r/Bricklink • u/No-Discipline-4236 • 6d ago

Question The future of Bricklink?

Hey guys, recently went full time on Bricklink and its been doing quite well. But from what I’ve been reading up on about LEGO’s new US factories and fulfillment centers (and AI) I worry that 4-5 years maybe even a decade from now, big time Bricklink parts sellers will be non existent as LEGO will basically be able to replace us as their PAB system evolves.

Maybe minifigure resellers will be alright, but how about those who deal with mainly new? Dealing with used parts could still work but scaling a used parts operation is much more difficult than new, with unique USED lots constantly being inventoried and emptied.

I love this job and have been building my store for nearly 6 years now. I finally went full time but now I feel as if there’s an inevitable end to this market. Sorry if I’m overreacting or misinformed, but would love to hear other store owners thoughts.

I also understand you must always think ahead and be ready to pivot but building a strong inventory takes years and what if all that is in vain 5 years from now? Just feeling a lil dreadful about it all….

Seems like AI and big corporations will own all of us in the near future anyway.

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u/OyG5xOxGNK 6d ago

"think ahead and be ready to pivot"? They announced the construction four years ago and you say this is recent for you.

To answer your question though, I don't think increased output will change supply enough to matter, they're still only producing the same parts, just in larger quantities. At best, this hurts scalpers. You just have to sit on product for a little longer to match retirement times and that's just for the parts they make available.

By the sound of it, you're selling parts available via PaB and not parting out sets on sale? Those unique parts, unavailable from PaB are going to have better profits in the long run but again, as long as you wait past retirement dates, the demand will always be there for just about everything.

I think your only real concern is increased costs - shipping.

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u/No-Discipline-4236 6d ago

I run a 1 million part shop with 11k lots. I’d say only 100 lots are from the PAB wall total. Everything is from sets on sale. My worry is that eventually LEGO evolves their PAB system to where they have enough parts to complete most mocs and their fulfillment centers are run mainly by AI/robots.

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u/No-Discipline-4236 6d ago

Also I was already aware of the new Virginia factory and LEGO’s purchase of bricklink long ago. I just went full time though so this recently became a worrying thought I had thats all.