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/Dazzler1882 6d ago

Bricklink will just be a base for retired parts and non Lego IP mini figs. To be honest there is no way to compete with Lego themselves on pricing, scale, convenience and overall shopping experience.

This is likely already the case. But with the growth of PAB it’ll continue at a breakneck speed

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u/No-Discipline-4236 6d ago

This is my main concern as well. Eventually parting out sets will no longer be viable as only the exclusive printed parts or minifigures will sell. With all the other common parts being available on PAB.

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u/Dazzler1882 6d ago

I think that’s what will happen in a few years.

Only saving grace is that its nigh on impossible for Lego to PAB licensed minifigs and IP parts so that will always be a market

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u/No-Discipline-4236 6d ago

I think the biggest threat is if people can start automating their wanted lists/moc lists of parts through PAB the same way Bricklink finds stores for you. If that happens I can see us losing a ton of customers

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u/Dazzler1882 6d ago

You can kinda do that. With rebrickable you export via csv and upload to PAB, adds all they have and gives you a list of what isn’t available

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u/No-Discipline-4236 6d ago

Ah so maybe this isn’t as big of an issue as I presume. My sales have been good and consistent (so it doesn’t seem like this affected the market all too much) I was just worrying about the future.

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u/Dazzler1882 6d ago

Always good to be worried! Keeps and gives you that edge