Redisplay Messages: Compact | Brief | All | Full Show Messages: All | Without Replies| Author: | Brickitty  | | Posted: | Jan 10, 2024 12:50 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | If you already sort a particular variant, simply add the descriptor to your listing
notes for each item. You can still sell them even though they are not distinguished
in the catalog. No need to lose money.
|
With respect, that is incorrect. I know my store very well and have extensive
data on the sales patterns due to being an Excel nerd. And I already have comments
for quite a few minor variations that Bricklink doesn't differentiate in
the catalog, and almost none of them sell (the only real exceptions being misprints
and Old Dark Red, which regularly sells better than the New Dark Reds even at
a higher price point).
Sure, if I price the 3747a variant the same as the 3747b variant under the new
umbrella entry, they'll both sell. But any markup for vintage variations
will almost certainly stop selling, and I have hundreds of these lots, many of
which are good or great sellers. Please trust me to know my business, and
make no mistake -- these changes will cost me hundreds in sales every month.
If you'd like, I will take the time to go through every order for the last
month and add up my sales for the parts to be changed, and then add up the sales
in February for the same parts when they're only differentiated with listing
notes.
|
 |
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jan 10, 2024 12:39 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | In Catalog, TakeAbricK writes:
| | In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | In Catalog, Brickitty writes:
| | In Catalog, zorbanj writes:
| | I read through this thread with great interest. Looks like there is some confusion
as to what the end result will be. Maybe you could make an addition to the Help
page that shows what the end result will be for the parts shown?
|
Yes, +1 on that.
I was already going to post a request that every single change be listed in advance
so that many of us can adjust our listings before the automatic changes mess
up our inventory systems. That way it'll only take a couple hours to fix
these entries, rather than a day or two of work.
|
Ok, I've started to build out the list:
https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2626
Please let me know if this type of list is sufficient.
|
It is sufficient, will the list be complete before the two weeks start for sellers
to add notes and members who want to create their own database of removed variants
found in sets?
|
The list should be complete by tomorrow.
|
Thank you very much; this will be extremely helpful for preparing.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 16:55 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 74 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| First, thank you very much for the thorough and clear response. I really appreciate
it, and I feel a bit better about the proposed changes. I have just a few more
things to say, and thanks for your attention.
In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | No. For the 4 basic parts represented by the last example on the Help page, no
merges will take place, just a renaming and renumbering of the current "b"
variant.
|
That's a relief!
| | We're not even thinking of touching the jumpers. They are all considered
first class cosmetic variants. Even the stud holders on the 15573 are considered
cosmetic due to uses like:
|
And an even bigger relief!
| | Yes. But for the record, the 32064 entry currently is an umbrella entry anyway.
If you just want the the modern version, there is no entry on BrickLink that
will guarantee that.
|
To be clear, for entries like this that will be merged, there will be a note
added, correct? A note to clearly say that there are multiple variants of the
part, some with different axle holes and some with inside side supports?
| | In general, I agree. And in general, we aren't changing BrickLink's commitment
to variants. But I would ask, for example - what do you feel about the hinges
with teeth? Do you really think it matters?
|
Functionally? No. For MOCs? No. For the purpose of set inventories? Yes. As a
collector and a buyer, I would NOT want to receive a used set from 2010 with
7-tooth hinges.
| | It can only matter when someone is being super fussy about period variants, but
the reality is that BrickLink does not recognize most variants. Getting the exact
period element is not something BrickLink ever supported. Take, for example,
the solid and hollow pins on the bottom of 1 x X plates and bricks. This is actually
one of my favorites, and I very much appreciate the correct parts. But BrickLink
has never and likely will never distinguish to such a degree, because it's
impractical.
And the hinges with teeth are impractical. Academically they are interesting,
but they function exactly the same, and who uses hinges for cosmetic reasons?
The only use case is collectors wanting to fill out an old set, and we are so
very far from being able to provide that level of distinction on BrickLink.
|
I recognize that this is a very good point. Bricklink doesn't support fully
period-accurate inventories, and can't in any practical way. As a detail-oriented
person, though, I've always appreciated that the catalog tries to differentiate
down to the minutiae. Even though most of the language I'm hearing is trying
to minimize the effect that this will have on inventories, I believe that the
changes will make things significantly more difficult and frustrating for many
collectors.
Lastly, please recognize that for some of us sellers, these proposed changes
will directly hurt our bottom line. I've put a lot of time and money into
investing in certain variants that can be hard to find, and I have suppliers
that specifically search bulk for some of these soon-to-be-deleted variants,
which I pay a premium for. For example, over the years I've put a lot of
resources into having a huge stock of 4032b. It's been a best-selling part
for me for years, and if it's merged with 4032, all that time and money will
be wasted -- I know I can differentiate them with comments, but I also know
that my sales will drop drastically due to the part not being separated in set
inventories. Another example is part 553a. I don't know if that one's
going away, but I've invested a lot in having those verified parts, separate
from 553b and 553c, because buyers want them for certain old sets. Same for vintage
46212 in non-transparent colors. Same for certain blocked-open heads. Same for
3747a.
I estimate that these changes will cost me hundreds of dollars in sales every
month, not to mention all the work I've done in the past being negated. Please
understand that this is very, very frustrating and disheartening.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 15:59 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 70 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, zorbanj writes:
| | I read through this thread with great interest. Looks like there is some confusion
as to what the end result will be. Maybe you could make an addition to the Help
page that shows what the end result will be for the parts shown?
|
Yes, +1 on that.
