BrickLink Discussion Forum

In LEGO, randyf writes:

[…]
Just to reiterate, I am not in favor of wheel and tire assemblies in inventories
unless they came that way and are listed in the Regular Items section. Wheels
and tires are not hard to take apart. My kids have been doing it since they were
young.

I remember having had problems with this one as kid:

8c02 (Inv) Plate, Modified 2 x 2 with Wheel Holder Bottom with Red Wheel with Black Tire Offset Tread Small (8 / 3464c02)
Parts: Aircraft

(Both wheel from plate and then tire from hub.)

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 17, 2018 13:15

Subject:

Re: Just how many pieces ARE in LEGO 10214?

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

Inventories

In Catalog, SteveDJ writes:

I was Googling for some pictures of the LEGO Tower Bridge, set 10214. What I
find interesting, is that there are two different versions of the set BOX --
with one version showing 4287 pieces, and another version showing 4295 pieces.

The catalog entry here shows 4287. Yet, there is no supplemental information
as to what happened?

If anything, the box art WITHOUT the tree in the corner, but instead showing
the Expert label/icon, looks like the more recent box. And it is the one showing
4295 pieces.

Is the catalog entry here not up to date?

In the recent production runs,

4854 Slope, Inverted 45 4 x 4 Double
Parts: Slope, Inverted

has been replaced with

72454 Slope, Inverted 45 4 x 4 Double with 2 Holes
Parts: Slope, Inverted

which have holes.
So TLG added 8x White

3020 Plate 2 x 4
Parts: Plate

so that you don’t see the coloured parts inside the towers through the holes.

And 4287 + 8 = 4295.

The match ID for the alternate model is 99.

Funnily, with these 2x4 plates, there are Medium Blue 1x2 plates that are not
useful anymore but that are still included.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 16, 2018 07:08

Subject:

Re: Cart/wishlist sharing

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, saxus writes:

Sometimes we make BL orders together with one or more friend to optimize shipping
costs. This is a little bit hard to do specially with lot of lots.

It would be very nice if there will be an option to invite somebody to an order
to add an another batch. For example, if i get an invite, i could add a batch
to my friend's order from my own account. It would be a spearated batch named
to me.

Obviously it could be a solution to share each's password, but obvious security
reason it's not really a fun solution.

And also: it would be nice if we have the itemNo with link to the catalog on
the shop's store page like in the global store page.

First, sharing WLs is a “feature coming soon!” (look at the setup screen for
any of your WL).

Second, you can download ( button on the WL’s page ) and upload ( https://www.bricklink.com/v2/wanted/upload.page
) WLs. So you and your friends can share them through other means (e-mail…).

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 15, 2018 17:16

Subject:

Re: Wrong color item shown on Appears In page

Viewed:

21 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

[…]
What do you mean by “on the next page”

?
Selecting a colour doesn’t change the page.

Okay, I get it: clicking on a colour name in the Known Color column in the Color
Info tab, not the colour selection box on top of the picture.

Yes, the link leads to a page (e.g. https://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemIn.asp?P=4073&colorID=36&in=A
) that shows the part in another colour.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 15, 2018 17:12

Subject:

Re: Wrong color item shown on Appears In page

Viewed:

19 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, patpendlego writes:

E.g.
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=4073#T=C&C=76

Select any color in the Known colors column, on the next page it shows
always the same color item image.

What do you mean by “on the next page”

?
Selecting a colour doesn’t change the page.

Anyway, when I select a colour, I get the picture in that colour.
And changing the lower tab to “Price Guide” instead of “Color Info” (my default)
shows me the price guide for the colour I just selected.

Even though the text states the color selected.

BrickLink... please show the image of the color selected.

What would be nice (too) would be sorting the Known colours by name….

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 11, 2018 19:03

Subject:

Re: Improvement to super-lots? Paired items.

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, StormChaser writes:

[…]
Paired part entries may make things marginally easier for sellers, but the added
burden of work on everyone involved does not, IMO, justify them. Also, I doubt
they'd be used enough to justify their existence.

Also, don’t forget that when you have “left arm” and “right arm” in a wanted
list, “left and right arms” is never suggested, and vice versa.

The complete minifig isn’t suggested either if you parted it out in your WL.

Same for sets.

When looking for a minifig part (which is rare but happens), I add both the part
and the minifigs that use it (if they are affordable). I would have to do the
same if there were paired parts….

Of course, if the search algorithms were to be modified to help me do that, that
would be wonderful.
And if they could also help search for multiple colours without having to look
for N/A and a bunch of colours I don’t want…
And if they could point me to a set or incomplete set that has a bunch of the
parts I want and which is for sale for cheaper than I would have to pay for the
parts…
And I’d want a poney too.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 10, 2018 19:12

Subject:

Re: Fake picture for Lady Iron Dragon / Misako

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

In Catalog, tEoS writes:

The picture for this minifig seems fake or maybe a digitally altered photo from
Lego.

