The Best Places to Buy Used LEGO: A Complete Guide for Smart Builders

Buying used LEGO is one of the best ways to grow your collection without spending a fortune. Whether you're building custom MOCs, hunting for rare pieces, or stocking up on bulk bricks for creative play, the secondhand market offers incredible value — if you know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top places to buy used LEGO, what to watch out for, and how you can add fresh parts to your collection every month through a subscription box like BrickFrens.

Why Buy Used LEGO?

Used LEGO has become increasingly popular among hobbyists and families because it offers:

• Huge savings compared to buying new sets

• More variety, especially in bulk lots

• Access to retired sets and rare pieces

• Perfect starter material for MOC builders

• A sustainable way to enjoy the hobby

Most LEGO pieces are built to last. When cleaned and sorted properly, used bricks can feel almost brand new.

1. Local Marketplace Listings

Local listings are some of the best places to find large, affordable bulk lots.

Where to Check:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Craigslist

• Community selling pages

• Local parent groups

Why It’s Great:

• No shipping costs

• Chance to inspect items before buying

• Often the cheapest source of large quantities

Tips:

Look for listings from parents clearing out old collections — these often include mixed bricks, minifigures, and even partially completed sets at low prices.

2. Online Auction Sites

Online auctions offer access to rare pieces, bulk lots, and entire collections.

Best Platforms:

• eBay

• Goodwill Auctions

• ShopGoodwill

Why It’s Great:

• Large selection

• Rare or retired items appear frequently

• You can score big deals during low-traffic bidding times

Tips:

Always check seller reviews and inspect photos closely to avoid buying fake or incompatible bricks.

3. LEGO-Focused Resale Stores

Some shops specialize in reselling LEGO only — both online and in physical locations.

Where to Look:

• BrickLink

• Brick Owl

• LEGO-specific resale stores (many cities have them)

Why It’s Great:

• Pieces categorized by part, color, and theme

• Easier to find specific bricks or minifigures

• Often professionally cleaned and sorted

Tips:

Use this option when you need specific parts for a build rather than bulk pieces.

4. Thrift Stores and Yard Sales

These take patience, but they can deliver incredible finds.

Places to Check:

• Goodwill

• Salvation Army

• Yard and garage sales

• Local charity shops

Why It’s Great:

• Prices can be extremely low

• Occasional rare sets or minifigs in the mix

• Surprise-filled “treasure hunt” experience

Tips:

Bring a small bag to test for real LEGO — genuine LEGO has the logo on every stud.

5. Bulk Used LEGO Sellers

Some companies specialize in selling large amounts of used LEGO by the pound.

Why It’s Great:

• Perfect for builders who want lots of pieces

• Often cleaned and inspected

• Cheaper per pound than buying new

Tips:

Great for MOC creators, kids who build constantly, or anyone starting a large collection.

6. LEGO Conventions and Swap Meets

Events are great for meeting sellers and finding unique parts.

Why It’s Great:

• Huge amount of parts, figures, and rare pieces

• Ability to negotiate prices

• Fun community atmosphere

Tips:

Arrive early — the best deals go fast.

7. Subscription Boxes (BrickFrens)

Website: https://brickfrens.com

While not “used,” monthly LEGO-style subscription boxes are one of the best supplements to used LEGO buying — especially if you want variety without hunting through listings.

BrickFrens delivers a monthly mystery box of LEGO-compatible pieces plus a mystery minifigure, giving you:

• A steady supply of new parts

• Pieces perfect for rebuilding or expanding used lots

• Fun monthly themes

• A less time-consuming way to grow your brick collection

It’s a great way to balance the unpredictability of used LEGO with the excitement of curated builds.

How to Clean Used LEGO

No matter where you buy them, used bricks should be cleaned before entering your collection.

Quick Cleaning Method:

• Place pieces in a mesh bag

• Wash in warm, soapy water

• Air-dry thoroughly

• Avoid extremely hot water (it can warp bricks)

This makes your used LEGO feel nearly new again.

My Final Thoughts

Building a LEGO collection doesn’t have to be expensive. From local marketplace listings to online auctions and specialty stores, the used LEGO market is full of opportunities to grow your collection affordably and creatively.

And if you want a fun, convenient way to add new parts and minifigures each month, consider pairing your used LEGO hunts with a subscription box like BrickFrens for an always-fresh stream of pieces.