BrickLink Discussion Forum

Hi
have had this happen to me too, it is a learning curve, i now photograph everything
(and have stated this in my terms), send him the arms that are faulty is the
cheapest option as if he has bought yours to swap with his faulty ones he is
going to send you the grotty ones and keep your good ones,sometimes you just
have to accept there are people like this and if you get a negative have to accept
it..it will not affect your sales as most people don't go by just the bad
feedbacks but look at the overall service offered
hope this helps you

Yeah, if it really is cracks in arms and not seam lines then some photos would
help although if the seller did not spot them when sending out, chances are photos
will not help or they have been switched by the buyer. Luckily arms on older
figures tended to be plain so easy to replace unless it is a rare colour. Whereas
a crack on a torso is more problematic.

If the seller is sure the buyer is trying it on, stoplist is the way to go to
avoid the buyer in future. And as you say replacing the arms is the cheapest
option (although they might then claim the torsos cracked when replacing the
arms), or get the buyer to return them for a refund and replace them yourself.

Author:

Ziegelmeister

Posted:

Apr 25, 2023 02:42

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

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Topic:

In Problem, yorbrick writes:

"Cracking" however is thought to be caused by prolonged pressure from
the leg studs... But i've got 35 year old figs that have never been unmated
that don't have any cracks so who the heck knows.

How would leg studs be responsible for cracked arms?

Because I didn't see that part.

Author:

lesley2459

Posted:

Apr 25, 2023 02:37

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

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Topic:

In Problem, fignbrick writes:

Hi Everyone,

I shipped out a big order to a guy with 51 figures in it. I examine each figure
with a magnifying glass to ensure they are in the condition I stated. I never
ship out or sell cracked figures unless I describe it as such. This buyer is
claiming that nearly 10 figures have cracked arms. Sent me pictures which there
is NO WAY I sent out figures with cracked arms. He wants a lot of money back,
and before I replied to his demands he filed a "non shipping seller alert???"
I shipped it out in a box with tons of bubble wrap and purchased insurance (though
I certain the post office did not damage it).

What do I do? He cannot be telling me the truth. He has 14 positive feedbacks
for buying and 41 for selling...so he is mainly a seller.

Additionally...he emailed me like 10 times asking me the same question over and
over and over again about when I shipped, did I ship? What did I ship etc.

I am so worried that my rating will be affected. I take great pride in selling
on here.

Thanks in advance for the advice,
Jenn

Author:

yorbrick

Posted:

Apr 25, 2023 01:24

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

Viewed:

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Topic:

"Cracking" however is thought to be caused by prolonged pressure from
the leg studs... But i've got 35 year old figs that have never been unmated
that don't have any cracks so who the heck knows.

How would leg studs be responsible for cracked arms?

Author:

Ziegelmeister

Posted:

Apr 25, 2023 00:40

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Problem, Tloftus writes:

Tell him to ship the minifigures back to you (at his cost) and give him the cost
of the minifigs back, if he doesn't wanna do that, it could mean he has the
same figures and took pictures of those claiming they was damaged and wants free
money. you did say he was a seller correct? and i wonder how many others he
has done this too as well.

+1 on this theory.

OP, how do you pack your minifigs and how did you pack this order with so many?
Usually when I have more than 4 I put them all in their own bags, and each one
has a sheet of cardboard between the two so that they lay against each other
at an angle, and then I tape all of them inside sheets of cardboard to prevent
any damage.

"Cracking" however is thought to be caused by prolonged pressure from
the leg studs... But i've got 35 year old figs that have never been unmated
that don't have any cracks so who the heck knows.

Were these modern or classic minifigs?

Author:

yorbrick

Posted:

Apr 25, 2023 00:23

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

Viewed:

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Topic:

It is possible the buyer is mistaking mold seams for cracks. When do you check
them, at the time of listing or sending?

If they are plain arms then have them shipped back, then replace the arms if
the value of the figures make it worthwhile.

Author:

VOTB

Posted:

Apr 24, 2023 20:23

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

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Topic:

First off a "Non-Shipping Seller Alert" will be removed by BL. If he
has them, and says they are cracked, you obviously shipped them. As long as
you attempt to solve the problem, it will be removed. Even if they give negative
feedback, your attempt to solve the problem will show BL that it is not accurate.

I doubt that the figs were damaged in the mail. I am human and have missed a
crack myself. I had two orders where a crack was discovered, so I had two sets
of eyes looking at all my minifigs for a while. We did not find any for over
a year, so I went back to checking when I put them in inventory and when I sell
them.

For me, I would offer to send him a shipping label to send the damaged ones back.
Instruct them to take it to the counter at the PO and have the teller scan it.
Once the post office has scanned it he will not be liable for the package if
it is missing. By sending him the label you have accurate tracking info. Once
I had them I would refund the money. This will be zero cost for him and zero
profit if he plans on re-selling them. The label will likely cost you much less
than flat-out refunding him. Most likely they will just say forget it.

Above all else. Keep your side of the communication on the order (contact buyer
link on order page). Never take the conversation into emails or texts. Keep
it professional and kind. Have responses like "It has been a week since
I sent you the label to return the Minifigures. In order to refund you I will
need them back. If I don't hear anything from you by (date), I will assume
you are happy with them and will be keeping them." Provide deadlines and
reminders of deadlines. If they don't cooperate, BL will easily be able
to review your claim by seeing all the communication in one spot. I have even
copied emails sent by customers and put them in the order thread. You might
also want to watch their store to see if your figures pop up for sale. Then
you can add things to the conversation such as "I see you posted (figure)
for sale on your site, is that the same figure you are requesting a refund on?
Remember, if you send that back to me I am more than willing to refund the figure."
Once the date YOU set passes and they have not sent it back yet, contact BL to
fix any alerts and prevent them from providing feedback.

I wish you all the luck. Just remember to be kind but don't give in.

Author:

ghyde

Posted:

Apr 24, 2023 19:20

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Problem, fignbrick writes:

Did he send you any pictures of the box you shipped it in? It sounds like it
was damaged somehow, if he is telling the truth he should have provided pictures
of the box.

If you try to claim that he's lying and has deliberately broken the minifigs
that would be a long and costly battle for no real return, and you face the possibility
of having to have a retaliatory feedback from him removed.

Did you take photos of the minifigs in their packaging before you shipped them?

Something is definitely not right. If the buyer is not at fault, it means something
happened during transit.

If he won't or can't supply box photos I would recommend you refund and
stoplist him to prevent further issues.

Cheers ...

ghyde

Author:

Tloftus

Posted:

Apr 24, 2023 18:40

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

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Topic:

Author:

sasquatch_eater

Posted:

Apr 24, 2023 18:30

Subject:

Re: Please guide me...don't know what to do

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Topic:

If he's saying the figures are cracked and you didn't ship them then
something is wrong.

Author:

fignbrick

Posted:

Apr 24, 2023 18:27

Subject:

Please guide me...don't know what to do

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Topic:

Author:

wildchicken13

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 20:27

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

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Topic:

Indeed, I agree. It's like being asked to "read and agree to the terms
and conditions" when you download a piece of software. No one does, because
the terms are often very long and written in legal language few can read. But
by clicking "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions" you are
still bound by them even if you never actually read them.

The main difference here is that big software companies have lawyers who can
enforce their products' terms, while BrickLink sellers generally do not.
So it's BrickLink (which runs the site) and PayPal (which provides the payment
infrastructure) whose terms of service really matter.

And as you point out, store terms are often written in (sometimes bad) English,
which further weakens their validity in jurisdictions where the terms must be
in the language of the customer. At least PayPal has translated theirs into other
languages.

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 20:01

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Problem, wildchicken13 writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

Problem is:
* buyers don't read Store Terms,
* often Terms are too long to read,
* many people don't read English,
* nothing forces a buyer to read or agree Terms (like a check box to click
"I have understood"

.

You should refund gracefully, especially if it's not worth starting a war

for this.

On Step 1 of the checkout process, BrickLink does display the seller's terms
and conditions and the buyer must click "Agree and Continue" in order
to proceed to the next step.

What means "Agree and Continue" in Swahili?

What does this "bla bla" in Terms mean in Sweden?

Here anyway in EU, and for a private customer, you can't legally be bound
by something not written in your language (of course!)

But all in all, it's not the point.

I've scientific stats for you: 99.99% of buyers don't read ANYTHING,
including the shiping method "Please give us your Relay Point / Phone number
/ We can't deliver to PO pox", including/excluding anything, nothing,
or everything.

I was afraid of double negation.
In short, no, they read zilch, nada.

PS: and I do the same when I buy - I mean, I read but VERY quickly.

Author:

wildchicken13

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 19:42

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

.

You should refund gracefully, especially if it's not worth starting a war

for this.

On Step 1 of the checkout process, BrickLink does display the seller's terms
and conditions and the buyer must click "Agree and Continue" in order
to proceed to the next step.

However, store terms don't have much real power. PayPal generally protects
buyers' right to a return an item for a full refund.

Author:

Nubs_Select

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 12:00

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

What some (myself included) do for filler standard bricks is list them in the
not applicable colour so it’s dosnt mess up the price guide and from the looks
of it that’s almost the “standard” thing to do so it dosnt mess up the price
guide at all and then there isn’t an image so the buyer dosnt visually confirm
it’s the right item which might make them wonder what it is then double check

Author:

yorbrick

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 11:58

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Problem, axaday writes:

In Problem, yorbrick writes:

I don't really understand why sellers list poor quality 'filler'
bricks here under catalogue entries. Not only is it possible for buyers to purchase
without seeing comments and terms, it also messes up the price guide but most
importantly can lead to buyer disappointment. Bundle as a custom lot that won't
appear in an easy buy or bundle with a description and photo on ebay, or a local
deal on facebook or similar to avoid high postage costs in comparison to the
value of the poor quality parts.