Minifig No: njo412 Name: Misako (Koko) (Lady Iron Dragon) - The LEGO Ninjago Movie

njo412 (Inv) Misako (Koko) (Lady Iron Dragon) - The LEGO Ninjago Movie
Minifigures: The LEGO NINJAGO Movie

I find it a bit misleading since the head on the actual fig is garbage and certainly
not like the BL minifig photo. My head is such a thin yellow that the black
shows through in most spots.

Yes, the shadows on the chin make me say “render!”

The head’s picture is more realistic:

3626cpb2021 Minifigure, Head Female Balaclava with Yellow Face, Black Eyelashes, Tapered Eyebrows, Neutral Expression Pattern - Hollow Stud
Parts: Minifigure, Head

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 9, 2018 11:11

Subject:

Re: need new filter function for this website

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SGTENIGMA writes:

i have one suggestion that i think all would greatly appreciate. the function
capability to isolate and block individual sellers. what i mean is to make it
where if you have unsatisfactory service, you the buyer, can highlight the specific
seller and put him on your own block list. much like facebook. so that way, you
no longer see the seller when you search for future lego products. for the bad
shops will be filtered out and you wont see them. i just had an order that i
cancelled. i was instructed to go thru paypal and enter all their info in order
to buy their products. instead of going thru bricklink to get thru to paypal.
in other words, they wanted to circumvent the percentage you guys make when each
sell happens. so i refuse to let them circumvent and cut you out. pretty sure
they will give me a bad review. dont care. i believe in being honest. but i find
it frustrating that i have to write down each bad seller and have to review my
own list before buying. that is timeconsuming. appreciate it!

See https://www.bricklink.com/pref_favorite.asp?v=L&viewType=

And all the settings for the different searches….

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 9, 2018 07:30

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 6881-1

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, Admin_Russell writes:

In Inventories Requests, SezaR writes:

Hi Admin_Russell,

As I had mentioned, I only had one 3942a (in any color) and it came with this
set. Why is this rejected?

I think you should take this as a nudge to go in a different direction. Instead
of splitting hairs over these early variants, there is a lot of basic inventory
work to do on the site, even in older inventories. Wrong quantities, wrong colors,
missing things...

If you really like variants perhaps you should start working more with newer
inventories where there is easy access to sealed contents. You may find it more
rewarding to work with first hand information.

That doesn’t answer the question.

FWIW, I have five White 3942*, two come from 6970-1, two come from two 6920-1,
and one comes from 6881-1.
Three of them are 3942a, two are 3942c.

Therefore, two 3942a come from 6970-1 (1980), the two 3942c come from the two
6920-1 (1986), and that leaves one 3942a for 6881-1 (1984).

On the other hand, I have three Black 3942*, two from 1212-1 and one from 6951-1.
One is a 3942c. I can’t say for sure from where it comes, maybe my 1212-1 had
one of each….

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Aug 4, 2018 05:48

Subject:

Re: Photo of Black 3942b

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Catalog, SezaR writes:

I guess something is wrong with the photo of black

3942b Cone 2 x 2 x 2 - Blocked Open Stud
Parts: Cone

It is supposed to be in two colors: black and (light) gray

It looks like a mirror effect, not gray

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 16:57

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Catalog, edeevo writes:

[…]
I don't see the point in mocking the issue I raised:

The point wasn’t mocking the issue you raised, it was just a jest around the
admins’ argument in this recurring discussion, both to present it and to “mock”
it, because, frankly, both sides are right (or are they both wrong?).

Anyway, the only half-solution I see (and that solution is not new and shows
up as often as this problem is raised in one form or another) that could please
and help both sellers and buyers a bit more than what we have now is to have
a system where variants could be merged (in a “undetermined” upper-level part
or in some kind of group). Sellers and buyers could choose to differentiate
or not. Buyers would be presented with XXX*, XXXa, or XXXb when they say they
want XXX*, but not with XXX* if they want XXXa.
Notwithstanding the many technical and especially UI problems (How to present
this so that newbies understand?), the problem would also then be with the “Price
Guide Which is Not a Guide but Which is Used as One” (Where do you place sales
for XXX*? Are sales for XXXa and XXXb also included in XXX*?…).

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 15:19

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

57 times

Topic:

In Catalog, edeevo writes:

[…]
Except that the problem with doing this (removing the undetermined entry) will
only cause many Sellers to list either/or version of the flag into either/or
entry... meaning that they will continue to not make a distinction between the
two, but list them in one of the two available entries (and *maybe* leaving a
note stating that they "do not distinguish between versions of this part" if
you're lucky)... In other words, you may think you will not have a catalog
"stuffed with undetermined entries", but the two catalog entries will actually
be stuffed with items that are really undetermined (i.e. if the goal was to force
Sellers into listing their items into the appropriate catalog entries, this will
not fix that... many still list similar items in one category or another without
an undetermined entry)...

