Authentic LEGO packaging for Minifigures Series 1. Note the presence of the LEGO logo.
Knockoff alert! The packaging looks like LEGO, but these “minifigures” are NOT genuine LEGO. Note the missing LEGO logo.
Searching for authentic LEGO minifigures can sometimes be a bit of challenge. Some clones (i.e. LEGO knockoffs), counterfeits and custom figures look strikingly similar to the iconic LEGO minifigure. Here are a few tips on how and where to buy genuine LEGO minifigures.
1. Buy directly from LEGO
If you live near a LEGO store (lucky you!) you can buy minifigures from the build your own minifigure stand. You or your kids can mix and match a variety of headgear, heads, torsos, legs and accessories in order to assemble your very own LEGO minifigure. Kids have tons of fun with the build your own minifig stand. Prices and available LEGO parts vary.
Also, you can search for “LEGO Minifigures” on LEGO.com to find their current minifigure offerings.
2. Use caution when buying minifigures on eBay
Ebay is a mixed bag. You’ll be able to purchase a variety of authentic LEGO minifigures on eBay. Unfortunately, eBay also features a variety of knockoffs and custom items. Read the item’s title and listing carefully. If the listing uses terms like “custom” or “LEGO like”, then that figure is NOT LEGO! Always check the seller’s recent feedback comments before buying.
If you buy an item advertised as LEGO and receive a fake, open a case in eBay’s Resolution Center and select “I received an item that does not match the seller’s description”.
3. Try Bricklink.com or BrickOwl.com
Bricklink and BrickOwl are online marketplaces similar to eBay except that users on both sites sell and buy LEGO pieces (BrickLink was actually originally called BrickBay until eBay issued a cease and desist letter!). A few sellers offer custom items on the site, but the item should clearly state custom in the title. The vast majority of the items for sale on Bricklink and BrickOwl should be official LEGO product. Since they are marketplaces and you will be buying from individual sellers, always check the seller’s feedback and reputation before placing an order, just as you would on eBay.
4. Sometimes buying a LEGO set is the same price or cheaper than buying the minifigures
I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but sometimes you can actually save money by buying a set instead of the individual minifigures, especially on sets under $20 or so. Strange but true. This is not a hard and fast rule, but something to consider before buying minifigures. You can use the extra LEGO pieces for other projects or sell spare on sites like eBay, BrickLink or BrickOwl to help you pay for the minifigures.
5. Check out the LEGO Minifigures Series’
LEGO produces lines of individual minifigs sealed inside mystery bags. As of the writing of this article, the current line is LEGO Minifigures, Series 13. You can find the individually wrapped mystery bags at some retail store, like Target. You can also check LEGO.com, eBay, BrickLink and BrickOwl. Make sure the bag your are buying says LEGO. If the bag or box doesn’t say LEGO, then the minifigure is NOT LEGO.