Answers.Body: <p>Unfortunately, I'm not aware of specific factories that are currently tooled to make compatible bricks that you could get in touch with. I have noticed an <a href="http://myworld.ebay.com/razu7809" rel="nofollow">eBay user</a> that consistently sells Canadian made compatible basic bricks, so it might be worth contacting them to see if you could work out a deal.</p>
  
  <p>There are also many companies who will do custom ABS injection molding if you can provide them with the CAD files for your design. Because the molds have to be created for your parts, there is a large up-front cost to doing things this way.</p>
  
  <p>Just in case you aren't aware, there are a number of stores on <a href="http://bricklink.com" rel="nofollow">bricklink.com</a> that can source extremely large orders. At the time of writing this, there are several stores which could supply you with over 10,000 red 2x4 bricks, for example, though I'm guessing that may not be sufficient for your needs.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-02T21:31:16.773Z
Answers.Text: Thanks for the pointers.  Unfortunately, 10K of bricks isn't nearly enough and I routinely wipe the whole inventory of item on bricklink.  I'm sort of expecting to have make a fresh mold, but it would certainly be nicer to avoid it.
Answers.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-02T21:36:20.123Z
Answers.Text: I also just noticed this wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_clone which might help.
Answers.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-03T01:02:18.157Z
Answers.Text: Have you tried asking about this at a Lego store? They almost always have basic 2x4 bricks in the PaB wall, and I'm pretty sure they are able to order them by the case for you.
Answers.UserDisplayName: jncraton
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-03T17:22:38.007Z
Answers.Text: I've utilized the LEGO stores extensively, but their inventory is quite unreliable for the quantities I'm interested in, even when ordering them ahead of time.
Answers.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-02T15:07:22.047Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-05-02T15:07:22.047Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: jncraton
Answers.Body: <p>I suggest calling Lego customer service (1-800-835-4386) to ask them about a bulk order. Professional "brick artists" like Nathan Sawaya buy their brick directly from Lego. The bulk prices are decent as well. For example, through the LUGbulk program, we got 2x4 bricks for about 9.6 cents each (these sell for $0.30/ea on the Pick-a-brick website).</p>
  
  <p>Also, here is a long list of manufacturers who can do custom ABS injection molding: <a href="http://www.thomasnet.com/nsearch.html?which=prod&amp;cov=NA&amp;what=Custom+Injection+Molded+Plastics&amp;heading=95958385&amp;k=abs&amp;x=16&amp;y=9&amp;navsec=modify" rel="nofollow">http://www.thomasnet.com/nsearch.html?which=prod&amp;cov=NA&amp;what=Custom+Injection+Molded+Plastics&amp;heading=95958385&amp;k=abs&amp;x=16&amp;y=9&amp;navsec=modify</a></p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-03T17:04:06.163Z
Answers.Text: Although I've already talked with LEGO, I hadn't heard of the LUGbulk program.  I could be an option, thanks.
Answers.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-04T06:20:45.433Z
Answers.Text: Ahem. The first rule of LUGBulk is Don't talk about LUGBulk prices. ahem.
Answers.UserDisplayName: gev
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-04T06:50:04.690Z
Answers.Text: I double checked the rules, and they don't say anything about confidentiality.
Answers.UserDisplayName: oddTodd
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-04T22:36:32.687Z
Answers.Text: The dollar value limit on member participation in LUGBulk will limit 2x4s to about 2500 per annum; this is nowhere near the quantity the poster is pursuing.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Josh
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-05T05:48:15.870Z
Answers.Text: When I mentioned the LUGBulk price, my intent was merely to provide a cost comparison, as in, Lego is willing to sell 2x4 bricks below 10 cents a piece. I didn't mean to imply that LUGBulk would be a good way to get 10k+ bricks.
Answers.UserDisplayName: oddTodd
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-03T16:50:38.827Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-05-08T03:35:08.657Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2013-05-08T03:35:08.657Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: oddTodd
Answers.Body: <p>In a <a href="http://www.1000steine.com/brickset/miscellaneous/Documents/PABCostComparisonAnalysis.pdf" rel="nofollow">recent document</a> about the Pick-A-Brick cups comparisons, there was a segment that caught my eye. (bottom of page 7).</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Official LEGO stores also sell a $70 box of a single piece type. This
    isn’t something they advertise, but you can ask what they have
    available and they will sell it to you. It’s also called a “K2 box.”
    Measuring the volume of this box is irrelevant since they are not
    packed using strategies (as you can discern from the piece count below
    by comparing 1x1 brick amounts to 1x2 brick amounts, etc.).</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>You could try contacting local stores and asking if they have any K2 boxes.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T11:53:55.467Z
Answers.Text: That's probably the best way to go
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T13:51:28.860Z
Answers.Text: The boxes are great for, say 5 boxes at a time, but stores have limits on what they are able to get.  So, I'm hoping to find a better and more reliable source.
Answers.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T11:05:47.510Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-05-07T11:05:47.510Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: tombull89
Answers.Body: <p>This sounds like something to ask the corporate offices. They may be able to arrange shipments that even the LEGO stores can not. For instance, Thomas Nielson is the VP of manufacturing at TLG <a href="http://dk.linkedin.com/in/thomasnielsen?trk=pub-pbmap" rel="nofollow">http://dk.linkedin.com/in/thomasnielsen?trk=pub-pbmap</a></p>
  
