BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Terms and Policies, Admin_Russell writes:

Items listed as NEW must contain the original packaging and instructions.

When it comes to NEW incomplete sets it is much easier for Bricklink to be more
specific about exactly what must be included since the seller has ALL parts to
hand at the point of splitting the set

Personally I think the minifigures and their associated weapons/accessories should
be the only valid items to split from a sealed set along with any other animal,
creature, robot that has its own catalog entry. Whether the sellers chooses to
include some of these items in their incomplete set should be at sellers discretion
and can be mentioned in the notes but I don't believe any parts integral
to the
actual build should ever be split and listed as incomplete and I would go as
far as saying that there should never be a valid reason to have an Architecture
set for example listed as new incomplete

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

May 6, 2024 14:29

Subject:

Re: What is an incomplete set?

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

Terms and Policies

In Terms and Policies, 1001bricks writes:

In Terms and Policies, yorbrick writes:

This comes from the May newsletter. I am now totally confused.

I'm not, I don't receive them

OK, so it seems if you remove the minifigures from a set, or sell part of a set,
that set can no longer be listed as incomplete but has to be listed as a custom
lot.

Personally I dislike seeing this Star Wars Incomplete Set "Only missing all
Minifigs".

An it damages the Price Guide.

Yes and I have no issues with them correcting that though like the minifigs the
build itself its quite a substantial item that people are interested in purchasing
by itself therefore I really think there ought to be a build entry. If we can
list minifigs separately then why not the build? I suspect builds hidden away
under custom lots will be easily overlooked which doesn't really serve anybody?

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

May 3, 2024 13:23

Subject:

Re: Charging others for your PayPal fee

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

Selling

In Selling, runner.caller writes:

In Selling, Amazingly writes:

Can a store in the USA charge other stores in the USA for their PayPal fee?
Thanks

I think using that verbiage is against paypal's TOS.

I also think someone else once mentioned that it's against paypal's TOS
to have a cheaper payment option than paypal if multiple options are available
at checkout. So if paypal is offered as a payment option, it can't be a higher
price than like a check or cash order. This was probably more relevant in the
days before onsite payments were required.

One thing I've questioned though is if it's just the verbiage.

So, in theory, a store could charge a 3.49% fee + 0.49 extra and call it an "admin
fee", "service fee", or "general fee", and be safe as long
as they didn't call it a "paypal fee".

Yes although like you say I think the principal from Paypal's perspective
is that you cannot charge your paypal customers different to any other payment
method so even if you called it an Admin fee that fee would need to apply to
all customers and not just your Paypal customers else it would be deemed as a
paypal specific admin fee. I guess you could get around this by making your store
only accept paypal as a payment method because then the admin fee applies to
all your customers equally!

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

May 3, 2024 12:54

Subject:

Re: Error while searching for 2524

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

In Technical Issues, v100Bricks writes:

Definately still an error searching All Item for 2524 or even by the part name.
Backpack Non-Opening

Getting the same issue. Stick to using advanced search for now perhaps as this
works fine:-

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogSearch.asp?utm_content=subnav

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 27, 2024 14:43

Subject:

Re: Does anyone buy large quantities of brick?

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

Selling

In Selling, ryjacks writes:

I have massive quantities of classic colors of brick I've been listing, and
it hasn't really been selling. Does anyone ever sell large quantities of
brick at once? Thank you!!!

Keep in mind that lots of sellers will be selling the same generic bricks in
the same common colours with good enough quantities for their needs. Therefore
buyers will often shop wherever it is they can source their hard to find items
foremost at which point they will often buy common parts at the same time

In other words the more rare and unique items you have in your store the easier
it will be to sell your common parts or to put it another way if your doing
a food shop and you really, really want mango but only one local supermarket
sells mango, you will probably be shopping there and buying all your common grocery's
like bread and milk at the same time

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 19, 2024 12:50

Subject:

Re: Is dropshipping allowed?

