BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Catalog, wildchicken13 writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

After considering the entirety of the Wheels category, I think three approaches
are reasonable (skip toward the end for the short version): […]
Thoughts or input?

I think we should remove wheels from the catalog.

+1 they seem complicated are aren’t fun to list are are a pain to take apart

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 23:52

Subject:

Re: Wheels Titles Discussion

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, Yo_Yo_Flamingo writes:

I would prefer that terms like "small" "medium" "Giant" remain for wheels which
are varying sizes of the same piece.

That's a perfectly reasonable position. Out of curiosity, though, doesn't
the size convey that information? Or do you prefer words to numbers? For example:

Not everyone reads size and converts it to item instantly

words like the giant
or small can help quickly confirm at a glance when looking at something before
listing it or when pulling it to ship it out

Wheel Small
Wheel Medium
Wheel Large
Wheel Giant

Wheel 27mm
Wheel 36mm
Wheel 52mm
Wheel 96mm

I'd like to understand your reasoning better. A similar use of size, BTW,
is in the hoses (where words couldn't describe them all).

I don’t mean to bud in but those are more so very similar and are easier to mentally
picture size wise (I’m probably making no sense rn)

5102c02 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. 2L / 1.6cm
Parts: Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D.

5102c37 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. 37L / 29.6cm
Parts: Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D.

5102c42 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. 42L / 33.6cm
Parts: Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D.

5102c60 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. 60L / 48.0cm
Parts: Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D.

5102c80 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. 80L / 64.0cm
Parts: Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D.

5102c138 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. 138L / 110.4cm
Parts: Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D.

5102c535 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D. 535L / 428.0cm
Parts: Hose, Pneumatic 4mm D.

Exactly what Nubs is saying. That way when quickly looking at one of the parts,
I know I've got the "large" wheel, instead of having to try to remember that
it's 52mm... It's just easier for quick recognition than just having
numbers. That and newer members might not know what to do with that number.

Author:

Fr0stByt3

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 23:51

Subject:

Re: Missouri Sales Tax

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

Administrative

In Administrative, Admin_Russell writes:

Hello everyone,

It has been quite a while since we added a new US state to the sales tax list,
but come January 1, 2023, Missouri will also be there:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2503

Please consult this Help Page for an explanation of how Bricklink collects US
sales tax:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2467

This Help Page also touches on refunds, quotes, the store address, and manual
tax settings.

I remember when my state was added. Those were sad times.

Author:

bricksbc

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 23:37

Subject:

Part 3003 variant

Viewed:

110 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

I found a 2x2 brick with cross supports. How should I list that? Thanks!

Author:

wildchicken13

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 23:26

Subject:

Re: Wheels Titles Discussion

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

After considering the entirety of the Wheels category, I think three approaches
are reasonable (skip toward the end for the short version): […]
Thoughts or input?

I think we should remove wheels from the catalog.

Author:

wildchicken13

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 23:17

Subject:

Re: Fees cut into margins with high shipping cost

Viewed:

71 times

Topic:

In Selling, ffilz writes:

I just got a $20 order that resulted in a $60 shipping cost and the result is
about $16 taxes. The Bricklink and Paypal fees on the entire transaction equal
about 1/3 the parts sale price. I figure my "cost" for the items was somewhere
between $10-12, resulting in my getting just a few bucks margin for this sale...

I'm wondering what other folks do to mitigate issues like this? I currently
charge exact postage and don't have any handling fees.

I'm wondering if one thing I should do is bump up my minimum order for international
orders.

Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

Frank

Yikes! Was it an international buyer? $60 shipping on a $20 order sounds too
high for domestic shipping.

Selling parts on BrickLink is generally a business with a low profit margin,
but if you find yourself putting in a lot of work for very little money, there
are things you can do to increase your profits:

1. You mention that you charge exact postage. It is okay to charge extra for
postage as long as the final cost is displayed to the buyer somewhere, either
in your store terms or at checkout. Consider implementing instant checkout.

2. Raise your minimum. A $20 minimum is already pretty high, but you can enforce
a higher minimum just for international orders.

3. Only ship within the U.S. Unless you have a lot of international orders, there
is little to gain or lose by shipping internationally.

4. Raise your prices. This will help offset some of your other costs.

Hope that helps.

Author:

Sadler_Bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 23:12

Subject:

Re: 95% off SALE happening now!!

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

Sales

Thats a very impressive sale.

Sadler_bricks

Author:

Admin_Russell

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 23:06

Subject:

Missouri Sales Tax

Viewed:

257 times

Topic:

Administrative

Author:

SDF_Bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 22:53

Subject:

Re: Fees cut into margins with high shipping cost

Viewed:

67 times

Topic:

In Selling, rtzx9r writes:

In Selling, popsicle writes:

In Selling, ffilz writes:

Wish I could offer concrete advise, Frank. I can't...

We shutdown our international selling just in advance of the global-transport
logistical meltdown of a couple of years ago. Have not reopened to sales abroad
since, due to a series of subsequent adjustments in online selling.

As we get regular requests from fellow members abroad, there is a constant pressure
felt to reopen cross-border selling. We might, given some time and as things
smooth out some.

PM, if you have a need to know more.

-popsicle

Similar situation when I get a $5-10 order from outside the US. The $5 order
and $15 shipping cost minus PP foreign fee and % of shipping cost almost always
equals no profit. Perhaps I need to eliminate OUS orders come to think of it.

I believe the main issue here is a combination of:

1. Very high shipping costs
2. Paypal not giving a break on shipping charges.

In the past, some sellers would put very low prices on items, but then charge
huge amounts for shipping, on eBay. It seems Paypal (an off-shoot of eBay) does
not want to make the same mistake again.

Yes, I too have 'lost' many potential sales to Europe simply because
of shipping costs. Such are these modern post-Covid times. Shipping costs have
gone through the roof, but now that the economy is restarting, many big companies
refuse to re-adjust, be it USPS or even those that make storage boxes (prices
tripled over the past ~5 years)

Author:

rtzx9r

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 21:49

Subject:

Re: Fees cut into margins with high shipping cost

Viewed:

71 times

Topic:

In Selling, popsicle writes:

In Selling, ffilz writes:

Author:

cycbuild

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 20:53

Subject:

Re: No, I don't want to join the mailing list

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, UTLF writes:

Why don't nobody check the least 5 or 10 messages BEFORE creating it's own post thread?

Lol I thought that the other day when Bricklink was super slow

Also seems like a lot of people post just to post

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 20:19

Subject:

Re: Fees cut into margins with high shipping cost

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

I'm wondering what other folks do to mitigate issues like this? I currently
charge exact postage and don't have any handling fees.

BTW, you don't have to charge the service of shipping at the exact
postal rate.

This service includes packaging, stickers, driving to the post/mailbox whatever...

But for buyers not to be surprised, please use (I didn't check if you do)
automatic check out, or, at least, display your prices for this service in Terms.

No surprise and then everyone will be happy.

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 20:09

Subject:

Re: Fees cut into margins with high shipping cost

Viewed:

82 times

Topic:

Welcome to a brand new world.

Now taxes are mandatory since the first cent, and because of unknown reasons
gas has increased and shipping prices are sky rocketting, we, BrickLink sellers
and probably many on other platforms, are basically working to pay:

* the site
* the payment service
* their bank
* their IRS
* their postal services
* inherant costs, like packaging, internet, power bill...
* and for some stupid pros like us, their accountant, insurance, etc.

But you can be happy, what remains is all for you!

Of course when you've removed the cost price, the space it takes in your
home/office,
and ignore you had to work, to eat, drink and heat.

I'm wondering what other folks do to mitigate issues like this? I currently
charge exact postage and don't have any handling fees.

I'm not sure there's a solution.
But if your price is too low, then you have to increase it - I guess.

Author:

ffilz

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:42

Subject:

Fees cut into margins with high shipping cost

Viewed:

285 times

Topic:

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:30

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, Adjour writes:

lol, I had just spread out 15 lbs of vintage parts and started listing.

I was like... how do they knowwwwwww.

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:29

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:29

Subject:

Re: Wheels Titles Discussion

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

I would only add that it would be a good starting point to always include the
number of wheel spokes where appropriate, some already do but so many more don’t
as my quick example below shows.

If you know the type of wheel and can be confident spokes are included in search
terms you can just search “8 spoke wagon” but even if you don’t know the wheel
type ‘8 spoke’ will narrow things down a lot especially given many wheels don’t
even have spokes

88762c01pb14 Duplo Wheel Double Assembly with Metal Axle and Silver Spokes Pattern
Parts: DUPLO, Vehicle

15 spoke

30155 Wheel Spoked 2 x 2 with Pin Hole
Parts: Wheel

30155c02 (Inv) Wheel Spoked 2 x 2 with Pin Hole, with Black Tire 30 x 10.5 Offset Tread (30155 / 2346)
Parts: Wheel & Tire Assembly

12 spoke

33212 Wheel Wagon 56mm
Parts: Wheel

wheel2b Train Wheel Spoked for Wagon
Parts: Wheel

10 spoke

47349c01 (Inv) Wheel 72 x 34 with Black Tire 94 x 40 Balloon Offset Tread
Parts: Wheel & Tire Assembly

9 spoke

2470 Wheel Wagon Small (27mm D.)
Parts: Wheel

8 spoke

71720 Wheel 107.1mm D. x 24mm Motorcycle
Parts: Wheel

7 spoke

3739 Wheel 24 x 43 Technic
Parts: Wheel

47576 Sports Hockey Puck, Small (Wheel)
Parts: Sports

6 spoke

88762c01pb05 Duplo Wheel Double Assembly with Metal Axle and Spinner Pattern
Parts: DUPLO, Vehicle

5 spoke

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:27

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

Other pages seem OK, including forum.

My guess is this, they have the CSS file on a separate server (this is normal)
and *that* is down (not necessarily normal, but it did happen with AWS this afternoon).

We don't want CSS, we want ABS!

Or PC, or CA, or SBS, or MABS, or PE, or rubber… well, some fabrics too, starched
or not, and paper, and cardboard… and bits of metal here and there….

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:24

Subject:

Re: No, I don't want to join the mailing list

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

Also seems like a lot of people post just to post

You're the one to say this?

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:22

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, peregrinator writes:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

It seems it's all displayed in Font Size 666 or more.
Scrolling doesn't change, you just see a part of a shop.

Tried on my favorite guinea pig:
https://store.bricklink.com/Nubs_Select

Tested on Firefox (latest) and Edge, same result.

It's very recent, it worked a few hours ago.

Other pages seem OK, including forum.

My guess is this, they have the CSS file on a separate server (this is normal)
and *that* is down (not necessarily normal, but it did happen with AWS this afternoon).

And it's back! And I looked at the code and they have a separate server for
static content (which would include CSS, JS, images, etc.)

I see - thanks for your F12 or CTRL+ALT+J !

But now I see Nubs_Select shop and it's ugly

I prefer the previous version...

Author:

Adjour

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:22

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

lol, I had just spread out 15 lbs of vintage parts and started listing.

I was like... how do they knowwwwwww.

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:21

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

20 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

In Technical Issues, Nubs_Select writes:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

But does it work for you?

nothing broken for me. yet...

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:20

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

17 times

Topic:

Other pages seem OK, including forum.

My guess is this, they have the CSS file on a separate server (this is normal)
and *that* is down (not necessarily normal, but it did happen with AWS this afternoon).

We don't want CSS, we want ABS!

Author:

peregrinator

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:20

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

19 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, peregrinator writes:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

My guess is this, they have the CSS file on a separate server (this is normal)
and *that* is down (not necessarily normal, but it did happen with AWS this afternoon).

And it's back! And I looked at the code and they have a separate server for
static content (which would include CSS, JS, images, etc.)

Author:

bricksbc

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:19

Subject:

Re: Please help me identify this piece

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

In Help, Nubs_Select writes:

something like this

P1713 SW Jango Fett Pen
Gear: Pen: Star Wars

Thanks!

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:19

Subject:

Re: No Shop

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, Excavator96 writes:

Sorry gang .....must be my fault, i just keyed in a thousand pieces, maybe thats
a bit
too much for Bricklink to cope with ....lol

Let's create a site: DoesBrickLinkBugsOnlyForMe.com?

Please check at least 5 or 10 titles or messages BEFORE creating your own post
thread?

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1380265

Author:

peregrinator

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:19

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

My guess is this, they have the CSS file on a separate server (this is normal)
and *that* is down (not necessarily normal, but it did happen with AWS this afternoon).

Author:

ImperialFleet

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:18

Subject:

Re: No Shop

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

Hmm, same. weird.

Author:

Excavator96

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:15

Subject:

No Shop

Viewed:

110 times

Topic:

Sorry gang .....must be my fault, i just keyed in a thousand pieces, maybe thats
a bit
too much for Bricklink to cope with ....lol

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:14

Subject:

Re: No, I don't want to join the mailing list

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, SteveDJ writes:

Site appears broken. Everything ... search, look up items, etc, takes me to a
page with gigantic text starting with the prompt to join the mailing list.

Why don't nobody check the least 5 or 10 messages BEFORE creating it's
own post thread?

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1380265

But hey, thanks for confirming!
Mmmmh, that may mean something about a cookie or such?

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:11

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

Confirmed.

The stylesheets don’t load?

Now it's a sheet with style.

Author:

SteveDJ

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:11

Subject:

No, I don't want to join the mailing list

Viewed:

127 times

Topic:

Site appears broken. Everything ... search, look up items, etc, takes me to a
page with gigantic text starting with the prompt to join the mailing list.

Author:

pitz8008

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:11

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

Having a few different strange problems as well. One being I can't access
any of my store's inventory. Guessing not a big deal. Probably just another
"routine unscheduled security scan".

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:09

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

20 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, Ladyandabrick writes:

Hi

We are experiencing problems here as well, can not search for an inventory item.
Bricklink front page has a loading problem too and so on..

Confirm also about the Front Page

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:08

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

21 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

Confirmed.

The stylesheets don’t load?

And the whole site has problems if you haven’t the right data in cache. E.g.
some images missing and menus inoperant on the main page (that I never use).

Author:

Ladyandabrick

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:08

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

Hi

We are experiencing problems here as well, can not search for an inventory item.
Bricklink front page has a loading problem too and so on..

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:08

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, Nubs_Select writes:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

But does it work for you?

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:07

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

Author:

deves74

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 19:05

Subject:

Re: Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:

+1 site seems to be down

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:58

Subject:

Cannot see a shop content, on ANY shops.

Viewed:

187 times

Topic:

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:46

Subject:

Re: Please help me identify this piece

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

something like this

P1713 SW Jango Fett Pen
Gear: Pen: Star Wars

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:45

Subject:

Re: Please help me identify this piece

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

looks like a broken part from one of the old pens maybe

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:44

Subject:

Re: 25% fee hidden and charged on tax as well

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Buying, 1001bricks writes:

Well,
10% for handling,
+ 10% for PayPal,
+ 5% for BL,
= 15%

Plus add the "Pay only in this 'exotic' (sorry) currency" cost.
This adds 5% or even more as PayPal conversion fees.
And this on the WHOLE amount: including order, shipping, extra fees, and all
taxes!

Which is why you'd favor a transparent Shop like ours.
Welcome to paradise, welcome to 1001bricks!

(what? which unashamed plug???)

Author:

bricksbc

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:36

Subject:

Please help me identify this piece

Viewed:

92 times

Topic:

Got this part in a batch of old Lego. From the bottom(?) it looks like it screwed
onto another part. The size is about a stud high, and wider than a minifig head
but smaller than a 2x2 brick. The copyright reads: 2005 Lego

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:22

Subject:

Re: 25% fee hidden and charged on tax as well

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

Well,
10% for handling,
+ 10% for PayPal,
+ 5% for BL,
= 15%

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:11

Subject:

Re: Pièce 5242

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

LANG Français

In LANG Français, CLBoyce writes:

gal71 (Inv) Galidor Torso Kek Powerizer with Light Gray Battery Tray (gal71a / gal72)
Parts: Galidor {Black}

that was a fun image to edit

Author:

peregrinator

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 18:05

Subject:

Re: 25% fee hidden and charged on tax as well

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

Of all the things mentioned I think the fee on the tax is the least outrageous,
since one must pay PayPal fees on sales tax even though the sales tax is collected
and remitted by a third party. Still, 25% is exorbitant regardless - indeed,
anything over 5% for PayPal*, and 3% for BrickLink**, is.

*Yes I know the math doesn't quite work out - 4.99% of $100 + $5 is $5.24.
**Same as above with math, additionally charging your customers for your own
selling fees is a bit greedy, imho

Author:

joshbeagrie

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 17:41

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 76396-1

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

Inventories Requests (Entry)

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

76396-1 (Inv) Hogwarts Moment: Divination Class
285 Parts, 3 Minifigures, 2022
Sets: Harry Potter: Hogwarts Moment

* Add 1 Part 60581pb209 Dark Bluish Gray Panel 1 x 4 x 3 with Side Supports - Hollow Studs with White Teapots and Teacups on Shelves on Dark Red Background Pattern (Sticker) - Set 76396 (Counterpart)
* Add 1 Part 3068bpb1992 Bright Light Orange Tile 2 x 2 with Groove with Black Crystal Ball Pattern (Sticker) - Set 76396 (Counterpart)
* Add 1 Part 69934pb017 Dark Purple Tile, Modified 10 x 16 with Studs on Edges and Bar Handles with Hogwarts Divination Class, Stain Glass Window, Chandelier, Curtains, and Staircase on Inside Pattern (Stickers) - Set 76396 (Counterpart)
* Add 1 Part 69934pb018 Dark Purple Tile, Modified 10 x 16 with Studs on Edges and Bar Handles with Teacups, Curtains, and Shelves with Portrait and Crystal Ball Pattern (Stickers) - Set 76396 (Counterpart)

Comments from Submitter:
Stickered parts

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 17:31

Subject:

Re: Html Elements in invoice

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In Technical Issues, Jens314 writes:

Ok, obviously I can't write html elements here.

You can but they are ignored

I wanted to say that if I
use html in my invoice, in my copy of the email I only see the html code, but
not e.g. bold text

BL e-mails are plain text.

Author:

SylvainLS

Posted:

Dec 6, 2022 17:29

Subject:

Re: 25% fee hidden and charged on tax as well

Viewed:

39 times

Topic: