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 Author: yorbrick View Messages Posted By yorbrick
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 18:05
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
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 Topic: Suggestions
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yorbrick (1184)

Location:  United Kingdom, England
Member Since Contact Type Status
Apr 11, 2011 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Yorbricks
  It is a free market. If the idea made economic sense ( ie the profit from additional
orders attracted was greater than the cost of grading, sellers would do it without
being told to. Hundreds of sellers are now thinking about your suggestion.
Let's see if it affects their actions. Lots of sellers grade instructions.
Many grade boxes. More than a few grade stickers for older sets. Nothing should
stop them from grading parts.

Very true, and of course some already do grade parts. When you look at many of
the boxes, instructions, sticker sheets, etc that get graded, they tend to be
the valuable ones. I think most sellers that have valuable used parts do something
similar. If something is uncommon and vaulable, it is worth letting a buyer know
what the condition is. Whereas if the seller has 100s or 1000s of a common part
worth a few cents each, in many different conditions, then it is probably less
worthwhile listing the conditions of each one.
 Author: Teup View Messages Posted By Teup
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 17:47
 Subject: Re: Show Tracking number on Orders list
 Viewed: 45 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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Teup (6600)

Location:  Netherlands, Utrecht
Member Since Contact Type Status
May 6, 2004 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: BLOKJESKONING
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  I really wish I didn't have to click into a specific order to see the tracking
#.

It would make a lot of sense, and be really helpful if there was a column on
the Orders page that listed any available tracking number along with the order.
Bonus points if clicking on the tracking number takes me to viewing the tracking
history (via usps website or google, or wherever).

Hmm you have a point, the tracking number field can be switched on and off for
the seller's Orders Received, but oddly it cannot be switched on for the
buyer's Orders Placed list. No idea why not, it could be added.

  Also, incentives should be made to encourage tracking numbers. 1st class postage
with tracking can be had for around $3 in the US for small items, most places
have charged me at least that regardless of whether they include tracking or
not. It should be prioritized, and required for purchases over a certain amount
as it alleviates a lot of headache and prevents a lot of bad interactions.

Definitely no. Now you're just talking about America, over here I strongly
prefer shipping without tracking and I wouldn't let a site force my hand
because it has rules that are based on how things work in America.
 Author: jeslego View Messages Posted By jeslego
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 17:16
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 41 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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jeslego (1050)

Location:  USA, Washington
Member Since Contact Type Status
Jun 5, 2009 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: Make Up Sets
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.

It is a free market. If the idea made economic sense ( ie the profit from additional
orders attracted was greater than the cost of grading, sellers would do it without
being told to. Hundreds of sellers are now thinking about your suggestion.
Let's see if it affects their actions. Lots of sellers grade instructions.
Many grade boxes. More than a few grade stickers for older sets. Nothing should
stop them from grading parts.
 Author: yorbrick View Messages Posted By yorbrick
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 16:42
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 43 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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yorbrick (1184)

Location:  United Kingdom, England
Member Since Contact Type Status
Apr 11, 2011 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Yorbricks
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

A big downside of this is that used parts then need 5x the number of locations
for storage and, being a continuous scale, there will still be disputes. I don't
know what the cards you sell are worth but when you factor in that some parts
are worth a cent or two, it is unlikely that sellers would want a five point
scale.

I can understand a (used) scale something like - excellent/like new, some playwear,
heavy playwear. But even that means 3x locations for used parts and would not
be popular. And there will still be disputes over condition.

Even a two point scale for used - acceptable and filler - leads to double the
number of storage locations, and of course there will be some things a seller
calls acceptable that are really filler, leading to disputes.

They could ban anything that is poor condition, but then people will complain
that sometimes people want filler quality bricks or that damaged minifigures/parts
should be allowed to be sold.
 Author: electricbaer View Messages Posted By electricbaer
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 16:30
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 44 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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electricbaer (9205)

Location:  USA, North Carolina
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Jul 8, 2002 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
View Collage Pic
Store: Brix Shack
In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:
  
  Correct me if I'm wrong, but currently there isn't a way to do advanced
catalog search to omit items with comments/remarks added? That would weed out
entries where there's been a note about playwear/discoloring/bites etc.
Wouldn't get them all if they aren't remarked, but it would weed out
a lot.