To be clear, I will more than likely separate each of the flags in my inventory,
to maintain consistency in having my listings correctly identified... but having
been a Buyer from numerous Sellers with the same sort of parts, I can confidently
say I am one of the rare Sellers that does make those distinctions; hence the
problem I identified above...

Thing is, if there were an “Undetermined LEGO Part” entry, some sellers would
use it to list all their parts

(Well, maybe they would need two entries: one for cheap parts and one for expensive
parts

)

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 12:12

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Catalog, axaday writes:

[…]
A majority of the market will not care which way the flag is waving.

Besides the date accuracy, they are often used in pairs, and it’s really not
aesthetic not to have both flames of a pair bending the same way.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jul 26, 2018 17:07

Subject:

Re: Trans-Clear not a known color for 3001?

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, WoutR writes:

[…]
Last use in a set was 1987.

My understanding was that the catalogue wasn’t accurate as the 300[123]old entries
are relatively recent.

Used parts are common, but modern trans-clear bricks are rare.
(Does anyone know why?)

TLG realized their colour QA was awful?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jul 26, 2018 16:32

Subject:

Re: Trans-Clear not a known color for 3001?

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, pikachu3 writes:

In Colors, SylvainLS writes:
[…]

Trans parts don’t have internal supports, they use the old mould.
3001old doesn’t only mean old 3001 bricks, it also means 3001 without support.

I have trans-clear 3001 bricks with cross-supports, and even a recent one with
thin walls (fully modern 3001). They do exist, but they're only used for
internal models like in LegoLand parks.

Yes, a “Generally” or “common [parts]” was missing in my first sentence. The
point I really wanted to make was that the “old” in “3001old” is for “old mould,
without cross supports,” not “old mould, for old bricks that were made decades
ago and that are not made anymore.”

Unless TLG is sitting on a big pile of old trans bricks, they are still using
the old moulds.

Many parts have two moulds and two Design IDs, one for ABS (solid colours) and
one for PC (transparent colours) (“ABS” or “PC” is sometimes included in the
official name), even when the differences (in the resulting bricks) aren’t obvious.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jul 26, 2018 10:41

Subject:

Re: Trans-Clear not a known color for 3001?

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, patpendlego writes:

In Colors, aleydita writes:

In Colors, patpendlego writes:

Hi,

I am looking at the known colors for part 3001, cause I want to update my set
of example color bricks, there are much more in the price guide info than known
colors...

E.g. Trans-Clear is not a known color for part 3001, how is that possible?

3001 Brick 2 x 4
Parts: Brick

Thx,
Arnoud

Maybe all trans clear 2 x 4 bricks in official sets are of the 3001old variety?
Would certainly match the release dates of those sets. Current trans 3003s are
of the 3003old variety but are listed under 3003 as per BL policy, so any 3001
trans that surfaced now would probably still be of the 3001old variety.

3001old Brick 2 x 4 without Cross Supports
Parts: Brick

3001 trans clear not used in any set? that could explain it indeed

Trans parts don’t have internal supports, they use the old mould.
3001old doesn’t only mean old 3001 bricks, it also means 3001 without support.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jul 23, 2018 13:25

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Part 44658c01

Viewed:

20 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, sleeper447 writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory: [P=44658c01]

* Change {2 to 4} Part (Variable Color) 44658a Minifig, Weapon Knife

Comments from Submitter:
There is only one item (2 knives) registered, however you can clearly see on the box that there are 2 knives in the construction and 1 hold by the merman. Since they come by two as far as I know, it would seems that there are then 2 items, resulting in 4 knives.

It seems what you want is to change the inventory of a set (the one with the
merman) but this request is asking for a change in the inventory of the part
(the two knives as they come attached in new sets), not the inventory of a set.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Jun 5, 2018 10:46

Subject:

Re: Personal inventory (non sellers)

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, tEoS writes:

use Rebrickable

It’s a suggestion, not a question

The purpose is the following ( https://www.bricklink.com/messageTopics.asp ):
“Suggestions to the BrickLink Admininstration to improve website functionality
and design.”

Yes, Rebrickable allows to check set or public MOCs inventories with personal
part lists/inventories. But having a few inventory/WL features on BL would be
better than having to work around with third party tools (with all the hassles
of exporting / importing and handling the different nomenclatures).