  <p>If the stores can't get it to you, go to those who supply the stores. It certainly sounds like you generate enough volume.</p>
  
  <p>Just my thoughts...</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-08T05:04:22.963Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-05-08T05:04:22.963Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: LEGO Train Nut
Answers.Body: <p>As you can see from other answers, it may prove easier to try to get genuine LEGO bricks and there are numerous possibilities to do so:</p>
  
  <p>As mentioned in <a href="https://bricks.stackexchange.com/a/2068/99">OddTodd's answer</a>, the LUGBulk program may be an option, but you'll need to find a local LUG and convince them of the parts you need. As seen in the comments, limits may be an issue.</p>
  
  <p>Contacting the LEGO customer service is certainly a good way to go, especially if you mention it's for educational purposes. Usually, you should be able to order a large quantity of specific given bricks, but I'm not sure they'll easily apply a bulk discount. Don't forget LEGO has an <a href="http://education.lego.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">educational division</a> which might be a better place to start, although I'm not sure they sell bricks separately.</p>
  
  <p>OddTodd also mentioned that <a href="http://aboutus.lego.com/en-us/lego-group/programs-and-visits/lego-certified-professionals/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">LEGO Certified Professional</a> have possibilities to buy parts in bulk, and while it shows LEGO has the possibility of doing so, I think there's a very important underlying point in there: you could contact a LCP yourself and see how he can help you. In addition of providing you material, he could make a visit at your school and talk about LEGO and his work, which may be interesting for the kids.</p>
  
  <p>I can think of two other routes you can try, as there are two other sort of people who have readily access to large quantities of bricks: LEGO shops and LEGOland parks.</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://service.lego.com/en-us/store-locator/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">LEGO shops</a> have a pick-a-brick wall where you can fill some buckets with whatever bricks are available at the moment. While this will certainly not be interesting for you, you may want to contact the manager and see if they're willing to order bricks specifically for you. One great advantage of this, if they're willing to help (again, mention the educational angle), is that they'll usually be able to buy parts by weight (for instance, 2kg boxes). Asking won't hurt you in any way.</p>
  
  <p>Similarly, LEGOland park designers also have the possibility to order in bulk, but it's of course limited to their needs for the park buildings. However, if you happen to live near one, contacting the manager there might be worth trying, you never know.</p>
  
  <p>One key point in all this is that the parts you need are extremely basic, which means it should be easier for you to convince people to sell them to you. Since a LEGO shop must order boxes of bricks on a regular basis, I'm confident it's the easiest route, as one or two boxes more should be easy for them.</p>
  
  <p>As for the "not-LEGO" option, maybe you could contact the customer service of other existing brands and see what they can do (you could even use that as leverage in your discussion with LEGO, if you're so inclined... I can imagine "But MegaBloks can provide me 10000 2x4 bricks for less than that" may be a valid argument). I don't think people not currently manufacturing bricks would be willing to help, even if they have the tools to mould parts (moulds themselves are costly), but you could ask. </p>
  
  <p>Check these two questions for more info on alternatives to LEGO:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><a href="https://bricks.stackexchange.com/q/250/99">Are companies producing custom molded LEGO pieces legally entitled to do so?</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://bricks.stackexchange.com/q/256/99">Alternative products compatible with LEGO</a></li>
  </ul>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T13:37:50.007Z
Answers.Text: I updated the question to clarify that I buy a bunch from the stores now, but they sort of struggle buying more than 10 boxes at a time.  Its sort of hit-or-miss, which is a tough way for me to run a business.
Answers.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T14:48:08.883Z
Answers.Text: That's indeed important to know, I had no idea you where after this kind of volume (seriously, do you eat them or what?), and most of our answers aren't very useful in light of that - since you knew most of it already. But if even LEGO stores can't help, then I can see why you'd be looking at competitors. On the other hand, such a big volume makes it feasible for third-parties. You may want to check [Big Ben Bricks](http://bigbenbricks.com/products/products.html) for a start. Or seriously consider buy your own moulding machine (BBB might help you there too I guess)
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T15:34:05.303Z
Answers.Text: I haven't tried eating them - sounds grisly.  In my classes, each student gets their own kit so they don't have to share.  They get a 1.5 litre box of 2x4s, and a 1.5 litre box of 2x2s, which for a class of ~16 kids ends up being about 9,000 bricks.  Each simultaneous coach and/or school needs their own set - so it adds up quickly. You can see a picture here: http://www.ascendly.com/page/jj-rohrer-ascendlyjj-23/
Answers.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-08T04:22:30.883Z
Answers.Text: Maybe you could try to apply to be a LEGO Certified Professional yourself - that would sound logical to me.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T11:52:19.337Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-05-07T11:52:19.337Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2017-04-13T12:47:56.390Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Body: <p>I'm quite interested in finding a factory that can produce a small-ish run of high-quality plastic bricks that I can use in my classes and possible to re-sell as stand-alone kits.  I only need a few different shapes, namely 2x4 bricks and 2x2 bricks, which are off-patent.  Does anyone know which factories, other than those owned-by/bound-to LEGO Group, have experience in making LEGO compatible bricks and would likely be open to producing another run?</p>
  
  <p><strong>Background</strong></p>
  
  <p>I run Ascendly.com which runs after school programs to teach grade school kids engineering.  My flagship course, Jr. Structural Engineering, uses LEGO bricks to build structures and to learn about the engineering process.  I only use a few bricks in the course:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>2x4 bricks </li>
  <li>2x2 bricks</li>
  <li>16x32, or larger, baseplates</li>
  <li>1x2 bricks (optional)</li>
  <li>1x1 bricks (optional)</li>
  <li>1x2 45 degree slope (optional)</li>
  </ul>
  
  <p>For any one class, I ensure all of the bricks of a certain size are a consistent and unique color. So, all of my 2x4s would be blue, and all of my 2x2s would be green, for example.  This keeps the students focused on the shape of the structures, makes it easier to see how the other students used their blocks, and avoids worrying about color aesthetics.</p>
  
  <p>Buying bricks in bulk of any specific color is problematic.  </p>
  
  <p><strong>Related Question(s):</strong></p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><a href="https://bricks.stackexchange.com/questions/217/where-are-lego-parts-made">Where are LEGO parts made?</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://bricks.stackexchange.com/questions/1543/are-the-molds-for-lego-bricks-maintained-in-house-or-is-maintanance-partly-outso">Are the molds for LEGO bricks maintained in house or is maintanance partly outsourced?</a></li>
  <li><a href="https://bricks.stackexchange.com/questions/191/what-kind-of-plastic-are-lego-bricks-made-of">What kind of plastic are LEGO bricks made of?</a></li>
  </ul>
  
  <p><strong>Update</strong>
  Just to add some context, I have good relationships with my two local LEGO stores, and they've helped me order about 50 pick-a-brick boxes over the last couple of years, but I'm hoping to find a more reliable and scalable source of building blocks.  Bricklink and LEGO are good sources for now, but I'm wondering if I find can a high-quality brick at 10x my current volume, something I'm positive the stores, and I suspect the LUGs, aren't in a position to accommodate. </p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-05-07T19:29:05.937Z
Comments.Text: I think it's worth taking Mega Bloks into consideration here. Although "compatible with Lego" is a bit of a stretch, they are indeed a cheaper Lego brick but with astoundingly low quality. If you're looking for cheap bricks for students to learn structural techniques from, I'd give them Mega Bloks (along with a rubber mallet, so they can tap together the defective blocks that refuse to fit together).
Comments.UserDisplayName: Keshav Saharia
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-05-08T15:16:34.223Z
Comments.Text: I'm actually more concerned about quality than price.
Comments.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-05-22T13:35:29.810Z
Comments.Text: It looks like the best answer is 'nobody does it as well as LEGO' - thanks to all of the other suggestions.  I'm trying to talk to corporate LEGO and I might put in a cuusoo suggestion.
Comments.UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
Tags: <manufacturing><3rd-party><plastics>
Title: Factories that could make off-patent bricks?
UserDisplayName: ascendlyJJ
ThreadText: # Factories that could make off-patent bricks?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2013-05-02)
  
  I'm quite interested in finding a factory that can produce a small-ish run of high-quality plastic bricks that I can use in my classes and possible to re-sell as stand-alone kits. I only need a few different shapes, namely 2x4 bricks and 2x2 bricks, which are off-patent. Does anyone know which factories, other than those owned-by/bound-to username_8 Group, have experience in making username_8 compatible bricks and would likely be open to producing another run?
  
  **Background**
  
  I run Ascendly.com which runs after school programs to teach grade school kids engineering. My flagship course, Jr. Structural Engineering, uses username_8 bricks to build structures and to learn about the engineering process. I only use a few bricks in the course:
  
  * 2x4 bricks
  * 2x2 bricks
  * 16x32, or larger, baseplates
  * 1x2 bricks (optional)
  * 1x1 bricks (optional)
  * 1x2 45 degree slope (optional)
  
  For any one class, I ensure all of the bricks of a certain size are a consistent and unique color. So, all of my 2x4s would be blue, and all of my 2x2s would be green, for example. This keeps the students focused on the shape of the structures, makes it easier to see how the other students used their blocks, and avoids worrying about color aesthetics.
  
  Buying bricks in bulk of any specific color is problematic.
  
  **Related Question(s):**
  
  * [Where are username_8 parts made?](https://bricks.stackexchange.com/questions/217/where-are-username_8-parts-made)
  * [Are the molds for username_8 bricks maintained in house or is maintanance partly outsourced?](https://bricks.stackexchange.com/questions/1543/are-the-molds-for-username_8-bricks-maintained-in-house-or-is-maintanance-partly-outso)
  * [What kind of plastic are username_8 bricks made of?](https://bricks.stackexchange.com/questions/191/what-kind-of-plastic-are-username_8-bricks-made-of)
  
  **Update**
  Just to add some context, I have good relationships with my two local username_8 stores, and they've helped me order about 50 pick-a-brick boxes over the last couple of years, but I'm hoping to find a more reliable and scalable source of building blocks. Bricklink and username_8 are good sources for now, but I'm wondering if I find can a high-quality brick at 10x my current volume, something I'm positive the stores, and I suspect the LUGs, aren't in a position to accommodate.
  
  **Tags:** manufacturing, 3rd-party, plastics
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: I think it's worth taking Mega Bloks into consideration here. Although "compatible with username_8" is a bit of a stretch, they are indeed a cheaper username_8 brick but with astoundingly low quality. If you're looking for cheap bricks for students to learn structural techniques from, I'd give them Mega Bloks (along with a rubber mallet, so they can tap together the defective blocks that refuse to fit together).  
  > **username_0**: I'm actually more concerned about quality than price.  
  > **username_0**: It looks like the best answer is 'nobody does it as well as username_8' - thanks to all of the other suggestions.  I'm trying to talk to corporate username_8 and I might put in a cuusoo suggestion.  
  
  ---
  
  ## 5 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_2 on 2013-05-02. Score: 3 | Accepted answer
  
  Unfortunately, I'm not aware of specific factories that are currently tooled to make compatible bricks that you could get in touch with. I have noticed an [eBay user](http://myworld.ebay.com/razu7809) that consistently sells Canadian made compatible basic bricks, so it might be worth contacting them to see if you could work out a deal.
  
  There are also many companies who will do custom ABS injection molding if you can provide them with the CAD files for your design. Because the molds have to be created for your parts, there is a large up-front cost to doing things this way.
  
  Just in case you aren't aware, there are a number of stores on [bricklink.com](http://bricklink.com) that can source extremely large orders. At the time of writing this, there are several stores which could supply you with over 10,000 red 2x4 bricks, for example, though I'm guessing that may not be sufficient for your needs.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: Thanks for the pointers.  Unfortunately, 10K of bricks isn't nearly enough and I routinely wipe the whole inventory of item on bricklink.  I'm sort of expecting to have make a fresh mold, but it would certainly be nicer to avoid it.  
  > **username_0**: I also just noticed this wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_clone which might help.  
  > **username_2**: Have you tried asking about this at a username_8 store? They almost always have basic 2x4 bricks in the PaB wall, and I'm pretty sure they are able to order them by the case for you.  
  > **username_0**: I've utilized the username_8 stores extensively, but their inventory is quite unreliable for the quantities I'm interested in, even when ordering them ahead of time.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_3 on 2013-05-03. Score: 8
  
  I suggest calling username_8 customer service (1-800-835-4386) to ask them about a bulk order. Professional "brick artists" like Nathan Sawaya buy their brick directly from username_8. The bulk prices are decent as well. For example, through the LUGbulk program, we got 2x4 bricks for about 9.6 cents each (these sell for $0.30/ea on the Pick-a-brick website).
  
  Also, here is a long list of manufacturers who can do custom ABS injection molding: <http://www.thomasnet.com/nsearch.html?which=prod&cov=NA&what=Custom+Injection+Molded+Plastics&heading=95958385&k=abs&x=16&y=9&navsec=modify>
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: Although I've already talked with username_8, I hadn't heard of the LUGbulk program.  I could be an option, thanks.  
  > **username_4**: Ahem. The first rule of LUGBulk is Don't talk about LUGBulk prices. ahem.  
  > **username_3**: I double checked the rules, and they don't say anything about confidentiality.  
  > **username_5**: The dollar value limit on member participation in LUGBulk will limit 2x4s to about 2500 per annum; this is nowhere near the quantity the poster is pursuing.  
  > **username_3**: When I mentioned the LUGBulk price, my intent was merely to provide a cost comparison, as in, username_8 is willing to sell 2x4 bricks below 10 cents a piece. I didn't mean to imply that LUGBulk would be a good way to get 10k+ bricks.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2013-05-07. Score: 3
  
  In a [recent document](http://www.1000steine.com/brickset/miscellaneous/Documents/PABCostComparisonAnalysis.pdf) about the Pick-A-Brick cups comparisons, there was a segment that caught my eye. (bottom of page 7).
  
  > Official username_8 stores also sell a $70 box of a single piece type. This
  > isn’t something they advertise, but you can ask what they have
  > available and they will sell it to you. It’s also called a “K2 box.”
  > Measuring the volume of this box is irrelevant since they are not
  > packed using strategies (as you can discern from the piece count below
  > by comparing 1x1 brick amounts to 1x2 brick amounts, etc.).
  
  You could try contacting local stores and asking if they have any K2 boxes.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_7**: That's probably the best way to go  
  > **username_0**: The boxes are great for, say 5 boxes at a time, but stores have limits on what they are able to get.  So, I'm hoping to find a better and more reliable source.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2013-05-08. Score: 3
  
  This sounds like something to ask the corporate offices. They may be able to arrange shipments that even the username_8 stores can not. For instance, Thomas Nielson is the VP of manufacturing at TLG <http://dk.linkedin.com/in/thomasnielsen?trk=pub-pbmap>
  
  If the stores can't get it to you, go to those who supply the stores. It certainly sounds like you generate enough volume.
  
  Just my thoughts...
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2013-05-07. Score: 2
  
  As you can see from other answers, it may prove easier to try to get genuine username_8 bricks and there are numerous possibilities to do so:
  
  As mentioned in [OddTodd's answer](https://bricks.stackexchange.com/a/2068/99), the LUGBulk program may be an option, but you'll need to find a local LUG and convince them of the parts you need. As seen in the comments, limits may be an issue.
  
  Contacting the username_8 customer service is certainly a good way to go, especially if you mention it's for educational purposes. Usually, you should be able to order a large quantity of specific given bricks, but I'm not sure they'll easily apply a bulk discount. Don't forget username_8 has an [educational division](http://education.username_8.com/) which might be a better place to start, although I'm not sure they sell bricks separately.
  
  OddTodd also mentioned that [username_8 Certified Professional](http://aboutus.username_8.com/en-us/username_8-group/programs-and-visits/username_8-certified-professionals/) have possibilities to buy parts in bulk, and while it shows username_8 has the possibility of doing so, I think there's a very important underlying point in there: you could contact a LCP yourself and see how he can help you. In addition of providing you material, he could make a visit at your school and talk about username_8 and his work, which may be interesting for the kids.
  
  I can think of two other routes you can try, as there are two other sort of people who have readily access to large quantities of bricks: username_8 shops and LEGOland parks.
  
  [username_8 shops](http://service.username_8.com/en-us/store-locator/) have a pick-a-brick wall where you can fill some buckets with whatever bricks are available at the moment. While this will certainly not be interesting for you, you may want to contact the manager and see if they're willing to order bricks specifically for you. One great advantage of this, if they're willing to help (again, mention the educational angle), is that they'll usually be able to buy parts by weight (for instance, 2kg boxes). Asking won't hurt you in any way.
  
  Similarly, LEGOland park designers also have the possibility to order in bulk, but it's of course limited to their needs for the park buildings. However, if you happen to live near one, contacting the manager there might be worth trying, you never know.
  
  One key point in all this is that the parts you need are extremely basic, which means it should be easier for you to convince people to sell them to you. Since a username_8 shop must order boxes of bricks on a regular basis, I'm confident it's the easiest route, as one or two boxes more should be easy for them.
  
  As for the "not-username_8" option, maybe you could contact the customer service of other existing brands and see what they can do (you could even use that as leverage in your discussion with username_8, if you're so inclined... I can imagine "But MegaBloks can provide me 10000 2x4 bricks for less than that" may be a valid argument). I don't think people not currently manufacturing bricks would be willing to help, even if they have the tools to mould parts (moulds themselves are costly), but you could ask.
  
  Check these two questions for more info on alternatives to username_8:
  
  * [Are companies producing custom molded username_8 pieces legally entitled to do so?](https://bricks.stackexchange.com/q/250/99)
  * [Alternative products compatible with username_8](https://bricks.stackexchange.com/q/256/99)
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: I updated the question to clarify that I buy a bunch from the stores now, but they sort of struggle buying more than 10 boxes at a time.  Its sort of hit-or-miss, which is a tough way for me to run a business.  
  > **username_7**: That's indeed important to know, I had no idea you where after this kind of volume (seriously, do you eat them or what?), and most of our answers aren't very useful in light of that - since you knew most of it already. But if even username_8 stores can't help, then I can see why you'd be looking at competitors. On the other hand, such a big volume makes it feasible for third-parties. You may want to check [Big Ben Bricks](http://bigbenbricks.com/products/products.html) for a start. Or seriously consider buy your own moulding machine (BBB might help you there too I guess)  
  > **username_0**: I haven't tried eating them - sounds grisly.  In my classes, each student gets their own kit so they don't have to share.  They get a 1.5 litre box of 2x4s, and a 1.5 litre box of 2x2s, which for a class of ~16 kids ends up being about 9,000 bricks.  Each simultaneous coach and/or school needs their own set - so it adds up quickly. You can see a picture here: http://www.ascendly.com/page/jj-rohrer-username_0-23/  
  > **username_7**: Maybe you could try to apply to be a username_8 Certified Professional yourself - that would sound logical to me.  
  
  ---
  
  