Where to buy your construction toys

Where to buy your construction toys

WOW!  That's really a loaded question.

There's a lot that goes into deciding what you are trying to accomplish with your purchase.
    Are you buying a new set as a gift or to play with ?
    Are you buying a vintage set to add to your collection?
    Are you collecting inexpensive components to build or tinker?
    Are you looking for missing pieces to complete a set that you are trying to restore?

Determine what your goal is and shop accordingly.

If the product is still in production, then brand new sets can be purchased via several resources online with eBay and Amazon being two of the most well known resources.  Many department stores, hobby stores or toy stores will carry these toy sets.

If you're looking for vintage, older, or simply used sets or pieces, then look to garage sales, flea markets, antique stores, junk shops, swap meets, etc. . .  Garage sales can be especially gratifying, as the people holding these sales are typically trying to clean out items they've already classed as "clutter".

Again, eBay is a good resource for used "loose" piece lots.

I have a couple of goals in mind when I'm looking for purchase.  I look for components for tinkering and to fill gaps in sets that I'm trying to complete.

I look for the best "bang for my buck" and in doing so, try to get the best "per pound" purchase that I can find.

Using the above resources, I have purchased many parts to fill out my various construction toy sets at extremely reasonable prices.

KNOW WHAT YOU'RE BUYING.  One statement that I've always kept in mind while shopping for parts is "Buyer Beware", especially when perusing for used parts or sets.  Many sellers don't know what they're selling or may be intentionally "less than above board" and may apply misleading labeling such as "vintage" (when really modern manufacture), "rare" (when plentiful), providing a specific brand name (when actually manufactured by different company), etc . . .   Again, the best advice that I can provide here is to know what it is that you're buying and be aware of the true worth.  Pay no more than what you feel is a good value and you won't be disappointed.