bricklink.com

What is BrickLink.com?

BrickLink is an online marketplace dedicated to products from LEGO — sets, parts, minifigures (new or used). (bricklink.com) It’s aimed at fans, builders, resellers — anyone who wants individual pieces or retired sets.

How it works

  • Sellers set up “stores” on the platform; each has its own inventory, shipping terms, payment methods. (Wikipedia)

  • Buyers browse by parts, minifigs, sets — there’s a complete catalog of LEGO items listed. (bricklink.com)

  • Once you place an order: you’re bound by the seller’s terms (minimum purchase, shipping, payment method). For example: if the order total doesn’t meet the seller’s minimum buy amount, you’ll be prompted to add more items or abandon the cart. (bricklink.com)

  • After you receive the items you mark the order complete and leave feedback for the seller. (bricklink.com)

A brief history

  • Founded in 2000 by Dan Jezek (original name: “BrickBay” but changed due to legal issues with the “Bay”). (Wikipedia)

  • In 2013 acquired by a Hong Kong-based company under Korean entrepreneur Jung‑Ju “Jay” Kim. (Wikipedia)

  • On 26 November 2019 the LEGO Group acquired BrickLink. (LEGO Shop)

Why people use BrickLink

  • Large catalog: You can find parts that are no longer sold through LEGO’s own channels.

  • Community of adult fans and resellers: The site serves both casual builders and more advanced hobbyists.

  • Transparent market data: BrickLink provides “Price Guides” showing history of sales, which helps assess whether a listing’s reasonable. (Wikipedia)

  • For sellers: it gives you a platform specialized in LEGO, rather than a general marketplace.

Things to watch / tips

  • Shipping & condition vary a lot: Because many sellers are independent, you’ll need to check their terms, shipping cost, whether parts are used or new.

  • Minimums and combined shipping: Some stores enforce a minimum buy amount. If you add items after the order is already paid/packed/shipped you may end up with a new separate order. (bricklink.com)

  • Authenticity & condition: Especially for older or retired sets, make sure you understand what the seller means by “used”, “complete”, etc.

  • Account integration change: BrickLink is rolling out integration with LEGO Accounts (from the LEGO Group) scheduled for September 18, 2025. After that you’ll log in using a LEGO account, usernames/display names may change, and you’ll have until December 31, 2025 to merge. (bricklink.com)

  • Pricing can vary wildly: Because sellers set their own prices and buyers may pay premium for rare items. The “used vs new”, “sealed vs loose”, “minifig condition” all matter.

  • Store reviews and feedback matter: Like any marketplace, checking seller ratings helps reduce risk.

  • Cross-border shipping & customs: Since it’s global, shipping times and costs may be higher, customs/taxes may apply depending where you are.

Recent/important updates

  • The LEGO Account integration: As of late 2025 users must merge their BrickLink account with a LEGO account, or risk deactivation post-December 31, 2025. (bricklink.com)

  • Continued community focus: Even though LEGO owns BrickLink, they emphasise the independent spirit and the adult fan community. (LEGO Shop)

Use cases & examples

  • You build your own custom LEGO model, need specific parts (rare colours, specialized bricks) — you search on BrickLink for those pieces rather than buying a whole set.

  • You collect minifigures from discontinued themes; BrickLink gives access to smaller sellers worldwide.

  • You resell unused LEGO sets or parts: you open a store on BrickLink, list items, manage inventory/shipping.

  • You evaluate a set’s market value: By checking price history in the price guide you can judge if a listing is under- or over-priced.

Key takeaways

  • BrickLink is a specialized marketplace focused on LEGO parts, minifigs and sets, both new and used.

  • It’s been around since 2000, became part of LEGO Group in 2019.

  • Offers large catalog plus features like price history, seller stores, global reach.

  • Users need to mind shipping, condition, seller terms, and upcoming account changes.

  • Great tool for builders, collectors, and resellers — but it’s not entirely the same as buying direct from LEGO in terms of guarantees.

FAQ

Q: Is BrickLink official LEGO store?
A: No. While the site is owned by the LEGO Group, BrickLink is a marketplace hosting many independent sellers rather than a store run entirely by LEGO.

Q: Can I buy used parts on BrickLink?
A: Yes — listings can be new or used. The catalog covers both. (bricklink.com)

Q: How do I know a seller is trustworthy?
A: Check their feedback score, how many transactions they’ve done, read their terms (minimum purchase, shipping cost, condition of items).

Q: Does BrickLink ship worldwide?
A: Generally yes — because sellers are global — but shipping cost/time will vary by seller and destination.

Q: My BrickLink account — will it change because of the LEGO Account integration?
A: Yes. From September 18, 2025 you will need to merge your BrickLink account with a LEGO Account. Display names, login process, and terms/conditions will change. If you don’t merge by December 31, 2025 your account may be deactivated. (bricklink.com)

Q: Is pricing on BrickLink fair?
A: It depends. Some items are very fairly priced; others (especially rare pieces/sets) command premiums. Use the price guide/history to judge.

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