Backorder Doesn’t Mean You Should Give Up On Obtaining A Set. In fact, it can mean quite the opposite!
Ah, the excitement of typing in the newest LEGO® release into Google’s search bar only to land on the LEGO® product and find that it’s on backorder. We have all been there. Your heart sinks a bit and you wondered how you could’ve moved faster. Don’t fret.
There is a lot going on here. Let’s take a peek into what’s happening and why you should be patient for your collection and LEGO® investing strategy — and more importantly, why you should still buy!
What’s a LEGO® Backorder Anyway?
On the LEGO® website, a backorder is a bit like a rain check. It means the set or pieces you’ve waited all night to snag aren’t in stock right at this moment. But here’s the good news: you can still order them and when the sets/pieces are back in the LEGO® warehouse, they will ship! No waiting lines, just waiting times. It’s a lot better than going to the store and finding out your trip was a waste!
Why Do Backorders Happen?
Sometimes, a really, really awesome LEGO® set comes out. Sometimes, gazillions of other AFOLs have the same idea! We saw this play out in January 2026 when sets like LEGO® Stranger Things: The Creel House 11370 hit a 60-day backorder within hours of launch. The same thing happened with the LEGO® Star Wars AT-AT 75440 and Japanese Cherry Blossom Landscape 31218 — all backordered almost immediately.
But why?
Because these sets slap! High-demand themes, exclusive minifigures, and limited production runs create the perfect storm for backorders.
Backorders happen because it is a great set and you should buy it as a LEGO® investment. There is a ton of demand!
The Usual Wait: The 14-Day Sweet Spot
You’re probably wondering, “How long do I have to wait?” While that answer depends, it could be a week, two weeks, or up to 60 days. However, most of the time LEGO® allocates manufacturing and resources to get what you need within the time frame of a two week time span!
The Nuts and Bolts of Backordered Buying
The set tags along with your other purchases, but here’s the kicker for LEGO® fans — you won’t be billed for it until it’s ready to ship out. It’s like having a reservation at your favorite restaurant; you don’t pay until you’ve had your meal. So don’t fret, your LEGO® investing budget stays intact!
One more thing: LEGO® ships your in-stock items separately from backordered ones, so you won’t have to wait for everything. Your backordered set won’t hold up the rest of your order.
A Change of Heart? No Problem!
Sometimes, we no longer want the set we agreed to pay for after waiting. Again, LEGO® excels here with phenomenal customer service. As long as you cancel before your back-ordered purchase goes to ‘In Warehouse,’ you can receive a full refund. Remember, this set was on backorder! Someone else will gladly take your set off your hands in the supply chain.
Stack Your LEGO® Insiders Points
Here’s a pro tip many collectors miss: backordered purchases still earn you LEGO® Insiders points once your order ships. If you time your backorder during a Double Insiders Points event, you’re looking at roughly 10% of your purchase value credited back to your account. That’s free money toward your next set. Keep an eye on the LEGO® calendar — these events typically run a few times per year and can seriously stretch your investing budget.
Backorder Does Not Mean Retired
Backordered sets are a waiting game. They are not retired! If you add a little bit of patience to your LEGO® investing strategy, you can come out on top with a high-demand LEGO® set. Backorders simply extend the time until that epic LEGO® set you’ve been eyeing hits your collection. Happy building!
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