Redisplay Messages: Compact | Brief | All | Full Show Messages: All | Without Replies| Author: | axaday  | | Posted: | Feb 17, 2022 09:58 | | Subject: | Re: Marketplace Panel meeting minutes | | Viewed: | 56 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
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| In Administrative, CE_Tanja writes:
| | Dear BrickLink members,
Please find the minutes from the first Marketplace Panel meeting.
Minutes from the first Marketplace Panel meeting May 20th. 2021
Agenda
- Panel member introductions
- Marketplace panel program presentation
- Workshop
- BrickLink vision
- Marketplace plan 2021 & Prioritization discussion
- Next steps
Ad. 1 Panel member introductions
We have selected the initial panel members based on criteria such as: Having
both buyers and sellers represented, BrickLink experience, ability to engage
in constructive dialogues about the future of BrickLink and ability to consider
the greater good for the BrickLink sellers and buyers.
The initial panel members are:
Constructibles, SimplyBricks, Dcarmine, Calsbricks, Erkiles, Legoman77, Faro,
BrickCoast
During this first part, all panel members introduced themselves and it is clear
that this is a diverse, multitalented group that are all passionate about BrickLink.
No doubt that this select group will be a fantastic first Marketplace panel.
Ad 2. Marketplace panel program presentation
The structure of the program had been shared with the panel ahead of the meeting,
so in this session, we mainly dug into the basics of the program and collaboration
principles:
4 annual meetings with an opportunity to impact the future development of the
BrickLink Marketplace
Between the meetings we will collaborate through a Teams channel, making it possible
for us to engage outside the meetings as well.
We aim to increase the number of members in the panel to a max of 14 people throughout
the next 1-2 years.
We will invite new members to the Panel annually, to ensure fresh perspectives
by shifting 50% of the panel members with new members meeting above criteria.
We will be promoting the opportunity to sign up for the panel in Q1 2022.
In our collaboration, we will be looking to the future as opposed to the past.
We will be mindful of one another in the dialogues we have, remembering that
we are all in this with the best of intentions.
This panel is focused on the Marketplace specifically. There will be other initiatives
similar to this one, that focus on e.g. Studio, The Catalog, etc.
Ad 3. Workshop
This being the first Panel meeting, we felt a need to make sure we got the frustrations
out of every one’s system, in order to be able to focus on the future of BrickLink,
as opposed to being stuck in the past. This was done in a workshop where everyone
was able to share frustrations but also the things, they love about BrickLink.
Ad 4. BrickLink vision
Marvin Park shared thoughts related to the vision and mission of BrickLink as
a platform through which LEGO fans can also realize their dream designs. As for
the long-term roadmap, it was highlighted how BrickLink marketplace and Studio
can evolve to meet diverse needs of the AFOL community and become an integral
part of the entire LEGO ecosystem.
Ad 5. Marketplace plan 2021 & Prioritization discussion
BrickLink’s new Senior Product Manager Stephen Wilhelm presented the current
Marketplace roadmap. This roadmap is now mainly focused on development related
to VAT compliance rules (initiatives that we are bound to by law and that we
are not able to de-prioritize) and initiatives intended to support e.g., the
ability to lower response rate for new seller verifications, etc. There are several
user experience related initiatives the BrickLink Marketplace team plans to work
on, but we are looking to the Marketplace Panel members to help us prioritize
what enhancements would provide the most value.
Aside from above, several focus areas that we have picked up based on input from
the BrickLink members in general were presented with the intention to prioritize
them. We were not able to finish the prioritization discussions completely at
this meeting, but a couple of things were highlighted as being critical to prioritize:
Seller tools (e.g., Inventory management, store management, seller page updates)
Continue modernization of the BrickLink platform. This is already ongoing, but
we aim to apply more resources later this year.
A few less critical but still impactful areas were introduced:
Telephone support and the ability to have expert engagers to reach out to
Order Item Refund Request (OIRR) & Refund enhancement
Rewriting storefront pages to support mobile / native.
Provide BrickLink shipping methods (preferably one shipping cost per customer)
Overhaul/update payment processes
The above list varies greatly in level of complexity, and we will need to take
all input in to consideration in upcoming plans. Status on above and long-term
plans will be shared in minutes from the next Panel meeting.
A few other things we will be looking in to due to the input from the panel:
Ability for Sellers to make use of BrickLink’s access to Google Analytics.
On-site payment and why some sellers choose not to use this option.
Shipping price calculations based on zones instead of weight (US specific)
Ad 6. Next steps
It was decided to disclose the BrickLink panel members to the general BrickLink
membership base, this is not to be seen as an invitation to reach out to the
panel members directly with input for the Panel, but a way to be transparent
about who is in the panel as per the request of many members. Any ill manor
targeted directly at the Panel members may result in abandonment from BrickLink.
We need everyone’s input!
We have recently taken input from all BrickLink members in the survey, and we
take input regularly in the NPS survey, this input has already played a huge
part in shaping the focus for BrickLink in general and will be part of shaping
the future of BrickLink also.
During the upcoming Panel meetings, we might come across items to prioritize
that are not straight forward, in terms of defining what is best for the majority
of BrickLink members, in these cases, we will have a poll among the members in
general in order to ensure solid facts to back the decisions.
Upcoming meetings
The next meetings are planned for August and November.
Reflections
No doubt that we are blessed to have members on BrickLink that are prepared to
spend hours in their busy lives, participating in dialogue to make sure that
we have the best outside-in perspective we can when deciding how to prioritize
our efforts on BrickLink going forward. This is not something we have been able
to prioritize to the same extent in the past (hence numerous understandable frustrations),
but it is something that we are committed to prioritizing going forward!
BrickLink members, you can be proud of your Panel members, they did an amazing
job in representing you. Everyone spoke freely about critical issues to be addressed,
this is highly appreciated because then we won't have to waste time (mis)interpreting
this and we can get moving on the things that matter.
We hope that you will read this and share any feedback you might have, in this
topic or directly to ce_tanja. We have just started this journey and we are happy
to take your input to the process and adjust along the way.
Thank you!
The BrickLink Team
|
I hope one of the tools being talked about is infinite (or way more) stockrooms.
I would love to part each set out to its own stockroom. And be able to name
the stockrooms.
|
 |
| Author: | par016 | | Posted: | Feb 17, 2022 09:55 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 134 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, maxx3001 writes:
| | In Administrative, par016 writes:
| | In Administrative, Admin_Russell writes:
| | Dear BrickLink Sellers,
Over the past several months, we’ve seen a variety of Transparent and Glow-In-Dark
minifigures flood the market. We have determined these to be illegitimate LEGO
items, despite the fact that many of them are imprinted with the LEGO logo.
Of particular note are the Darth Vader minifigures, Batman, and other superheroes.
We will start removing these listings this week, both from the custom items section
and from listings under catalog entries. This includes whole minifigures and
minifigure parts. For those of you who regularly file Problem Item For Sale reports,
please add these to the things you screen for.
Thank you,
The BrickLink Team
|
Having run across a marbled brick yesterday, it got me to thinking. How does
this policy relate to Grangemouth Marbled 2 x 4 bricks?
It's fairly well known that those bricks were created by employees off the
record, much like these items here. So do they get the same treatment, or is
the statute of limitations up on Grangemouth bricks?
-Pete
|
The difference in my eyes is that Grangemouths were not made to make a profit.
These new parts are clearly being made to create monetary value.
The test bricks are normally hard to find, sure batches show up every now and
then.
But these new parts are being sold to stores across the world in high numbers.
A fascinating problem.
Maxx
|
I agree, I just wanted to confirm BrickLink's stance on it.
They don't show up very often on BrickLink but every now and then when I
need my Grangemouth fix I would to be able to know I get get them on BrickLink.
-Pete
|
|
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| Author: | maxx3001 | | Posted: | Feb 17, 2022 09:40 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 147 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, par016 writes:
| | In Administrative, Admin_Russell writes:
| | Dear BrickLink Sellers,
Over the past several months, we’ve seen a variety of Transparent and Glow-In-Dark
minifigures flood the market. We have determined these to be illegitimate LEGO
items, despite the fact that many of them are imprinted with the LEGO logo.
Of particular note are the Darth Vader minifigures, Batman, and other superheroes.
We will start removing these listings this week, both from the custom items section
and from listings under catalog entries. This includes whole minifigures and
minifigure parts. For those of you who regularly file Problem Item For Sale reports,
please add these to the things you screen for.
Thank you,
The BrickLink Team
|
Having run across a marbled brick yesterday, it got me to thinking. How does
this policy relate to Grangemouth Marbled 2 x 4 bricks?
It's fairly well known that those bricks were created by employees off the
record, much like these items here. So do they get the same treatment, or is
the statute of limitations up on Grangemouth bricks?
-Pete
|
The difference in my eyes is that Grangemouths were not made to make a profit.
These new parts are clearly being made to create monetary value.
The test bricks are normally hard to find, sure batches show up every now and
then.
But these new parts are being sold to stores across the world in high numbers.
A fascinating problem.
Maxx
|
|
|
| Author: | par016 | | Posted: | Feb 17, 2022 09:13 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 161 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, Admin_Russell writes:
| | Dear BrickLink Sellers,
Over the past several months, we’ve seen a variety of Transparent and Glow-In-Dark
minifigures flood the market. We have determined these to be illegitimate LEGO
items, despite the fact that many of them are imprinted with the LEGO logo.
Of particular note are the Darth Vader minifigures, Batman, and other superheroes.
We will start removing these listings this week, both from the custom items section
and from listings under catalog entries. This includes whole minifigures and
minifigure parts. For those of you who regularly file Problem Item For Sale reports,
please add these to the things you screen for.
Thank you,
The BrickLink Team
|
Having run across a marbled brick yesterday, it got me to thinking. How does
this policy relate to Grangemouth Marbled 2 x 4 bricks?
It's fairly well known that those bricks were created by employees off the
record, much like these items here. So do they get the same treatment, or is
the statute of limitations up on Grangemouth bricks?
-Pete
|
|
| Author: | WoutR | | Posted: | Jan 13, 2022 18:25 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 142 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, yoavheskia writes:
| | | | | | If I read correctly they are illegally made by employees in their spare time
using materials, time, molds etc. they weren’t allowed to use.
|
|
If I was one of the employees there, I would find the current 2x4 mold and produce
for my self a modern 3001 in every color that exist! 
|
I would love to have a black-with-glitter or trans dark-blue satin brick, but
I am happy that this niche collectors market has not been spoiled by this issue.
|
|
| Author: | yorbrick | | Posted: | Jan 13, 2022 14:31 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 129 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| | |
What about all the odd colored SW Blasters? Are they allowed legitimate Lego
parts?
|
Some are those are pretty funny. One seller lists as hard to find, then another
lists 100+ of them at about 50c each.
|
|
| Author: | bahpstore | | Posted: | Jan 13, 2022 13:51 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 149 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, Admin_Russell writes:
| | Dear BrickLink Sellers,
Over the past several months, we’ve seen a variety of Transparent and Glow-In-Dark
minifigures flood the market. We have determined these to be illegitimate LEGO
items, despite the fact that many of them are imprinted with the LEGO logo.
Of particular note are the Darth Vader minifigures, Batman, and other superheroes.
We will start removing these listings this week, both from the custom items section
and from listings under catalog entries. This includes whole minifigures and
minifigure parts. For those of you who regularly file Problem Item For Sale reports,
please add these to the things you screen for.
Thank you,
The BrickLink Team
|
Thank you for taking care of this.
What about all the odd colored SW Blasters? Are they allowed legitimate Lego
parts?
|
|
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| Author: | yorbrick | | Posted: | Jan 13, 2022 13:22 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 102 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, ryanaitch writes:
| | In Administrative, yorbrick writes:
| | | | I hope that we don't need to go that far. I love the view into LEGO development,
production and quality control that we can get through these parts.
For me, a few genuine test parts that got out are different on principle from
large quantities of illegitimate parts that were specifically made to be stolen
and sold to collectors.
|
I agree, but when they are veing made for the market, there becomes no difference.
Who can tell the difference between a red Darth Vader helmet that was really
used for testing and a red Darth Vader helmet that was produced to be sold as
a test item. If they clear out the trans parts but keep the red, then the illegitimate
production will just shift to making more red ones.
|
I think the difference is which parts are actively being listed. If there is
an influx of red parts that "shouldn't" exist, from multiple stores, that
seems to be new production (and not old stock), that would likely be restricted
too.
|
So they list one at a time to make them appeal real.
|
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| Author: | rylie_aitch | | Posted: | Jan 13, 2022 12:59 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 95 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, cosmicray writes:
| | In Administrative, ryanaitch writes:
| | No one is saying they're counterfeit here, as far as I can tell. They're
using official molds, but rogue employees are using that equipment to make parts
after hours that they think will sell well on the gray market. They're real
Lego but not seen as legitimate in that sense.
|
I would very careful making that assertion (unless you have verifiable first
hand knowledge). They could also be unscrupulous manufacturers trying to cash
in on easy money, and they simply don't care about trade-dress infringement.
If anything, putting the LEGO logo on them might cause customs to think they
are legitimate, and allow them into the country.
Nita Rae
|
Yep sorry, I should have clarified that what I said is only the current prevailing
theory. Those who resell the figures are not talking of course.
Ryan
|
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| Author: | cosmicray | | Posted: | Jan 13, 2022 12:39 | | Subject: | Re: Transparent and Glow-in-Dark Minifigures | | Viewed: | 98 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
|
| In Administrative, ryanaitch writes:
| | No one is saying they're counterfeit here, as far as I can tell. They're
using official molds, but rogue employees are using that equipment to make parts
after hours that they think will sell well on the gray market. They're real
Lego but not seen as legitimate in that sense.
|
I would very careful making that assertion (unless you have verifiable first
hand knowledge). They could also be unscrupulous manufacturers trying to cash
in on easy money, and they simply don't care about trade-dress infringement.
If anything, putting the LEGO logo on them might cause customs to think they
are legitimate, and allow them into the country.
Nita Rae
|
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