Redisplay Messages: Compact | Brief | All | Full Show Messages: All | Without Replies| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek  | | Posted: | Feb 20, 2023 13:19 | | Subject: | Re: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe MOC | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | My Own Creation | |
| That looks very nice! I love the Chronicles of Narnia so you have my support!
Fingers crossed it will reach 10,000 supporters!
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Dec 29, 2022 18:31 | | Subject: | Re: Series 24 of minifigures | | Viewed: | 66 times | | Topic: | Sales | |
| Are you even allowed to sell these here in advance of the official release?
Don't forget Lego owns this platform now, so you could get into trouble as
a seller.
Just a fair warning.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Dec 5, 2022 07:06 | | Subject: | Re: new clr for 2x4 brick or new clr altogether? | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Colors | |
| Ah yes, those pictures are more clear as well.
Too bad, would have loved to see a pearly blue brick! 
Erikk
In Colors, tonnic writes:
| | Hi Erik,
When you check the Dutch and Polish version it says Medium Azure so I think the
one from your picture is the same color.
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Dec 5, 2022 04:25 | | Subject: | new clr for 2x4 brick or new clr altogether? | | Viewed: | 71 times | | Topic: | Colors | | Status: | Open | |
| Just saw this among the newly added catalog items:
Could anyone confirm what the color is of that 2x4 brick?
Looks like a pearly blue to me but that could be due to lighting of course or
an effect of the plastic bubble as the orange brick also seem to have a pearly
glance to them.
So, wishful thinking of an avid 2x4 collector or for real a new color?
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 15, 2022 04:37 | | Subject: | Re: did your Bricklink font change too? | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | General | |
| Am I the only one in thinking the top one / previous one was better?
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 8, 2022 08:40 | | Subject: | Re: WARNING: Young Maxx picture! | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | General | |
| Brilliant story! Thanks for the fun read!
Erikk
PS: the gist of the story reminded me of an infamous Belgian author called
Hugo Matthysen who's an expert in writing these kinds of stories
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Aug 24, 2022 08:00 | | Subject: | Re: Let's give away $100 to a fellow BL member! | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | Contests | |
| 217?
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Aug 22, 2022 16:51 | | Subject: | Re: Let's give away $100 to a fellow BL member! | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | Contests | |
| 238
(thanks for holding this contest; mighty generous of you! )
Erikk
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 27, 2022 16:07 | | Subject: | Re: RAAAAWWWRRRR! | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Sales | |
| Very nicely done!
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 25, 2022 16:40 | | Subject: | Re: NOW OPEN AGAIN | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Announce | |
| Glad to hear you're recovering well!
Wishing you a continued good health.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 25, 2022 16:28 | | Subject: | Re: Can't stay logged in | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Technical Issues | |
| In Technical Issues, zkyoo writes:
| |
I'm on Chrome, only extension that would be messing with it is adblock which
is disabled.
|
Have you tried using a different browser?
Other than that: if you can write a forum message it means you're logged
in as you cannot do that "anonymously".
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jun 26, 2022 09:12 | | Subject: | Re: Goodbye Bricklink Forum. | | Viewed: | 124 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
| a good rule of thumb regarding religion in general is to treat it as your private
parts: don't show it in public unless you're in the correct forum, don't
impose it on others and stop thinking the world is being run by it 
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jun 13, 2022 15:54 | | Subject: | Re: Please welcome our newest Translator! | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
| Vällkommen till familjen!
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jun 10, 2022 18:00 | | Subject: | Re: We have a new Catalog Administrator! | | Viewed: | 19 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| | congrats Randy! |
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Apr 29, 2022 19:15 | | Subject: | Re: Designer Program Round 3 | | Viewed: | 56 times | | Topic: | Designer Program | |
| I can't even find that page anymore ... where can it be found?
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2022 16:54 | | Subject: | Re: Marbled pieces for sale | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Sales | |
| good one  |
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Mar 3, 2022 14:47 | | Subject: | Re: We Have a new Discussions Moderator | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
| Congrats Stellar!
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Feb 14, 2022 06:29 | | Subject: | Re: IOSS issues still - UK sellers | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
| In Shipping, hedgehog_bricks writes:
| |
Also, do you include valid customs codes like 950300 for Lego parts? Again, shouldn't
be a problem, but thinking of all possible options!
Jonathan
|
Valid custom codes for goods are obsolete in H7 declarations as no import
duties are due (ALL H7 declarations have a value of below the treshold of €150
for import duties).
Checking the OP it does not seem to me he did anything wrong. Most likely the
automated system of the mail carrier in the recipient's country failed the
IOSS check, which happens thousands of times a day all over the EU.
Erikk
|
 |
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Feb 14, 2022 06:25 | | Subject: | Re: IOSS issues still - UK sellers | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
| In Shipping, Dino1 writes:
| | The IOSS number has to be on the CN22 or CN23.
|
No it doesn't. There's no field on that form to write that nr and it
shouldn't be.
As other people have already mentioned: the nr should be entered into the electronical
declaration, not written anywhere on the parcel.
Would not mater anyway as your postal / courrier service does not check the physical
package for evidence of an IOSS nr. If not properly entered electronically the
buyer WILL end up paying VAT twice (speaking from experience unfortuantely).
By now it's very clear to me that USPS is lacking considering the entering
of the IOSS nr (100% issues when Americans send me something via USPS; no issues
whatsoever when sent via DHL or other courrier).
On European side, many national postal services indeed still don't have a
properly working system in place to handle the H7 declarations (again, speaking
from experience; Belgian Post is so amateuristic in handling international mail
it looks like Kafka is their CEO).
Erikk
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2022 08:23 | | Subject: | Re: My new Lego Ideas project - the Viking House | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | My Own Creation | |
| Very nice build! You've got my support!
Erikk
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2022 10:57 | | Subject: | Re: Unknown element - Chewbacca in sand green | | Viewed: | 75 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
| You seem, as so many others, to confuse "counterfeit" with "illegitimate" items.
Those parts you speak of are not counterfeit: they have been produced
in Lego factories using official Lego equipment.
They have been produced without license however which makes them illegitimate,
hence the post from Admin Russell statint such offerings will be deleted from
the platform.
I have yet to see counterfeit Lego parts that are indistinguishable from the
genuine ones considering the markings.
However, in the question if one could distinguish these items from officially
produced parts the answer is quite suimple: there is no difference. All of them
are real Lego parts. Just as real as all those test bricks and red test parts
you can still find for sale.
I don't think Lego has a problem with items like that being sold as usually
they are very limited in quantities.
However, it's clear there's now a serious market for parts being produced
in unofficial colors, most probably done illegally by factory workers.
I get that Lego is trying to put a stop to such activities, but practices like
this are also happening with other brands.
Perhaps it's one of the down sides of moving your production to low wage
countries where making a few Dollars on a few plastic parts on the side means
big bucks for their employees ... food for thought IMO.
Erikk
In Off Topic, calebfishn writes:
| |
I think that the onus should be on the seller to provide evidence that it was
made legitimately. Particularly when some sellers were listing dozens of Vader
helmets in each of Trans Blue, Trans Purple, trans Orange, Trans Pink etc.
The illegitimate or counterfeit parts apparently had all to lego trademarks etc.
to make them almost indistinguishable from genuine, legitimate parts.
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 21, 2022 17:36 | | Subject: | Re: Be aware of a scammer!!! | | Viewed: | 95 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
| You cannot put someone's private details in a forum post; it will be deleted.
I understand your frustration, but airing someone's private details on the
Internet like that is just as criminal.
Erikk
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 21, 2022 10:03 | | Subject: | Re: I paid VAT on buying, and VAT again receiving | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| Please check my previous posts on this: Customs do not check each and every parcel
that enters a member state. It's not even feasible to check 1% of all parcels
entering the EU.
Certain parcel get a red flag due certain parameters or even random checks but
99.999999% of all parcels are electronically handled by the postal services /
courriers.
As to your remark regarding the "obligation" to do this electronically, I'd
like to refer you to this page:
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/news/new-form-customs-declaration-low-value-consignments-2019-07-11_en
It's an older page from the EC stating the companies should start developing
the necessary software to be able to declare H7 customs declarations.
So there is an obligation to declare low value shipments electronically:
From 1 January 2021 the existing VAT exemption for goods up to 22 € will disappear.
In order to allow VAT to be levied, all imports into the EU will have to be declared
at the border using an electronic customs declaration.
Full legislation:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv J.L_.2019.181.01.0002.01.ENG&toc=OJ:L:2019:181:TOC
You as a lay person are obviously under no obligation to fill in any kind of
customs declaration. That obligation lies solely with the entitiy shipping your
parcel and the company importing and delivering your package. You as a sender
are obligated to provide the necessary details to them to fill in any such form.
The CN22/CN23 form is nothing more than a summary of the declaration's details
on the outside of the parcel.
All those details (and often more) have been filled in already at that point
into a digital system as there doesn't exist a company on this planet that
would do this manually.
As to mentioning the IOSS nr: there isn't on obligation to use an IOSS nr,
period. Any European citizen is free to import (legal) goods without paying taxes
at checkout. There are still hundreds of thousands of webshops outthere who don't
use the IOSS functionality.
But IF you want to be able to benefit from such a system you need to provide
the necessary details to Customs at declaration level (meaning your shipper needs
to do this).
H7 is a highly simplified declaration system created to handle a huge amount
of parcels on a daily basis. Over 800 million such parcels pass Belgium each
year, can you imagine the nrs for countries like France or Germany?
It has been designed to work fast with little to no "wiggle room" for travesties
like IOSS not being properly handled.
As Calsbricks rightfully stated, it is still a heavy flawed system with various
results in each member state as far as I'm aware and which will create hiccups
until 2024-205 I'm afraid at this rate.
Just to be clear: it's not something I'm personally happy about. I have
had to pay double VAT twice now on American orders, so I do share the frustration
of many.
Erikk
In Selling, Llewyn writes:
| | Electronic interfaces refers to online marketplaces, it doesn't refer to
couriers.
I've seen nothing to indicate that the IOSS has to be communicated electronically,
except perhaps in individual member states' implementations of the directive.
You helpfully refer to the CN22/CN23, which is a paper document for customs inspection
which is required to be attached. You theoretically look at every single one
of those so yes, I would expect the IOSS inspection to happen (or realistically
not happen due to the volume issues you describe) in exactly the same way.
There is, as far as I'm aware, no requirement in EU legislation for the IOSS
number to be communicated electronically with the parcel.
|
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 21, 2022 09:42 | | Subject: | Re: I paid VAT on buying, and VAT again receiving | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| Could not agree more with you, unfortunately 
Erikk
In Selling, calsbricks writes:
| | | |
Design is one side of this issue - the other and perhaps more important is the
implementation. Trying to coordinate the rest of the world to a EU specific
system has not gone well. Some areas seem okay and others are a long way short.
And that is with or without an electronic version.
Overall a score of very low for the overall project.
|
|
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 21, 2022 08:45 | | Subject: | Re: I paid VAT on buying, and VAT again receiving | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| "The IOSS allows suppliers and electronic interfaces selling imported
goods to buyers in the EU to collect, declare and pay the VAT to the tax authorities".
Source: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/ioss_en
The whole idea of IOSS has been designed for e-commerce, emphasis on the
"e" for electronic, aka automated systems.
As I've said before: there's no entity that could work through the amount
of parcels arriving daily by hand. You'd need a workforce of at least 10000
people checking parcels 24/7. Or people should expcect delivery times of up to
2 years
If people are expecting their postal services or courrier to manually check their
parcel for an IOSS nr on the CN22/CN23 slip they are not being realistic IMO.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 21, 2022 05:36 | | Subject: | Re: I paid VAT on buying, and VAT again receiving | | Viewed: | 51 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| Just to show everyone what Customs see in their system when declarations enter
the automated system: the nr you see on the left of the origin country code is
the IOSS nr.
For those where that field is empty VAT will automatically be calculated and
charged by the company handling the delivery of the parcel.
In both cases the parcel will then be presented to Customs (via an automated
system) to verify if the declared value is acceptable or whether further checks
considering health / economic regulations are deemed necessary.
So the IOSS check is happening by the automated system of the company handling
your package and not by Customs as many here seem to think. So asking Customs
to refund your VAT is pointless.
IMO, the only party that can and should refund your VAT is the seller* as they
are responsible for the shipment.
Let's say you order a 400USD set from an American seller. Without your knowledge
that seller puts 10USD as declared value and "gift" as description (with an invoice
in the parcel).
The buyer in this case will end up with a hefty surcharge of VAT and import duties
and in some cases might even receive a fine for tax evasion.
Who do you think should refund these extra costs then?
Erikk
*by this I mean it would be the seller refunding the buyer but ultimately
Bricklink should obviously refund said seller afterwards
|
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 21, 2022 05:23 | | Subject: | Re: I paid VAT on buying, and VAT again receiving | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| No, they shouldn't. They did their work correctly. If they don't see
an IOSS nr allocated to the parcel they are obligated to charge VAT. Period.
Again: if the IOSS nr is not visible in the automated system for the company
delivering the parcel in the EU member state (postal services or courrier) then
VAT will be charged automatically as per EU legislational obligation.
I work for Customs myself and I can tell you that about half of the parcel arriving
via Bpost do not have an IOSS nr allocated to the declaration. I'm sure many
of those buyers DID pay VAT at invoice.
It is the seller's obligation to make sure the IOSS nr is properly communicated
with their shipper. It's nowhere the buyer's responsibility.
If the shipper is at fault it is still the seller's responsibility to refund
the buyer as is the same for goods lost / destroyed in transit.
Erikk
In Selling, yorbrick writes:
| |
It should really be the other way around. If the buyer can prove they already
paid it then the collection agency should refund the VAT they are double charging.
|
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 21, 2022 04:31 | | Subject: | Re: I paid VAT on buying, and VAT again receiving | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| I think it's more about discouraging people from buying outside of the EU,
which makes sense IMHO.
Non-European goods (genuine and counterfeit or under-valued) are flooding our
markets and are making life for European businesses very hard.
I know from personal experience that these cases of double charged VAT can be
a serious PITA, but it's almost always the seller's / shipper's fault.
If the company sending the goods does not enter the BL IOSS nr (which the seller
has to properly provide to them) into the automated system it's hardly the
European country's postal service's fault for charging VAT when there's
no proof (in the automated system) that VAT has already been paid.
There's millions and millions of e-commerce packages arriving in each member
state on a daily basis. Do you truly believe they'd be able to verify the
paper documents for each and every parcel? Dream on
What I propose is that when a buyer can deliver proof that he / she had to pay
VAT again on delivery the seller is olbigated to refund this VAT which BL can
refund to the seller.
In the end it's the platform (aka BL) that has the obligation to fulfill
the VAT duties.
If you don't have trust in the platform you're using to earn your living
then perhaps you should consider changing platforms or creating your own.
Erikk
In Selling, patpendlego writes:
| |
The EU wants to get a piece of the pie of small sales. Simple as that. In total
this small trades are a huge amount of money. The rest of the world however has
to deal with these new EU rules, do you really think they like doing that?
Vice versa is the same. I really don't like at all that I have to invoice
local US State Tax, that it gets transfered to my PayPal account and that PayPal
is taking it off again, transferring it to BrickLink and we all just have to
hope and pray BrickLink is indeed transferring it to the US State Tax authorities
again.
Local Tax money is travelling all over the world through accounts of people that
have nothing to do with it. And we have only to hope it all goes well.
In the meantime, the 10 richest men in the world has seen their wealth grown
by 100% in just 1 Corona year. There is something really really wrong with the
monetary system.
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 19, 2022 11:37 | | Subject: | Re: Admins, Please help | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Help | |
| Talking about that shipping process: doesn't the seller openly admit there
that he doesn't actually have the items he is selling in stock as is obligated
per BL rules?
Erikk
In Help, psusaxman2000 writes:
| |
It may be worth taking a look at your processes and trying to figure out why
there are so many NSS/NRS. Looking at your feedback there is much more than
just shipping issues. In one year, this is not a good feedback report IMO and
many other larger store that fulfill at your rates don't seem to have these
problems.
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 30, 2021 14:35 | | Subject: | Re: EU Distance selling | | Viewed: | 53 times | | Topic: | LANG Nederlands | |
| Dit staat er sinds 1,5 week bij elke verkoper en staat standaard op "disabled".
Het werd gedaan om te voldoen aan de nieuwe Europese wetgeving.
Afhankelijk van je fiscale situatie die je dit zelf actief te zetten of niet.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 23, 2021 06:40 | | Subject: | Re: Lost packages: is this coincidence or... ??? | | Viewed: | 69 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
| https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2021/11/22/duizenden-pakketjes-vast-na-verzegeling-depot-postnl-wat-nu-met/
I don't think packages get lost at "Customs", that's just something courriers
and postal services claim to avoid talking to their customers.
PostNL is an extremely dodgy company now under investigation for fraud and malpractices.
Perhaps you were rather lucky 8/10 packages got delivered?
Hope they will find their way to your home in the end!
Erikk
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 10, 2021 04:44 | | Subject: | Re: Calendar | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | Designer Program | |
| I don't get any of the sets meeting the treshold as they were all so expensive.
The windmill doesn't even include any minifigures. Perhaps the exclusivity
is an appeal to many?
But ok, to each his own, and kuddos to the creators and those who got the set
they wanted (I was about to order the Lego store but it's apparently sold
out for Europe ).
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 8, 2021 17:51 | | Subject: | have the prices been changed? | | Viewed: | 153 times | | Topic: | Designer Program | |
| I just want to check the projects one more time hoping I could finally come to
a decission.
Is it just my imagination or have all the prices dropped a bit? I could've
sworn the Lego store was aorund €180 or €200 and now it's priced at €149.
Same for the other sets I think or perhaps I'm just imagining things.
Could anyone confirm?
Most of them are still priced too high for my taste, but I guess that won't
stop people from selling them out within the hour
Erikk
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 4, 2021 18:44 | | Subject: | Re: VAT double charged (continued) -> Admin?? | | Viewed: | 62 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| Interesting ... so it seems that when filling in a CN22 using Paypal (I assume
that's because you use create the shipping label via PP?) the IOSS nr is
actually transmitted into the electric customs form.
It might very well be that it comes down to failures, perhaps even on both sides,
of the parties doing the customs formalities (like postal services or courrier
services).
Erikk
|
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 4, 2021 13:40 | | Subject: | Re: VAT double charged (continued) -> Admin?? | | Viewed: | 68 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| In Selling, SezaR writes:
| |
Based on European rules or whatever rules, the IOSS should be given to the courier
and submitted electronically. I did that for a shipment to the Netherlands and
included the BL invoice on the package too. The buyer was requested and paid
VAT for the second time.
|
Yes, it's true that some parcel handlers in the EU (Belgian Post among them)
haven't updated their IT-systems properly to acknowledge those nrs into their
system.
But if the nr was included on the Bricklink customs invoice and / or on the customs
parcel slip there would be proof for the consignee to at least ask for a refund.
Now I have no proof at all and I just have to swallow an amount that almost doubled
my order total.
Look, in the end if nothing will be done about this, non-European sellers will
lose a lot of business. Over 33% of all members on this platform are located
in the EU.
Probably not an issue for a lot of sellers, but still a significant amount of
business to lose.
Not to mention any future new members experiencing such an issue on their first
purchase and not being aware of the VAT-rules decide against using Bricklink
altogether which will cost European sellers business as well.
Erikk
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 4, 2021 13:02 | | Subject: | VAT double charged (continued) -> Admin?? | | Viewed: | 198 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| There are already a few threads out there regarding this issue (https://www.bricklink.com/messageList.asp?nID=&q=VAT&qS=Y&qM=Y&v=c&max=20&mTP=Y)
and I now finally know what is causing European buyers to pay VAT twice on their
non-European orders.
The "customs invoice" sellers are asked by BL to include in their parcels does
NOT mention the IOSS nr of Bricklink.
To Customs this simply means no VAT has been paid. Only, and ONLY when
a valid IOSS nr is mentioned in the customs declaration will it be accepted that
VAT payment has already been fulfilled.
I cannot imagine other e-commerce platforms are failing to ignore such a blatant
omission, otherwise we (Customs) would see a 90% decline in international orders
(which is clearly not the case).
I can however imagine international trade on Bricklink is heavily suffering from
this.
Could the people responsible correct this so the Bricklink IOSS nr is mentioned
in the customs invoice? It should be mentioned on the customs declaration on
the outside of the package as well btw.
If people keep being asked to pay VAT twice they will eventually turn to other
platforms to fulfill their Lego needs.
Erikk
|
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 29, 2021 18:07 | | Subject: | Re: Double charged VAT | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Problem | |
| In Problem, SylvainLS writes:
| |
It needs to be readable by the customs agents, so on the outside.
And the buyer already received their copy of the invoice from BL.
(Note that some buyers have had problems even when the document was on the outside
 )
|
Just to chip in here: Customs has very rarely something to do with the fact that
you're being charged VAT twice. It is the agent declaring your parcel that
is at fault.
From personal experience (see my previous post in this thread) I can say now
that Belgian Post is extremely unprofessional in handling these kind of shipments
and I think that goes for most postal services of the EU member states as far
as I hear from similar tales.
Writing an IOSS nr on a package does not help at all. The info of your package
is all digitalized, meaning the IOSS nr included. If the company declaring your
parcel doesn't have a proper working IT-system to handle IOSS nrs (as is
the case with Belgian Post) you will get screwed every time. I firmly believe
most postal services just see a package coming from outside of the EU and they
automatically charge VAT. Then, and only AFTER VAT has been paid by the recipient,
they will present (= declare) your package to Customs.
I also had to pay VAT twice on my US order which I will try to get reimbursed
for by Belgian Post but fat chance I'll ever see that money back.
By my estimation already milions of Euros have been paid all over Europe in double
VAT which will ultimately lead to what they (the politicians) wanted in the first
place: to discourage people to buy outside of the EU.
For me personally I can say that it works: buying Lego outside of the EU will
only happen when there is really, REALLY no store at all to pruchase from in
the EU. It's just not worth the extra cost anymore unless they'd be offering
an extremely rare item at half price of what EU sellers would be asking.
To end on a positive note: you'll have better chances when asking your seller
to use a courrier like DHL or Fedex or the likes instead of the postal system.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 29, 2021 16:26 | | Subject: | Re: 20 years on BrickLink | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
| Gefeliciteerd Stefaan! (we worden oud ...)
Dat er nog vele jaren mogen bijkomen!
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 25, 2021 11:12 | | Subject: | Re: Duty charges from EU into the UK ? | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
| Just to clarify: no duties (= import taxes) are due for amounts below €150, only
VAT.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 22, 2021 14:46 | | Subject: | Re: 5006890-1 Rebuildable Flying Car: thoughts? | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | New Sets | |
| In New Sets, zorbanj writes:
Cheers, missed that one!
Glad I'm not the only one
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 22, 2021 10:07 | | Subject: | 5006890-1 Rebuildable Flying Car: thoughts? | | Viewed: | 116 times | | Topic: | New Sets | |
|
I know one can't / shouldn't argue about tastes and preferences but I
have to admit that when I saw a leak about this set on social media a couple
of weeks ago I figured it was someone trolling as the item seemed far to amateurish
/ childish to be a real Lego set.
Imagine my surprise seeing this fugly thing becoming a GWP ...
Again, just my POV, but this is to me the most disappointing GWP to ever come
out and seems at best a joke. I can't imagine more than 30 seconds of thought
went into this "project".
The color scheme just hurts my eyes and the build looks like something that belongs
in the monthly mini-build series.
All kidding aside: was this a special project where a child could enter to create
the next GWP? If so, kuddos to the child for succeeding in making its build into
an actual Lego set.
If this was genuinely created by a certified Lego builder: how drunk was that
person and moreover, how drunk was his / her boss to approve this for a GWP?
Friday rant over.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 22, 2021 04:05 | | Subject: | 40512 Fun and Funky VIP Add On Pack | | Viewed: | 85 times | | Topic: | New Sets | |
|
Could anyone confirm whether this catalog addition means this will become a "regular"
set to buy? Or perhaps something one could buy with VIP points?
I seem to remember these were "tested" in the UK not long ago but since then
I haven't heard any news on these, hence my surprise seeing it pop up in
our BL catalog.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 21, 2021 16:57 | | Subject: | Re: What the heck is this? | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | Catalog Identification | |
| In Catalog Identification, kantorj writes:
| | Found this in a bin I got a few weeks ago. I'm stumped! Any thoughts?
Jeff
|
General tip: just type in the nr you see on the bottom of the item as shown in
your second pic in the catalog search field
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 21, 2021 10:47 | | Subject: | Re: New to Bricklink | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Price Guide | |
| Unless extremely rare (and thus expensive) parts I can imagine, but in general
I think you're right.
I agree on being able to set certain limits.
Erikk
In Price Guide, yorbrick writes:
| |
It might work for sets, but probably less so for parts. I doubt many sellers
want to go through lists of lots of parts where individual offers on each part
are made. Maybe the whole order could have an offer, but then prices would probably
just go up to account for 10% off offers.
And so long as you can turn it off, or set a minimum percentage price below which
offers are rejected. EBay has it and some of the offers people send are ridiculous.
Fortunately you can auto reject the time waster ones.
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 21, 2021 04:44 | | Subject: | Re: New to Bricklink | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Price Guide | |
| That's actually not such a bad idea ...
A compromise could be to offer sellers a functionality like the quoting system
in which buyers would be able to make an offer on an item in a store.
In my mind it would be a functionality that sellers could activate / turn off
for each separate item (like the option to make something a stockroom item).
I'll pitch the idea in the Marketplace Panel, see if it's feasible or
not.
Erikk
In Price Guide, yorbrick writes:
| |
You'll get the best price for rare items at ebay. They really need an auction
format rather than a fixed price. To get the best price here, you have to price
high then slowly reduce until someone buys.
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 15, 2021 15:04 | | Subject: | Re: Display cases for Lego | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | General | |
| I concur as I have bought several of their cases already.
Absolutely top notch merchandise. Ordering has become extremely expensive for
us Europeans due to
Brexit but I can highly recommend them if you're looking for high quality
display cases.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 15, 2021 10:09 | | Subject: | Re: Price Guide Bug | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Technical Issues | |
| In Technical Issues, Dino1 writes:
| | The sold price include the German VAT of 19%.
|
That doesn't sound correct.
When a non-European buyer buys from a European store they don't pay VAT.
If the country's VAT is included in the price guide no matter the sort of
transaction it should also be reflected in the price of the items currently available.
So the price should be the same on both sides of the overview.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 11, 2021 18:19 | | Subject: | Re: Really ????? | | Viewed: | 65 times | | Topic: | General | |
| most fun thread I've read in a while here ...
Thanks for the laugh!
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 1, 2021 18:28 | | Subject: | Re: Double charged VAT | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | Problem | |
| see my post on this:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1304307
I have placed an order with an American seller myself just now and I have asked
upfront to add the invoice to the customs declaration with proof of payment of
VAT.
But if the shipping company fails to add the IOSS nr to the customs declaration
it's not even the seller's fault.
Do know this is being discussed as we speak at the European Commission level
(as many thousands of people have already experienced this and a lot of the postal
and courrier services have their help desks drowned in complaints). Hopefully
something permanent will be done about this.
Of course, on the other hand: they know well enough that few people will let
their packages be sent back as there's a treshold of €150 (meaning the VAT
amount will never be much higher than 20-25€).
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Oct 1, 2021 16:58 | | Subject: | Re: Leaving Bricklink | | Viewed: | 128 times | | Topic: | Announce | |
| Sorry to hear you feel that way about this platform. Hope you can find what you're
looking for elsewhere and if not always welcome back
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 21, 2021 16:35 | | Subject: | Re: Expensive shops | | Viewed: | 68 times | | Topic: | Price Guide | |
| Fair enough
In Price Guide, MrPetovan writes:
| |
I didn't like the name-and-shame attitude. They could have said that they
had trouble coming up with prices because they weren't sure how much to trust
the Price Guide and I would have commiserated, after all setting up prices is
hard.
But instead they chose the litigation route and to single out a shop and, which
was instantly irritating to me.
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 21, 2021 16:32 | | Subject: | Re: LEGO, Just Some (BL) Promotion Would Be Nice! | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Feedback | |
| Just playing Devil's advocate here, but perhaps they want to work out all
the "kinks" in this gigantic complex platform first before drawing the world's
attention to it (just to be clear: this is my own reasoning)?
Another thing might be that this a platform consisting of thousands of sellers,
ranging from outright professional to hobby sellers with little to no connection
to TLC.
Over the years I've heard many personal stories from people who wanted to
set up a store selling exclusively Lego and the difficulties they had to go through
to make that happen.
For some part I can understand TLC being careful about how to market their new
property as they have limited control over this plethora of selling practices.
On the other hand there were (and are) a number of vast changes that had to be
implemented due to both European and US tax laws changes.
Thirdly: it's clear to everyone that our platform is running on programming
that was beautifully done by Dan way back then but is now generally considered
"prehistoric". Re-writing the code for this platform is a massive undertaking
that won't be finished in 2021 to say the least.
Lego is a global company and one of the biggest toy producers on this planet.
Let's not forget that Bricklink to them is a "side project". A big side
project, obviously, and taken serious, but not their main concern.
I assume that once this platform is up and running to their standards
marketing will be the next item on the agenda.
That said, I'll ask to add this topic to the agenda for our next Marketplace
Panel meeting.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 21, 2021 16:09 | | Subject: | Re: Expensive shops | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | Price Guide | |
| I think he's referring mostly to the "pain" of the extra effort needed when
parting out sets.
What method is there not based on the PG that one could use?
I personally agree that the lowest and highest prices should be excluded from
calculating an average price (and then again: is this an average price
or the median?), but that only works properly when there's a certain
amount of items available / sold of a certain item.
I mean, it would be hard to exclude the outer extremeties of an item like a chrome
gold C-3PO.
That said, seller tools is something that the owner of this platform (Lego)
is looking into "behind the scenes" and in cooperation with the community, so
better times may lie ahead for the sellers here.
What I don't understand is why some members here seem to get so worked up
over this post as if they were personally agrieved somehow.
Erikk
In Price Guide, MrPetovan writes:
| | You still need to make a good case why marginally affecting any number on the
Price Guide prevents "the rest of us to figure out fair pricing for their customers".
Your evident over-reliance on the Price Guide to set your own pricing says more
about you than it does about these specific shops, and it definitely doesn't
involve "the rest of us".
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 16, 2021 09:16 | | Subject: | warning regarding IOSS | | Viewed: | 193 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
| A fair warning to European buyers purchasing items outside of the EU:
When you buy from a shop that is on a platform that is registered as an IOSS
(https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/ioss_en) or when that shop itself has
regsitered for IOSS you will pay the VAT % of your member state directly to that
seller.
However, if that seller fails to properly enter the applicable IOSS nr
in their customs declaration (or if their carrier fails to do so) you will end
up paying VAT again at entry into the EU.
You won't be able to reclaim that money from your carrier as it's
the sender's responsibility to clearly and correctly fill in the IOSS
nr in the declaration (aka CN22 or CN23).
In those cases you will need to reclaim those funds from your seller.
When the IOSS ID nr is not correctly filled in on the customs declaration (and
in the correct field) there won't be a link to demonstrate the engagement
of the non-EU seller to pay the VAT to the EC, thus resulting in Customs concluding
VAT hasn't been paid.
To be fair, many member states and the involved commercial players are still
experiencing a lot of growing pains considering their new data-systems adapting
to the new declaration system, so it might not always be your seller's fault
the link was not properly made.
I would definitely advise everyone to thoroughly check with your seller (be it
on Bricklink or elsewhere) when they're offering IOSS that they're properly
filling in their customs forms so you won't end up paying VAT twice.
Should you have more questions, don't hesitate to reply or contact me via
PM.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 9, 2021 04:37 | | Subject: | Re: No More Grill Bricks at BrickLink | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| imagine searching for a flute (87994pb02) and landing on a brick instead ...
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2021 17:14 | | Subject: | Re: Do I open it and build it? | | Viewed: | 91 times | | Topic: | Off Topic | |
| cheers for sharing those pics
Brought me back to when I opened mine a couple of years back and started to build
it.
I can definitely confirm all those feelings
Enjoy the build, hope you can find a nice place to showcase it!
Erikk
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 26, 2021 16:45 | | Subject: | Re: Key Chain | | Viewed: | 63 times | | Topic: | Help | |
| Could you post a picture of the backside of the package please?
The keychain does exist officially and was produced in 1997, called "UFO Droid"
but there's not reference nr (source: Lego Collector's Guide 2. edition
- page 846), but I garee that the packaging looks too modern and too "off" for
being genuine Lego. Perhaps the seller hoped to gain more money by fabricating
a package for it?
My advise: send a message to Jan K from Germany (https://www.bricklink.com/feedback.asp?u=Jan_K).
He's like a Yoda when it comes to Lego keychains. He'll probably be able
to tell tyou how "real" this keychain is.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 16, 2021 06:33 | | Subject: | Re: Bricklink Marketplace Panel: buyers | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | General | |
| In General, popsicle writes:
| |
LOL, so it's Sinatra you're gonna denigrate now?
|
FYI, Sinatra is just one of the many singers who sung this song throughout history.
It's not a song composed by him or even first sung by him.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Funny_Valentine
I don't really see the "controlling" undertone, but I guess everyone hears
what he/she wants to hear from their own experiences and view on the world.
To me it's a very romantic song.
Tip: do check out the most sultry version of it ever sung (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IChJ6eO3k48)
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 15, 2021 09:48 | | Subject: | Re: Bricklink Marketplace Panel: buyers | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | General | |
| In General, yorbrick writes:
.
| |
A long term existing huyer only is probably no better than a long term existing
seller only or seller + buyer when it comes to features needed to attract new
buyers.
|
That's exactly the reason why I wanted to "throw it out there" on the Forum
so new-(er) members could join in as well.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 15, 2021 08:47 | | Subject: | Re: Bricklink Marketplace Panel: buyers | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | General | |
| My idea exactly! I'm no fan myself of changing for the sake of changing or
just to make it look different without any added value.
In General, Yogi_007 writes:
| |
I hope that any changes improve the functionality rather than make it so its
harder to find things.
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 15, 2021 06:23 | | Subject: | Bricklink Marketplace Panel: buyers | | Viewed: | 266 times | | Topic: | General | |
| Dear fellow AFOLs,
As you're probably aware TLC has formed a panel of Bricklink members to discuss
the future of our beloved platform and to exchange ideas and suggestions to improve
the user experience for all concerned and potential new users (if not, see forum
posts
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1269925 and
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1274165 for details).
The panel consists of members from different countries but also differing in
what capacity they use the platform, going from "pure" buyers like myself to
very professional sellers with mutliple staff members to run their shop.
It is very clear that the list of potential improvements for sellers is long
and the first task will be to prioritize the necessities and get them in line
with Lego's action plan for the platform.
(example: https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1280110)
That said, I feel we're in danger of forgetting that this platform would
not exist without its buyers. Sellers need decent seller tools and a performant
platform to do their business and attract customers, but the platform itself
needs to be inviting to (new) buyers as well.
These days there are webstores and e-commerce platforms popping up all over the
internet selling Lego just as well as people do here. A lot of Bricklink sellers
even use different platforms to maximize their profits (not meant as a comment
tbc).
So, from a buyer's or new member's POV: what do you feel
Lego needs to implement on Bricklink to optimize your buying / browsing experience?
Feel free to share your opinion.
I fully realize there's already hundreds of suggestions made on the forum
(https://www.bricklink.com/messageList.asp?nID=1260174&ID=8&v=c&mTP=Y&max=100)
but they generally tackle very specific items or functionalities of the platform.
These past years I've seen countless posts on the "old fashioned look" of
the website for example. Let's hear some concise ideas on what could be done
to make it look better and make the browsing experience for a new member more
intuitive.
Any input is appreciated and I will do my best to be a spokesperson for buyers
in general in the Marketplace Panel.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jul 15, 2021 05:52 | | Subject: | Re: Sellers Tools ????? | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | General | |
| In General, calsbricks writes:
| |
Not sure where you got your figures from but small stores are not what Bricklink
are interested in. Some of the larger stores in Germany have 20+ employees and
a suitable system would be helpful. If a smaller store does not need it then
they wouldn't use it.
|
I think it's safe to assume that the vast majority of sellers on this platform
are "small fishes" and that the nr of sellers having personnel to operate their
store is well below 5% of all sellers.
It might be true that about 50 sellers worldwide produce 30-40% of the monthly
fees for Bricklink and I full heartedly agree that the more professional sellers
are in need of more and more professional seller tools.
But, as you said: as long as it's optional I don't see the "harm" in
providing more and better seller tools.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jun 22, 2021 13:18 | | Subject: | Re: We have a new Inventories Admin! | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| Welcome back Maggie!
Always nice to see a familiar "face" return to such functions, knowing it will
be in good hands.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jun 14, 2021 09:34 | | Subject: | Re: BRAVO on the BrickLink Catalog Newsletter!!! | | Viewed: | 69 times | | Topic: | General | |
| Hi Russell,
Sorry to "rain on this parade" but how is it something like this stays so well
hidden under the radar?
I've just spent 5 minutes searching all over this platform and cannot for
the life of me find any mention outside of these forum posts of a "catalog news
letter", nor did I receive any communication about the possibility to receive
this news letter.
I would have expected something like this to appear here:
https://www.bricklink.com/messageList.asp?nID=&ID=78&v=c&max=20&mTP=Y
Too logical?
Seems one has to enroll into an e-mail listing to receive it. Wouldn't it
make more sense to just send the newsletter out to every member of this website?
That would even make sense from an HR POV as it might entice lesser / non active
members to return to the platform to do their buying.
This remains up to date my largest pet peeve with this platform and is something
which I've aired in the market place forum as well: this is NOT an intuitive
website. One has to search all over the place for both the simplest of things
as the more technical issues.
One should not need a Forum to find out where things are; IMO it should be possible
for a 5 year old to find the basic functionalities.
OK, rant over and apologies to be negative about something that is clearly a
very positive development.
So, could anyone point out where one would be able to join this newsletter?
Erikk
In General, Admin_Russell writes:
| |
Are you on the marketing email list?
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | May 27, 2021 15:40 | | Subject: | Re: Lego Ownership of Bricklink | | Viewed: | 76 times | | Topic: | Announce | |
| Let's assume for a moment that taking over the biggest and most versatile
and diverse Lego sales platform on this planet entails an incredible amount of
work.
Just mapping out all the technical issues this platform has amassed over the
years and deciding which should be pririotized is a massive task in itself.
Personally I was very pleased to read the news way back then of TLG taking over
this platform that seemed to be on the brink of going under. Agreed, like so
many people, it made me nervous as well as it wasn't clear whether this was
a "hostile" takeover to clear out a "competitor" or them branching out their
ecosystem.
By now I'm convinced it's the latter and that "behind the curtains" enormous
efforts are being put into making this platform up to date and beyond.
Preparing the platform for the new EU VAT regulations was almost mentioned as
a "sidenote", but working for the government myself I can assure you this was
no simple task.
When someone like Tanja moves her family from Denmark to California to take matters
into hands you know Lego means business.
If TLG will succeed in this massive project is anyone's guess. But I am convinced
they mean well and are planning for a future for Bricklink.
Lots of room for improvement, no doubt, so let us guide them in the direction
we want this platform to go.
As to communicating with the members, things have already started happening:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1269925
I fullheartedly agree that we should not only "fight" for technical enhancements
and repairs, but also for the "soul" of this platform, which to me means a meeting
place of AFOls enjoying their hobby to the fullest extent, besides the commercial
aspect.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | May 24, 2021 13:24 | | Subject: | Re: Is it allowed to dropship from TLG ? | | Viewed: | 83 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
| Just wondering how you could profit from such a weird "business scheme". TLG
already has the highest prices around for Lego items. If you want to take a profit
on that you would be asking a price that's almost double the MSRP of most
toy retailers or BL stores.
Would the next step of your plan involve luring people who have a mental handicap
to your store?
Sorry to be so blunt, but I have a deep hatred for drop shippers as 99% of them
are blantant scammers preying on the easily manipulated or impulse buyers.
Furthermore: how would you have Lego shipping "your" order to your client? Your
shipping address is linked to your account. If you're gonna start changing
the deliver address for each order you place TLG will know soon enough what you're
up to.
It's IMO sad to see to which levels people are stooping just to profit from
AFOLs enthusiasm for a product.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | May 20, 2021 11:14 | | Subject: | Re: LEGO VIP Gold Coin now in stock | | Viewed: | 69 times | | Topic: | Sales | |
| makes me wonder if anyone not planning to re-sell it has bought it at
the Lego website today ...
Why does lego keep feeding the hoarders like this?
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Feb 22, 2021 16:50 | | Subject: | Re: 40450 Amelia Earhart - add to catalog?? | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| Just saw this one popping up in the catalog.
I'm one of the many people eagerly awaiting arrival of this set but AFAIK
no date was published on when this was going to be a GWP.
So imagine my surprise reading that this set was a GWP when there's absolute
radio silence over here in Europe (again: AFAIK).
Is Lego starting with GWP's reserved for certain areas? Or does anyone have
info on when this set will be a GWP over here in Europe?
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Feb 15, 2021 14:30 | | Subject: | Re: Some sad news | | Viewed: | 77 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| Sorry to hear this. I hope everything is alright with him.
Erikk
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 22, 2021 11:43 | | Subject: | Super Heroes category in stores FIXED | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Catalog | | Status: | Open | |
| Yesterday I noticed the issue of not being able to click on the Super Heroes
category in stores (https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1243705) has been
fixed.
I couldn't find any anouncement on this in the forum, so I wanted to thank
the people who fixed this!
It was a serious PITA IMO, so I'm glad it finally got fixed.
Erikk
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 22, 2021 11:37 | | Subject: | Re: Minifig Catalog Image Photoshopped | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| I'm sorry, but that's laughable in practice on this platform.
Images from the Lego website are used all the time to add new catalog items (especially
items that aren't officially released yet - see catalog for pending items).
I don not believe for a second that the contributor asked permission to Lego
to use their images.
It should not matter where someone is getting the images from, it is an IPR violation
in any case.
So I agree with you in theory, but in reality if you should oblige any catalog
addition to show pictures taken by the contributor himself you'd have to
wait weeks if not months before someone parts out a set and feel like doing the
effort of taking pictures of all the new items and adding them to the catalog.
If I take a look at the main catalog contributors I don't see a lot of big
sellers among them (as they probably don't have the time for this).
I mean to say that I understand the practice of using a random image of a Lego
item as they are usually readily available in bulk on the Internet, most of them
without clear mention of the copyright holder.
Side discussion: in how far can someone be a copyright holder of a picture of
an item on which he has no copyright, like a Lego item? You might laugh at this,
but such has cases have already been tried at court.
Anyhoo, such poorly rendered and basically ugly pictures should never be a part
of our catalog. I dare say that by today's standards our catmins wouldn't
allow such an image to be used in the first place.
Erikk
In Catalog, jennnifer writes:
| | Yeah, not cool to grab other's images without permission...
Jen
|
|
|
| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 15, 2021 19:18 | | Subject: | Re: 49109pb01 | | Viewed: | 31 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| I was thinking the exact same thing!
Erikk
In Catalog, Give.Me.A.Brick writes:
| | Would you kindly provide a photo here?
(I believe in you, mind you, but I am curious )
|
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 15, 2021 18:13 | | Subject: | Re: 49109pb01 | | Viewed: | 30 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| Actually, when I compare the 2 large images that are in the BL catalog it seems
it's showing already the two different versions: on the left with the whole
headgear in the same color and on the right with the different ears (but that
could just as well be a trick of the light I have to admit).
Erikk
In Catalog, Hygrotus writes:
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I just took my figure from shelf and I confirm that ears are lighter in my. Ears
are Nougat just like head but Lion's Mane is tru Medium Nougat just like
torso and it is well visible on figure from which this part is.
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 15, 2021 18:08 | | Subject: | Re: 49109pb01 | | Viewed: | 28 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| I just took my figure of the shelf and I concur with the OP: the ears are the
same color as the rest of the headpiece.
Seems there's two versions of this headgear out there. Perhaps a separate
entry should be added to the catalog to reflect this distinction?
Erikk
In Catalog, Hygrotus writes:
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I just took my figure from shelf and I confirm that ears are lighter in my. Ears
are Nougat just like head but Lion's Mane is tru Medium Nougat just like
torso and it is well visible on figure from which this part is.
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 6, 2021 18:13 | | Subject: | Re: BrickLink is BROKEN (minifig subcondition) | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| You've got my "yes", for however much that is worth.
I especially agree because of the added feature of mentioning "complete / incomplete"
as with sets.
I can't see any issues if a figure would mention this by default and buyers
could potentially ignore the incomplete listings just like they do with the sets.
Erikk
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 2, 2021 16:32 | | Subject: | Re: what does "parameter error" mean? | | Viewed: | 28 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| Nevermind, figured it out myself; seems I had to choose a color ("not applicable"
is a "color" apparently).
Too logic to present an error message stating "you need to choose a color"? What
planet are IT-technicians from?
Erikk
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 2, 2021 16:16 | | Subject: | what does "parameter error" mean? | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | Catalog | | Status: | Open | |
| I am trying to add a picture for a gear item I've submitted to the catalog
(QXI3749) but get the EM "1. Parameter error".
Anyone who could clarify for me what this means exactly and what I need to change
to upload the pic successfully?
It also seems I'm not able to add a pic of the original box for this item
as I'm obliged to add a "sequential nr" to the item nr but gear doesn't
have that and when I leave it to "1" the system doesn't recognize the item
and leaving it blank is not possible.
It's been a long time since I've added stuff to the catalog, but I don't
remember it being this hard ...
Erikk
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 1, 2020 20:08 | | Subject: | Re: We have a new Catalog Administrator! | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| Congrats to Paul! Great asset to the team IMO!
Erikk
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jun 4, 2020 17:25 | | Subject: | Re: We have a new Catalog Administrator! | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| Well chosen IMO. Congrats Hygrotus!!
Erikk
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 23, 2018 18:42 | | Subject: | image for hol132?? | | Viewed: | 73 times | | Topic: | Catalog | | Status: | Open | |
| How on Earth did this image get cleared by the catmins? 
I have seem some blurry, dark, petite, ... pictures of Lego items in the past
15 years on BL, but a sideways image of a minifig?
I don't even get what benefit there would be from taking a picture this way.
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 5, 2018 13:01 | | Subject: | Re: Bricktober sets: still pending? | | Viewed: | 57 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
| True, the name does not make much sense anymore now the remaining European branch
of TRU decided to release these in September (they did so last year as well when
there was still an American TRU), but originally these TRU specials were released
in October only, hence the name. I did notice the boxes sine last year no longer
mention "bricktober" anywhere, but I figured the name is better known in the
community than "TRU specials".
Reki
In Catalog, WoutR writes:
| | Not sure why these sets are called "Bricktober" 
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 5, 2018 12:13 | | Subject: | Bricktober sets: still pending? | | Viewed: | 130 times | | Topic: | Catalog | | Status: | Open | |
| I was wondering why the Bricktober sets (HP and Jurassic World) are still pending
to be added to the BL catalog?
Seems they are being sold on Ebay and other venues for quite a while now and
in serious quantities, so they must be released in some countries.
Even on BL they are already being sold:
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/search.page?q=5005254#T=A
As we have no Toys'r'Us in Belgium I have no idea whether they were already
in the stores last week (perhaps some German members can fill in?).
Is BL awaiting some kind of "official" release or waiting for the US release?
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Mar 1, 2018 16:03 | | Subject: | Re: Getting Frustrated Now With Bricklink | | Viewed: | 99 times | | Topic: | Problem | |
| well said!
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Dec 11, 2017 16:42 | | Subject: | Re: BrickLink | | Viewed: | 75 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| BL was sold to a company and the only interest a company has is making profit.
Likewise, a growing group of people on this platform have their livelyhood depending
on selling enough Lego every day to make ends meet.
Not much room for "hobbyists" or Lego enthusiasts anymore it seems at times.
Although, I was pleasantly surprised to see this community come alive again with
the ongoing Brickarms debate. Notwithstanding a few out-of-tune voices, the majority
is appalled by what most feel is an attack on the "purity" (for lack of a better
word) of this Lego platform.
Not that the Chinese owners or any of the admins could give a hoot about what
they probably consider old fashioned whining, but I take (small) comfort in the
knowledge that if they'd take it too far most AFOLs would leave this platform
and take their business elsewhere. That doesn't even need a majority of sellers
to leave to destroy this place, just a majority of the top 50 sellers.
Many years ago I sold so much in one month I ended up in that top 50 list. To
this day I am still astonished as to how many thousands of Euros / Dollars one
has to earn selling Lego to even make that list and I guess by 2017's standards
that nr has significantly been raised.
I think this website has become a selling platform first and a community second.
The "community" has loads of other forums these days to discuss their hobby and
I guess the BL admins are fine with that.
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 18, 2017 18:12 | | Subject: | Re: Shopping for Multiple Pieces | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| just use the "classic" (aka "working") version of the wanted list; much easier
and practical to work with and none of the non-essential giddy-ups
(thank god they brought back the classic version; they should never have removed
it in the first place IMO)
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Mar 20, 2017 13:48 | | Subject: | Re: BrickLink you are losing business | | Viewed: | 88 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| As long as it stays an OPTION and never becomes obligatory, I'm fine with
it.
It seems some sellers don't care someone is ALWAYS gonna lose money with
such a system: either the buyer being over charged for idiotic flat rate shipping
prices or the seller losing out when people order light but large items that
won't fit in bubble envelopes (for example the minifig wheelchair that came
out last year).
Only really, really big sellers can afford to lose money on shipping. Most (successful)
web stores offer a variety of extremely cheap flat rates or even free shippingbecause
they work together with shipping companies and pay them peanuts for deliveries
as long as the daily packages remain in the double digits.
In any case they are NEVER working together with the standard national postal
service as they rarely offer better prices than carriers.
I realize there are stores on BL who deal with such volumes who might benefit
from such a system, but at the same time I think some people are daydreaming
about incredibly increasing sales volumes because of this one feature (I do hope
for their sake I am wrong about this).
I've been on this site for over 13 years now and in my personal experience
this has always been a place for both "hobby sellers" and professional sellers.
I hope it can remain that way.
This might sound harsh, but if the big sellers are feeling BL is not catering
to their every need, perhaps they should consider seling Lego from their own
website. Let's see how much their sales will go up then when everything is
technically working as desired.
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Aug 27, 2015 15:46 | | Subject: | Re: Prohibit Vigilante Orders | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| I get the sentiment of your statement, but all in all, how is Bricklink to decide
which order fits the definition of a "vigilante" order?
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 17, 2013 07:23 | | Subject: | Re: Add a marbled color choice... | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| I'm just curious here, but why are people still using the voting / suggestions
topic when it's pretty clear Bricklink admins stopped listening to suggestions
probably years ago?
http://www.bricklink.com/messageList.asp?ID=8&v=c&max=200&status=0
I would be glad if we had a catalog in which new items were actually added within
a 7 days timeframe after uploading and that those additions looked a lot less
random than they appear now from my POV.
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jun 6, 2013 14:47 | | Subject: | Re: Probably has already been suggested but... | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| I agree, this would make for a very useful feature, especially when in a store
and wanting to the opposite: just selling the minifigs of a set
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2013 14:29 | | Subject: | Re: REAL photos near the sets for sale: | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| I don't think it would be very practical as some sellers literally have hundreds
of sest to sell ...
For a lot of people (the non-professionals I mean) Bricklink is already too time-consuming
and it would only add to their workload.
For 99,95% of the cases I don't really see the point either: why do you absolutely
need to see a picture of a 70$ set? It can't be very rare for that price, so
I don't think box condition can be that important.
No, I think it's only logical you ask the seller for a picture of the set; if
he/she's refusing you that, just shop somehwere else; there's literally thousands
of sellers here.
Reki
PS: by the way, there's no point at all in posting a "suggestion". No one from
the admins has bothered to even look at suggestions for over 2 years now.
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Sep 9, 2012 09:32 | | Subject: | Re: Please add a step to form the contract | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| you have my "yes" if the porposal includes an automated blocking to the store
in question, so abuse can be avoided.
Meaning, a clear banner stating "if you click "deny" you agree to being blocked
by this seller and will not have the option to place an order in this store again".
I think all fees should be made clear in advance (meaning be written in the store's
TOS) and that any unmentioned fees should be able to lead to a cancellation of
the order and an automated negative FB for the seller including the denial of
leaving FB themselves.
I believe any situation in life enholds rights and duties for both parties involved.
You have the right to drive your car on the road (if you have a permit that is),
but that enholds the duty to follow ALL traffic laws. If you do not know the
traffic laws, it will not free you from a fine when breaking them.
Same should go for Bricklink IMO: clicking "submit" on an order means you AGREE
to the store's TOS and all complaining afterwards is 20/20 hindsight and should
not be accomadated in any way.
ONLY when unexpected fees arise, but that is in my experience very rarily the
case on Bricklink, your proposal would make sense.
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Aug 8, 2012 12:01 | | Subject: | Re: Button Solution (Requirements by German Law) | | Viewed: | 80 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| "easy" for those who have a very expensive detailed scale and too much time on
their hands to submit data to the catalog (which I can only assume big sellers
do not have?), yes.
But for the other: they will add for example weight of a certain item: 1g (as
their scale is not scaled below that) which is perhaps more than the actual weight
(which might be 0.4g).
If that seller sells 1,000 items of this object, the weight will be 600g too
much and thus the shipping costs way too high.
Again, I do think in itself it's a brilliant idea, but the practical use on our
website (as we know it today) is very remote at best.
There's just so many dozens of examples of trouble-scenario's I can think of.
One last example perhaps: the sometimes VERY big difference between being able
to send an order in a padded envelope or in a box. When shipping in a box the
shipping costs are usually higher, though the line between having to use a box
instead of an envelope is a very thin one indeed.
How are the sellers going to define this in advance? Because, again, the seller
might end up paying more shipping costs than the buyer will.
Are German sellers (or any sellers for that matter) really willing to cough up
the extra costs?
Most people seem to compare this system with Amazon, Ebay and so on. THe biggest
difference is that the majority of those auctions / sales are for single items
where the seller can weigh in advance what the package will weigh and what kind
package is necessary for that item.
That is NOT possible on Bricklink as you have no idea in advance what kind of
parts a buyer will order.
Yet one more example then: ordering four 48x48 baseplates. The weight won't be
that spectacular, but I can assure you the total weight including the very big
box will be spectacualr compared to someone ordering the same weight in minifigs.
How would the Bricklink system take something like that into account?
No, sorry, I am really not sold and I feel sorry in advance for the people that
are obliged by law to use something like this as it is extremely impractical
(again, if you're not charging flat rates for shipping which will lead to overcharging
for a lot of small orders).
But hey, I welcome the technical people to counter my worries by nullifying all
my statements, but I do not have the feeling (yet) this has been thoroughly thought
through (now there's a tongue breaker), both from the BL people as by the German
government (no news there, politicans and law makers vary rarily think something
through in advance ).
Reki
In Suggestions, franz76906 writes:
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A seller is always responsible for all items listed and offered in his store.
Even now he can check if there are any items in his inventory with missing weigths
and in future he will have to add the weights to these items if he wants to avoid
mistakes and losses.
Quite easy, isn't it?
Kind regards
Thomas
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Aug 8, 2012 11:47 | | Subject: | Re: Button Solution (Requirements by German Law) | | Viewed: | 67 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| as far as I remember Ebay charges fees on the total price, including shipping
costs.
So in Rohnny's example a seller would be seriously F******.
Reki
In Suggestions, DagsBricks writes:
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So the more upstanding sellers will just refund any significant difference after
they post. That's what I would do; bid high on shipping, give back the unused
portion.
Brian
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Aug 8, 2012 08:25 | | Subject: | Re: Button Solution (Requirements by German Law) | | Viewed: | 91 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| It's a nice dream, but I'm afraid it's nothing more than that.
When ordering on BL the system uses the weight as mentioned in the catalog.
That weight is supplied by BL users and for new(-er) or very rare items (that
cannot be double-checked) that information might be incorrect or, as in a lot
of cases now, not mentioned at all.
Are you German sellers, by law, obligated to honour the shipping quote mentioned
on the checkout page, even if this price might not even come close to the actual
price paid?
I see a huge window of oportunity for BL users to seriously abuse German seller
by ordering items that do not have the weight added to the catalog (yet).
I could for example order 200 minifigs of which only one lot shows the weight
and then pay the price of 2-3€ for shipment, whereas the seller will pay a multitude
of that.
On Amazon, Ebay and so on the sellers (apparently) weigh the item before putting
it up for sale, thus having reliable figures to base their shipping quotes on
OR they use flat rates for shipment.
Only in that case (using flat rate) I see this proposition have any chance of
actually working (but still with room to abuse).
I am curious how they are going to find solutions for all the issues this proposition
is showing, but am not very optimistic.
Let's say it does work in the end (perhaps on BL 2.0): doesn't that create a
very unfair advantage of professional sellers towards "lay people" sellers as
those people will not be able to use flat rates and thus have very little use
for that system?
I know we're at a very early stage in this and many things have to be thought
through before proceeding, but thus far this "button" seems to raise a lot more
questions than it answers (IMO).
Reki
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| Author: | Reki_Lobsheek | | Posted: | Nov 20, 2011 08:53 | | Subject: | Re: Differentiate private and business sellers | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
| big "yes" from me
Reki
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