How to spot a good LEGO deal

“30% off” tells you almost nothing on its own. A retailer can inflate a reference price, or discount a set that was overpriced to begin with. Here is the four-part check we run — the same logic behind every best-value verdict on this site.

1. Check the discount against RRP, not the “was” price

Compare the price to the manufacturer’s recommended retail price (RRP), not whatever crossed-out number the listing shows. A real deal is meaningfully below RRP. Anything at or above RRP is, at best, something to wait on.

2. Do the price-per-piece math

Divide the price by the piece count. Across modern sets, roughly $0.105 per piece is average. Below about $0.08 is excellent; above $0.16 is expensive for what you get. It is the fastest way to compare two sets of different sizes on equal footing — though licensed themes and big minifigure counts fairly command a premium.

3. Factor in retirement timing

A set that is retiring soon carries genuine last-chance pressure: once it’s gone from shelves, the only path is resale, usually at a markup. That can turn a so-so discount into a real buy. But retirement alone is not a reason to buy a set you don’t want.

4. Weigh rarity for keep-or-flip value

If you care about a set holding or growing in value, our Rarity Score is a better signal than gut feel. High-rarity sets that are also retiring are the classic appreciation candidates — but treat that as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Put together, those four checks are exactly what our verdict engine automates. When all four line up, you get a Buy. When they fight each other, you get a Wait — and that ambiguity is usually the honest answer.