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, Admin_Russell writes:

In Help, infinibrix writes:

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Ra writes:

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Shintaku writes:

I received an order from a recurring customer.
This time, the order has a different shipping address, a different name, and
the buyer says it is a gift and I should not specify any price or add any invoice
or bill to the envelope.
I clearly sense a dropshipping case here.

Is it allowed on bricklink?

I believe it's allowed, one wishes that buyers would be a bit more honest
though.

But a nothing says a dropshipper couldn't order from bricklink. Besides there
are tons of different reasons to ship to a different address: a gift, item you
were short on, completing a transaction, trades how and shipping to hotel, business
partner, relative that doesn't like the internet, friend that doesn't
want the hassle to setup a bl account.

Yes, to be clear a BrickLink seller can't dropship since BL sellers can only
list what they actually have in inventory (maybe an exception can be made for
inventory mistakes, etc.). But there isn't anything stopping people from
listing on e.g., eBay, and then dropshipping from BL.

Yes exactly this ^

Bricklink doesn't want people selling what they don't have to hand here
because that can create a bad buyer experience. However it will be of little
concern to Bricklink if the buyer is shopping from another platform and the goods
are drop shipping from Bricklink

The only time we step in is if the dropshipper is a professional buyer and starts
giving sellers a hard time about orders that didn't go well. Otherwise, we
tolerate them - because a lot of our sellers appreciate the business.

Yes personally I'm happy to take orders from drop shippers but for my own
sales I prefer to hold the inventory else things can get messy with sourcing
as well as jeopardizing own feedback when relying too heavily on the service
and accuracy of others

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 19, 2024 10:54

Subject:

Re: Is dropshipping allowed?

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Ra writes:

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Shintaku writes:

I believe it's allowed, one wishes that buyers would be a bit more honest
though.

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 8, 2024 05:46

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

But whatever the difficulty is (I've set up 110 Shipping Methods), frankly
I'll never go back to the old way, it's FAR too convenient.

Its not convenient if you sell across multiple platforms and don't want to
rely on third party software to keep stock in check

If you don't automatically sync, technically you may not have "in hand"
the items you're selling

I do have the items in hand and I already list less quantities on each platform
than I actually have as already explained but mistakes can happen but of course
your feedback is perfect and you never make mistakes?

However I honestly
believe if a customer wants a part badly enough they will shop with that seller
irrespective of instant checkout or manual invoice/quotes

Ah, niche market, sorry.
Here orders are for parts you basically can find in many other places.
That may make a difference.

But like I recommend BrickStore (because I use it since 2006), people may be
reluctant to try it, but in general when they've spent a couple of hours
with it, they won't go back manually updating BrickLink pages...

You may be more reliant on this because you do large volumes of transactions
however the amount of messages I read with people having issues with third party
software I think it wise not to rely on such things besides it does not help
when you sell on other platforms like ebay?

It's kind of the same with ac/ip.
You may think it's the same for the buyer, but may be astonished by how much
people in fact DO prefer this than to wait for an invoice, of course...
Knowing that requires you try it, to set it up

Well I've never had a customer query or seem overly concerned as to why
I don't use IC and that's probably because they usually receive an invoice
from me within minutes and they know the stock is already secured for them. I
expect they also appreciate from reading my terms that they are not obligated
to proceed with the order if they do not like any part of the invoice and therefore
what's to dislike? Looking at my feedback record they seem happy enough with
many repeat buyers?

I should also add that my buyers have the convenience of being able to add to
their orders at any time.
Bricklink orders are often complex yet IC often forces buyers to make rushed
decisions in order to secure their most important items which is not always helpful
to the buyer. This is not Amazon and nor should it be made that way. Once a buyer
has paid for an order with IC this can makes it much more difficult to add to
the order

The best method for buyers, sellers and bricklink is surely to allow buyers to
secure stock and be able to continue ordering everything they need in full at
a more leisurely pace

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 8, 2024 05:32

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

But whatever the difficulty is (I've set up 110 Shipping Methods), frankly
I'll never go back to the old way, it's FAR too convenient.