It would also weed out all the ones where a seller says that the parts are excellent
condition, and eventually lead to all sellers saying nothing about condition
if it became the norm to filter out anything with a comment.

Indeed it would, I, myself have used it before if a part seemed exceptional from
the norm and had barely any wear. Especially on older parts that usually have
more time to develop wear, and where ones in great condition that aren't
new are few and far between.


Use of noting that part is in Excellent condition but used actually supports
a more advanced grading system. Basic labeling being applied:

Used - excellent, Used - averaged, Used - poor/broken/damaged.
 Author: electricbaer View Messages Posted By electricbaer
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 16:26
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 42 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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electricbaer (9205)

Location:  USA, North Carolina
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Jul 8, 2002 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
View Collage Pic
Store: Brix Shack
In Suggestions, Crafteewon writes:

  Excluded based on comments would also remove items that say “excellent used condition”.

And a lot of the "used, with light playwear' comments I often see, which
IMO leaves the condition ambiguous.
 Author: yorbrick View Messages Posted By yorbrick
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 16:26
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 30 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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yorbrick (1184)

Location:  United Kingdom, England
Member Since Contact Type Status
Apr 11, 2011 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Yorbricks
  Correct me if I'm wrong, but currently there isn't a way to do advanced
catalog search to omit items with comments/remarks added? That would weed out
entries where there's been a note about playwear/discoloring/bites etc.
Wouldn't get them all if they aren't remarked, but it would weed out
a lot.

It would also weed out all the ones where a seller says that the parts are excellent
condition, and eventually lead to all sellers saying nothing about condition
if it became the norm to filter out anything with a comment.
 Author: tons_of_bricks View Messages Posted By tons_of_bricks
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 16:25
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 35 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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tons_of_bricks (12755)

Location:  USA, Missouri
Member Since Contact Type Status
Jan 12, 2016 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Tons of Bricks (GDM)
I would be apposed to a grading system; but wouldn't be apposed to maybe
one more condition: "Used, damaged" or something of that nature.
 Author: Crafteewon View Messages Posted By Crafteewon
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 16:23
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 39 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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Crafteewon (1500)

Location:  Canada, British Columbia
Member Since Contact Type Status
Nov 11, 2015 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: Crafteewon
In Suggestions, electricbaer writes:
  In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but currently there isn't a way to do advanced
catalog search to omit items with comments/remarks added? That would weed out
entries where there's been a note about playwear/discoloring/bites etc.
Wouldn't get them all if they aren't remarked, but it would weed out
a lot. I know it's a mitigating factor to what's proposed, but the
question of enhancing a grading scale for used parts still leaves that scale
to be used by the discretion of the seller.

Some sellers will believe a part is in excellent shape, where others would see
the same part and say it's in average condition. It's a subjective scale,
no matter how detailed.

Excluded based on comments would also remove items that say “excellent used condition”.
 Author: electricbaer View Messages Posted By electricbaer
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 15:24
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 87 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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electricbaer (9205)

Location:  USA, North Carolina
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Jul 8, 2002 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
View Collage Pic
Store: Brix Shack
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but currently there isn't a way to do advanced
catalog search to omit items with comments/remarks added? That would weed out
entries where there's been a note about playwear/discoloring/bites etc.
Wouldn't get them all if they aren't remarked, but it would weed out
a lot. I know it's a mitigating factor to what's proposed, but the
question of enhancing a grading scale for used parts still leaves that scale
to be used by the discretion of the seller.

Some sellers will believe a part is in excellent shape, where others would see
the same part and say it's in average condition. It's a subjective scale,
no matter how detailed.
 Author: Heartbricker View Messages Posted By Heartbricker
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 15:14
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 83 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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Heartbricker (18150)

Location:  USA, New Jersey
Member Since Contact Type Status
Dec 29, 2008 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Heart Bricker
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.

