(Written by MaxR from DDBricks)
We didn’t start as business experts. We were simply passionate fans of LEGO bricks, just like you might be. With dedication, creativity, and plenty of trial and error, we transformed that hobby into a real business. Today, we ship millions of genuine LEGO parts to fans and companies around the world. And the journey? It’s been anything but ordinary.
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, we hope our story gives you ideas, encouragement, and a few helpful warnings.
Our Dream: Giving LEGO Bricks a Second Life
Our mission from day one was simple: give used LEGO parts a second chance. These bricks are built to last, so why not keep them in circulation, help fans find what they need, and reduce waste at the same time?
Today, we process 2–3 tons of LEGO parts every month, stock over 14 million genuine pieces in 40,000+ unique lots, and ship to customers in 100+ countries. But it all started with a simple idea and a few boxes of bricks in a spare room.
That’s how the first days looked like in late 2017
The Adventure of Building a Business in a Foreign Country
When we moved from Germany to Thailand, we knew we were in for an adventure — and we weren’t wrong.
Thailand gave us so much:
- Affordable operating costs
- Access to fast-growing Asian markets
- A positive, can-do environment
And it tested us with challenges:
- Fewer shipping options, leading to higher delivery costs
- Limited payment gateways, making it harder for customers to pay
- The complexity of navigating customs, tax rules, and legal paperwork in a foreign language
Our takeaway: Even the best business plan must be checked against local realities. Make sure your location’s infrastructure — shipping, payments, suppliers — can truly support your vision.
Sourcing: The Treasure Hunt Behind the Scenes
People often ask us: Where do you find all those parts?
The answer: everywhere we can. From retiring resellers to private collectors, toy stores clearing inventory, auctions, flea markets, estate sales, and bulk sellers.
Every delivery is like a treasure chest. Some are perfectly sorted, others are chaos in a carton. And once in a while? You open a box and there it is — a LEGO Classic Space astronaut, a Pirate Captain Redbeard, or on a magical day… even a LEGO Star Wars Cloud City Boba Fett.
Sourcing is part science, part art, and part sheer luck. But it’s at the heart of how we offer high-quality, genuine LEGO parts at fair prices — and why no two days are ever the same.
Monthly bulk deliveries, ready for sorting
How Tech Gives Us an Edge
Managing 14 million LEGO parts is no small feat. Early on, we realized that no off-the-shelf software could handle the complexity of what we do. So, we built our own in-house IT system — designed specifically for the quirks and challenges of this unique business.
Now, we’re exploring how AI can take us further. From smarter inventory predictions to streamlining sorting, we believe technology is what will help us stay ahead — and serve LEGO fans better every day.
The Power of the Right Team
One of the biggest surprises of building DD Bricks in Thailand? LEGO isn’t as common in childhood here as it is in Europe or the U.S. We had to train our team from the basics: what makes a LEGO brick special, how to spot damage, how to handle orders with care.
We’re proud of the team we’ve built — motivated, reliable, passionate people who care as much about our customers as we do.
If you’re starting a business, find the right people early. You can’t build something great alone.
Our team: The most important part of our success
Say Yes to Experiments (and Failure)
Our corporate gift business wasn’t part of the plan. It grew out of trying new ideas, listening to customers, and saying yes to unexpected opportunities. Some experiments worked; many didn’t. But the successes opened doors we never imagined.
One of the most exciting moments in our journey came when we were asked to design a custom model — built from genuine LEGO elements — of a satellite that NASA sent into space. What started as a creative commission turned into a project that, quite literally, reached the stars.
In another unforgettable project, we designed a unique anniversary gift for one of the world’s largest insurance companies — a custom model of their headquarters built entirely from genuine LEGO elements, which delighted employees and impressed clients.
Lesson: Be willing to try, fail, and learn. The right risks will help you grow, discover new opportunities, and find your path.
A Product That Sparks Joy
No matter where we go — whether it’s a client meeting or a customs office — people smile when they hear about DD Bricks. LEGO brings out something positive in almost everyone.
It’s a product that opens doors, starts conversations, and reminds people of the joy of building.
Flexibility = Survival
Our business has faced:
- Tariffs
- Global shipping disruptions
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- Wars affecting supply chains
- Cash flow crunches
What helped us navigate these?
- Staying flexible
- Acting fast
- Not panicking
Perfect plans don’t win — adaptability does.
Future Vision: Where We’re Headed Next
At DD Bricks, we’re proud of what we’ve built since 2017, but we see much more ahead.
One of our biggest commitments is staying true to what matters most: we want to continue offering only 100% genuine LEGO bricks. Counterfeit parts have become a growing challenge in the market, and as that percentage rises, we’re working hard to improve our operations, systems, and quality controls so we can filter out anything that doesn’t meet the LEGO standard our customers trust us for.
At the heart of it all is a simple mission: to use LEGO bricks to inspire, connect, and improve. Whether it’s through giving parts a second life, creating a custom model that tells a brand’s story, or helping a classroom bring ideas to life, we believe LEGO bricks can do more — and we’re excited to keep building that future.
In 2025, our warehouse holds around 14 million parts in 40,000 lots.
Final Thoughts: What We’re Grateful For
Looking back, we’re deeply thankful:
- For the chance to work with such a positive, inspiring product
- For our amazing team
- For our customers in over 100 countries who trust us
Above all, we are grateful to be part of a global community that builds, creates, and shares joy through LEGO bricks.
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, we hope our story gives you insight and encouragement. And if you ever want to brainstorm ideas — or if you visit Thailand — stop by! We’d love to connect, share experiences, and cheer you on as you build your success.
You can visit our website at DBBricks.com, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and you’re also welcome to question/comment below!
Interesting article. I never heard of this store before. I’m just curious, Where is your biggest market? Europe? North America? Asia?
I’m wondering about that too. Did they move to Thailand because it made business sense, or were they already in Thailand when they started the business.
It seems shipping would be a pain to other markets. Most foreign stores I order from establish a hub in the U.S. and Europe to better serve those markets.
Not to speak of they likely have to get the bulk bricks from either Europe or North America. The Asian market is still fairly new to LEGO, so it’s unlikely they are already recycling millions of bricks.