Its not convenient if you sell across multiple platforms and don't want to
rely on third party software to keep stock in check

If you don't automatically sync, technically you may not have "in hand"
the items you're selling

However I honestly
believe if a customer wants a part badly enough they will shop with that seller
irrespective of instant checkout or manual invoice/quotes

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 16:15

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

My customers always seem to have trouble following the process of approving an
item removal request therefore can these steps not be simplified?

It could, but on the other hand and just like NPB: as soon as you're using
auto checkout instant payment, all this cease to be a concern.

But we're not all using Instant checkout and so are you suggesting that we
all should be

Frankly? In 2024? With all those Consumer laws saying a transaction isn't
valid if the buyer doesn't see and agree to pay the final price?

Yes.

If the consumer sees and agrees to pay the final price after SEEING a manual
invoiced order or quote then what is the difference? It is only Bricklinks platform
itself that insists a transaction is a binding contract, not the individual sellers
many of who will happily allow a buyer to cancel should they wish to regardless
of an item being out of stock or not hence I raise the suggestion that buyers
should not be hit with NPB's and manual invoiced orders should be treated
as quotes to help prevent this situation so that buyers can shop with confidence

Yes, legally in many Countries, buyers are NOT bound by any contract if the
final total price isn't shown on his screen and the buyer doesn't confirm
his will to pay this exact total amount.

But, then, it's old BrickLink way again, juste like talked somewhere else

Anyway, sellers should develop ac/ip the more they can, it *really* is closer
to what's nowadays expected while buying on line, and it does simplify problems
of cancellation, NPB, IRR, and so many.

Of course you do as you wish.

But whatever the difficulty is (I've set up 110 Shipping Methods), frankly
I'll never go back to the old way, it's FAR too convenient.

Its not convenient if you sell across multiple platforms and don't want to
rely on third party software to keep stock in check however I already under list
what I sell on each platform with backup stock to help better prevent stock oversights
but the less of a safety net I have with being able to double check stock before
taking any payment the more cautious I have to be about how much inventory I
list here which serves no one, least of all my customers.

At the end of the day if an alternative way of buying doesn't directly affect
a customer then there should be no reason to dismiss that alternative method
in a negative context. If buyers want to be down with the 2024 ways and only
want to shop with sellers that offer IC then that is fine and I don't have
an issue with losing some business therefore where is the harm? However I honestly
believe if a customer wants a part badly enough they will shop with that seller
irrespective of instant checkout or manual invoice/quotes

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 14:12

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

My customers always seem to have trouble following the process of approving an
item removal request therefore can these steps not be simplified?

It could, but on the other hand and just like NPB: as soon as you're using
auto checkout instant payment, all this cease to be a concern.

But we're not all using Instant checkout and so are you suggesting that we
all should be

Frankly? In 2024? With all those Consumer laws saying a transaction isn't
valid if the buyer doesn't see and agree to pay the final price?

Yes.

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 12:19

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

My customers always seem to have trouble following the process of approving an
item removal request therefore can these steps not be simplified?

It could, but on the other hand and just like NPB: as soon as you're using
auto checkout instant payment, all this cease to be a concern.

But we're not all using Instant checkout and so are you suggesting that we
all should be and that no improvements can and should be made to manual order
invoicing?

Ideally I would rather these manual orders be treated as quotes anyway for reasons
outlined here:-

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1460675

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 11:54

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Problem, TheBrickGuys writes:

Does it even really need the customer to approve the change? If so why?

In answer to at least this one question is that it is very important for the
customer to be involved in the process of changing quantities of parts in their
order. Imagine a customer places an order for a build but as the store is filling
the order he realizes that he is 4 short of one part, 3 short of another and
20 short of yet still another. If the store can just change the qty of what is
ordered without the customers approval then the customer's order will be
all screwed up.

This is just one example. There is certainly room for improvement but the customer
should always be part of any qty change in the orders they place.

