LEGO missing a piece – how to get the missing brick

Buying a new LEGO® set is always an exciting experience, but sometimes you might discover that a piece is missing after opening the box and starting construction. Don’t panic – there are several proven ways to solve this problem. In this guide, we’ll cover all possible options for obtaining a missing piece – both directly from the company and by searching for alternative sources.

Before reporting a missing piece – check carefully.

Before deciding to report a missing piece, it’s worth following a few simple steps:

• Carefully check all brick bags – sometimes small items can be hidden in the corners of the bags.
• Inspect the box – larger items may be loose or in a separate, unnumbered bag.
• Check to see if it hasn’t already been used in earlier stages of the build.
• Look around the floor around the building site – bricks can easily fall and roll under furniture.
• Check the instructions to make sure it’s actually included.

Check the box for damage and looseness. Official ways to get missing pieces from LEGO.COM

Contact LEGO.COM Customer Service – Form and Shipping

LEGO® is renowned for its excellent customer service and is happy to help with missing pieces from your new set. There are several ways to contact us:

1. LEGO.com form – the fastest and easiest method:

• Go to LEGO.com and go to the “Customer Service” section
• Select the “Missing Pieces” option
• Follow the form instructions, providing the set number found on the box or in the instructions
• Indicate which items were missing from the box
• Enter your address
• After placing your order, you will receive a confirmation email

2. By phone – you can call the hotline and report the missing item. A consultant will guide you through the process.

3. By email – you can send a message to customer service, describing the problem and providing all the necessary information (set number, missing items, contact details).

Important information about ordering missing pieces

• The missing pieces service is completely free for new sets.
• The company does not require the return of the original set.
• Shipping time is usually 7-14 business days.
• If you need parts from more than one set, you must place separate orders for each.
• LEGO® ships worldwide.

LEGO Service Limitations

Please note that the official service has some limitations:

• This service is primarily intended for new sets.
• For older sets (especially those from many years ago), the company may no longer have all the parts available.
• There is a limit to the number of orders that can be placed within a given time period to prevent abuse.
• Some very rare or special pieces may be more difficult to obtain.

Alternative Sources for Obtaining LEGO Bricks

If the official service is not possible (e.g., for older sets or if you need a part you’ve lost), there are several alternative ways to obtain bricks:

BrickLink

BrickLink is the world’s largest online marketplace for building blocks. Where you can buy virtually every brick ever produced:

1. Create an account on BrickLink
2. Search for the brick you need by name, number, or color
3. Compare offers from different sellers (prices, shipping costs)
4. Add to cart and make a purchase

Tips for using BrickLink:

1. Create a “Wanted List” to easily find all the parts you need from as few sellers as possible
2. Check seller ratings before purchasing
3. Pay attention to shipping costs, which can significantly impact the total cost of your order
4. When ordering a small quantity, shipping costs can be disproportionately high – in such cases, it’s worth considering a larger purchase

ToyPro and BrickOwl

Like BrickLink, these sites offer a wide selection of individual bricks:

• ToyPro offers over 25,000 different items
• BrickOwl allows you to easily search by category or number

Official LEGO Store – “Buy Bricks” section

LEGO® also offers the option to purchase individual pieces directly from its website:

• Visit LEGO.com
• Go to the “Buy Bricks” or “Bricks & Pieces” section
• Search for the desired piece by set number or serial number
• Add to cart and order

Advantages:

• Authentic, new, straight from the manufacturer
• Ability to purchase rarer pieces
• Often competitive prices

Disadvantages:

• Limited selection of older pieces
• Not all parts are available
• May be more expensive than alternative sources

Facebook groups and online forums

There are many fan groups and forums where you can trade or buy Shortcomings:

• Facebook groups (e.g., “LEGO Swap/Sell”)
• Online forums
• Local AFOL (Adult Fans of LEGO) communities

Advantages:

• Ability to find good deals
• Direct contact with the seller
• Sometimes it’s possible to trade instead of buy

Disadvantages:

• Less buyer protection
• Limited availability
• Need to trust unknown sellers

Used brick shops

Many cities have shops specializing in used bricks:

• They often offer mixed bricks by weight
• Some also have single LEGO items sorted
• They may also run BrickLink stores with a pickup option

Missing a LEGO set – Practical tips

How to identify the required item?

To order the correct brick, you need to identify it precisely:

1. Check the number in the building instructions (there’s usually a list of all the components at the end of the instructions).
2. Pay attention to the color – the same LEGO brick can come in multiple colors.
3. Remember that LEGO uses two numbering systems:

• Design ID (4-5 digits) – indicates the shape.
• Element ID (7 digits) – indicates the combination of shape and color.

How to avoid scams?

Be careful when buying bricks from unofficial sources:

1. Check seller reviews.
2. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.
3. Ask for photos of the actual items you’re ordering.
4. Use secure payment methods.
5. Beware of counterfeits – non-genuine bricks are often of inferior quality.

What to do with unwanted pieces?

Sometimes sets include extra, spare pieces. You can:

• Keep them as spare parts
• Sell or trade them for needed parts
• Use them for your own creative builds

Summary

A missing piece in a LEGO set doesn’t have to mean the end of the fun. LEGO offers an excellent replacement service for missing parts for new models, and there are many alternative sources for older or lost LEGO pieces. The most important thing is to accurately identify the part you need and choose the best method for obtaining it, taking into account availability, price, and waiting time.

Remember, the fan community is very helpful – don’t hesitate to ask for advice on forums or in thematic groups. Sharing experiences helps all brick lovers enjoy their hobby without unnecessary frustration.