BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:

Hello everyone,

As a platform, we have decided to take a hard look at some of the mold variants
that we are currently asking you to recognize. For sellers, more variants means
extra sorting and extra work while pulling orders, plus the issues that arise
from variant misunderstandings.

For buyers, excess variants mean that it's harder to assemble a wanted list,
find stores, and ultimately obtain the parts you are looking for.

I have put together a quick Help page to outline these proposed changes:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2625

Notice the date on this is coming up quickly (Feb 1), so I'm not giving a
lot of time for discussion. I'm aiming for about 1 week of discussion and
then we'll give sellers 2 weeks to adjust the descriptions on affected items
if they wish to retain the distinctions.

I plan to construct a full FAQ page with answers to all your questions. This
will serve to inform users about what was done here in February 2024, and also
help point the catalog in the right direction in the future.

To get started, I'll list a few here:

1. This sounds like you're dumbing down the BrickLink catalog to make
it easier for new users. Is that what is going on?

Not really. There are many, many other variants we expect people to sort and
care about. These ones don't really seem to matter much, and some of them
(e.g., the minifigure heads) actually cause problems for the catalog that cannot
be corrected otherwise.

2. What if I really care about a certain variant that is going away? Can I
still buy and sell that variant?

Absolutely! You can add notes to your listings to make them as "determined"
as you wish. Buyers can still search within notes for extra details, or they
can simply observe them as they browse listings.

3. How do I know which exact variants will be merged? I only see one example
in each category.

Please ask in this thread and I can be very specific. Usually we are talking
about a handful of parts and the printed versions.

4. Has a merge like this ever been done before?

Yes, there was a precedent - the Headlight Brick with Slot:

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1016584

It was marked for deletion a few years ago and was finally merged last August.

5. Are these the only parts up for consideration, or are there other variants
that will be merged as well?

This is all for now. Based on how well this goes, we may elect to remove other
entries later. However, we will keep all functional variants and important cosmetic
variants.

While we're all here and fired up about part variants... I'll take this
time to point out that the inventory for set

8744-1 (Inv) Visorak Oohnorak
47 Parts, 2005
Sets: BIONICLE: Visorak

includes a part variant
in a color that has never ever existed for that part. I'll give you a hint,
it's the one without a catalog picture

If we're so concerned about Bricklink being a historical database, can we
FINALLY fix this glaring issue?

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 24, 2024 23:30

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

Viewed:

62 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:

I'll once again say, thanks for the change!

I'd still like to see actual zone-based auto checkout for the USA. Any ideas
on when that will be implemented?

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 20, 2024 23:17

Subject:

Re: I'm doing a SMH

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

In General, cosmicray writes:

I am looking at the ID card of a member. The member has been on site slightly
more than 3 years. Thus far, they have racked up 189 negatives and 152 neutrals.
Their selling privileges are still green/intact. There is some evidence (based
on contra-feedback from another member) that they may have been suspended at
some point. Did they not solve the reasons that triggered all those negatives,
or only the ones that got them suspended ?

Obviously the information is there for a buyer to see, but how many check FB
and how many just hit Easy Buy ?

Nita Rae

Now I'm curious who this is

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 19, 2024 23:48

Subject:

Re: Quite a dilemma

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In General, SDF_Bricks writes:

I have a buyer from Korea interested in a small set (not too rare), and he wanted
to see pictures. In the middle of this, another member just went ahead and purchased
the set.

What is fair? Who should get the set?

One looks, one buys. It doesn't pay to be indecisive!

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 11, 2024 11:51

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Catalog, yorbrick writes:

There are many other pairs too, where you essentially need both of them in hand
to tell the difference. These ones often get me ...

95673 Minifigure, Weapon Sword, Roman Gladius with Thin Crossguard
Parts: Minifigure, Weapon

18034 Minifigure, Weapon Sword, Roman Gladius with Thick Crossguard
Parts: Minifigure, Weapon

I doubt the difference is intentional.

Agreed- almost imperceptible differences like this aren't worth the overhead!

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 10, 2024 08:09

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

Viewed:

80 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:

Other useless variants for future consideration:

30193 Minifigure, Utensil Ice Axe - 6-Rib Handle
Parts: Minifigure, Utensil {Dark Bluish Gray}

18738 Minifigure, Utensil Ice Axe - 3-Rib Handle
Parts: Minifigure, Utensil {Light Bluish Gray}

60176 Technic, Axle Connector 2 x 3 with Ball Joint Socket - Closed Sides, Angled Forks with Closed Axle Holes
Parts: Technic, Connector {Lime}

89652 Technic, Axle Connector 2 x 3 with Ball Joint Socket - Closed Sides, Angled Forks with Open Axle Holes
Parts: Technic, Connector {Dark Bluish Gray}

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 9, 2024 22:16

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

Viewed:

75 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:

I 100% approve. The proliferation of all these non-helpful variants only hurts
buyers and sellers alike. I also urge you to keep going with this- example, who
gives a rip how many grooves an ice axe has in the handle?

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 6, 2024 13:08

Subject:

Re: stinker items

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In General, Nubs_Select writes:

In General, SylvainLS writes:

In General, Saitolegos writes:

Here is a item that just will never sell

Literally only YouTubers who want to mock this buy it.

(It’s currently one of YouTubers favourite sets to mock Galidor.

So… they never sell… except when they sell?

Seems to me that means they do sell

*nervously looks at the 25+ pounds of galidor I bought*

If you want to sell... hit me up

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jan 6, 2024 13:07

Subject:

Re: stinker items

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In General, Saitolegos writes:

Here is a item that just will never sell

Literally only YouTubers who want to mock this buy it.

(It’s currently one of YouTubers favourite sets to mock Galidor.