Jim

Yes of course but that doesn't mean the customer won't still be notified
of the changes?
Only I don't see the difference between receiving an email stating "Item
is out of stock, do you approve the removal request" and "Item is out
of stock and has therefore been removed from your order"
Again whether I ask my customer to approve the change or not won't change
the fact that the item is unavailable and won't be included in the order.
Yes the customer at this point should be entitled to cancel the whole order if
this is a critical part of it however this then goes back to my previous argument
where I feel its important to turn all non instant checkout orders into quotes
where stock is held for 24 hours and customer can freely cancel if they are
unhappy with any aspect of the invoice/quote:-

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1460675

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 6, 2024 11:49

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

[…]

I've definitely had buyers leave feedback before they even received their
orders - rare, but it happens.

Yes but this example just illustrates someone not using the system properly and
I'm pretty sure we don't require a system built around a one off user
not using the system correctly?

A system shouldn’t allow its users to use it incorrectly.
(That includes sellers marking orders complete

)

And your point? Removing the Completed option would solve this issue at the same
time?
Besides which as a Seller I have never marked an order as Complete! Once I mark
the order status as 'Shipped' I then leave the customer alone to change
the status from there on in

“You’re holding wrong” is a registred trademark. BrickLink is too cheap to use
it.

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 6, 2024 10:53

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, peregrinator writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

I cannot think of a single situation where a buyer would leave feedback if they
didn't consider the order completed? Presumably they leave feedback when
they've either received goods and are happy (Order Completed) or they leave
negative/neutral feedback because they are unhappy with the sellers lack of resolve
(Order Completed)

On other platforms like ebay there is no Completed status because feedback alone
defines the orders status and rounds up the overall transaction as complete!

I've definitely had buyers leave feedback before they even received their
orders - rare, but it happens.

Yes but this example just illustrates someone not using the system properly and
I'm pretty sure we don't require a system built around a one off user
not using the system correctly?
I can imagine the feedback they left was interesting....

"Great Seller, Order is on its way and it will arrive in good time and be
absolutely perfect!"

I don't know if one can do the same on eBay
(it seems one can click the "Leave Feedback" button but I don't know
if the form can be submitted), but in any case, since eBay also tracks orders,
I imagine the order isn't complete until the buyer has received it (I don't
know what happens in cases where the order can't be tracked).

I think if the buyer marks the order as "Received" and then leaves positive
feedback the order should automatically complete. Maybe when the buyer leaves
any kind of feedback? Not sure about that last part.

The way I see it the very final option in the dropdown should be 'Received'
with no need for a 'Completed' option. The buyer essentially completes
their order by leaving feedback!

i.e they mark as received and then leave feedback once they are happy with their
order or if they are unhappy with their order they mark as received, message
seller for a resolution, wait for issue to be resolved(or not resolved) and then
leave appropriate feedback. By leaving feedback the buyer is finished with that
order and it is essentially complete

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 6, 2024 06:30

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, popsicle writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

As a side note I wonder whether status should auto set to complete once buyer
has left feedback or certainly after both buyer and seller have left feedback

Sensible. Put it forward as a Suggestion post, I say.

Abolutely not please.

Buyer also can be too kind and post immediately a positive feedback when having
paid, or even before!

This would close the order as "Completed" while it wasn't meant

If the buyer has left feedback prior to item being received/shipped then that
would be a bit silly and they are in no better position regardless of whether
the order has been completed or not!

See Help page of definition of Status Completed.

A positive feedback doesn't mean the order is completed.

It doesn't mean your original statement makes any more sense either?

Kind of, re-read "while it wasn't meant" as "while it could haven't
been meant".

But who cares, the fact is there's no / not always relationship between feedback
and status.

I mean apart if everything's rewritten, like status, feedbacks, alerts...

But as of right now, a quick and easy way to straighten things would be to:

* redefine the Completed status in Help,

* or make seller not able to set the order to Completed.

Right now we're discussing in vain because it's one of the points where
BrickLink doesn't work or can't be used as described

I'm off this subject, sorry.

That's okay I can round-up things then....

Basically a buyer doesn't leave feedback until they consider the order completed
thereby making the status of 'Completed' obsolete

I cannot think of a single situation where a buyer would leave feedback if they
didn't consider the order completed? Presumably they leave feedback when
they've either received goods and are happy (Order Completed) or they leave
negative/neutral feedback because they are unhappy with the sellers lack of resolve
(Order Completed)

On other platforms like ebay there is no Completed status because feedback alone
defines the orders status and rounds up the overall transaction as complete!

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 20:48

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, popsicle writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

As a side note I wonder whether status should auto set to complete once buyer
has left feedback or certainly after both buyer and seller have left feedback

Sensible. Put it forward as a Suggestion post, I say.

Abolutely not please.

Buyer also can be too kind and post immediately a positive feedback when having
paid, or even before!

This would close the order as "Completed" while it wasn't meant

If the buyer has left feedback prior to item being received/shipped then that
would be a bit silly and they are in no better position regardless of whether
the order has been completed or not!

See Help page of definition of Status Completed.

A positive feedback doesn't mean the order is completed.

It doesn't mean your original statement makes any more sense either?

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 19:44

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, popsicle writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

As a side note I wonder whether status should auto set to complete once buyer
has left feedback or certainly after both buyer and seller have left feedback

Sensible. Put it forward as a Suggestion post, I say.

Abolutely not please.

Buyer also can be too kind and post immediately a positive feedback when having
paid, or even before!

This would close the order as "Completed" while it wasn't meant

If the buyer has left feedback prior to item being received/shipped then that
would be a bit silly and they are in no better position regardless of whether
the order has been completed or not!

I've come to the conclusion that you are the type of person who just likes
to disagree for the sake of disagreeing only your counter arguments rarely ever
seem to have any substance or make any sense?

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 19:23

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Problem, hpoort writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, Bricklord writes:

I would posit that the problem isn't with the process being overly complicated
but with the users themselves. Most are simply too lazy to read anything, and
couple that with the managements insistence on pandering to those glued to their
phones as opposed to using a proper computer and that accounts for 90%+ of the
issues with Buyers claiming to have problems doing something on here. My experience
anyway.

This may be the case to an extent but if we're to accept that as the reason
then all the more reason to simplify and change the process. The thing is I'm
dealing with a newish buyer anyway and so the whole site to them no doubt already
looks quite complex. The other thing is from their point of view they just want
to order what they need. They don't want to read lots of processes, read
store terms or hunt around for links and so I feel they have every right to be
lazy in that respect and I think if Bricklink wants more people shopping here
then things overall need to be simplified.

For starters why is it you can cancel an order without a customers approval but
your can't amend an order without their approval?

Even if I've made a stock oversight and its my own fault. I still have to
make the change to the order regardless of whether the customer approves or not?
Therefore why bother having to inconvenience the customer even further with having
to approve/accept the change. The process for the customer should be simple,
either they accept the changes I've made to the order or we agree to cancel
the order in its entirety there is no need for them to need to hunt down a link
to approve anything?

Or approach it differently and don't bother the buyer at all:

- you were offering the items for sale and according to TOS had them in hand
- you made the stock oversight if you accidentally didn't have them in hand
- you are well versed on Bricklink and can easily buy the missing parts
- you can simply inform the buyer that a slight delay may occur because you are
doing your best to provide them with the quality parts that they expect of you
- and you ship out the order complete.

And all your comments here come from your own personal experience of selling?
Your viewpoint here only shows me that you lack all tolerance and understanding.
A transaction works both ways, You expect sellers to provide you with everything
you need, a complex, diverse range of tiny parts whilst holding them fully accountable
for even the smallest of oversights and this is prior to an order even having
been paid for??
Sellers may very well pander to your expectations but if they feel your being
too one sided they may not wish to do business with you for a second time - Red
Flag Alert!

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 07:02

Subject:

Re: How to charge customers per x amount of lots

Viewed:

63 times

Topic:

Help