Why Second-Hand Boxed LEGO® Sets are Worth More

How many LEGO® sets have you owned over the years? And out of those, how many have you kept? And finally, out of those LEGO® sets that you have kept on shelves or hidden away in a cupboard, still have their original boxes? This is the question we pose to you because today, we are looking at why the boxes your LEGO® sets come in are so important.

In this article, we will explore questions like why the original packaging of a LEGO® set impacts its value, how to look after your LEGO® set boxes, and how you can sell your boxed LEGO® sets. By the end of this article, we hope to have imparted on you the importance of a LEGO® set's original packaging so you can ensure that you get the most value out of your sets, regardless of how old they are.

The Purpose of the LEGO® Box

Every new LEGO® set that you buy comes in a box; it's just a given, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? Why don’t they just put all the bricks into a bag instead? At this point, you might be thinking, “Well, that would be stupid”, and you would probably be right. It would be odd, so let's explore why and discover how a cardboard box is more than just packaging.

A LEGO® set’s box has four key functions: transportation, organisation, attraction, and information. Let's break these functions down:

Transportation: The purely practical function of a box is for safe and easy transportation; to ensure the LEGO® sets arrive on your doorstep in good nick with all their pieces.

Organisation: Most LEGO® sets start out as just a jumble of seemingly random pieces that, without the instructions, would most likely stay that way (unless of course you are some sort LEGO® wizard who can build sets without the instructions), but for the vast majority, the boxes sets come in act as way of organising the bricks to make the building process a easier.

Attraction: To put it simply, the boxes look pretty. It’s no mystery that LEGO® sets invoke a feeling of nostalgia and childlike glee, whether they are sitting proudly on a shelf at home or in a shop. It’s no wonder so much effort is put into designing every single box.

Information: The last function of a LEGO® box is its most overlooked; every LEGO® set box is packed with information about the set it contains, giving you information on:

• Number of pieces
• The difficulty rating
• The size of the set
• What it contains
• Some back story
• Pictures of the finished sets
• and much more

Why People Prefer the Original Box

Now that we have established the purpose of a LEGO® set box, you should understand why fans prefer the original box over repackaged sets or no box at all. Much like the bricks themselves:

Completeness: Often, the collectability of something will depend heavily on its completeness, and this is especially true for LEGO® sets, and in order for a set to be complete, it needs its box. As we touched on earlier, the box a LEGO® set comes in is more than just a parcel; it's part of the set, and LEGO® collectors will seek out sets still with their original boxes, even if the sets have been built.

Proof of Authenticity: Authenticity is a huge factor when it comes to all collectables, and having the original packaging is a great way to alleviate any doubts about its authenticity. This is true for LEGO® sets too, original boxes often feature unique markers that can help collectors identify authenticity.

Aesthetic: Let’s face it, LEGO® sets have a certain appeal; even before they are made, they make for a very attractive addition to any shelf. So, for collectors who prefer complete sets, anything less than the original packaging is not good enough.

If you want to know more about how original boxes affect the value of your LEGO® sets, visit the rest of our blog!

Tips for Keeping LEGO® Boxes in Good Condition

Condition will have a massive impact on the value that original packaging brings to a LEGO® set. It's no good having a tattered piece of cardboard that once identified as a box. Check out this quick guide to help you keep your original packaging in tip-top condition:

Handle with Care: First of all, handle your boxes with as much care as you would your completed LEGO® sets; scratches, dents, and scuffs can all impact value.

Keep out of sunlight: If possible, try to keep your boxes away from direct sunlight to avoid any discoloration of the artwork.

Keep dry: To avoid water damage or mould, make sure you keep all your boxes dry. If they ever get wet, make sure to carefully wipe them down with a paper towel and hang them up to dry thoroughly. Ensure they are stored in a dry place as well to stop the build-up of moisture in the cardboard.

Avoid stacking: Try not to pile heavy things on your LEGO® set boxes; otherwise, they could end up becoming misshapen and damaged.

Don’t repack built LEGO® sets: A mistake that many LEGO® fans make is putting fully or partially built sets back into their boxes, which can lead to the box being damaged from the inside.

How to Store LEGO® Set Box

One of the biggest issues with keeping LEGO® boxes is space, as with all empty boxes, they take up a lot of dead space. So, what is the solution? It’s simple; all you need to do is carefully flatten all your boxes and stack them neatly

Where you keep your boxes is up to you, but ensure they are kept somewhere dry, away from sunlight, and out of reach of prying hands to keep them safe.

The better the condition the box is, the more value it brings to the set, so make sure you carefully flatten your boxes using the existing fold lines and carefully remove any stickers, keeping the box closed to avoid ripping or removing any paint.

What’s next? It's now up to you to decide what you want to do with all your old LEGO® boxes. Whether you want to sell your sets or keep them around for display purposes, looking after your old LEGO® set boxes is never a bad idea.

Armed with the knowledge of how and why original boxes boost the secondhand value of your LEGO® sets, its now up to you to decide what to do with them – keep them safe by flattening them down and securely storing them away, or continue to recycle them, the choice is yours. If you choose to keep them, remember to store them…

• Flat
• Dry
• Away from sunlight
• And out of reach

Why not see how much your boxed LEGO® sets are worth right now! It only takes a few seconds. Search for your set in the homepage search bar, tell us if it has a box, and we’ll give you an instant quote with zero fees, or a sign-up required. And don’t forget WeBuyBricks will always pay more for a set if it has its original box.