I was already going to post a request that every single change be listed in advance
so that many of us can adjust our listings before the automatic changes mess
up our inventory systems. That way it'll only take a couple hours to fix
these entries, rather than a day or two of work.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 12:48 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 128 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| Hi,
I'm opposed to this. As one of the sellers who differentiates every part
carefully, I frequently get messages asking me to confirm which variant I'm
sending. Buyers do want period-accurate mold differences, including ones on that
list. I realize I could still list these differences in the comments, but the
problem is that they're presumably going to be removed from inventories,
so buyers and collectors won't know which sets are supposed to have which
variants.
Before continuing, I would like some clarification on a few points, please.
1) For the tiles with/without groove, does this mean that 3068b 2x2 Tile With
Groove will become 3068 2x2 Tile, but that 3068a 2x2 Tile Without Groove will
still be an entry? Or will 3068a be deleted and merged?
2) For Blocked and Vented studs, does this mean merging those two categories,
or does it mean merging Blocked, Vented, AND Hollow studs into one entry? Will
all non-solid stud minifig heads be considered the same? Or will Blocked/Vented
and Hollow still remain two separate entries?
3) If merging is happening to both X-shaped axle holes and Inside Side Supports,
does this mean that all 3 variants of 32064 will be considered the same part?
4) Will the Inside Side Supports cause 2454 and 46212 to be merged?
5) What will happen to 1x2 jumper plates? Will 3794a, 3794b, and 15573 all be
merged into one entry? I think that's absolutely ridiculous if so, and I
would be very annoyed if I received 15573 in a used set from the '90s. Most
collectors would.
Some of these entries I understand changing, like the Smooth Slopes. For others,
though, I think it is very irresponsible to collectors to change the inventory.
It's one thing to make 3068b the default 3068, for example, but a totally
different thing to eliminate the entry for 3068a and remove the differentiation
in set inventories. And that goes for most of these variants. The variants are
there so that collectors can have a more accurate set and buyers can find period-accurate
parts. Like I said, I receive a lot of these orders and I know how detail-oriented
Lego collectors can be.
-Jordy
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Dec 20, 2023 16:20 | | Subject: | Order batch after coupon expires | | Viewed: | 76 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| Hi,
Does anyone know what happens if a buyer makes an order from a seller that allows
open orders and applies a 10% coupon, then the coupon expires, then the buyer
adds another batch to the order and checks out after the expiration?
1) Does the coupon only apply 10% off for the first batch, but not the second
batch after expiration?
2) Does the coupon apply 10% off for both batches (the entire order) because
it was initially applied before it expired?
3) Does the coupon not work at all for either batch?
Not looking for guesses, only anecdotal experiences or facts. Thanks!
-Jordy (Brickitty)
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Nov 13, 2023 20:05 | | Subject: | Re: Your "Fav. Store" with the Highest feedback? | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Brickman4you writes:
| | Just curious - shout yours out?
I know most large stores make our "Least fav. list", but was happily
surprised of mine...
- Bricks on the Dollar -
|
For New parts, BrickVibe is absolutely fantastic. I get what I order every time,
and they're fast for such a large store. BAHP Store is a close second.
For Used parts, it's Tons of Bricks (GDM). Always fantastic, love their coupon
system, love the free shipping on large orders, love the constant new stock.
Also wanna give a shout-out to ACE of BRICKS and Brick Brokers (you rock, Michelle!)
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Nov 9, 2023 12:17 | | Subject: | Re: Login From New Device emails | | Viewed: | 55 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, SylvainLS writes:
| | In General, Brick_A_Brac writes:
| | […]
because the "Stay logged in for this browser" checkbox seems to do nothing
will just mean we start ignoring them.
|
Hi,
Have you accepted the Preference cookies here: https://www.bricklink.com/v3/cookies.page
?
|
All of my cookies are accepted and on, and the "stay logged in" checkmark
has been irregular for years. Now I'm getting the emails even if I didn't
need to log in, just by visiting the site on my phone or tablet or laptop for
the first time in a few hours. I don't believe the site is actually remembering
devices.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Oct 25, 2023 17:36 | | Subject: | Re: seller has got my buying privileges revoked | | Viewed: | 98 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, jonsogel2fun writes:
| | In Buying, Brickitty writes:
| | In Buying, TheBrickGuys writes:
| | I have to point out that even if all you say is true, it would be hard to feel
any sympathy for you considering that a little over 2% of your buyers have left
either a neutral or negative (117 total)feedback against you for doing the exact
same thing, and a lot worse, to your customers.
Jim
|
+1
Yeah, this store was one of the first I ever least-favorited. Even though I've
never ordered from them, looking through their feedback just makes me angry.
It's a huge gigantic bright red flag when someone always has an aggressive
and self-righteous response to any complaint or criticism, in business or in
life. And it makes the dishonesty the seller described and showed above entirely
believable. THATS FUNNY BECUASE YOU ON MY LIST AS WELL FOR BEING WAY TO EXSPENSIVE. SO YOU ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT A NEUTRAL PARTY AND I MUST HAVE BOUGHT FROM YOU IN THE PAST
|
|
Wow, that caps lock sure doesn't support my point about your aggression at
all. You're really coming across as calm, reasonable, and trustworthy here.
I wasn't going to mention it, but buddy guy, your store was one of the influences
on my pricing model. "If this irresponsible seller with horrible feedback
can charge these prices, I'll offer the same prices with much better service."
So that's not quite the insult you think it is.
According to my records, you've never bought from me. Which makes sense,
since you've been stoplisted as a buyer since before I had inventory in my
store. I don't trust anyone who responds to feedback like you do.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Oct 25, 2023 17:08 | | Subject: | Re: seller has got my buying privileges revoked | | Viewed: | 79 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, jonsogel2fun writes:
| | In Buying, Brickitty writes:
| | In Buying, TheBrickGuys writes:
| | I have to point out that even if all you say is true, it would be hard to feel
any sympathy for you considering that a little over 2% of your buyers have left
either a neutral or negative (117 total)feedback against you for doing the exact
same thing, and a lot worse, to your customers.
Jim
|
+1
Yeah, this store was one of the first I ever least-favorited. Even though I've
never ordered from them, looking through their feedback just makes me angry.
It's a huge gigantic bright red flag when someone always has an aggressive
and self-righteous response to any complaint or criticism, in business or in
life. And it makes the dishonesty the seller described and showed above entirely
believable. Thats funny because you are on my least favorite store list as well and my reason was way to exspensive.
|
|
Ah, and there's the aggressive and self-righteous (not to mention irrelevant)
response I mentioned, right on time. Thanks for supporting my point.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Oct 25, 2023 16:59 | | Subject: | Re: seller has got my buying privileges revoked | | Viewed: | 91 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, TheBrickGuys writes:
| | I have to point out that even if all you say is true, it would be hard to feel
any sympathy for you considering that a little over 2% of your buyers have left
either a neutral or negative (117 total)feedback against you for doing the exact
same thing, and a lot worse, to your customers.
Jim
|
+1
Yeah, this store was one of the first I ever least-favorited. Even though I've
never ordered from them, looking through their feedback just makes me angry.
It's a huge gigantic bright red flag when someone always has an aggressive
and self-righteous response to any complaint or criticism, in business or in
life. And it makes the dishonesty the seller described and showed above entirely
believable.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Oct 25, 2023 16:22 | | Subject: | Re: seller has got my buying privileges revoked | | Viewed: | 102 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| You have under 98% positive feedback, not 99%. No reason to fib when we can all
see it, especially if you're so honest. And somehow... you're never at
fault for any of them?
Based on the copious feedback that you regularly send out damaged parts and respond
poorly to customer feedback, well, it looks like karma to me.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Oct 10, 2023 15:54 | | Subject: | Re: Inventory turnover rate? | | Viewed: | 34 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| In Selling, LegoVolunteer writes:
| | How quickly does your inventory turnover? That is, when you add something to
your store's inventory, how long does it sit there before it sells? (just
looking for estimates...I assume there is a lot of variety). Thanks!
|
Honestly, it depends on way too many factors for an answer to be meaningful.
For a very-low-demand part, just a handful of copies might take 10 years to sell.
Or a single buyer could come along and purchase every copy you have at once,
after a week or a month or 5 years. For a high-demand part, you might sell it
within minutes of listing it, as I've done many times, or you might not sell
that one copy for a year or two. Copies might sell one at a time, or you might
sell a thousand-plus copies in one day. My best-sellers are constantly flying
off the metaphorical shelves, but at least once a week I sell something I've
never sold in 2+ years. Then you have to take into account type of part, store
size, pricing, location, store feedback, etc. There's really no way to set
an expectation unless you're more specific. Otherwise the answer is meaningless.
If what you want is an average across all parts, like others in this thread have
assumed, I've sold approximately 60% of my starting inventory size in a little
over 2 years. But I've also added almost that many parts back into my inventory
in that time, and many of the parts I've sold were ones I added after launch.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Sep 13, 2023 17:14 | | Subject: | Re: Confirm multiple variations in same set | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | Catalog Identification | |
|
| In Catalog Identification, unrefined writes:
| | Here is another fun mold change that I would love to know the years for:
|
I have these mold differences separated in my store. As best as I could trace
it a few years ago, the one with the embossed logo in the center was the only
variant up until around 2008-2009, when they introduced the one with no logo.
Both molds were included in sets until around 2011-2012, when the one with the
embossed logo was fully phased out. Note that these years are just my best estimations
based on a variety of sets, when new colors of the part were introduced, etc.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Sep 12, 2023 17:16 | | Subject: | Re: Confirm multiple variations in same set | | Viewed: | 27 times | | Topic: | Catalog Identification | |
|
| In Catalog Identification, unrefined writes:
| | I am rebuilding some old sets and I would like to confirm that sets from the
1980s and 1990s used multiple mold variations of the same part in the same set.
Primarily I am looking to confirm that these older sets used pieces (plates)
with both solid posts and hollow posts.
My main goal is to rebuild some older sets as accurately as possible but seeing
as how there is no confirmed answer to when the hollow posts started being made,
and how long it took to phase out the solid posts, I am unsure of my accuracy.
I think the best way to confirm this is with someone who owns a new, open-box
set from this period, and can look through the unopened bags to confirm that
both molds are present in the same bag/set.
I realize that this is a big ask but I feel like it would help the community
greatly. If someone is willing to provide photo evidence of this I will use it
in a website that I am making to help with identifying parts.
Thank you!
|
Yes, I have opened sealed sets from the mid-to-late-'90s and '00s that
included both hollow and solid bottom pins in plates, modified plates, bricks,
and modified bricks in the same set.
For the '80s, I have only opened a couple of sealed sets, but every single
part had solid bottom pins. Based on available evidence, including discussion
forums, part release dates, and experience with sets that weren't sealed
but had been kept built for decades, I believe that hollow bottom pins didn't
exist until sometime in the early '90s.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Sep 11, 2023 16:53 | | Subject: | Re: What are those? Are they even lego? | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Catalog Identification | |
|
| In Catalog Identification, BricxaLot writes:
| | Please see attached picture.
Not really sure if they are LEGO but wanted to check...
|
They're the sprues from 36752:
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Sep 1, 2023 21:09 | | Subject: | Re: Very specific parts - very small order | | Viewed: | 68 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, caincha writes:
| | Hi
I want these specific parts for a personal custom project but seems most sellers
have a minimum $$ order purchase… And I am in New Zealand so it would be needed
to ship overseas…
Any help? 
Parts list:
5x LEGO Black Technic Pin Connector Round with 4 Clips (15646 / 90202)
5x LEGO Black Hinge Arm Locking with Single Finger and Friction Pin (41532 /
57697)
18x LEGO Medium Stone Gray Bar 1L with Handle (23443 / 49755)
18x LEGO Flat Silver Small Horn (53451 / 88513)
|
I have all of those in stock, I have no minimum buy, and I ship to NZ.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 31, 2023 16:50 | | Subject: | Re: CAN'T PRINT POSTAGE ON PAYPAL | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Brickitty writes:
| | In General, pitz8008 writes:
| | I saw the post earlier about someone not being able to transfer money out of
paypal. Well I'm currently not able to print postage on paypal. Is anybody
having this issue?
|
Yes, I just started shipping orders this afternoon and ran into the same problem.
|
It's working now!
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 31, 2023 16:42 | | Subject: | Re: CAN'T PRINT POSTAGE ON PAYPAL | | Viewed: | 27 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, pitz8008 writes:
| | I saw the post earlier about someone not being able to transfer money out of
paypal. Well I'm currently not able to print postage on paypal. Is anybody
having this issue?
|
Yes, I just started shipping orders this afternoon and ran into the same problem.
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 30, 2023 19:10 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 75958-1 | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Change 1 Part Reddish Brown {4532 Container, Cupboard 2 x 3 x 2 (Undetermined Type) to 4532b Container, Cupboard 2 x 3 x 2 - Hollow Studs}
Comments from Submitter:
From my original sealed copy of the set
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 29, 2023 19:51 | | Subject: | Re: What the.... | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
|
| In Shipping, Brickitty writes:
| | And for any of y'all who are curious about those some of those stats:
Most orders in any half-hour of the day: 17:00-17:30 MST (19:00-19:30 EST)
Least orders in any half-hour of the day: 5:00-5:30 MST (7:00-7:30 EST), exactly
12 hours earlier than the most orders
Most orders for a state compared to expected orders by population: Virginia (4.44%
Least orders for a state compared to expected orders by population: Texas (6.27%
Busiest day of the week: Monday, and it's not even close
Slowest day of the week: Tuesday
|
Oops, the formatting didn't work there. The states are Virginia (4.55% instead
of expected 2.58%) and Texas (6.27% instead of expected 8.75%).
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 29, 2023 19:49 | | Subject: | Re: What the.... | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
|
| And for any of y'all who are curious about those some of those stats:
Most orders in any half-hour of the day: 17:00-17:30 MST (19:00-19:30 EST)
Least orders in any half-hour of the day: 5:00-5:30 MST (7:00-7:30 EST), exactly
12 hours earlier than the most orders
Most orders for a state compared to expected orders by population: Virginia (4.44%
Least orders for a state compared to expected orders by population: Texas (6.27%
Busiest day of the week: Monday, and it's not even close
Slowest day of the week: Tuesday
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 29, 2023 19:41 | | Subject: | Re: What the.... | | Viewed: | 29 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
|
| In Shipping, popsicle writes:
| | In Shipping, Brickitty writes:
| | In Shipping, popsicle writes:
| | ~ Buyer places order using IC @ 14:15 PST
~ Order handed to USPS with acceptance scan @ 14:43 PST
~ Order status marked as shipped and Thank you Drive Thru with tracking
link provided @ 14:48 PST
Put another way: 28 minutes after the order is placed, it’s on it's way to
the buyer. Thirty three minutes after order, they get their already activated
tracking link, and Thanks
Not our best time, but pretty good
|
Very nice! I love orders that come in just before I go to the post office every
day (2:00-4:00 MST) because I can really impress with the speed. My current record
is 6 minutes from order time to Drive-Thru & tracking, left right away, dropped
off at the post office 10 minutes after order time.
|
Now that is impressive. Well done! Think you got me beat too. Damnit!
Even better though, is not having to travel, but handing it off to your well-timed
mail carrier just outside your front door, as we did today
|
Now that's convenient! I've never done that, partially because our local
post office is only 2 minutes away. It's tiny and grandfathered in without
a lot of modern post office amenities, but it gets the packages to Denver's
USPS distribution center even faster than the bigger post offices I've used
in the past.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 29, 2023 19:38 | | Subject: | Re: What the.... | | Viewed: | 28 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
|
| In Shipping, sasquatch_eater writes:
| | In Shipping, popsicle writes:
| | ~ Buyer places order using IC @ 14:15 PST
~ Order handed to USPS with acceptance scan @ 14:43 PST
~ Order status marked as shipped and Thank you Drive Thru with tracking
link provided @ 14:48 PST
Put another way: 28 minutes after the order is placed, it’s on it's way to
the buyer. Thirty three minutes after order, they get their already activated
tracking link, and Thanks
Not our best time, but pretty good
|
Very nice! I don't know my best time but it was probably nowhere below an
hour. Out of curiosity, any particular reason why you use military time?
--Claude
|
Can't speak for Popsicle, but I use 24-hour time too. The primary reason
is that all of my order info goes into a gigantic spreadsheet, and then I can
easily generate cool stats like a bar graph of the amount of orders I get during
each hour of the day. My partner and I enjoy working on the spreadsheet together
and coming up with new ways to visualize the data.
My favorite so far involved inputting state populations from the 2020 census,
dividing each state by the total U.S. population to determine each state's
percentage of the population, doing the same with the percentage of orders we
get from each state, and then juxtaposing those on a graph so we can see which
states are over/under the expected sales based on population. Stats are so much
fun!
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 29, 2023 19:01 | | Subject: | Re: What the.... | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
|
| In Shipping, popsicle writes:
| | ~ Buyer places order using IC @ 14:15 PST
~ Order handed to USPS with acceptance scan @ 14:43 PST
~ Order status marked as shipped and Thank you Drive Thru with tracking
link provided @ 14:48 PST
Put another way: 28 minutes after the order is placed, it’s on it's way to
the buyer. Thirty three minutes after order, they get their already activated
tracking link, and Thanks
Not our best time, but pretty good
|
Very nice! I love orders that come in just before I go to the post office every
day (2:00-4:00 MST) because I can really impress with the speed. My current record
is 6 minutes from order time to Drive-Thru & tracking, left right away, dropped
off at the post office 10 minutes after order time.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 29, 2023 15:05 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 4766-1 | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Change 2 Part Dark Bluish Gray {30237 Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Clip (Vertical Grip) (Undetermined Type) to 30237a Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Split U Clip Thick (Vertical Grip)}
* Change 4 Part Tan {30237 Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Clip (Vertical Grip) (Undetermined Type) to 30237a Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Split U Clip Thick (Vertical Grip)}
Comments from Submitter:
Original copy of set from my collection, which I'm now parting out
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 29, 2023 12:32 | | Subject: | Re: Need help identifying minifigure | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Catalog Identification | |
|
| In Catalog Identification, almarsh78 writes:
| | In Catalog Identification, Classicsmiley writes:
| | In Catalog Identification, almarsh78 writes:
| | I got this in a bulk bin of Legos which contained a bunch of parts from the Queen
Anne's Revenge set. Look exactly like the zombie gunner but the torso should
be brown
This one is green. What is this?
|
Looks like you've got a misprint, and a pretty cool one at that.
|
Would this be worth anything? How common/uncommon is this?
|
I've been following misprint groups for years and I've never seen one
of these. If you can verify it's Lego (logo on top of neck), I'd say
this is a $150-$200 misprint minimum, possibly more. The FB group Misprints For
Sale & Show could probably value it more accurately. If you still want to finish
your Queen Anne's Revenge, I'd suggest buying a fig for that and keeping/selling
this one separately.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 21, 2023 20:44 | | Subject: | Re: Old Dark Red | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Colors | |
|
| In Colors, here4bricks614 writes:
| | Does anyone have experience dealing with old Dark Red from 2001-2008? Is it brittle?
I’ve only had four modern Dark Red parts break, but I don’t own enough old Dark
Red to know if that color is as brittle.
|
I separate the shades of Dark Red in my store, and I've built tons of '00s
and '10s sets. In my experience, Old Dark Red can be brittle, but it's
brittle far less often than New Dark Red from around 2010-2014 (which is the
same period with very brittle Reddish Brown).
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 13, 2023 20:46 | | Subject: | Re: Item/lot ratio | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Gleaming writes:
| | In General, tEoS writes:
| | There's already a well established store with the same name. Maybe consider
something original.
In General, Gleaming writes:
| | What do y’all consider to be a good item/lot ratio?
|
|
completely ignored the question
|
And yet he's correct. You should change it.
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 13, 2023 12:42 | | Subject: | Re: What is this? | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Catalog Identification | |
|
| In Catalog Identification, qwertyboy writes:
The part really should be in the category Bar. Even immediately after it came
out, it was used at least as often as a sconce as it was a palm tree leaf-holder.
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Aug 9, 2023 12:45 | | Subject: | Re: What comes after Ground Advantage? | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
|
| In Shipping, legoranger00 writes:
| | Is Ground Advantage’s weight limit still 15.9 ounces, as when it used to be First
Class? What’s the 2nd cheapest USPS mailing service?
|
No, it was combined with Parcel Select and now goes all the way up to 70 pounds.
The second-cheapest is Priority.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 29, 2023 23:07 | | Subject: | Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 4500-2 | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests | |
|
| In Inventories Requests, Star_Wars_Geek1 writes:
| | Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Change {4 to 3} Part Black 4032 Plate, Round 2 x 2 with Axle Hole
Comments from Submitter:
Pages 20, 29, and 36 in the instruction manual are the only instances of this part. Quantity should drop from 4 to 3.
|
Page 10, step 12.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 28, 2023 16:42 | | Subject: | Re: Please add note | | Viewed: | 22 times | | Topic: | Catalog Requests | |
|
| In Catalog Requests, Turez writes:
| | In Catalog Requests, Brickitty writes:
| | Please add "This minifigure has been found with both the 'b' and
'c' style head." to sw0366. All of my original minifigures from my
sealed copy of 10236 came with 'c' style heads.
|
Could you please also submit a request to add the alternate head to the set inventory?
See here for example: https://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemInv.asp?S=9490-1
|
Done!
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 28, 2023 16:42 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 10236-1 | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Add 1 Part 3626cpb0664 Black Minifigure, Head Balaclava with Face Hole, Stubble and Rakish Smile Pattern - Hollow Stud (Alternate) (match ID 13)
Comments from Submitter:
Adding alternate head to set inventory as requested
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 28, 2023 13:21 | | Subject: | Please add note | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Catalog Requests | | For: | Catalog Associate | | Status: | Completed | |
|
| Please add "This minifigure has been found with both the 'b' and
'c' style head." to sw0366. All of my original minifigures from my
sealed copy of 10236 came with 'c' style heads.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 28, 2023 13:18 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 10236-1 | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Change 1 Part Dark Bluish Gray {44301 Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on End (Undetermined Type) to 44301b Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on End without Bottom Groove}
* Change 1 Part Dark Bluish Gray {44302 Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End (Undetermined Type) to 44302b Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End and 9 Teeth without Bottom Groove}
* Change 4 Part Black {6628 Technic, Pin with Friction Ridges and Tow Ball (Undetermined Type) to 6628a Technic, Pin with Friction Ridges and Tow Ball with Round Pin Hole}
* Change 3 Part Reddish Brown {30237 Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Clip (Vertical Grip) (Undetermined Type) to 30237a Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Split U Clip Thick (Vertical Grip)}
Comments from Submitter:
Sealed set from my collection
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 11, 2023 18:11 | | Subject: | Re: Bad stretch of luck, or overall problem? | | Viewed: | 62 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, rainbowmist writes:
| | Its just not you. I too normally get orders that are wrong or missing parts.
Seems like this is common now. I have said this before in a post about sellers
are getting orders out too fast and not checking to see if the order is accurate.
Most the time I make an order on an evening then the seller ships it the next
morning. How can anyone be that fast?? I would want my buyer to have the right
parts they ordered and then spending extra time making sure. This is not amazon.
|
Well, that's not quite fair about the speed! For some sellers like me, this
is a full-time job and we take it very seriously. I get 90% of my orders out
within 24 hours, and around 50% out within just a couple hours. This week I've
already mailed multiple 50-lot to 100-lot orders in that timeframe, evening order
shipped the next morning or morning order shipped that afternoon. And I triple-check
every order and virtually never make an error.
I do agree with you that many sellers aren't checking carefully enough. But
contrary to your statement, I actually find that it's more often inversely
correlated with the shipment speed. Whenever I make a new batch of orders, the
ones that arrive the quickest are usually the most correct. It's often the
ones that aren't mailed for 5-10 days after payment that have the most errors
(or the most egregious errors). After all, if a seller isn't making their
buyers a priority with shipment time, why would they make them a priority by
spending extra time to double-check everything?
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 11, 2023 14:37 | | Subject: | Re: Bad stretch of luck, or overall problem? | | Viewed: | 71 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| Unfortunately, this is a systemic issue on Bricklink. I've been buying regularly
for almost 9 years, and the rate of orders with at least one error has stayed
steady at around 60% to 70%. If I include unmentioned significant damage on at
least one part, it jumps to around 80% to 90%.
There are a few things you can do mitigate the issues. As other commenters have
said, always check feedback before you order. I avoid any sellers with multiple
comments about lack of response to issues or argumentativeness, as well as
any sellers with a fair amount of comments about missing parts or damage. I would
never have ordered from the seller you just left negative feedback for. In fact,
I wouldn't have ordered from them even if they had just 3 comments like that
from 1,000 feedback, and they have 25+. To be frank, that seller is horrible.
Secondly, when you write to a seller, be polite but firm. I say something like
"Most of the order looked great, but unfortunately, there were a few errors."
Then I list the errors on separate lines, ending with a "Please let me know
what you can do" and thank them. If they don't respond within 4 days,
I send a follow-up email every 2 days. If worse comes to worse, you can always
file a PayPal claim and an NSS (I wait 10-12 days for a response first), but
I've only had to do that a couple of times over the years, and it was almost
always with sellers that either 1) had poor feedback but I ordered anyway, or
2) were fairly new and wrongly convinced that they couldn't make mistakes
and buyers with complaints were just trying to rip them off.
Most of my favorite stores make errors sometimes too! But they always make it
right, and quickly. You don't need to order from the bad apples. There are
plenty of excellent stores on Bricklink.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 10, 2023 23:47 | | Subject: | Re: Off-Brand Marvel Mini-Figures..?? no markings | | Viewed: | 53 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, PlanetEarthToys writes:
| | ok, been sorting & posting my new batch of random figures & ran into these..
nothing has any markings except a random '1, 4, 12' etc.
no Lego anywhere, looked up a few of them , they were close as far as design
goes, but something was always a little off.
no clue what these are or who makes them,
any ideas is appreciated.
|
When I went to Denver Comic-Con a few years ago, literally every single vendor
who sold "Lego" had fake minifigs -- probably at least 8 different
vendors. I checked figs from all of them, and I didn't find a single genuine
fig. They all looked like these -- mostly correct but a little off, with
no logos anywhere. The vast majority were Marvel and DC super heroes, though
there were a few Star Wars ones, Lord of the Rings, etc.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 4, 2023 19:36 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 76023-1 | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Change 4 Part Black {44301 Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on End (Undetermined Type) to 44301b Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on End without Bottom Groove}
* Change 4 Part Dark Bluish Gray {44302 Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End (Undetermined Type) to 44302a Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End and 9 Teeth with Bottom Groove}
Comments from Submitter:
From sealed set
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jul 2, 2023 20:54 | | Subject: | Re: What’s your part white whale? | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | Searching | |
|
| In Searching, Mrkrazy133 writes:
| | What piece do you wish you could buy but it’s either too hard to find or too
expensive? Personally I’m desperately looking for 2 copies of the 60s Robin legs
for a MOC, but I missed my chance years ago and now no one is selling them. I’m
willing to pay a pretty penny for them too, but I can’t find a single store that
has them.
|
Well, for about 3 years there, it was:
I ordered it approximately 15 times and messaged 20+ sellers that listed it.
Every single one I received was actually Medium Orange, regardless of any assurances
the sellers gave me, since that color appeared in 2 common Star Wars sets and
the Bright Light Orange version only appeared in a very rare, very expensive
Belville set. The colors are close, but are actually pretty easy to tell apart
if you compare them to other parts in good lighting.
I finally broke down and ordered an incomplete version of 5960 on eBay a few
months ago, and my friends were very amused when I received the package while
they were over and started jumping for joy when 30218 was the correct color.
It cost me almost $100, but hey, I parted out the rest of the parts into my store,
so hopefully I'll make it up eventually.
IF YOU HAVE 30218 LISTED IN BRIGHT LIGHT ORANGE: You're wrong. It's Medium
Orange. Please change your listing immediately.
Now, my white whales are actually instruction books for rare promo sets I already
own:
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jun 14, 2023 19:07 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 60102-1 | | Viewed: | 19 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Change 2 Part Light Bluish Gray {44567 Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side (Undetermined Type) to 44567b Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side without Bottom Groove}
Comments from Submitter:
Sealed set contents
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jun 12, 2023 19:32 | | Subject: | Re: How do I add to an existing paid order?? | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, tamizale writes:
| | Thank you! Does that mean I place a new order and the seller , who has agreed
to combine, can just refund the overcharge on shipping? Thank you
|
Correct. The reason for this is that PayPal charges a transaction fee for each
individual instance of a payment sent ($0.49 + 3.49% domestically), so adding
a small amount to an order would cause the seller to lose money due to the static
fee.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jun 5, 2023 20:48 | | Subject: | Re: Respect for all that sell used. | | Viewed: | 66 times | | Topic: | Retail | |
|
| In Retail, macebobo writes:
| | I just tried my hand at buying used IRL and selling it here.
I must say, I did not realize how much work is involved in obtaining, cleaning,
sorting out junk, assembling minifigures from piles of parts, checking parts
for any damage (old minifigures are some of the worst for hiding cracks, got
to get the light and magnifier just so!) It was so disappointing to see an otherwise
perfect minifigure, cracked.
I respect all of those who sell used who may do this even part-time. Thank you
for making it possible to get period parts for old sets. So, here's to you
all who like doing it. Well done, you all rock.
Needless to say, even though I did find some treasure, I don't think I'll
be doing it again soon and I still have about 20lbs of bulk to go through.
-- John
|
Thank you! For my part, I really appreciate that recognition. It took me nearly
3 years to buy, sort, double-check, and list over 1,500 pounds of bulk, over
2,500 minifigures, and over 1,000 instruction books. It was the single biggest
thing I've ever accomplished in my life and continues to be a huge amount
of work as my full-time job. (And to be clear, it wouldn't have been possible
without my partner supporting us and believing in me the whole time.) But I'm
so glad I did! I love sending buyers exactly what they need. This is the best
job I could've imagined... not to mention a fantastic conversation starter
at social events
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jun 5, 2023 20:15 | | Subject: | Re: A gentle reminder | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| In Selling, rainbowmist writes:
| | I like what you said and I get what you are saying but they are still rude even
when you are being nice. I noticed most buyers don't say thank you anymore
in messages and too busy to even leave feedback or mark as completed. Doesn't
make bricklink very enjoyable either as a seller. And these are just basically
kids toys which is not that important in life.
|
I understand that it feels unfair, but I've never regretted responding to
rudeness with politeness and generosity, in real life or or on the internet.
(Though I've often regretted the times I haven't.) And in the majority
of circumstances, the other party has changed their tune or apologized because
of how I responded.
Many things that people get upset or antagonistic about aren't that important
in life. I know. My wife came very, very close to dying in January. That was
important. But a gentle reminder that you don't get to decide what's
important to others, regardless of how silly it seems to you. Being polite and
validating others' feelings is very, very rarely the wrong decision.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Jun 5, 2023 19:37 | | Subject: | A gentle reminder | | Viewed: | 259 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| Just a gentle reminder that the vast, vast majority of buyers have good intentions
and are acting in good faith. They may have no knowledge of buying etiquette.
They may make mistakes because they have very little knowledge of Lego parts.
They may sometimes act aggressively or rudely when they're confused, upset,
or impatient. But communicating in a polite, patient, and generous way makes
a world of difference.
A few days ago, a buyer left me neutral feedback for sending "fake Lego parts."
They had bought a few 3068a Light Gray Tile 2x2 without Groove when -- as
best as I can figure from our communication -- they meant to order a few
3068b Light Bluish Gray Tile 2x2 with Groove. They had also ordered another Light
Bluish Gray part. Between the different shades of gray, the lack of a groove,
and the lack of the Lego logo on the underside of the part (since these were
1960s/1970s parts, though fully verified), they assumed the tiles were fake.
I reached out and calmly explained why the vintage pieces were genuine and where
the confusion might be, and offered to send replacements for free. They understood,
but there was more confusion -- they complained about other parts they'd
actually ordered from a different seller and didn't remove the feedback.
It took a few more messages to clear things up, and I remained patient and polite.
An hour ago they finally removed the feedback, and we ended our communication
respectfully with mutual thanks.
This type of thing has happened maybe 9 or 10 times over the 2 years I've
been running my parts store. (For example, one buyer left a negative and called
me a scammer because they accidentally ordered an empty box instead of the set
they wanted. Another accidentally sent the order to an old address. Another dropped
a part on the ground when they were unpacking the order.) But if I'd responded
antagonistically or impatiently, or if I hadn't messaged them to clear things
up, I'd still have multiple unfair neutrals and negatives. Instead, I treated
them with respect every step of the way, so we left things on great terms.
As a buyer, I've stoplisted at least a dozen sellers over the years because
their response to being politely messaged about an error was to respond antagonistically
and unapologetically, and at least another dozen because they never responded
at all. Don't be like them. Just a gentle reminder to be polite, patient,
generous, and kind, even when you're being aggressively confronted and you
didn't do anything wrong.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | May 16, 2023 16:15 | | Subject: | Re: Seller ignoring requests for tracking | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, wildchicken13 writes:
| | In Problem Order, UTLF writes:
| | The seller in question has a good amount of positive feedback, but I'm still
a bit puzzled as to why it's so difficult for them to send the tracking number
|
It's a German custom not to let the buyer know the tracking number
|
Not just German. I'd say half of the orders I make from European and British
sellers say they'll include tracking but never send it.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | May 16, 2023 15:33 | | Subject: | Re: Why bricklink didn't add it? | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, s0l0kr writes:
| | Hey everyone, I have an idea that Bricklink can implement, and I don't know
why it is not implemented yet.
So, there are few type of sellers, someone responds for like a week, or doesn't
respond at all, ships parts in polybags which were used at dinosaur times, and
packaging 100 parts for like a 4 days.
Other type of seller is when a seller quickly responds, includes some gifts for
his customers, responds as fast as possible, in other words puts a lot of effort
in his job, but both of this sellers gets the same money from orders.
And my idea is pretty simple, why Bricklink didn't implement tip system?
Good sellers who put effort will receive a tip from customers if they want to
send it to them, other sellers will try to become better, will try to make their
packaging looking better, will put more effort in their job in order to get tips
for their work. Bricklink can collect fees on this tips.
|
I think there are many reasons this isn't a good idea, but a primary one
is that it would require a second PayPal transaction. You can't simply "update"
a payment that's already been paid with a tip (which is why there isn't
a built-in system on Bricklink for adding a single part or two onto an order
that's been paid). And a second transaction means PayPal will take another
transaction fee ($0.49 domestically, $0.99 internationally, plus a percentage).
So if someone wanted to tip $1 or $2, the seller would lose a good chunk of that
to fees.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | May 4, 2023 19:21 | | Subject: | Re: Is it really a "sale"? | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| In Selling, Shiny_Stuff writes:
| | Well, mathematically, someone has got to sell at higher prices so that the average
can exist.
I still quote something another BL seller used to say years ago (and probably
still does):
"There is nothing wrong with my prices. Everybody else is just setting their
prices too low."
At least regarding parts and minifigs, some of the most successful BL shops are
those that maintain HIGH prices.
|
I believe that was Ed of Lucky Ed's Good Ol' Bricks. He's quite an
inspiration and completely correct in that regard! It was nerve-wracking over
the 1.5 years when I was listing and pricing before launch, but I listened to
him. And I'm so glad I did, because I've become one of those wildly successful
shops. I've found that an extremely diverse inventory, near-perfect accuracy,
consistently high-quality parts, speedy shipping, and flawless service are invaluable
to many buyers. The old axiom "you get what you pay for" may not always
be true... but it usually is.
I've thought a lot about it, and my opinion is that many 6-month average
prices are far below the actual value of the parts (especially for rare and semi-rare
parts) because the vast majority of sellers price using Brickstock or a quick
glance at the average prices rather than actually studying the supply-demand
dynamics. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle where prices only slowly increase
despite the parts being perennially hard to find, all caused by sellers pricing
too low for the levels of supply and demand (in other words, at or near average
prices). On certain parts, my store alone has had a distinct effect on the price
guide, occasionally increasing the average price by 5x or 10x for an individual
part, and yet the part keeps selling just as well for all sellers at the new
price level. In my opinion, this corroborates my reading of the Lego economics
at work here.
Of course, this strategy wouldn't work for all sellers, since it specifically
applies to used parts, not new parts that can easily be parted out and sold by
a layperson. And given that 75% to 85% of my used-part orders as a buyer on BL
have at least one error or damaged part, the level of service usually doesn't
justify higher prices.
|
|
| Author: | Brickitty | | Posted: | Apr 28, 2023 12:40 | | Subject: | Re: How does everyone sort used? | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| In Selling, tons_of_bricks writes:
| | So we're looking at trying to streamline of processing our used pieces. Currently,
we figured we handle each piece about 6 times from start to finish, and we'd
really like to cut that down a bit. Here's our current process.
1. Get a box of used pieces, break it down into about 40 or so broad categories
(brick modified, tiles, plate 2x, etc.).
2. When one of the boxes of those categories gets full, we'll break it down
to individual pieces.
3. We then take each individual piece and separate them into colors and putting
aside the decorated items.
4. We then take the colors, do the final deep lookover for fakes, defects, etc.
then count what we have.
5. We list each item, putting them into one of our several hundred organized
and labeled bins.
6. When ordered, we pull the piece from their bin and package it up, sending
it to the customer.
So how does everyone else go through the steps? As you can see, each piece is
handled quite a bit, but because of the quantities we deal with, we can't
figure out a way to combine any steps that will still be efficient.
|
I do it very similarly, although one of those original categories is non-minifigure
decorated pieces, so they get their own bin. It's easier for me to list all
the decorated pieces at once rather than with each part type.
My system uses closer to 22 initial sorting categories of various-sized bins,
rather than 40. For step 2, I don't wait until each bin is full, I sort a
predetermined amount into the bins (usually around 20-25 pounds) and then break
down and list all the bins consecutively. My final sorting system for picking
orders uses approximately 2,500 labeled plastic drawers rather than several hundred,
along with a few dozen boxes for oversized/overflow parts and nested ziploc bags
sorted by theme for minifigures.
Lastly, in the final step, I use a tablet to walk around and pull parts onto
a tray, lay them out on a table, and then inspect them once again for damage,
color, quantity, etc. as I bag them up for shipping. This way they end up triple-checked,
which is why I have a virtually nonexistent error rate below 0.1% of orders.
|
|
Next Page: 5 More | 10 More | 25 More | 50 More | 100 More
|
USA, Colorado
