BrickLink Discussion Forum

I'm excited to have all this but a little overwhelmed ......

In General, kzinti writes:

In General, bigasbricks writes:

We have received over 200,000 New Light Gray bricks we were able to acquire from
one of our Lego contacts. They are 100% new Lego and are sourced directly from
a reputable source. Some of these parts are quite old and many are still in bags
directly from Lego with production dates. What would be the best way to list
these in terms of a description. Some of the younger generation is unware of
Light Gray and Light bluish Gray as being different. So I am hoping I could get
some ideas on what to put in the item description/extended description to accurately
describe these items to prevent any headaches down the road. I have attached
some photos of the parts

Thanks

Oh my...

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Sep 28, 2021 16:07

Subject:

200,000 Light Gray Bricks New

Viewed:

264 times

Topic:

General

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Sep 15, 2021 16:02

Subject:

Re: Very strange situation here

Viewed:

66 times

Topic:

Help

Sorry to hear you are going through all that. Many sellers are experiencing an
influx of issues like this. Keep your head up and keep chugging along. We have
had PayPal reverse any fees we would be charged if the address is not valid.

Help, Shintaku writes:

So this happened.

User XXX makes me an order pays via paypal.
In the address the way is missing. Only name, city and State.

He writes me telling me to ship to an address that has same city and State.
On paypal he has the same address he has on bricklink: no way, only name city
and state so I'm inclined to think he did this on purpose (perhaps he doesn't
want to give out his complete address? Who knows)

I call paypal to double check if I can ship to a different address and they say
NO, you can't ship to a different address so I report to the buyer that he
has to make a new payment with the CORRECT address. The buyer refuses.

I can't ship the order to a non valid address (the postal service will refuse
also to do such) so I am forced to make a refund.

AND LOSE MONEY

Now I reverted the order payment from PAID to NOT PAID and order status from
PAID to READY.

Questions

1) BRICKLINK still assumes that the order has been paid, though fully refunded
(acknowledged by BL too), because the amount is in bold characters.
Is this a technical issue? Shouldn't a refunded payment return to NON BOLD
characters?

2) This user was rough, rude and uncooperative. I want to proceed and in 3 days
I will be able to start a NPB. Will Bricklink side with the buyer since he can
show the payment's transaction number, or will bricklink side with me since
that transaction has been fully refunded?

3) Is there a way to report users that have bogus data? This is an Italian user,
I believe BL can surely tell if an american user has a bogus address, but for
an italian one the team should trust an indigenous person?

I understand and agree that BUYERS should be protected the most, but isn't
there too few tools to prevent SELLERS from being scammed/being unable to ship
an order?

Thanks for the time you will spend answering me.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Sep 9, 2021 13:04

Subject:

Re: User trying to scam me

Viewed:

76 times

Topic:

Help

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with a buyer. We had someone start a bogus
claim yesterday. Based on our conversations with other sellers on this platform
the scamming from buyers has been increasing at an alarming pace.

I hope your case works out okay for you

In Help, Shintaku writes:

Hello,

I received an order some days ago from South Korea.
I prepared it and packed it and shipped it in time.

There were inside 155 items for 0,30€ each.
It was delivered as the tracking said so.
But then this happened!
This user started a paypal claim without warning me at all.
He said that 14 items are broken and 8 are missing!
That is utterly false.

Plus, he wants 29.00€ of refund.
Why? If 22*0,30 is 6,60€?

I am really surprised I was never scammed before on bricklink!

Jody

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Jul 15, 2021 14:13

Subject:

Re: Pirate Ship - Simple Export Rate

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

Shipping

We have never had issues using them for this service. PayPal has had not issues
with the dual tracking and it held up for us when a claim was made a while back
ago. I would recommend it

In Shipping, cosmicray writes:

In Shipping, peregrinator writes:

Anyone have any experience with it?
https://support.pirateship.com/en/articles/3649224-simple-export-rate

Seems like a really good deal, especially for shipping from the USA to Canada.

So I read the PS documentation about this. What you are doing, is sending the
package to a US consolidation address. They replace your US label, with a customs
form and then do freight consolidation to the destination country. They are not
allowing USPS to handle the international transport.

In theory, you end up with two tracking numbers, one from your door to the freight
consolidator, then another to the destination. Currently they provide tracking
to 55 destination countries. They will handle freight consolidation to other
countries, but without destination tracking. HK gets tracking, while PRC does
not. Missing from that list of 55 is Africa. I do not see any African country
on it (not even SA).

I think a valid question (which I cannot answer) is how the payment services
feel about PS as a freight consolidator, and will they accept the dual tracking
number system as proof of delivery.

I believe the prices on that page, are only for the second part of the journey.
You still have to buy USPS for the first part.

Nita Rae

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Jun 25, 2021 13:24

Subject:

Re: Influencer Scammers are back!!!

Viewed:

86 times

Topic:

Agree 100%.

Funny thing is we don't advertise our social media on here but we gots more
subs than that fella

In Announce, tEoS writes:

I don't even understand the value of influencers at this level. Maybe if
BL was using them to bring more traffic to the site to increase revenue. I think
this mostly works for individual online shops and retail locations.

If I give an influencer (even one with a huge following) freebies, then I would
likely generate little value for myself, though maybe some value for other sellers.

In Announce, bigasbricks writes:

Could be many layers, either way stop listed and moving on. Up to others what
conclusions they draw.

Thanks for all the input appreciated much it is

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Jun 25, 2021 12:38

Subject:

Re: Influencer Scammers are back!!!

Viewed:

80 times

Topic:

Could be many layers, either way stop listed and moving on. Up to others what
conclusions they draw.

Thanks for all the input appreciated much it is

In Announce, firestar246 writes:

In Announce, bigasbricks writes:

Not sure how any of his message would raise creditability regardless if it was
legit or not from him. Spam messaging people to get freebies in exchange for
shout outs SMH. I wonder how many sellers would be on board to send someone like
that nearly 10,000 parts for free as he wanted me to do. These parts do take
up sooooo much room though

and being so gracious he even offered to pay for
shipping on free parts.

Well, if I was a scammer that wanted free Lego and I had a little youtube channel
or none at all, I might impersonate a slightly bigger one in hopes that the seller
wouldn't ignore me right away (though most any seller here probably still
will).

Another slightly possible scenario is that it's someone trying to ruin the
reputation of JB for one reason or another.

Or maybe it is JB himself. The whole thing just seems a little funny and makes
me wonder if there is more too it than what it looks like.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Jun 25, 2021 12:12

Subject:

Re: Influencer Scammers are back!!!

Viewed:

83 times

Topic:

and being so gracious he even offered to pay for
shipping on free parts.

In Announce, firestar246 writes:

In Announce, runner.caller writes:

From this user, it's a legit request, he did a collaboration video with Popsblockshop
who is the polar opposite of a scammer.

You can also see the part in question in JB's instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQeZqz7J_LX/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj4vnlnI71E

As long as it is actually JB sending the message, and not some scammer pretending
to be him in hopes that it'll raise his credibility. The whole purpose of
wanting those pieces seems a bit odd.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Jun 25, 2021 09:10

Subject:

Influencer Scammers are back!!!

Viewed:

315 times

Topic:

Suuurrrreee I'll send you $200 of free stuff

Hello!!
My name is (Scammer) but I go by JBBrickFanatic online. I’m from Indiana and
I run
a YouTube channel of 6000+ subscribers. I have this crazy idea for a video/video
series that you could help me with!
I want to own the worlds biggest collection of part no. 15392 “Dark Bluish Gray
Projectile Launcher Part, Trigger for Gun, Mini Blaster / Shooter.”
It’s such an odd part with no real connection abilities outside of the stud shooter.
I am not sure how often they sell, but I am sure it’s taking up space in your
shop.
Even though it is such a small and cheap part, buying a ton does get expensive
and it would be amazing if we can make some sort of deal to help me get these
for free or maybe much cheaper (ex. I pay shipping). I could point folks to your
store, or do something in return for your help. Let’s make a deal!
Thank you so much, and let me know what you think!
Sincerely, JB

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Jun 17, 2021 20:46

Subject:

Re: Buying Bricklink Stores

Viewed:

85 times

Topic:

Buying

Please buy all our stuff

In Buying, studcitybricks writes:

Anyone interested in selling their entire BL store? Message me for more details!

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

Jun 3, 2021 07:45

Subject:

Re: HELP DESK ANYONE!!! Buyer Tax Evasion STILL

Viewed:

66 times

Topic:

Help

The post was to hopefully get the attention of someone at Bricklink to respond.
It is common for the HelpDesk or a representative to reach out after a forum
post. There are always a few armchair quarterbacks though LOL

In Help, LegoLDK writes:

Enforcement and liability are not even close to the same thing, conflating them
does not improve your argument. If you are aware that your customer is actively
attempting to evade tax and you knowingly facilitate that evasion you may well
find yourself carrying a liability.

Feel free to believe what you will, it is a free world after all. The OP should
probably take legal and/or tax advice from sources other than internet chat forums
(forii??).

In Help, MrPetovan writes:

I believe this “admission” is worth squat, but even if it wasn’t, neither BrickLink
nor individual sellers are responsible for tax evasion enforcement. Based on
the provided billing and shipping addresses, sales tax can’t be charged and the
sale can’t be denied.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 28, 2021 08:53

Subject:

Re: Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

Thank you I will start adding the new elements we got in.

In Catalog, starbeanie writes:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogImageAdd.page?itemType=P

In Catalog, bigasbricks writes:

I do not know how to submit photos to the database, I tried to figure out how
to add photos and request it be added to the catalog but was unable.

In Catalog, LordSkylark writes:

In Catalog, bigasbricks writes:

Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud Notch and Reinforced Underside

Got this today in Trans Red can't find it anywhere under known colors for
this part.

If you have the time, please take a moment to submit a photo of the real part
to the database, so we have record that an authentic one is actually out in the
wild.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 28, 2021 06:40

Subject:

Re: Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

I do not know how to submit photos to the database, I tried to figure out how
to add photos and request it be added to the catalog but was unable.

In Catalog, LordSkylark writes:

In Catalog, bigasbricks writes:

Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud Notch and Reinforced Underside

Got this today in Trans Red can't find it anywhere under known colors for
this part.

If you have the time, please take a moment to submit a photo of the real part
to the database, so we have record that an authentic one is actually out in the
wild.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2021 21:17

Subject:

Re: Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

Do I request to add a new known color as well with a better photo? I have a few
other parts like this and am not familiar with how to request they are added

In Catalog, wildchicken13 writes:

In Catalog, bigasbricks writes:

Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud Notch and Reinforced Underside

Got this today in Trans Red can't find it anywhere under known colors for
this part.

Nice find! I think you can still list them as long as you provide your own image.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2021 19:22

Subject:

Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud

Viewed:

160 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Brick, Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud Notch and Reinforced Underside

Got this today in Trans Red can't find it anywhere under known colors for
this part.

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 26, 2021 19:10

Subject:

Re: Another Buyer Tax Evasion

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

That would be a wonderful idea, I know there are many that struggle with these
situations.

In Problem, cosmicray writes:

In Problem, Tracyd writes:

In Problem, bigasbricks writes:

Pretty crappy the buyer is intentionally trying to circumvent paying taxes via
Bricklink and I will end up having to eat the PayPal fees to refund them because
of their bad behavior. Bricklink needs to address this, way to many posts about
this issue in the forum.

As far as I am concerned you are entitled to keep the PayPal fees from the refund.
They circumvented the system. And they knew better.

While you may be technically and proceduraly correct, doing it that way might
leave a door open for a PayPal claim against the seller. The seller would need
really explicit terms why they are doing that (and under what circumstances),
to hold off the claim.

In Problem, firestar246 writes:

I would simply refund the payment they had sent outside of BL, tell them you
are not comfortable doing this and that if they're not willing to pay through
BL that you cannot continue with the order. I'd also let them know they are
putting themselves at risk of being banned. I know of two other users who were
banned for doing similar stuff.

IMHO, what may be needed here is a new procedural claim against a member, something
like BTA (Buyer Tax Avoidance) that would allow BL administration to become involved,
and give the seller cover in situations like this.

Nita Rae

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 26, 2021 19:09

Subject:

Re: Another Buyer Tax Evasion

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

That's a good one, thank you
In Problem, Tracyd writes:

In Problem, bigasbricks writes:

That would for sure generate a negative feedback from the buyer. The buyer could
still open a claim for not getting a full refund via PayPal anyways right?

I don't know about the PayPal side, but any negative feedback the would leave
would look bad for them as your simple response of "Attempted sales tax avoidance"
would be a perfect response.

In Problem, Tracyd writes:

In Problem, bigasbricks writes:

As far as I am concerned you are entitled to keep the PayPal fees from the refund.
They circumvented the system. And they knew better.

In Problem, firestar246 writes:

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 26, 2021 18:29

Subject:

Re: Another Buyer Tax Evasion

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

That would for sure generate a negative feedback from the buyer. The buyer could
still open a claim for not getting a full refund via PayPal anyways right?

In Problem, Tracyd writes:

In Problem, bigasbricks writes:

As far as I am concerned you are entitled to keep the PayPal fees from the refund.
They circumvented the system. And they knew better.

In Problem, firestar246 writes:

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 26, 2021 17:52

Subject:

Re: Another Buyer Tax Evasion

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 26, 2021 07:52

Subject:

Re: Another Buyer Tax Evasion

Viewed:

87 times

Topic:

Bricklink currently does not allow and is not set up for resale certificate exemptions
on purchases for resellers. This buyer is openly falsifying information to circumvent
Bricklink. Some sellers may turn a blind eye to this but I am not willing to
jeopardize my store so a buyer can avoid sales tax. It's very concerning
to me sellers would eve consider this behavior acceptable.

"This message is to guide you through the payment process for BrickLink Order
#*********. In the rare case that Seller provides different off-site payment
instructions below, we would like to advise you to submit payment using the PAY
NOW button on the Order Details page. This is because any payments made using
other methods may result in an improper transaction where tax is not paid to
the state. Thank you, and we appreciate your continued support."

In Problem, cosmicray writes:

In Problem, bigasbricks writes:

I have a member (very high ranking) openly trying to avoid paying sales tax.
Their business is in Georgia (sales tax collected) and we have sent over 10 orders
to this address. Now they have registered in New Hampshire (no sales tax collected).
They found our PayPal info from prior transactions and paid outside of Bricklink,
they used their PayPal shipping address for their business in Georgia. They state
that this behavior is okay because their accountant said to engage in this practice
since Bricklink will not respond to their inquiries. They also stated they have
reached out to Bricklink "several times" and since they will not respond to them
it means they are allowed to do this.

I see they do have some orders recently from other sellers so some are allowing
this behavior without reporting, I do not feel comfortable knowingly engaging
in this behavior and do not want to lose my account because a buyer wants to
avoid sales tax. I have sent a message to the helpdesk but am unaware if there
is still a backlog.

I have requested the buyer message to help desk as well. Any help would be great!!!

Order #16391503

It sounds, a little bit, like they are buying for resale, which should be tax
exempt.

In theory, they can claim a credit against their other collected sales tax, but
if they sell on a Marketplace Facilitator, like BL/eBay/Amazon, they may have
no other reportable sales tax to claim credit against (in which case they have
to eat it as a cost of doing business). A fair portion of my inventory was purchased
before I received an exemption certificate, so I treat it as basis, not as a
yearly expense.

Nita Rae

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 26, 2021 07:09

Subject:

Another Buyer Tax Evasion

Viewed:

305 times

Topic:

Author:

bigasbricks

Posted:

May 2, 2019 21:08

Subject:

Re: Change NPB Timeline

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

Suggestions