I Shouldn’t Have Waited
Last weekend I took my daughter to a swap meet (a local marketplace similar to a flea market, where people or “vendors” go to buy and sell new and used goods, usually at affordable prices) because she wanted to look for used items. We both share enjoyment in the hobby of refurbishing pre-owned items to either keep them because of the thrill of the hunt or flip them into a profit or into something else we want. She wanted to find a vintage purse or bag, and I was on the search for Lego. And I found it!
One seller at the swap meet had various items, mostly things I wasn’t interested in. But, on one table they had a Lego set that was sealed. It was a set that I wanted and shouldn’t have waited to buy from Lego before it retired. A white whale set if you will.
White Whale
A Lego “white whale" set” refers to a coveted and elusive set that you have been in search of, probably because you missed an opportunity to buy it when it was on retail shelves, and now it’s harder for you to find or pickup whether it’s because it’s retired or the secondary market prices are higher than you’re willing to pay.
It’s also this cute animal (Lego part number 49518pb02).
Back to the story.. The Lego set was Sanctum Sanctorum (76218). The set is from the Marvel theme, featuring Doctor Strange which is one of my favorite movies and heroes in the MCU. The set is 2,708 pieces and it’s built like a modular with a ton of details that every Marvel fan would appreciate like Dr. Strange’s cape and portals to alternative worlds. The set comes with 9 minifigures include Dr. Strange, Dead Strange, Ebony Maw, Iron Man, Karl Mordo, Sinister Strange, Spider-Man, The Scarlet With, and Wong.
I was a little surprised to see the Sanctum Sanctorum at the swap meet. First because it was retired, second because this seller had no other Lego at their spot/booth, and third because I hardly see sealed Lego sets at the swap meet let alone one this big. It was definitely a pleasant surprise. So, of course, I had to ask how much the seller wanted for it. What happened next is someone I’m sure we’re all familiar with. The seller pulled out their phone and checked eBay prices. They asked for $450.
I knew that this set was $250 RRP and although it was retired, I wasn’t willing to pay $200 above RRP. I said no and thanked them for their time. As I walked away, they said $400. I turned just to say no and thanked them again. I enjoy the hunt and am always on looking for the right price, so I had to move on. This set is awesome, but I’m also on a personal challenge of not buying Lego this entire year and that played a role in this.
It was definitely fun to see, but ultimately not worth it. At least not to me, but maybe there is another Lego fan out there that would buy it.
This is a reminder for all my fellow Lego fans: Don’t wait. If you want that Lego set, get it. If you see a Lego set you like at a great price, pick it up. Of course, don’t overspend. If you want to learn more about how to maximize your Lego budget check out Corey’s blog here.
My hope is that you have fun collecting Lego, whether you’re obtaining your White Whale set or you’re content with it being somewhere out there and you’ll find one day.
I’d love to hear about your White Whale Lego sets, so let me know in the comments below or tag me over on X. Thanks for reading!