Many eBay sellers buy sets just for the figures. You can often find the leftover ships or buildings for 40–60% off because the "valuable" characters have been removed. 4. Digital Tracking Tools
Big-box retailers operate on predictable clearance schedules to make room for new inventory.
Check Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Goodwill Auctions for "LEGO by the pound." You will need to wash and sort the bricks, but this is the cheapest way to build a massive library of parts.
Buying LEGO sets at full price is a choice, not a necessity. By mastering the retail cycle and leveraging the secondary market, you can consistently save 20% to 50% on your collection. 1. Timing the Retail Cycle