Or just give them to your daughters.

My daughter wouldn't use filler, she has plenty of clean parts bought here,
mainly in pinks, lavenders and purples that seem to be worth even less than filler!

Author:

axaday

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 11:31

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Problem, yorbrick writes:

Or just give them to your daughters.

Author:

yorbrick

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 11:10

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

Don't forget that it is possible for buyers to fill a cart here without ever
being shown the item description via Easy Buy. For this reason, I only ever seller
filler bricks as a custom lot. You can accept that our system simply does not
enforce buyers to follow our personal terms, or enforce your own terms by
leaving (and likely taking) a negative feedback.

Good idea.

I don't really understand why sellers list poor quality 'filler'
bricks here under catalogue entries. Not only is it possible for buyers to purchase
without seeing comments and terms, it also messes up the price guide but most
importantly can lead to buyer disappointment. Bundle as a custom lot that won't
appear in an easy buy or bundle with a description and photo on ebay, or a local
deal on facebook or similar to avoid high postage costs in comparison to the
value of the poor quality parts.

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 10:59

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

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Topic:

In Problem, MillionBricks writes:

Hi!

I have precisely this kind of problem with a client, who bought a large number
of bricks filler well identified in my description at a ridiculous price. Now
he wants to be reimbursed because he considers the bricks not usable. he insists
on re-shipping me the briks and for a refund. Already opened a case at Paypal.
This is my store policy:
Fillers: Category # 3 = When you see *Medium to heavy play wear may have; scuffs/scratches/chips/nicks,
slight damage, or discoloration.* They must be considered fillers and are list
and price as so.(undetermined type). IN THIS CATEGORY, WE WILL ONLY REFUND MISSING
ITEMS. WE WILL NOT SEND ANY REPLACEMENT.

I wonder if I should refund and move on or go to the end of the Paypal case.

Will probably have a negative feedback anyways

Thanks

Sorry that you are faced with this frustrating situation!

I don't have experience on how Paypal would rule regarding item conditions,
but accepting a return with a refund is a fairly standard for online sales especially
if the buyer is paying return postage.

Don't forget that it is possible for buyers to fill a cart here without ever
being shown the item description via Easy Buy. For this reason, I only ever seller
filler bricks as a custom lot. You can accept that our system simply does not
enforce buyers to follow our personal terms, or enforce your own terms by
leaving (and likely taking) a negative feedback.

~Jen

Author:

1001bricks

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 10:46

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

Viewed:

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Topic:

This is my store policy:

I wonder if I should refund and move on or go to the end of the Paypal case.

You should refund gracefully, especially if it's not worth starting a war

for this.

Author:

MillionBricks

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 10:40

Subject:

Re: Does a seller have to accept my return

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Topic:

Author:

rtjepsen

Posted:

Apr 18, 2023 04:35

Subject:

Re: “Parameter error” when trying to add image

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23 times

Topic:

I had the same issue. However, once I changed the "Image Color" to Non
applicable, it loaded just fine.

Author:

mandynicholls78

Posted:

Apr 17, 2023 14:21

Subject:

Re: can you help me join these!

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

Brilliant, Thankyou. I will get one of those on order to try. I like the twin
claw option as that should fit better with my build design where im trying to
get 3 of these lights spaced across 10 stud width.

Mandy

In Problem, wyvern writes:

I know you want a clip on the end, but depending on the build you're working
with, you can use this part:

22484 Bar 1L with Tow Ball
Parts: Bar

and then maybe you can replace the bar or whatever it's supposed to clip
to with one of these parts:

14418 Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Small Tow Ball Socket on End
Parts: Plate, Modified

14704 Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Small Tow Ball Socket on Side
Parts: Plate, Modified

60470b Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with 2 Open O Clips (Horizontal Grip)
Parts: Plate, Modified

Yes it actually does fit that last one! I've seen that combo before, but
I don't remember where. Whether it was in an official set or not, Stud.io
treats that connection like any other joint, so I would say it's perfectly
"legal"

Author:

wyvern

Posted:

Apr 16, 2023 18:15

Subject:

Re: can you help me join these!

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

I know you want a clip on the end, but depending on the build you're working
with, you can use this part:

22484 Bar 1L with Tow Ball
Parts: Bar

and then maybe you can replace the bar or whatever it's supposed to clip
to with one of these parts:

14418 Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Small Tow Ball Socket on End
Parts: Plate, Modified

14704 Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with Small Tow Ball Socket on Side
Parts: Plate, Modified

60470b Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with 2 Open O Clips (Horizontal Grip)
Parts: Plate, Modified

Author:

LeeGo73

Posted:

Apr 16, 2023 17:12

Subject:

Re: can you help me join these!

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Topic: