Discussion Forum: Thread 210165

 Author: C0lsanders_ View Messages Posted By C0lsanders_
 Posted: Aug 28, 2016 08:50
 Subject: Part or set search suggestions
 Viewed: 72 times
 Topic: Suggestions
 Status:Open
 Vote:[Yes|No]
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C0lsanders_ (825)

Location:  USA, Ohio
Member Since Contact Type Status
Sep 1, 2013 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: Sanders´ Bricks
*This is the second time I've posted this two-part suggestion, and I want
to post it again now, due to the current threads about the lacking of the system
search, especially "ngdere's" search for the cuusoo tiles. I don't understand
that one. If they are in the catalog, the system should easily find the tile
with "cuu", just like I can easily find the tile with "ba" (3068bpb0821). Anyway,
read on, vote yes or no (or yes...).


I've always found the part (or set) input within "sell a part" lacking. Let's
say I look under a part, find the number, and put it in. I click "show catalog
info" (for price, etc), but it shows "page not found". Why? Because that number
that I input was not the number bricklink chose as the "main" number. Once I
track down the piece, I will often see that first number on that item's page,
as "alternate item no."

Take 42023. That has 41763 as an alternate number, but if I put that in, "page
not found".

Suggestion #1:
If there is an alternate number for an item, it will auto-redirect to the correct
page, with the correct number. A small note at the top saying it was redirected
would be nice. Also, if the number "form" spot (in add a part/set) would auto
change to the correct number, that could also be nice. No more looking right
at the item and number, but having it do no good, because there is an unknown
2nd, 3rd, etc. number.

Suggestion #2:
I find it rather annoying to put in a number, and have it not find the item,
just because I get 1 of the 4 or 5 wrong. I think BL should maybe add a number
suggestion page. Let's say I have a 3004 (you know what that is), but let's
say I can't tell the number, and I think it's 8004. That is another item
entirely. If I put that in parts, it will show "page not found". I think it could
be massively helpful if it instead said something like "no part with that
number found. One set with "8004" matches (shows set) and one part with 75% number
match, "3004" (shows part)" You can then clearly see, "oh yeah, it IS 3004" or,
"oops, I'm on add part, not add set."

It would speed some things up greatly, or at least, resolve some search issues.
You don't have to have 100% match, or even the "correct" number. Partials
and alternates are accepted, at least to show the user a suggestion, "Is this
what you are looking for?"

Thanks for reading,
Miles (C0lsanders_)
 Author: calsbricks View Messages Posted By calsbricks
 Posted: Aug 28, 2016 09:18
 Subject: Re: Part or set search suggestions
 Viewed: 29 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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calsbricks (8497)

Location:  United Kingdom, England
Member Since Contact Type Status
Aug 12, 2008 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: CalsBricks
In Suggestions, C0lsanders_ writes:
  *This is the second time I've posted this two-part suggestion, and I want
to post it again now, due to the current threads about the lacking of the system
search, especially "ngdere's" search for the cuusoo tiles. I don't understand
that one. If they are in the catalog, the system should easily find the tile
with "cuu", just like I can easily find the tile with "ba" (3068bpb0821). Anyway,
read on, vote yes or no (or yes...).


I've always found the part (or set) input within "sell a part" lacking. Let's
say I look under a part, find the number, and put it in. I click "show catalog
info" (for price, etc), but it shows "page not found". Why? Because that number
that I input was not the number bricklink chose as the "main" number. Once I
track down the piece, I will often see that first number on that item's page,
as "alternate item no."

Take 42023. That has 41763 as an alternate number, but if I put that in, "page
not found".

Suggestion #1:
If there is an alternate number for an item, it will auto-redirect to the correct
page, with the correct number. A small note at the top saying it was redirected
would be nice. Also, if the number "form" spot (in add a part/set) would auto
change to the correct number, that could also be nice. No more looking right
at the item and number, but having it do no good, because there is an unknown
2nd, 3rd, etc. number.

Suggestion #2:
I find it rather annoying to put in a number, and have it not find the item,
just because I get 1 of the 4 or 5 wrong. I think BL should maybe add a number
suggestion page. Let's say I have a 3004 (you know what that is), but let's
say I can't tell the number, and I think it's 8004. That is another item
entirely. If I put that in parts, it will show "page not found". I think it could
be massively helpful if it instead said something like "no part with that
number found. One set with "8004" matches (shows set) and one part with 75% number
match, "3004" (shows part)" You can then clearly see, "oh yeah, it IS 3004" or,
"oops, I'm on add part, not add set."

It would speed some things up greatly, or at least, resolve some search issues.
You don't have to have 100% match, or even the "correct" number. Partials
and alternates are accepted, at least to show the user a suggestion, "Is this
what you are looking for?"

Thanks for reading,
Miles (C0lsanders_)

Voted yes but I believe there are better options available. As this is a SQL
database using full text search is available and should be put in place. This
would cure many of the ills in trying to find things, especially where you have
1 or more of the numbers wrong. In addition those who use Goatleg for helping
with minifigi torso and head id's know that by using more parameters in the
search you often narrow the options down considerably. Try doing a search for
Minifig heads in yellow with recessed stud - you get pages of items, but if you
use Goatleg you have options to use additional key words.

Development need to think this one through thoroughly as the search is absolutely
vital to the entire site - sellers as well as buyers.