Can you clarify please; if i'm reading this correctly: you believe that when
a seller buys 10 sets from the LEGO store and opens them up in order to sort
and sell the pieces- you now consider these pieces to be used ?
 Author: william1066 View Messages Posted By william1066
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 15:13
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
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 Topic: Suggestions
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william1066 (103)

Location:  United Kingdom, England
Member Since Contact Type Status
Aug 12, 2012 Contact Member Buyer
Buying Privileges - OK
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it î
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.



This would only lead to more disputes, everyone’s opinion of what grade an item
is would be different.
Sellers would ship a grade 1 item only for the buyer to complain it’s is a grade
2/3 in their view.
If quality is such an issue for you try messaging the seller and ask about the
quality of the items, for very important purchases you could even ask for photo.
For the bulk of purchases this is a non starter.
Too much time to spend grading every item would lead to a cost increase.
 Author: edk View Messages Posted By edk
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 15:04
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
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 Topic: Suggestions
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edk (9174)

Location:  USA, Michigan
Member Since Contact Type Status
Jan 17, 2005 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Timeless Toy Bricks
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site

At what cost are you willing to make this happen? If you were the one sorting/storing
hundreds of thousands of used parts you would have a clue. It is enough work
to store 2 sets of inventory and keep them separated along with occasional lots
of filler grade let alone 6 different grades (1 new and 5 used). If doing this
multiplies my time by 6 times guess where that will be made up? the price of
the parts of course. Maybe we should start a grading company to send the individual
lego parts to so they can assign a 3rd party numeric value to them.
 Author: Emporiosa View Messages Posted By Emporiosa
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 15:02
 Subject: Re: Show Tracking number on Orders list
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 Topic: Suggestions
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Emporiosa (5541)

Location:  Canada, Ontario
Member Since Contact Type Status
Jan 5, 2018 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Emporiosa
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  I really wish I didn't have to click into a specific order to see the tracking
#.

It would make a lot of sense, and be really helpful if there was a column on
the Orders page that listed any available tracking number along with the order.
Bonus points if clicking on the tracking number takes me to viewing the tracking
history (via usps website or google, or wherever).

Also, incentives should be made to encourage tracking numbers. 1st class postage
with tracking can be had for around $3 in the US for small items, most places
have charged me at least that regardless of whether they include tracking or
not. It should be prioritized, and required for purchases over a certain amount
as it alleviates a lot of headache and prevents a lot of bad interactions.



I would love every buyer to choose tracked shipping I guarantee that you usually
would select the cheapest option though with no penalty since it falls on the
seller (as you mentioned). In Canada, the cheapest possible rates (which only
applies to buyers quite close to you) starts around $9-13CAD depending on the
discount level the seller has with Canada Post). In the US, it's definitely
a lot cheaper. But how can you justify spending $12-15 (~$10USD) in shipping
for a small $10 order? A good part of the orders on this site are very small
in nature. So while I agree that tracked shipping in theory is a *good* idea,
I don't think it fits for Bricklink as being a requirement for all stores
for all orders.


  When I sell cards on www.Tcgplayer.com, I waive my right to win any dispute with
a buyer if I do not include a tracking #, and I have to include one in order
to get paid for an order over $50. I love it, because when things go missing,
I can just politely point them to the USPS and both Tcgplayer and Paypal will
have my back.

PayPal may have your back if it shows as delivered, but that does not mean you
provided good customer service. There are times that packages show as delivered
and it really did not get delivered to the customer. An example was that I had
a Bookshop set delivered from LEGO S@H via Fedex to my house, but addressed for
another person several blocks away.

When I checked the tracking, it showed delivered, so that poor person would have
been stuck without a very expensive set if this was a PayPal purchase through
BL and the seller just said "Well - the tracking says delivered, sorry!". T
 Author: cycbuild View Messages Posted By cycbuild
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 14:51
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 63 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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cycbuild (827)

Location:  USA, California
Member Since Contact Type Status
Apr 15, 2019 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: AFOL At Names
Oi slave! Fetch me a PSA Gem MT 10 sticker sheet within the week!
 Author: WoutR View Messages Posted By WoutR
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 14:46
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 58 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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WoutR (920)

Location:  Netherlands, Zuid-Holland
Member Since Contact Type Status
Mar 8, 2011 Contact Member Buyer
Buying Privileges - OK
In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.

That is why I do not let the site build orders for me.
 Author: axaday View Messages Posted By axaday
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 14:32
 Subject: Re: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 71 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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axaday (7301)

Location:  USA, Oklahoma
Member Since Contact Type Status
Jun 28, 2005 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: Axaday
You are very unlikely to get broken pieces if you order "new" and you can filter
on that.

I have occasionally list a broken item, with a clear description, at a low price
thinking someone might want it anyway and they do sell sometimes. But it wouldn't
really bother me if Bricklink decided to just not allow broken items to be sold.

In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.
 Author: revfds View Messages Posted By revfds
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 14:27
 Subject: Implement an enforced grading scale
 Viewed: 330 times
 Topic: Suggestions
 Status:Open
 Vote:[Yes|No]
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revfds (36)

Location:  USA, Iowa
Member Since Contact Type Status
May 12, 2020 Contact Member Buyer
Buying Privileges - OK
the thing I dislike most about ordering from this site, in how hard it is to
control the quality of the pieces that I get.

And I don't think loose pieces should be categorized between "new" and "used",
because all loose pieces are used (Yes I know you can order them individually
from Lego at times, but functionally when you buy lego it comes in a set, outside
of that set they are used).

What there needs to be is a grading scale, either number based (1-5) or description
based (Comics use words like Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, etc; playing cards
will use words like Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Damaged, etc).

Sellers would be forced to classify all their pieces into one of these conditions,
and then I would be able to filter out conditions that I thought were unacceptable.

Create a clear cut visual guide for conditions, and award disputes based on that.
I sell cards on www.tcgplayer.com and knowing that buyers can win disputes if
I send them cards that are worse then they wanted, I make sure to put forth the
effort to accurately grade the cards when I list them. Yes it is more work, but
I have never once had an issue with a buyer buying a card from me that they were
unhappy with because of the condition.

In my first batch of orders on this site I got several pieces that were damaged,
etc. It was really frustrating, because when doing mass purchases on this site
it is seemingly impossible to filter out bad pieces, and when you let the site
build the orders for you, its hard to see and notice all the "notes" that sellers
put on their items.

So I don't feel justified in blaming a seller because I received two saddles
with broken clips, forcing me to order two new saddles, because they noted it
on their items. The issue here is the functionality of the website to convey
that to me, and allow me to filter their items from my potential orders.

I honestly would suggest you take a hard look at www.tcgplayer.com Coming from
card games, I was really surprised at how similar the process of buying/selling/collecting
individual cards/decks/sets is to Lego pieces/sets. Like, functionally they are
completely the same, and TCGplayer is a really well honed marketplace (nothing
is perfect), but learning from what they do right would greatly improve your
already fantastic site.
 Author: yorbrick View Messages Posted By yorbrick
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 14:17
 Subject: Re: Show Tracking number on Orders list
 Viewed: 28 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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yorbrick (1184)

Location:  United Kingdom, England
Member Since Contact Type Status
Apr 11, 2011 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Yorbricks
  Also, incentives should be made to encourage tracking numbers. 1st class postage
with tracking can be had for around $3 in the US for small items, most places
have charged me at least that regardless of whether they include tracking or
not. It should be prioritized, and required for purchases over a certain amount
as it alleviates a lot of headache and prevents a lot of bad interactions.

When I sell cards on www.Tcgplayer.com, I waive my right to win any dispute with
a buyer if I do not include a tracking #, and I have to include one in order
to get paid for an order over $50. I love it, because when things go missing,
I can just politely point them to the USPS and both Tcgplayer and Paypal will
have my back.

It should be up to a seller to decide if they insist on tracking or not and for
what order size. This is a global site and works well in one country does not
work so well in others.
 Author: revfds View Messages Posted By revfds
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 14:05
 Subject: Re: Show Tracking number on Orders list
 Viewed: 35 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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revfds (36)

Location:  USA, Iowa
Member Since Contact Type Status
May 12, 2020 Contact Member Buyer
Buying Privileges - OK
Sorry, I'm new to this forum, not sure how it works, I just wanted to add
that upon reading the thread about suggesting how to deal with shipping delays,
again, I point to tracking.

If you, as a site policy, fall back to tracking, then its easy to decide how
to deal with feedback or upset buyers who act before the tracking shows that
the package has reached their home.

I'm of course going to be frustrated and unhappy when my order arrives late,
but if the tracking is there, then I can't be justified in blaming the seller
for the delay once its left their hands, and the tracking will prove that they
mailed something to me at least.

In Suggestions, revfds writes:
  I really wish I didn't have to click into a specific order to see the tracking
#.

It would make a lot of sense, and be really helpful if there was a column on
the Orders page that listed any available tracking number along with the order.
Bonus points if clicking on the tracking number takes me to viewing the tracking
history (via usps website or google, or wherever).

Also, incentives should be made to encourage tracking numbers. 1st class postage
with tracking can be had for around $3 in the US for small items, most places
have charged me at least that regardless of whether they include tracking or
not. It should be prioritized, and required for purchases over a certain amount
as it alleviates a lot of headache and prevents a lot of bad interactions.

When I sell cards on www.Tcgplayer.com, I waive my right to win any dispute with
a buyer if I do not include a tracking #, and I have to include one in order
to get paid for an order over $50. I love it, because when things go missing,
I can just politely point them to the USPS and both Tcgplayer and Paypal will
have my back.
 Author: revfds View Messages Posted By revfds
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 13:57
 Subject: Show Tracking number on Orders list
 Viewed: 93 times
 Topic: Suggestions
 Status:Open
 Vote:[Yes|No]
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revfds (36)

Location:  USA, Iowa
Member Since Contact Type Status
May 12, 2020 Contact Member Buyer
Buying Privileges - OK
I really wish I didn't have to click into a specific order to see the tracking
#.

It would make a lot of sense, and be really helpful if there was a column on
the Orders page that listed any available tracking number along with the order.
Bonus points if clicking on the tracking number takes me to viewing the tracking
history (via usps website or google, or wherever).

Also, incentives should be made to encourage tracking numbers. 1st class postage
with tracking can be had for around $3 in the US for small items, most places
have charged me at least that regardless of whether they include tracking or
not. It should be prioritized, and required for purchases over a certain amount
as it alleviates a lot of headache and prevents a lot of bad interactions.

When I sell cards on www.Tcgplayer.com, I waive my right to win any dispute with
a buyer if I do not include a tracking #, and I have to include one in order
to get paid for an order over $50. I love it, because when things go missing,
I can just politely point them to the USPS and both Tcgplayer and Paypal will
have my back.
 Author: Adjour View Messages Posted By Adjour
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 12:39
 Subject: Re: We need protection from postal delay negs
 Viewed: 53 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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Adjour (2458)

Location:  USA, Tennessee
Member Since Contact Type Status
Aug 1, 2016 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: The Chili is a Bit Spicy
In Suggestions, Tracyd writes:
  In Suggestions, brac.brick writes:
  In Suggestions, Adjour writes:
  I've been getting more and more messages from buyers wanting to know where
on earth their parcels are.


I've already gotten a neutral over this and I'm sure more are to come.
I know that allowing removals of these negs is a slippery slope so I wont go
there.


I'm suggesting that until the covid crisis is over that BL puts an extra
disclaimer on the feedback area explaining that postal delays are not our fault.

It doesn't even need to be permanent. Just something official. They aren't
reading our terms disclaimers.


Open to any input on this.

Having the same issue - all my tracking is not being scanned anywhere in the
last week- the post office insists all packages are being scanned at multiple
points - all i see is priority mail is getting scanned and First class is ending
up in the Black Hole of the postal system. So today, I have started getting acceptance
scans - means standing in line with a mask in a post office. Am waiting for the
negative feedback and impatient buyers who cannot wait 10+ days for the package
to be moving from "pre-shipment" into a post office. I'd like to just offer
Priority Mail but the costs are still much higher than First Class , even for
Flat Rate. Not sure what the solution is but I have heard that the postal system
is like Christmas with much more volume and scans they would normally do are
not happening at all.

I am still getting scans on First Class mail. I am thinking is a transport delay.
And with the protests it may be adding another delay on top of the COVID delays.
Amazon has spoiled everyone with their own delivery fleet.

Same here, the packages scan, move once, and then sit there for 5-10 days. Of
course not every parcel, just a few, but those few just...sit...there.

My internationals were taking over 6 weeks so I turned it off.
 Author: Tracyd View Messages Posted By Tracyd
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 12:32
 Subject: Re: We need protection from postal delay negs
 Viewed: 40 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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Tracyd (418)

Location:  USA, Texas
Member Since Contact Type Status
May 29, 2003 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: Tracyd's
In Suggestions, brac.brick writes:
  In Suggestions, Adjour writes:
  I've been getting more and more messages from buyers wanting to know where
on earth their parcels are.


I've already gotten a neutral over this and I'm sure more are to come.
I know that allowing removals of these negs is a slippery slope so I wont go
there.


I'm suggesting that until the covid crisis is over that BL puts an extra
disclaimer on the feedback area explaining that postal delays are not our fault.

It doesn't even need to be permanent. Just something official. They aren't
reading our terms disclaimers.


Open to any input on this.

Having the same issue - all my tracking is not being scanned anywhere in the
last week- the post office insists all packages are being scanned at multiple
points - all i see is priority mail is getting scanned and First class is ending
up in the Black Hole of the postal system. So today, I have started getting acceptance
scans - means standing in line with a mask in a post office. Am waiting for the
negative feedback and impatient buyers who cannot wait 10+ days for the package
to be moving from "pre-shipment" into a post office. I'd like to just offer
Priority Mail but the costs are still much higher than First Class , even for
Flat Rate. Not sure what the solution is but I have heard that the postal system
is like Christmas with much more volume and scans they would normally do are
not happening at all.

I am still getting scans on First Class mail. I am thinking is a transport delay.
And with the protests it may be adding another delay on top of the COVID delays.
Amazon has spoiled everyone with their own delivery fleet.
 Author: brac.brick View Messages Posted By brac.brick
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 12:05
 Subject: Re: We need protection from postal delay negs
 Viewed: 43 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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brac.brick (1120)

Location:  USA, Massachusetts
Member Since Contact Type Status
May 19, 2015 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Brick & Brac
In Suggestions, Adjour writes:
  I've been getting more and more messages from buyers wanting to know where
on earth their parcels are.


I've already gotten a neutral over this and I'm sure more are to come.
I know that allowing removals of these negs is a slippery slope so I wont go
there.


I'm suggesting that until the covid crisis is over that BL puts an extra
disclaimer on the feedback area explaining that postal delays are not our fault.

It doesn't even need to be permanent. Just something official. They aren't
reading our terms disclaimers.


Open to any input on this.

Having the same issue - all my tracking is not being scanned anywhere in the
last week- the post office insists all packages are being scanned at multiple
points - all i see is priority mail is getting scanned and First class is ending
up in the Black Hole of the postal system. So today, I have started getting acceptance
scans - means standing in line with a mask in a post office. Am waiting for the
negative feedback and impatient buyers who cannot wait 10+ days for the package
to be moving from "pre-shipment" into a post office. I'd like to just offer
Priority Mail but the costs are still much higher than First Class , even for
Flat Rate. Not sure what the solution is but I have heard that the postal system
is like Christmas with much more volume and scans they would normally do are
not happening at all.
 Author: husker92 View Messages Posted By husker92
 Posted: Jun 3, 2020 10:26
 Subject: Re: We need protection from postal delay negs
 Viewed: 46 times
 Topic: Suggestions
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husker92 (4254)

Location:  USA, Missouri
Member Since Contact Type Status
Nov 28, 2011 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: In-2-Bricks
I did the same. No international orders until shipping is more stable.

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