Just having the possibility to merge or substract two wanted lists, or a WL and
an order or a set inventory would be a great improvement.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 31, 2018 17:32

Subject:

Re: Classic Wanted List Unavailable on June 5th

Viewed:

104 times

Topic:

In Administrative, Bionicleseller writes:

[…]
Remember, if we
cannot figure it out, imagine what it must be like for newcomers?

Remember they are not hampered as you are by your knowledge of the olden ways.

Thankfully the new list hasn't been removed. Let's keep it that way........please.......

I think you meant “classic,” not “new”

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 28, 2018 07:42

Subject:

Re: Improve add item screen

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Pippyblocks writes:

Out of interest, I noticed some of your used plates are slightly more expensive
than your new ones. I've noticed this with my inventory before when I've
gone through to adjust pricing and wondered why / how this happened because obviously,
customers would pick out the new over used as it is cheaper.

Not necessarily. Some people are only looking for Used, some of them for authenticity,
some of them (wrongly) believing Used is always cheaper than New.
So the parts could still be sold

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 17, 2018 12:01

Subject:

Re: What happened to the best price button

Viewed:

65 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Cob writes:

In Suggestions, JAFO writes:

What happened to the best buy button when purchasing wanted lists? It a load
of poo that the system takes a much higher price. I had 6 items that came up
to over $35.00 when using auto select. The same items cost me $2.50 all from
one store when searched out manually.

It went away a while ago, there have been some pretty long threads discussing
the disappearance of the feature.

The three options, “Lowest Price,” “Fewest Stores,” and “Best Price,” were just
heuristical sets of parameters for the approximating algorithm, and they were
given names according to what the results were hoped to be. But:
“Fewest Stores” sometimes gave a lower price than “Lowest Price.”
“Lowest Price” sometimes gave fewer stores than “Fewest Stores.”
No one never knew what “Best Price” meant.
And I’m sure people tried all three every time.

At one time, BL realized the names were a bit too optimistic (not to say misleading),
and they chose to reduce the choice to only one option, which I think can be
dubbed “Best,” whatever that might mean.
And we still don’t know what it does.
And there are still weird, unexplained, uncommented things happening.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 10, 2018 18:16

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 7817-1

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:

In Inventories Requests, SylvainLS writes:

If I may add my brick: an inventory isn’t gospel truth, it’s a crowd-sourced
work-in-progress.
We might never know an inventory is “complete” / won’t ever change anymore: fifty
years from now, someone might dig up and open a sealed set with another variant
or extra.

Of course you're right. Your observation relates to all matters, though,
and touches on the very nature of truth itself. I am of the opinion that absolute
assurance is foolhardy and the wiser position to take regarding any fact is varying
degrees of certainty.

You absolutely sure about that?

There is a celestial body we have named the Sun which casts light onto the Earth,
for example, but I am only 99% sure of that. I do not say it is a certainty
because it could be shown wrong one day.

Yes, but there are some things we can hold for true without much consequences
in many occasions in our day-to-day lifes, and some others for which it might
be harmful more often.

It’s one thing to assume (but for one day every (about) four years when you need
to catch up) that a day is exactly 24h, it’s another to jump and buy expensive
parts because you believe an inventory is perfect and your just-bought set has
the wrong variants.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 10, 2018 17:12

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 7817-1

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:

In Inventories Requests, SezaR writes:

Can we agree on the following sentence?

A set inventory is not incorrect or incomplete just because it doesn't include
every possible variant and alternate variant which ever appeared in the set during
the years it was released.

I am sorry but I would consider it incomplete.

Good lord, don't be sorry for having an opinion! We just disagree on that
particular point and we were finally able to pinpoint the exact cause of the
disagreement. That's a good thing.

My viewpoint is that if the inventory includes all the parts required*, then
it is complete. The inventory is imperfect (for collectors) if the variants
are not period-specific, but it is not incorrect or incomplete.

I agree with your efforts to get the inventories as perfect as possible, but
I'm expecting the highest standard of proof for tweaking inventories into
perfection. I think the collectors who care about these sets expect and deserve
only the best sources. That highest standard of proof is difficult to locate
for these old or rare sets and I understand and sympathize with your difficulties
in locating quality sources.

*All parts required to build the main model plus any other items on the official
parts list. In the absence of a parts list, the instructions, box images, and
official part count may be used to determine as closely as possible the constitution
of the Regular section.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 8, 2018 09:18

Subject:

Re: price overview when buying a wanted list

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SchmickBricks writes:

[…]
I totally agree, and suggest BrickLink go one step further and remove the ability
for stores to adjust their prices to the current 6 month average for consolidated
lots when parting out sets as it's only serving to drive prices down either
further.
[…]
Stores would still be able to adjust prices manually of course, but who really
has the time to check the prices of 10,000 lots against the current average price?

People are already using third party tools (theirs or BrickStock) that can do
that easily.
The more you restrict tools in BL, the more people will use tools outside of
BL (and continue bitching there aren’t enough sellers tools in BL).

I would imagine the declining prices would be having a knock on effect with BrickLink's
income, so any steps to address the declining prices are in their best interest
too.

Price fixing, or limiting people’s ability to set their own prices, isn’t a solution
(apart from being illegal).

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 5, 2018 16:46

Subject:

Re: Muting/ignoring forum member feature?

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Heartbricker writes:

[…]
Thanks Again! definitely not ignoring you! you've been a great resource and
help today and in the past!

Thanks. I was just joking: suggestions are always triggered by recent events,
so the people having participated in the last dispute could think you were bored
with them

By the way, you can see how many people ignore you in your My Activity page (just
above the defunct Chat subsection at the bottom), but you can’t know who they
are.

I’m of the grumbling and sarcastic but helping sort, I like to think the helping
part explains why I’m only on 7 ignore lists

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 5, 2018 15:48

Subject:

Re: Muting/ignoring forum member feature?

Viewed:

66 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Heartbricker writes:

is there an option screen/ignore/mute or picking members i don't wish to
see forum posts from?

Kind of like a stop list but only for forum?

Bottom of this page:
https://www.bricklink.com/messageFilter.asp?viewFrom=P

I used to be more active here but feel like in recent years some people have
been spamming or have consistently been posting topics i don't wish to see.
if there's nothing like that i might make a suggestion to add this feature.

if such feature doesn't exist- i'd like to see one implemented, would
like the feature to be anonymous since while i might not want to see certain
people's posts- i certainly do NOT wish to offend them.

Too late?

Thank you.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

May 3, 2018 16:46

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 2452-1

Viewed:

16 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:

[…]
How many of these famous people can you identify WITHOUT searching for their more commonly-known names?

What if that number doesn’t change AFTER having searched for the more commonly-known
names?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 29, 2018 11:35

Subject:

Re: Classic Wanted List Unavailable on June 5th

Viewed:

84 times

Topic:

In Administrative, moscu writes:

How I am supposed to set prices and quantities once I place item in a list?

Depends.
If you put it from the item’s page, there are fields in the dialog.
If you want to change / add something when looking at or searching in your WLs,
you just click on the field you want to change and the WL goes in edit mode.
You go out of edit mode by clicking the “Save Changes” button that appeared
in the blue line at the bottom of the screen or by hitting the Enter key.
Or you can do batch changes with the leftmost checkboxes and the menu just above
the header (move, copy, apply colour, condition…).

How can I see what the lowest prices for a piece in a list?

Use the price guide.
Or you can show a few stores for each item if you click “More Options” (near
the “Search Wanted List” field) and then click “Show” in the rightmost column.
Don’t forget to change the sort option (stupidly defaults to store name) and
to click “Apply.”

I never have use the new one I always click on classic because it is much easier
to navigate and do what I need.

Remember when you learned how to use the “classic” one? Go the same way: try.
If you never try, you never learn.

This change remind me of Microsoft changing the
search features in the "File Explorer" or removing the Program Menu. It was never
a good Idea.

I don’t remember MS ever having had a good idea for its users.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 27, 2018 18:23

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 6362-1

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, SezaR writes:

I don't understand

All tiles, regular or alternative, are with grooves?

The redesign was a change of colours.
This set isn’t old enough to have come with ungrooved tiles.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 19, 2018 18:41

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 1046-1

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, Admin_Russell writes:

[…]

A true cliff hanger...

Where people named Cliff are housed?

Woops...

Sorry, I know making fun of typos is rude but I couldn’t stop myself

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 19, 2018 16:11

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 1046-1

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, Admin_Russell writes:

[…]

However, I'm not requesting those changes right now because

This sentence was left purposely unfinished to give a nice touch of mystery to
the whole affair.

A true cliff hangar...

Where people named Cliff are housed?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 18, 2018 09:56

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 926-1

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, elias3 writes:

[…]

I'm sorry, I should have been more specific. I'm interested in videos
or photos of a new space set which included the space figures and sticker sheets
we're discussing.

So you don't believe Paul, nor Reza, nor me about the stickersheets and plain
torso's?

I don’t think it’s about “believing,” more about having proof for the future.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 13, 2018 15:13

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 10246-1

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, 1977_mauro writes:

[…]
"Normaly Lego add one extra of part 4073 per bag (of course there are exeptions
like in some 2017 sets)"

-- No, see my approved change request for Ship in the bottle, there were
5 extra light blue round plates included into this set, but only 3 bags with
these
plates. Two bags had 2 plates extra in each bag - and this set came out 2018...

Though this set is hardly “normal,” with all the water round plates needed (284).
It isn’t unbelievable that “rules” for bags of mixed bricks with a couple of
round plates aren’t the same than the ones for special bags with dozens of them.

Now, what I think is that TLG noticed we had their rules figured, so they randomly
change them.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 10, 2018 14:08

Subject:

Re: Price guide rant

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, TheBrickGuys writes:

[…]
What do people use the average of the "Current items for sale" info for? I would
think that the 6 month sales average info is much more important. It has been
brought up here many times and I don't understand why people don't use
the 6 month sales average instead?

I am asking this not to be snarky in any way, I am just wondering if maybe I
am not seeing the importance of that information and thus missing out on the
use of it.

Both are useful.

When you want to set a price on a item (buying or selling), you look at how much
similar items were sold for in the recent past but you also look at how much
it can be bought now. And how many were sold and how many are for sale now.

Say something sold for $5 last months but you can’t find some for sale below
$6 now. What help does the past sales give you? Will you wait until the price
goes below $6 again? What if that never happens?

Or the other way around, something sold for $6 but now you can easily find it
for $5. If you’re a seller, if you price it at $6, you won’t sell yours before
all the ones at $5 are sold ; and that could take a long time. And if you’re
a buyer, if you only check the sold price, you’ll be happy buying at $6 when
you could easily have had the item for $5.

All info is useful.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 10, 2018 09:22

Subject:

Re: Price guide rant

Viewed:

92 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, TBS writes:

[…]
median is already there via the quantity average.

No. Median and quantity average are totally different notions.
(E.g. prices 2x$1, 1x$4, 1x$5, 1x$10, lot average = (1+4+5+10)/4 = $5, qty average
= (1+1+4+5+10)/5 = $4.2, median = the 3rd price = $4.)

Still, you can find the median by looking at the “raw” data and adding all the
quantities until you get to half the total quantity.

[…]
Problem is more, people desperately hang on to non weighted avg prices in stead
of their weighted qty avg.

Problem is people hanging on the price guide

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 3, 2018 16:21

Subject:

Re: parts colour matt or shiny

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, todeluca writes:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

Softer materials (plants, horns…) are matt, but I don’t think there are bricks
that come in both ABS and PP or other soft plastic.

no bricks come in both shiny and matt,

Actually, part (53451) originally came in shiny (harder) plastic when it was
first introduced, but was later changed to matte (softer) plastic. I am not sure
exactly when this occurred, since Bricklink does not differentiate between the
original and revised versions of the part.

53451 Barb / Claw / Horn / Tooth - Small
Parts: Animal, Body Part

Okay. I can see how there could be other such examples of LEGO tweaking materials
from time to time.
Anyway, I think for such little differences, a simple note should suffice (something
like “Early parts came in harder, more shiny plastic.”). There should be no
need for a doubling of all the colours with shiny/matt variants… otherwise we
could also want a new colour for each material (cloth, rubber, paint…). There
is already enough variation in parts in the “same” material and colour to make
them sometimes hard to recognize.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Apr 3, 2018 10:08

Subject:

Re: parts colour matt or shiny

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, az0 writes:

To admin,

Regarding parts and colour entry.

It would be good if there were an entry to say whether the colour is matt or
shiny. I have to replace a part on Harry Potter Knight's bus. The original
was shiny black but the part I received as a replacement was matt.

On this particularly set it is rather noticeable so rather than have to email
each seller to ask if they have a shiny black part it would be good if it were
stated. Not sure if Lego make the distinction but it makes a difference to the
look of the set when its a visible part.

All new bricks are shiny. It’s when they are used and get lots of micro-scratches
that they become matt.

Softer materials (plants, horns…) are matt, but I don’t think there are bricks
that come in both ABS and PP or other soft plastic.

So,
either the shiny/matt clash comes from different materials and it’s useless to
differentiate “colour X shiny” and “colour X matt” on BL because no bricks come
in both shiny and matt,
or the shiny/matt clash comes from new/mint bricks vs. older/scratched bricks
and it’s a matter of asking sellers in what condition are their bricks prior
to ordering.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 28, 2018 16:25

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 10260-1

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, mhortar writes:

[…]
Actually, that's something I've been curious about recently as well.
I seem to remember (possibly incorrectly though!) that there were always an extra
part when certain small parts were in a bag, so if you had the same part in multiple
steps, you would get multiple extras of that part.

In recent sets (maybe only 2017/2018 sets, but I can't say for certain) it
seems like the first time a small part shows up in a set, there is an extra one,
but if the part appears again in a later step, there is no extra part.

Anyone else experience this, or am I just getting old and the memory is going?

In 2017, I came up with a “pair” theory ( https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1060309
). But I don’t buy enough sets to know if it was true for more than the sets
I bought at that time.
My latest sets were mostly regular: they followed the “old” rule of one extra
for the usual parts (1x1 plates, tiles, slopes…) for each bag.

10260-1 is regular but for (if I remember correctly):
1. the antennas,
2. a “missing” LBG 1x1 tile round (consistent with the “pair” theory),
3. a “missing” Trans-Clear 1x1/cheese slope (consistent with the “pair” theory),
4. two “missing” Black bars 3L,
5. a “missing” technic pin 2780 (consistent with the “pair” theory).

They could have changed their way of counting in a particular factory, or on
some chains/machines in that factory, or for some sets (size / contents), or
temporarily, or….

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 28, 2018 14:06

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 10260-1

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:

In Inventories Requests, SylvainLS writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory:

10260-1 (Inv) Downtown Diner
2454 Parts, 6 Minifigures, 2018
Sets: Creator: Creator Expert: Modular Buildings Collection

* Change {1 to 2} Part Lime 98138 Tile, Round 1 x 1 (Extra)

Comments from Submitter:
From sealed set. (Well, not sealed anymore

)

Makes sense. The first lime tile comes in bag 1 and the second comes in bag
2. I've approved your request.

Thanks.

This was my first time inventorying a set this large from physical contents,
so if you find any other errors please let me know.

When building, I trust BL inventories and just check the extras, so I can’t say
for the regulars but there were no other differences for extras.

About the “Makes sens,” there are things that don’t make sense: Why did we both
get extras for the Black and LBG antennas in bag 3 but got none for the LBG one
in bag 4?

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 28, 2018 13:33

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 10260-1

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

Inventories Requests (Entry)

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

10260-1 (Inv) Downtown Diner
2454 Parts, 6 Minifigures, 2018
Sets: Creator: Creator Expert: Modular Buildings Collection

* Change {1 to 2} Part Lime 98138 Tile, Round 1 x 1 (Extra)

Comments from Submitter:
From sealed set. (Well, not sealed anymore

)

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 20, 2018 10:58

Subject:

Re: Classic Wanted List Unavailable on June 5th

Viewed:

92 times

Topic:

In Administrative, pedrogcosta writes:

Hi,

There is any way to see, in the new wanted list, the most cheap stores for each
part in a wanted list as I can do in the old/classic wanted list?

Yes.
Open a WL.
Click “More Options” next to its search field.
Right column, “Items for Sale Options:” click “Show” and look at the options
below, especially the sorting option as by “Store Name” is the stupid and useless
default.
Then click “Apply”.

Note that there’s a “Best Price” sorting option next to “Lowest” and “Highest”
but no one knows what that means.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 20:59

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, RecycledBrick writes:

What you missed is that you already agreed for BrickLink to:
— look into your PP transactions
— block payments and decide refunds.

I didn't miss those. How is Bricklink going access my PayPal account? It
doesn't matter what agreement is made, how do they get into it? I am just
wondering.

I answered your last paragraph: “I haven't noticed anything different or
what is so bad about
each either. If there is something different or bad, what am I missing?”

You can’t broaden up a question then narrow it down again when the answer doesn’t
suit you.

), you’ll see automatic fees is strongly considered.
And I think you already agreed to that

It would probably be better since I never use the My BL page for anything, I
don't see the reminder to pay the fees for Bricklink. It might be easier
this way but then it would be something that Bricklink would have to set up with
PayPal and I don't see that happening anytime soon. You also can disconnect
your PayPal account at anytime so no one is forced into this.

Sellers are forced into it when they can’t choose any other payment method than
PayPal Marketplaces.

Buyers are forced into it when they can’t choose any offsite payment method.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 20:09

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, RecycledBrick writes:

[…]
Since I have offered Onsite payments since it started and Marketplaces since
it was started, I haven't noticed anything different or what is so bad about
each either. If there is something different or bad, what am I missing?

What you missed is that you already agreed for BrickLink to:
— look into your PP transactions
— block payments and decide refunds.

BL didn’t make any statement about their intentions. (And, anyway, intentions
can change.)

BL didn’t either explain what will happen to those who refuse to agree to Marketplaces.

And if you watch Big B Bricks’ interview of Jaclyn ( https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1081977
), you’ll see automatic fees is strongly considered.
And I think you already agreed to that.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 18, 2018 16:18

Subject:

Re: Have all members pay BL $1 to buy and/or sell

Viewed:

104 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, matejo writes:

Mentioned in other posts, I am submitting this as a separate suggestion.

The goal of the $1 payment is to preclude new members from making false orders
and thereby avoid time wasted on pulling order items, attaining packing supplies,
calculating shipping, etc.

Perhaps there is also a benefit with regard to new sellers. Not sure.

I recognize there will be process, payment, and accounting challenges for BrickLink
administrators, along with maybe an undesired initial action to become a member,
however this proposal would screen out false buyers, and benefit the integrity
and positive experiences of the entire new member, buyer, and seller community
-- which for my part is a key reason I'm here.

So, one $5 minifig will cost $7 + shipping, with $2 + 3% to BL (= ~30% fee).

Yeah, I can see that going very well indeed… not!

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 16, 2018 11:30

Subject:

Re: Minibuilds

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, TallyToyBricks writes:

I'm not sure how you would handle selling new minibuilds with stickers and
instructions.

Do you cut the sticker sheets? Do you send the appropriate building pages from
the manual?

What would the buyer expect?

AFAICT, generally, each minibuild has its own instruction booklet.

Sticker sheets are more of a problem :/

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 7, 2018 20:24

Subject:

Re: Separate professional and private sellers

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Speg writes:

[…]

If you want to stick with LEGO (whereas MarieA was more general), what about
a motor that fails after a few weeks?
The seller sold it as new. The warranty should be 2 years.

Isn't that warranty through Lego and not the seller?

Legally, it’s through the seller.
But usually, sellers tend to redirect you to the manufacturer. And some manufacturers
(as TLG) prefer handling it themselves.
But what if the motor is an old model not produced for a long time? What do
you think TLG will do? They will tell you to go back to the seller.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 7, 2018 15:38

Subject:

Re: Separate professional and private sellers

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, StarBrick writes:

I know of an ex-car dealer who was bored with his job and quit but continued
to buy and sell used cars as an individual for a couple of years (then he was
re-hired as a “seller extraordinary” because he was that good). He knew the
rules pretty well and limited himself to less than (I think it’s) ten cars a
year. Buy a used car, keep it a few weeks, sell the car. He managed to make
a hefty profit. All legal, and not as a pro.

Is that a business? Or someone who loves to have another car every few weeks
and makes money along the way?
Has he become a business by doing so?

No. It was someone who was a car salesman, who wanted to change job because
he was bored, but who continued to buy and sell after quitting because it’s what
he is. Yes, he loves to have a different car every few weeks, but he also loves
buying and selling and he made good money along the way.
No, that way of life didn’t become a business. His former employer hired him
back, with a new position, part time so that he could do other things too, because
he was their best salesman and he accepted because, eventually, he realised it
was what he was.
As a car salesman, you can’t buy and sell so many cars as a person.

The main issue here is how to differentiate between the seller, selling of his
or hers overstock with the intention to get rid of it and the seller purchasing
and reselling parts/sets etc with the intention to generate profit with it

Every text and answer (from the fiscal administration’s lowest rank to their
minister) I know about say it’s a case by case decision.

They guy I talked about did that only a couple of years, so he didn’t run afoul
of the fiscal administration. I’m sure he would have ended in trouble if he
had continued a bit longer: cars are exceptions to a lot of thresholds and taxes,
so there was no problems about the income, but the number of “cartes grises”
(vehicle registrations) is limited for an individual and his intent and status
as non-business might have been questionned if the vehicle registration services
had decided to talk to the fiscal administration.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 7, 2018 13:21

Subject:

Re: Separate professional and private sellers

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Speg writes:

[…]

If an obvious business declares themselves a personal seller, this would set
alarm bells ringing. If they're not declaring their trade, what chance they'll
allow you your legal consumer rights if something goes wrong?

That's what PayPal is for.

What if what you bought became faulty and the seller didn't want to know?
PayPal wouldn't necessarily refund in such a case, yet consumer law (in the
EU at least) would hold the retailer responsible for putting it right. PayPal
makes invoking some rights easier, but not all.

If the Lego becomes faulty? I'm unsure exactly how you mean.

If you want to stick with LEGO (whereas MarieA was more general), what about
a motor that fails after a few weeks?
The seller sold it as new. The warranty should be 2 years.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 7, 2018 10:58

Subject:

Re: Separate professional and private sellers

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

[…]
Yes, and that is the problem if there is a strict numerical definition of a business.
If BL allowed a seller to make two transactions a week, up to 100 per year, then
a number of stores would make sure they stay just under those limits. Either
by closing each week after two sales, or having a high minimum that they reduce
through the week until they get their two orders, then a massive high minimum
order after two, and so on.

But the suggestion is just about a “I’m a hobbyist/business” declaration, not
about fixing limits.

I haven’t voted on it yet. The advantages aren’t obvious. I can only see two:
1. Someone saying “I’m a hobbyist” while selling New, with hundreds of FB, is
fishy. But we can already spot them in other ways.
2. Someone saying “I’m a business” while having only a few FB might gain a tiny
bit of trust.

The problems seem more easy to see, mainly steming from the definitions being
unclear and not universal.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Mar 7, 2018 09:50

Subject:

Re: Separate professional and private sellers

Viewed:

43 times

Topic: