QR code, it can't be registered again.
Suggestion for the website @Huw @CapnRex101 : it would be nice to add a tick box so we can keep track of the sets we own that have been QR-scanned.
EDIT: just added it to the official Suggestion Box page (number 779) here: https://brickset.com/suggestions/new
Would this include Collectible mini figures? The instructions do have a QR code.
They are going to regret letting me scan my boxes/instructions after the first 100
@TheMikeStrikesBack said:
"My question is, if they’re consolidating all accounts into one, what will my login information be…?"
I thought merging accounts to one login was all part of the last VIP update a few years back
@HOBBES said:
" @MisterBrickster said:
" @HOBBES said:
" @graafderk said:
"I see some comments mentioning some conversion rate between QR codes and Insider points, but I cannot find a source for that. Has anyone seen a confirmed point amount per scanned QR code? Might it be that the amount of points differ based on set value?"
@hawkeye7269 did the mathematics for us (for the US market). It comes to about 15 cents USD per scan. Might be slightly different in your country but should be reasonably close. You can see his/her post: 13th from the top.
For example:
In Canada you need 500 points to get CDN$5 rebate. From there, you would need 25 scans at 20 points each to get the same 500 points. If you get CDN$5 per 25 scans, that means that one scan is worth 20 cents $CDN - which is fairly close to $0.15 USD.
(As it happens, in Canada, there are no conversions to be made: 1 point = 1 cent CDN)"
I think the question was rather 'where is "20 points per scan' coming from?". I'd like to know too."
From the mouth of the horse:
You’ll then receive a flat 20 points for every single set you register to your Insiders account – a number the LEGO Group has deemed to be the right ‘balance’ between risk and reward.
“We had done some research on what was the right value, and what did we expect people to earn?” says LEGO Insiders Global Director Jason Whiting. “Because a lot of this will be kids’ sets. We wanted to make sure we found a number that they could get some value out of that, but that also didn’t drive any type of fraud. It’s really about a balance. We did a bunch of testing to find the right level to put it in.” (source: Brick Fanatics)
"
So the answer to the question is "Brick Fanatics."
People were questioning it because there's no numbers given in the article here or on lego.com
It feels a bit overwhelming, to be honest. This room is only 9x8' lol. A fair number are waiting for parts to be completed, and a few will get sold when I get around to it. But it does look a lot like taking a dive into a 90s catalog.
The recent merging accounts affected me, even though per the email it shouldn't have. Strangely if I tried to login to my Lego account clicking on the minifig head it told me my password was incorrect. Which was very frustrating. I know my password, so why was it saying it was wrong. Now I needed to login to place an order for the new promo set, so I called customer service, it wasn't helpful. Then I decided to try to login to my VIP account, which I have never done before, by clicking on the blue crown, using my Lego account password, that worked. I was finally able to get into my Lego account to order. I still do not understand why I needed to use the VIP crown to login versus using the minifig head, that makes no sense.
Just had a flick through my most recent instructions and none of the brickheadz and LEGO Exclusives (LEGO House and Store Sets) have a code... Any reason for this?
I probably have more unopened kits than ones opened and built, I'll have to find out how to update records for points without opening them. I have the PDFs of invoices, surely there must be a way of sending them the order number instead.
@MrVx said:
"Suggestion for the website @Huw @CapnRex101 : it would be nice to add a tick box so we can keep track of the sets we own that have been QR-scanned.
EDIT: just added it to the official Suggestion Box page (number 779) here: https://brickset.com/suggestions/new "
May I suggest using one of the eight custom checkboxes for that purpose?
https://brickset.com/profile/flagpreferences
If the equivalent is really just about 15 cents per set, then it's not worth my time tbh.
Especially if the points don't align with the RRP of the set. I mean, why bother scanning a 500 Euro Hogwarts Express when you could get the same points for scanning a 5 Euro DOTS set or 4 Euro CMF.
So the new collectible minifigs have a QR code on the outside of the box. Does this mean we can scan it to see which figure is inside?
@Huw said:
" @MrVx said:
"Suggestion for the website @Huw @CapnRex101 : it would be nice to add a tick box so we can keep track of the sets we own that have been QR-scanned.
EDIT: just added it to the official Suggestion Box page (number 779) here: https://brickset.com/suggestions/new "
May I suggest using one of the eight custom checkboxes for that purpose?
https://brickset.com/profile/flagpreferences "
Oh, you're absolutely right @Huw ! I forgot that I have one left unused ;) I know, I know, it's never enough (family of 5 builders + one checkbox for "Family-owned sets" + one "For sale")...
Maybe the QR-scanning could still be worthy of having its own standard checkbox if it proves to be popular enough / if it works well (I expect this to be bumpy on the 21st). But I'm all for using what's already there in the wesbiste's toolbox to its maximum potential, for sure.
The new name is extremely dumb, and the program remains the same unworthy garbage that the VIP program had already become.
With the unjustifiable price hikes LEGO has been making (at the same time overall quality has gone down the toilette), buying directly from LEGO has long stopped being worth it. Plus, the GWP have become worse and worse.
On top of that, the cashback in VIP points is pathetic. And the points earned from violating your privacy and giving LEGO a comprehensive list of all the sets you buy even from outside LEGO aren't even worth the hassle of going through the process of registering.
This isn't what will make me go back to buying sets from LEGO monthly, at full price, like I used to.
@djcbs said:
"The new name is extremely dumb, and the program remains the same unworthy garbage that the VIP program had already become.
With the unjustifiable price hikes LEGO has been making (at the same time overall quality has gone down the toilette), buying directly from LEGO has long stopped being worth it. Plus, the GWP have become worse and worse.
On top of that, the cashback in VIP points is pathetic. And the points earned from violating your privacy and giving LEGO a comprehensive list of all the sets you buy even from outside LEGO aren't even worth the hassle of going through the process of registering.
This isn't what will make me go back to buying sets from LEGO monthly, at full price, like I used to."
No one is forcing you to scan your set instructions. Your level of privacy is completely within your control here.
Don't love the new name (LEGO VIP is too iconic) but I do like the idea of scanning instruction manuals. Unfortunately I did recycle a ton of manuals recently, but I've got hundreds of others to scan in! As long as the system isn't as convoluted as the 2019 change I'm happy. Having all your LEGO logins in one place is also a great change.
Oh, I'll surely miss the "VIP" label, made me feel special since not many people around me did have the dedication to collect so much LEGO (and get reward for it via VIP points)...
@AustinPowers said:
"If the equivalent is really just about 15 cents per set, then it's not worth my time tbh.
Especially if the points don't align with the RRP of the set. I mean, why bother scanning a 500 Euro Hogwarts Express when you could get the same points for scanning a 5 Euro DOTS set or 4 Euro CMF. "
This is a great point, especially when you’re talking about potentially devaluing a large, expensive set you might not have gotten around to open and may plan to resell (oh I know, everybody start clutching your pearls) by opening the box, taking it from “New” to “Used” on certain selling platforms. Is $.15 worth that? Probably not.
Interesting waters to navigate, be these.
The closest Lego brand store to me is an hour drive so I only buy exclusives and BAM figures directly and getting points for the sets I buy elsewhere is a great perk.
Single sign on is also good. The rest of the rebranding is just marketing fluff to me.
I wonder if my vintage plastic VIP card will still work.
@cflyg said:
"Wait, if VIP members are now "Insiders," what does that make everyone else that buys LEGO? "Outsiders"?
"
LEGO Outsiders is due to be rebranded too. My personal favourite options are "Other" and "Them".
On the subject of scanning manuals, will eBay listings for LEGO now feature the acronym BNIBUM?
(pronounced beanie-bum, and meaning Brand New In Box Unscanned Manual)
I can't wait to register my Lego sets via the instruction manuals. I had no idea sets from the 80s had QR codes!
From a data analytics perspective those scanned sets will be gold. I’m not sure the points offered is worth my time though.
@Zayzon said:
"Sucks if you have a lot of sealed sets like I do due to lack of space to build them."
Same problem here. I also have a bunch (200 more) polybags that I collect but never open. For some reason I'm not sure of...
So, how long before VIP points are revalued? Maybe I'm being a cynic,but I expect the next step will be less VIP, sorry , Insider points per £ spent, closely followed by online discount vouchers costing more points per voucher.
Just one improvement I want for the VIP/Insider Rewards page, and that's the ability to filter out all the 'redeemed' and 'sold out' rewards so you're left with just what's actually available.
I'm surprised they didn't just go with LEGO Max or LEGO+.
This instructions scanning initiative seems like a cheap way for LEGO to crowd source additional information about our buying habits. I'm not sure it's worth it, though. Scanning 33 sets of instructions for $5 seems like a bit too much effort for the payoff just like the Target redemption where you get back $5 for every $650 you spend. :o(
At some point, I would suspect they would just start making offers to @Huw to buy Brickset.
So it seems the Hidden Side is finally found, Inside.
And to that , I say Welcome, welcome to the not so Hidden Side, 70427 : Welcome to the Hidden Side
Did not know the QR was unique per printing, just assumed it was a way to link back to the online PDF instructions. That is some amazing foresight by some one way back before 2017 to add inividualised codes per set/instructions.
@eiffel006 said:
" @Zayzon said:
"Sucks if you have a lot of sealed sets like I do due to lack of space to build them."
Same problem here. I also have a bunch (200 more) polybags that I collect but never open. For some reason I'm not sure of..."
I dont think the polybags have QR codes? Those are less of an issue, especially as theyre small.
@dimc said:
"Lego doesn't really do much for vintage stuff"
Vintage? Lego have their sights set firmly on the future and, as we all now know:
"The future is 'ders"
DURS lol
With unique QR codes that can only be scanned once, how does TLG expect their customers to utilize this perk to track their sets on LEGO.com that are acquired second-hand (assuming the previous owner already scanned the code for their own use), nevermind the extra points incentive?
@TheBrickBulbasaur:
Every physical copy has a different QR code. Buy 100 copies, you get 100 unique codes that can be claimed once. Download the instructions, and presumably you get bupkus.
@leetshoe:
Last time they changed things, people whinged about things getting worse, without noticing that you could actually still earn 5 currency units back for every 100 currency units spent (just like VIP Red). There was a hiccup with point balances that went missing temporarily, and also with how/when you could cash points in for vouchers, but that's all fixed now. You can walk into a store, have them pull up your account, and cash in points for rebates. The rebates can now also be spent in-store, online, and over the phone.
@PixelTheDragon:
Except if you do that, those QR codes are now tied to your home address, and they can probably use them to track you down.
@oukexergon:
My take is that there will now be some means of two-way communication between AFOLs. Somewhere.
@bnic99:
From what I'm seeing, the code you need for this is found on the front of the first instruction manual, in the lower right corner. There's a second QR code that's sometimes printed on the back, with a minifig saying something about "WIN" and "feedback", which is not the code you're looking for. CMF packet inserts and polybag instructions don't appear to have the points code, and the copy of 30653 that I built the other day no longer has the WIN code (instead listing a short URL to access the feedback sweepstakes).
@HOBBES:
I just checked two copies of 40499, bought in December 2021, and neither have these codes anywhere in the instructions. I also can't find them on the insert from S24 CMF, or 30653, both bought this year.
@NITRO_J:
Same as if you pulled a Mr. Gold, registered yourself as the owner, and then sold it. Or if you licked a postage stamp.
@BoldRaccoon:
There might be a minimum MSRP required to have a code attached, but I also have $40 sets from two years ago that have no codes.
@sjr60 said:
"Hmm. Pretty underwhelming.
My only thought is, "I hope they don't mess too much up in the changeover"
Lego don't exactly have an IT Department renowned for its slick operation!"
This.
We've seen how long it's taken them to band aid (at best) their e-commerce around Black Friday and other large releases. The last user/IT refresh, they broke my review login and couldn't reassociate them again.
I hope they've learned their lesson/done their homework and prove me wrong, but I see a lot of hiccups and angry customers when this rolls out.
Will this work for Bricks Megastore in Australia?
@PurpleDave said:
"I just checked two copies of 40499, bought in December 2021, and neither have these codes anywhere in the instructions. I also can't find them on the insert from S24 CMF, or 30653, both bought this year."
The reason 40499 is missing the manual QR code is probably because it's LEGO exclusive. It wasn't supposed to be sold retail, only direct from LEGO, so every copy sold should have had the chance to get full VIP points, and thus the unique manual QR code would have been redundant.
@darkstonegrey said:
"With unique QR codes that can only be scanned once, how does TLG expect their customers to utilize this perk to track their sets on LEGO.com that are acquired second-hand (assuming the previous owner already scanned the code for their own use), nevermind the extra points incentive?"
I recommend trying "Brickset" for that, it's a great site for hardcore Lego collection tracking.
Maybe they don't "expect" people to do that. AFOL will do it for the points, the rest will never bother.
@MegaBlocks said:
"I can't wait to register my Lego sets via the instruction manuals. I had no idea sets from the 80s had QR codes!"
Well, they don't.
Just glancing through my collection of manuals, even sets from say five years ago didn't appear to have them. Don't really know when they started to introduce these on a regular basis. Come to think of it, even sets from this year don't all have these codes.
Y’all can’t be serious about devoting time to this?
Old wine in new bottles.
@hawkeye7269 said:
"Wouldn't it be about 32.5 manuals for a $5 voucher? 650 points = $5, 650/20 points = 32.5 manual scans.
I'm very open to having my math corrected here, though."
Hi, where do you see how many points they give you for each manual? Have they edited the entry? I don't see it in the link to lego.com.
I wonder if my 13 year old white LEGO vip card will still work at the LEGO store going forward with this rebranding…
@TDRM:
I think mine is over 14 years old at this point. I know I got it before the local LEGO Store opened in 2010, and 2009 Brickworld Chicago would have been my first opportunity. They were still using punch cards the previous time I went to Chicago. The minifig has mostly disappeared from the VIP logo, due to the nature of the foil print, and it’s starting to delaminate. I have a pristine VIP Black card at home, but I’d like to keep it that way, so it never leaves home. You can also download a digital version, which is just the barcode and number (taking a picture would accomplish the same thing).
Your VIP number is distinct from your login to your VIP account, so I wouldn’t expect anything to change there. If it does, I don’t envy the phone jockeys, between people being just generally upset that their cards no longer work, or that their VIP Black cards are now invalid. This is especially true for those who got the exclusive THX-numbered Black cards that I think were only handed out at Leicester Square.
So if I got banned permanently from Lego Ideas website then I'm back in now since I have Lego.com account? Interesting.
@Lamarider said:
"Y’all can’t be serious about devoting time to this?"
It's news, and may be useful to know. Also, this website posts about LEGO news. Thus, it belongs on Brickset.
If this means I can buy LEGO sets at a decent discount at other retailers and still be able to redeem VIP points (uhmmm, Insider points?) then I'm down with this. Even if we all know we're actually just giving TLG valuable info on our spending habits.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Lamarider said:
"Y’all can’t be serious about devoting time to this?"
It's news, and may be useful to know. Also, this website posts about LEGO news. Thus, it belongs on Brickset."
I could be wrong, but I think Lamarider was saying that about users devoting their time to collect the instruction points rather than Brickset's coverage.
@PhantomBricks said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Lamarider said:
"Y’all can’t be serious about devoting time to this?"
It's news, and may be useful to know. Also, this website posts about LEGO news. Thus, it belongs on Brickset."
I could be wrong, but I think Lamarider was saying that about users devoting their time to collect the instruction points rather than Brickset's coverage."
*shrug* It could read either way, honestly. It's a very vague post...
@RaiderOfTheLostBrick said:
"Will this work for Bricks Megastore in Australia?"
No. They are Lego certified stores. So operated by a completely different company with its own set of rewards systems.
@TheBrickBulbasaur said:
"Not sure if I like the new name. Also seems to me to just be the old VIP stuff but with Brickset collection functionality
I guess it'll be funning getting free points by scanning all my instructions, but what's stopping you from scanning QR codes from the online PDFs?"
as the article explains: Each code can only be used once. So unless you are the first one reading the online PDF you won't be able to use it.
I'm hoping that scanning the QR codes is a nice quick, streamlined process. However I fear it will be integrated into the horrible to use, bloated, slow and unstable Lego Builder app, which will mean I won't bother (for the miniscule payback).
P.S. Fantasy Adventure Ride now up at the VIP Reward Centre for those who were waiting for it.
@Martin_S said:
" @TheBrickBulbasaur said:
"Not sure if I like the new name. Also seems to me to just be the old VIP stuff but with Brickset collection functionality
I guess it'll be funning getting free points by scanning all my instructions, but what's stopping you from scanning QR codes from the online PDFs?"
as the article explains: Each code can only be used once. So unless you are the first one reading the online PDF you won't be able to use it."
I've also gone through and checked, online doesn't have the code as some others have said
I've just opened one of the sets I've bought since 2019 - 21320 Dinosaur Fossils. It was launched in November 2019, and one of the three instruction booklets has a QR code on the bottom right-hand corner of the front cover. I presume this is the QR code we scan as part of this 'Insiders' programme.
(The inside of the instruction booklet says that the QR code on the front cover is used to download the set's instructions on the Lego Life app.)
Are there discussions underway to upload Brickset files to the Insider database? Ain't nobody got time for that!
@PixelTheDragon said:
"I kind of like the name VIP better to be honest.
It is cool anyone who held onto their instructions since 2018 get a perk, though!"
I am definitely going to try this out. I have kept practically all of my manuals.
@Martin_S:
The code on the front cover appears to be printed on the fly, based on the slightly irregular shape of the QR code. The PDF should just have a blank space where the code would be printed at a later time. However, instructions are photographed or scanned and uploaded into AFOL databases, and those _do_ have codes that someone could capture...if they felt like sifting through all the uploaded images.
@Sabreman64:
I checked three copies of the same instruction book, and each had a different code printed in the lower right corner of the front cover. That fits with how this is described. Elsewhere, I can find a different QR code buried in the back of the instructions, but it's clearly printed at the same time as the rest of the page (the front cover code is not). The box and bags also have codes, but these appear to be used for the packaging process, to allow the machinery to know what each bag or box contains.
It shows a lot of foresight that they made the QR codes unique not just to each set, but to each copy. They must always have intended to use them to track individual customers' purchasing behaviour.
I don't love that it's getting kids started on having their customer data tracked young - and yes, I know Lego.com has a rule about under-18s only using the site under parental supervision, but I'm sure that's honoured more in the breach than the observance.
Someone made an interesting point that you can only track customer purchase data based on what you make available for them to purchase - and also, what you put a QR code on. Since the codes already serve at least four functions that we either know or can guess at (downloading instructions, getting points, collection tracking, customer behaviour data gathering), it seems odd not to include them on some sets...
I was going to say, "presumably it's not beyond the ingenuity of their system to make sets scannable for collection-tracking, without including points," but then I remembered that Lego is to "website functionality" as I am to "restraint about eating biscuits". So... yeah.
In all seriousness, I will enjoy getting some unexpected points, as someone who seldom buys Lego these days, even if I'm a bit sad that 2019 is already when I significantly slowed down. I do think it's going to crash the moment we all get unleashed on it, but that at least will not be unexpected.
Scanning a QR code on a manual post purchase doesn't provide LEGO much insight. Where did you obtain that manual? A five-finger discount? In the rubbish pile after a parts draft? Surreptitiously while "helping" a friend build? LEGO won't know.
The new name is basically borrowing from "Disney Movie Insiders", not sure if I like that.
I was just going through my manuals and noticed quite a few newer ones missing the bar code. Some of the Christmas sets, etc. Wonder why some don't have it?
@ickis said:
"Scanning a QR code on a manual post purchase doesn't provide LEGO much insight. Where did you obtain that manual? A five-finger discount? In the rubbish pile after a parts draft? Surreptitiously while "helping" a friend build? LEGO won't know."
I think those would be a pretty small fraction of cases.
@monkdude said:
"I was just going through my manuals and noticed quite a few newer ones missing the bar code. Some of the Christmas sets, etc. Wonder why some don't have it?"
Someone suggested that stuff like the “yellow box” sets that aren’t intended for mass market retail, but also aren’t fancy D2C sets, are exempt from the barcode program, possibly because, being exclusive to LEGO Brand Retail, anyone who bought a copy firsthand will have already earned points on the purchase. I don’t know how this works with Certified Stores, though.
Just picked up two sets for my boys yesterday. 76413 has the bar code on the front of the instructions, but 40649 does not. Wonder why that is. Got them at a Lego store, so I got some points for them anyway.
So what am I meant to do with my out of date LEGO VIP set? Will they send out free parts to create the missing letters to indicate I am now an Insider rather than a VIP? :-)
I wonder if they've got a lot of blue VIP keyrings to shift. I've still got a couple of codes for them that have, strictly speaking, expired (at 63 days old) but are still valid if entered. Not sure how strick they are normally with other VIP Rewards time limits.
@darkstonegrey said:
" @djcbs said:
"The new name is extremely dumb, and the program remains the same unworthy garbage that the VIP program had already become.
With the unjustifiable price hikes LEGO has been making (at the same time overall quality has gone down the toilette), buying directly from LEGO has long stopped being worth it. Plus, the GWP have become worse and worse.
On top of that, the cashback in VIP points is pathetic. And the points earned from violating your privacy and giving LEGO a comprehensive list of all the sets you buy even from outside LEGO aren't even worth the hassle of going through the process of registering.
This isn't what will make me go back to buying sets from LEGO monthly, at full price, like I used to."
No one is forcing you to scan your set instructions. Your level of privacy is completely within your control here."
Learn to read.
@sjr60 said:
"I wonder if they've got a lot of blue VIP keyrings to shift. I've still got a couple of codes for them that have, strictly speaking, expired (at 63 days old) but are still valid if entered. Not sure how strick they are normally with other VIP Rewards time limits."
The store gave me one a month or two ago. I never had a code for it, so maybe they were just trying to get rid of them.
Another time, an amployee was standing near the door with a box of leftover polybags, handing one to each person as they entered.
VIP sounded better imho. It would have been easier if one could just upload a BrickSet or Rebrickable inventory for points. With vintage stuff included.
This definitely could be an interesting data mining exercise for TLG. Knowing what people buy at LEGO online, and what they buy elsewhere.
@Wrecknbuild said:
"It would have been easier if one could just upload a BrickSet or Rebrickable inventory for points. With vintage stuff included."
Sure. Until the third time someone submits set listings claiming to own 2000 copies of 5004590.
@Klontjes said:
"So far (for me) the benefits of a Lego VIP membership are rather underwhelming. Earning and spending them is at least a lot more expensive than ignoring them and buying elsewhere.
Same goes for cataloguing; they would need to give out a lot of points to make it worth my while. Of course they'd be using them to create a profile (which in itself is fine), but I'm sceptic about Lego using and analysing that profile properly.
And, of course, with hundreds of sets (a small collection in my view), I'm fine with having just one site to keep track of my collection"
Not all instructions have a QR so brickset will remain number 1 for any collection
Hey @CapnRex101, of of curiosity: do you know if this new program is already live? Will you maybe report about first impressions and experiences?
So far I have scanned 54 instruction manual QR codes and another 2 more QR codes that haven't worked to give me any option other than building (rather than saving 20 points) which is odd. Enough scanning for today. will try again tomorrow with more manuals once I find them
Easy way to earn 1,080 points and counting. The process for scanning and redeeming points is pretty quick tbh.
Keeping records of which manuals I have scanned is easy too on Brickset having followed Huw's advice of using one of the eight custom checkboxes for that purpose.
https://brickset.com/profile/flagpreferences
The very first set instructions I grab to try this scan and there isn't a QR code anywhere to be seen. It's from 2022 "40521: Mini Disney The Haunted Mansion" anyone have any idea whey there's no QR for this?! Wondering if certain ones, maybe Disney, won't have them so I don't bother looking. Thanks!
@560heliport said:
" @ickis said:
"Scanning a QR code on a manual post purchase doesn't provide LEGO much insight. Where did you obtain that manual? A five-finger discount? In the rubbish pile after a parts draft? Surreptitiously while "helping" a friend build? LEGO won't know."
I think those would be a pretty small fraction of cases. "
All user data is going to be a little dirty, it's just part of the imperfect world and is expected in operations with experienced data analysts. Like heliport says, the "bad" sources will probably be quite a small portion of the users logging their legally purchased and stored manuals from the last four years and going forward from today. The point reward is a great way for LEGO to "purchase" more data from consumers that I'm sure will be fed into their machines that tell them which kind of sets to manufacture, what their price point should be and how many to make.
@kateknew said:
"The very first set instructions I grab to try this scan and there isn't a QR code anywhere to be seen. It's from 2022 "40521: Mini Disney The Haunted Mansion" anyone have any idea whey there's no QR for this?! Wondering if certain ones, maybe Disney, won't have them so I don't bother looking. Thanks!"
I don't have that set but I have QR codes on my other Disney and Lightyear movie sets. I've found that CMF, polybag sets, blister packs (like 40454 ) and Brickheadz don't have QR codes either. I'm guessing they don't want to shell out 20 points for the cheapest sets that people have probably stocked up on. The Stuntz sets I have don't have QR codes, so maybe they're in the same "cheap" category as polybags.
The process of scanning codes is pretty easy so far. I'm happy for free points.
Managed to scan my A Frame Cabin, then moved onto the 40650 LandRover, there's a QR code for sustainable packaging and a QR code for the usual survey but nothing else on those instructions!
Obviously going for the expensive sets only!
I only need to scan 750 QRcodea to get 15.000 points which is equal to 1000 NOK/$94 off/discount! (I´ve already started) ;)
2018 sets definitely have no QR Codes. It is for sets released after 2018, from 2019 onwards, and even so, no all the sets have QR codes.
@FARLANDER said:
"2018 sets definitely have no QR Codes. It is for sets released after 2018, from 2019 onwards, and even so, no all the sets have QR codes."
GWP and promotional sets have no QR Codes either.
Scanned and registered my sets today. Got enough for £5 discount. But £5 is £5. Some QR were tricky to scan, the QR reader just wouldn't read the code. Probably poor printing.
I do wonder what would happen if I sell the sets. Or if buy second hand set (which I do sometimes) and the set has already been registered.