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Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
You pass on.
What happens to your LEGO collection?
Many of us have collections well into the thousands, and some of us have well
into the hundreds of thousands of pieces.
I'd imagine that most of us would bequeath our collection to kids/relatives, but
what if you know that no one in your family is interested in your collection?
To not put a strain on your family, you have to come up with something before
you pass on.
As well, you know that if your collection is sold in an estate auction, your
family won't get anything close to what your collection's worth.
I have these thoughts because of a situation I'm finding myself in--a friend
lost her husband and now is left with quite a large collection of LEGO bricks
and really doesn't know what to do with them. I'm trying to help in any way I
can. It would be nice if the collection went to another fan of the brick.
However, most of my LEGO friends already have substantial collections and/or
aren't interested in buying another huge collection. And there is the cost--I
mean, fair market value of a collection--how do you judge that? As well, if
it's a huge collection, who has thousands of dollars of disposable income to buy
the collection outright? I was thinking that if a few of my LEGO friends were
to go in on this, that we could buy the collection and divide it amongst
ourselves. But would that work?
For myself--though only 40, I've been thinking about what would happen to my 300
thousand+ collection should something happen to me--my LEGO collection being the
only thing that I own that is worth something, but it's a labour of love--so
what to do? I would hate to see my collection just pawned off on someone, or
sold piece by piece to others.
I think that as the general population of the AFOL community ages, these types
of issues may become more prevalent.
I'm pretty thankful that my friends have voiced their concern for my collection
should I pass on. They've stated that they'd find a 'good home' for all my
pieces :)
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
| |
Not going to be morbid or anything, but here’s the scenario--
You pass on.
What happens to your LEGO collection?
|
Simple. Procreate:-) Or will it to relatives with kids or who are young adults
that will be having kids (assuming loose bricks)
If you are talking MOCs, they could be saved as heirlooms, or sold off on eBay.
Sad to think about; thanks, Dave. X( :-)
JOHN
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, John Neal wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> > Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
> >
> > You pass on.
> >
> > What happens to your LEGO collection?
>
> Simple. Procreate:-) Or will it to relatives with kids or who are young
> adults that will be having kids (assuming loose bricks)
I have plenty of younger relatives/friends that would love my collection! My
personal issue is how to divvy it up!
> If you are talking MOCs, they could be saved as heirlooms, or sold off on
> eBay.
Eh, i'm not a great builder and am not particularly attached to anyhitng I've
built.
>
> Sad to think about; thanks, Dave. X( :-)
Anything for you, John--you know that. :)
>
> [JOHN]
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
>
> You pass on.
>
> What happens to your LEGO collection?
I'd make sure that the majority goes to the GMLTC. Of course they'd probably be
cursing my name as they finished the sorting I never got around to doing, but
they'd have a lot more bricks to build with.
JohnG, GMLTC
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, John Gerlach wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> > Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
> >
> > You pass on.
> >
> > What happens to your LEGO collection?
>
> I'd make sure that the majority goes to the GMLTC. Of course they'd probably be
> cursing my name as they finished the sorting I never got around to doing, but
> they'd have a lot more bricks to build with.
>
> JohnG, GMLTC
I so hear that. The sorting thing is my best procrastination endeavour!
Would I give my collection to rtlT? Bunch of ingrates don't deserve it!! :p
I dunno--I'm sure things'll change between now and then, but my collection would
be divided between family and friends. I think I have enough to make many
people happy
Thanks for the response
Dave K
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Good question - hey I turned 40 last year too, but I have kids who will get it
all.
There are choices for those without an obvious beneficiary but first you have
ask the really tough question: does the estate need the value of the collection
in cash?
I am sure that there are lots of BL sellers or local LUGs who would buy a
collection for cash if that was needed but if cash is not a concern for the
estate then the possibilities get really interesting.
It might be possible, depending on your state/provincial laws to receive a tax
receipt for a charitable donation to a museum, local schools(s), recreation
center, homeless shelter, or other charitable organization. It might actually be
the highest value available and in some jurisdictions I believe it might really
help to reduce any tax burden against the estate.
If there is no concern for $$ value in any form why not donate it to your local
LUG with stipulations as to it’s disposal? They could sell it to individual
members or auction it off at a brick convention and donate the proceeds to a
charity. They could use some or all of it for club layouts and children’s build
areas. They could be required to donate it in smaller lots to something like
Toys for Tots/ Santa’s Anonymous (with some appropriate packaging.) After school
programs, day cares, transition houses, any place that looks after kids, would
appreciate a pile of LEGO donated by a LUG on behalf of the deceased.
If those I left behind didn’t need the money and didn’t want the LEGO I would
hope they would be pleased to receive a “Thank You” card from Ms. Blondie’s
grade five class with a picture of a class project using the LEGO or to see a
plaque at the Brick Museum in Ohio with a
“Thank You” message.
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Ted Godwin wrote:
> Good question - hey I turned 40 last year too, but I have kids who will get
> it all.
>
> There are choices for those without an obvious beneficiary but first you have
> ask the really tough question: does the estate need the value of the
> collection in cash?
<snip>
> If those I left behind didn't need the money and didn't want the LEGO I would
> hope they would be pleased to receive a "Thank You" card from Ms. Blondie's
> grade five class with a picture of a class project using the LEGO or to see a
> plaque at the <http://danstoymuseum.blogspot.com/ Brick Museum> in Ohio with
> a "Thank You" message.
I'm going to print this and give it to my friend--these are fantastic
suggestions! I didn't even think about the donation route.
Thanks Ted!
Dave K
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We have a nice place for collections;
Bellaire Ohio Toy and Brick Museum.
4597 Noble St.
Bellaire, OH 43906.
740-671-8890.
.
If anyone want to donate brick, we have a HUGE pile in the community room for
people to build with as well.
We have monthly building contests, and a nice showcase for individual work
www.brickmuseum.net if you want to see your work on the websight
or in person at the above address
Dan
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
>
> You pass on.
>
> What happens to your LEGO collection?
Anything I own will be left to my kids and wife. What they do with it will be
up to them. If they don't want my collection, I'd like to think that they'd
donate it to a local day care so that other kids can enjoy it.
-Elroy
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Elroy Davis wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> > Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
> >
> > You pass on.
> >
> > What happens to your LEGO collection?
>
> Anything I own will be left to my kids and wife. What they do with it will be
> up to them. If they don't want my collection, I'd like to think that they'd
> donate it to a local day care so that other kids can enjoy it.
>
> -Elroy
When I have kids, Im sure that'll make this issue go away--the kids'll get the
collection.
My friend is quite specific--she wants the collection to go to people who will
appreciate it. I can see the feelings in that--Since my LEGO hobby has always
been a labour of love, having passed that on to someone else who appreciates it
is important.
Thanks!
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> My friend is quite specific--she wants the collection to go to
> people who will appreciate it... having passed that on to someone
> else who appreciates it is important.
I agree, and it's one of the reasons I'd go for donating it in portions to
different groups. To my way of thinking right now having little pieces of my
collection used in MOCs literally all over the world, well... it's a little bit
like pieces of me living on.
OK, that sounded amazingly sappy. But I actually like the idea of "recycling" on
that scale. I'd much rather have my body feed a tree than sit embalmed in a wood
coffin sealed inside a concrete liner, in a vain attempt to segregate the last
bit of me from the environment I was constantly exchanging parts with when I was
alive. Likewise, "recycling" my collection into the hands of people who will
build yet new things with it... yeah, I like that idea.
'Course, in my case my kids will almost certainly end up with most of it.
Probably... actually hopefully... before I die :).
--
Brian Davis
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Brian Davis wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
>
> > My friend is quite specific--she wants the collection to go to
> > people who will appreciate it... having passed that on to someone
> > else who appreciates it is important.
>
> I agree, and it's one of the reasons I'd go for donating it in portions to
> different groups. To my way of thinking right now having little pieces of my
> collection used in MOCs literally all over the world, well... it's a little bit
> like pieces of me living on.
>
> OK, that sounded amazingly sappy. But I actually like the idea of "recycling" on
> that scale. I'd much rather have my body feed a tree than sit embalmed in a wood
> coffin sealed inside a concrete liner, in a vain attempt to segregate the last
> bit of me from the environment I was constantly exchanging parts with when I was
> alive. Likewise, "recycling" my collection into the hands of people who will
> build yet new things with it... yeah, I like that idea.
>
> 'Course, in my case my kids will almost certainly end up with most of it.
> Probably... actually hopefully... before I die :).
See, it did it again. the double-dash omits text in the reply. Ooooh!!! If I
only knew that in all my off-topic debate posts! I could have really convoluted
the discussions! Grrr!!
I'll probably have my collection divided amongst family and friends so that all
my relatives who want some will have some. I think I have enough to accomodate
them all.
I'm for cremation myself. I'm not one with the rotting inside a box for a long
time. Of course, I'm dead so it won't matter either way. I think in this
instance, society has to take on that whole klingon 'the warrior is gone, all
that's left is an empty shell--do with as you please'. Me, I won't be in that
pile of chemicals anymore--what do I care what happens to it.
Eh, morbid thoughts.
Better note is that, as you say, I'll make others happy by them getting parts of
my collection--that's what's important for me.
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
>
> You pass on.
>
> What happens to your LEGO collection?
I asked my wife once (10 years younger than me) and she said garage sale. I
have tried to convince her otherwise, hopefully.
John P
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, John Patterson wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> > Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
> >
> > You pass on.
> >
> > What happens to your LEGO collection?
>
> I asked my wife once (10 years younger than me) and she said garage sale. I
> have tried to convince her otherwise, hopefully.
> John P
Every once in a while you hear someone talk about FOTM at a garage sale... I
hope thats not your place down the road!
The wife and I are startign the talks regarding wills and such. To save her the
headaches, I'll get something written up regarding the collection.
This experience has been a bit of a thought provoking adventure.
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> This experience has been a bit of a thought provoking adventure.
You want thought-provoking, try having offspring. Life (& the chance of it
ending) take on a whole new look...
--
Brian Davis (who also caves, rockclimbs, and similar
not-for-the-liability-squemish activities)
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Brian Davis wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
>
> > This experience has been a bit of a thought provoking adventure.
>
> You want thought-provoking, try having offspring. Life (& the chance of it
> ending) take on a whole new look...
--
Brian Davis (who also caves, rockclimbs, and similar
not-for-the-liability-squemish activities)
Two things.... well, 3 things actually...
1. for the first time, LUGNET caught me off-guard. When I went to reply to this
message, the double dash and all text below from Brian's post was omitted in the
field above. I copied and pasted it here so I could make my
ever-so-cute-by-half rejoiner. Just thought that it was odd that hte text
disappeared.
2. having nephews and nieces, I'm sure my collection will go to a good home.
As well, we shall see if I have any brats of my own to take over the hobby.
Either way, my collection's in good hands.
3. I scuba dive. That's about it. I was once into mountainbiking, but the
body's a little too old for all that jouncing and bouncing. Diving is much more
relaxing.
Thanks Brian!
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, John Patterson wrote:
> > In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> > > Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
> > >
> > > You pass on.
> > >
> > > What happens to your LEGO collection?
> >
> > I asked my wife once (10 years younger than me) and she said garage sale. I
> > have tried to convince her otherwise, hopefully.
> > John P
>
> Every once in a while you hear someone talk about FOTM at a garage sale... I
> hope thats not your place down the road!
>
> The wife and I are startign the talks regarding wills and such. To save her the
> headaches, I'll get something written up regarding the collection.
>
> This experience has been a bit of a thought provoking adventure.
>
> Dave K
Stacy and I have thought about this quite a bit as our collection continues to
grow and grow. We don't plan to have any children so that's not really an
option. In all likelihood, we will end up donating it somewhere. Be it a
museum, school, LEGO Train Club, LEGO Users Group, etc. Or perhaps one of our
siblings will have a child who is as crazy about LEGO as we are who we will give
it too.
The bottom line is that we want our collection to go to someone who will really,
really enjoy and treasure it. Not some Ebay punk who is just out to make a
buck.
Share the LEGO love. :-)
-Dave & Stacy
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Dave Sterling wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> > In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, John Patterson wrote:
> > > In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> > > > Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
> > > >
> > > > You pass on.
> > > >
> > > > What happens to your LEGO collection?
> > >
> > > I asked my wife once (10 years younger than me) and she said garage sale. I
> > > have tried to convince her otherwise, hopefully.
> > > John P
> >
> > Every once in a while you hear someone talk about FOTM at a garage sale... I
> > hope thats not your place down the road!
> >
> > The wife and I are startign the talks regarding wills and such. To save her the
> > headaches, I'll get something written up regarding the collection.
> >
> > This experience has been a bit of a thought provoking adventure.
> >
> > Dave K
>
> Stacy and I have thought about this quite a bit as our collection continues to
> grow and grow. We don't plan to have any children so that's not really an
> option. In all likelihood, we will end up donating it somewhere. Be it a
> museum, school, LEGO Train Club, LEGO Users Group, etc. Or perhaps one of our
> siblings will have a child who is as crazy about LEGO as we are who we will give
> it too.
>
> The bottom line is that we want our collection to go to someone who will really,
> really enjoy and treasure it. Not some Ebay punk who is just out to make a
> buck.
>
> Share the LEGO love. :-)
>
> -Dave & Stacy
Actually We did up a will where my wife and I leave everything to our grandchild
if we should go soon. My sister in law is our exectoress and I have left her
$10,000 plus 10% to sell it on ebay and the proceeds goes to the granddaughter.
If I am alive in 10 years I will sell it myself on ebay. That would be the
easiest for everyone and then my Lego room becomes a media room.
I really think that it is wise to have it ennumeriated in a will. I know of
many people who have died and their heirs go through everything they have taking
this and taking that. If it is a substantial collection it should be willed to
someone or some enity.
John P
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, John Patterson wrote:
<snip>
>
> Actually We did up a will where my wife and I leave everything to our grandchild
> if we should go soon. My sister in law is our exectoress and I have left her
> $10,000 plus 10% to sell it on ebay and the proceeds goes to the granddaughter.
> If I am alive in 10 years I will sell it myself on ebay. That would be the
> easiest for everyone and then my Lego room becomes a media room.
> I really think that it is wise to have it ennumeriated in a will. I know of
> many people who have died and their heirs go through everything they have taking
> this and taking that. If it is a substantial collection it should be willed to
> someone or some enity.
> John P
For myself, I'm probably going to go this particular route. Get it in writing
and hopefully leave less aggravation for those I love. When it comes to
expensive items that aren't covered in wills, I've heard lots of horror stories
over the years--families breaking up and such. I highly doubt that this would
happen over my LEGO collection, but I'd rather have everythign squared away
beforehand.
I have nephews and nieces that are interested at the moment, but I plan on
living for another 40ish years--they may not be interested in the future. But
that's were modifications to the will come in. It'll evolve over time.
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Dave Sterling wrote:
<snip>
> The bottom line is that we want our collection to go to someone who will really,
> really enjoy and treasure it. Not some Ebay punk who is just out to make a
> buck.
>
> Share the LEGO love. :-)
>
> -Dave & Stacy
That's what my friend wants--that her husbands collection go to someone that
will appreciate it.
I'll see her this weekend and give her all these ideas.
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
> Not going to be morbid or anything, but here's the scenario--
>
> You pass on.
>
> What happens to your LEGO collection?
Hi Dave:
Sorry to hear of your friend's passing.
This very subject has crossed my mind a few times. As you say, with our AFOL
community aging, it will eventually become a very relevant topic. And it is the
sort of thing we would be best off planning ahead for.
Many of the suggestions in this thread are excellent options to consider.
One additional idea I have thought of... actually it has just been an unformed
notion out of reach of my consciousness ...is that maybe we as a community might
somehow create a charity that specifically sells or auctions off collections
donated by deceased AFOL's estates. In turn, the charity would donate funds
raised through the sales to existing charities that relate to children, playing,
imagination, or education (kind of like how the United Way divides the funds it
raises to different charity organizations). Also, perhaps the initial donation
of the collection would warrant some tax benefit to the deceased's estate. And
of course, an aging AFOL can choose to donate brick or sets at any time before
their death (say, if they want to retire from the hobby, see someone benefit
from their charity, and then spend their final days with their family). ...In
theory, after enough money had been raised, the org might re-invest some of it
to developing programs and grants to raise funds through means other than just
collections of our deceased friends.
Like I said though, I have not fully formed this idea. I have no idea how we as
a community would go about it, what legal considerations there might be, how
much work it would require, and who might actually perform that work.
But your thoughts inspired me to share mine. If anyone out there wants to pick
up my torch and run with it, perhaps our community can have one more dimension
to it...
-Hendo
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What a fantastic idea! Maybe not a formal charity to start with but a group of
people that volunteer to do things like run benefit auctions or "vendor" tables
at brick events with the proceeds donated to a stated charity.
It could start out as a guild/company/fraternity of like-minded people with time
to volunteer. Hmmm, sounds like I am signing myself up for some volunteer hours
at BrickCon in October...
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Ted Godwin wrote:
> What a fantastic idea! Maybe not a formal charity to start with but a group of
> people that volunteer to do things like run benefit auctions or "vendor" tables
> at brick events with the proceeds donated to a stated charity.
>
> It could start out as a guild/company/fraternity of like-minded people with time
> to volunteer. Hmmm, sounds like I am signing myself up for some volunteer hours
> at BrickCon in October...
I concur. It's a fantastic idea. Hard to implement, but we'll see what
happens.
Dave K
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, John P. Henderson wrote:
<snip>
> But your thoughts inspired me to share mine. If anyone out there wants to pick
> up my torch and run with it, perhaps our community can have one more dimension
> to it...
>
> -Hendo
That's a good start to an idea that may come to fruition as our fan base
increases.
Thanks for the idea!
Dave K
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Good question.
Age is irrelevant.
Death can come to any of us, at any time. That car that decided to ignore that
red traffic light might just make your Lego collection suddenly without a owner.
I have no kids, and since the majority of my collection is comprised of old,
large, discontinued sets (around 260), I would absolutely HATE for it to be
pawned off in one big lot to some "ebay punk" (thanks to the other person who
coined it first on this topic) for less than a quarter of its real value most
likely (I'd probably roll over in my grave), and like most people here, I would
prefer my collection went to someone who truly appreciated it.
Since none of my closest friends are Lego fans, I guess my collection would go
to relatives. My brother has a 6 year old boy and 3 year old girl. The boy likes
to play with Lego now and then, but at this age I doubt he would appreciate the
full scope of my vast technic collection, some with sets dating from the 70's.
Even more doubtful for my niece, who's mostly into dolls and playhouses.
So, I guess I would tell my brother and my parents, let the nephew take the sets
he wants/he's most likely to play with in the future, and sell the rest on
BRICKLINK, set by set, and the rest of my spare parts, brick by brick if they
have the time, or in one big lot if they don't.. That's the best way to get most
of the real value. Screw Feebay.
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Stephane Simard wrote:
> Good question.
>
> Age is irrelevant.
> Death can come to any of us, at any time. That car that decided to ignore that
> red traffic light might just make your Lego collection suddenly without a owner.
all too true.
> I have no kids, and since the majority of my collection is comprised of old,
> large, discontinued sets (around 260), I would absolutely HATE for it to be
> pawned off in one big lot to some "ebay punk" (thanks to the other person who
> coined it first on this topic) for less than a quarter of its real value most
> likely (I'd probably roll over in my grave), and like most people here, I would
> prefer my collection went to someone who truly appreciated it.
That's what I'm hoping for.
>
> Since none of my closest friends are Lego fans, I guess my collection would go
> to relatives. My brother has a 6 year old boy and 3 year old girl. The boy likes
> to play with Lego now and then, but at this age I doubt he would appreciate the
> full scope of my vast technic collection, some with sets dating from the 70's.
> Even more doubtful for my niece, who's mostly into dolls and playhouses.
>
> So, I guess I would tell my brother and my parents, let the nephew take the sets
> he wants/he's most likely to play with in the future, and sell the rest on
> BRICKLINK, set by set, and the rest of my spare parts, brick by brick if they
> have the time, or in one big lot if they don't.. That's the best way to get most
> of the real value. Screw Feebay.
I hear that. Though I am in a buying mood right now and am buying sets/pieces
on eBay to enhance my collection.
I was once in the mind that I didn't want my pieces to be sold on eBay *ever*,
but now considering the expanding collection in the basement, it's time to
winnow out what I don't need. Bricklink is an alternative (I'm working on
setting up a store--honest!), but eBay is looking like another good venue. You
can't believe how many 2x2 bricks of various colours I own that I'll *never*
use. Better to go to cash so I can buy more of the bricks I will use.
Though all this said, it does go against my fundamental lazy nature and
eBaying/BrickLinking requires at least some effort.
Eh, we'll see what happens.
Dave K
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