I love when I get galidor sets in to sell! They always move well for me, especially
the little ones.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 26, 2023 22:57

Subject:

Re: Most Expensive Head?

Viewed:

65 times

Topic:

Retail

In Retail, Nubs_Select writes:

non comic-con is probably

3626cpb2037 Minifigure, Head Beard Stubble, Black Arched Eyebrows, White Pupils, Scars and Angry Mouth Pattern (Jango Fett) - Hollow Stud
Parts: Minifigure, Head {Light Nougat}

He said currently available... Giving pizza a bad name.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 25, 2023 08:28

Subject:

Re: ChatGPT creates amazing box art - experiences

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

My Own Creation

In My Own Creation, Nubs_Select writes:

I just tried it and got these. It seems pretty cool

Totally unrealistic...

That's too many minifigures in one set!

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 23, 2023 13:58

Subject:

Re: Fees on extremely large orders?

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, Koseller writes:

Hey Everyone,

I'm still a new seller and received an order request for nearly 600 items.

While this is great, this would take a considerable amount of time to fill, is
this justified in tackling on a small fee and what would be appropriate?

Thanks everyone

How is this any different than getting 60 smaller orders?
Just bake your time into the cost of parts...

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 19, 2023 18:57

Subject:

Re: Sales low?

Viewed:

91 times

Topic:

In General, SezaR writes:

I was used in have many sales in Nov. and Dec but not this year.
Are sales low for others?

If so, does it have to do with November 3rd incident?

Drowning over here

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 15, 2023 22:57

Subject:

Re: First npb

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

Feedback

In Feedback, OakcityBrix writes:

Had my first NPB today. Buyer responds 10 days later not realizing they needed
to pay invoice being that one thing was adjusted on the quote. After reaching
out I would like to adjust their feedback to neutral as a kind gesture because
everyone needs a vacation. How does one adjust feedback?

I'd just remove the feedback altogether. No malice done on their part, no
need to penalize them with a neutral. They learn and keep buying on Bricklink.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 10, 2023 17:54

Subject:

Re: Order Statuses randomly changing

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

In Technical Issues, Stellar writes:

In Technical Issues, Yo_Yo_Flamingo writes:

Has anyone else been seeing their order statuses randomly changing lately? I've
noticed around 10 orders over the last two days have their status randomly reset
from "Shipped" "ready", payment status changing, and others.

Also commented here:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=350287

Thanks. Looks like this is still an ongoing issue then.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Dec 10, 2023 12:56

Subject:

Order Statuses randomly changing

Viewed:

93 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Aug 21, 2023 08:32

Subject:

Re: Please Help! Store Being Targeted by Scammer

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

Problem

In Problem, staltair writes:

Greetings, all. Our store has been targeted by a scammer out of China with multiple
accounts and usernames. This buyer is demanding off-site payment and has violated
numerous BL policies as well as our own store policy which does not support drop
shipments overseas.

User names associated with this account are: taotaojin, tricker1110 and nyr2012.
After canceling his order, he was able to leave negative feedback. What other
avenues are available to us as a seller beyond adding these profiles to our stop
list? I believe he'll continue to set up new accounts and make additional
purchases from our store. Please help! Thank you!

-Shawn
Owner, Veteran Brickster
Captain, US Air Force (retired)

You've been around long enough to know you have to do NSS's instead of
just canceling.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Aug 13, 2023 21:12

Subject:

Re: Item/lot ratio

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

In General, Brickitty writes:

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.

For your own good. Anyone searching for your store will get redirected to Clutch's.

It's like if you call your business "Gooogle"

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Aug 12, 2023 23:14

Subject:

Re: Determining a price when there is no history?

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

Price Guide

In Price Guide, ccroxton writes:

I am looking at set

citybigbox-1 (Inv) The Ultimate LEGO City Vehicles Box
21 Sets, 2016
Sets: Town: City

There is no history of sales or offers. I do not have the box or instructions,
but I do have all the 21 sets that were included. What would be a reasonable
price?

Would however you determine the price hold for other collections as well, say
all Star Wars sets from a given year?

I hardly doubt anybody would buy that collection without the big box that makes
it unique. You're best off selling each set individually.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Aug 11, 2023 23:06

Subject:

Re: Power Miners lot - Any interest?

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

Sales

In Sales, jaybinx73 writes:

I have 7 power miners sets in various forms of incompleteness. each is missing
a few pieces here and there, substituted some pieces, missing/subbed figures,
etc.

8964 command rig
8191 lavatraz
8957 mine mech
8958 granite grinder
8959 claw digger
8960 thunder driller
8190 claw catcher

looking to sell as a lot, but can list/reserve separately if interested.
I have pictures of all the sets and can send as needed. Message me with questions/pricing

Well you have your contact disabled, but let me know a price and we can go from
there.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Aug 9, 2023 21:56

Subject:

Re: Did you know…

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

Sales

In Sales, popsicle writes:

… that to electrostatically apply chromium to the surface of ABS, the material
must first be layered with nickel and copper? Quite a process, which LEGO of
the 1960s no doubt gave considerable thought towards before going forward with
their first chrome plated part in 1966. But then again, the first application
had the added motivation of being practical over aesthetic.

https://store.bricklink.com/popsicle&itemID=285915361

~ConstrucToys

What was the first?

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Aug 6, 2023 00:36

Subject:

Re: Old Pearl Dark Gray?

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, here4bricks614 writes:

In Colors, WOLKsite writes:

In Colors, here4bricks614 writes:

Does anyone own any early copies of sets from the Kingdoms subtheme? I’m putting
some of mine back together and I can’t tell whether most of my helmets and swords
are new or old PDG. Does anyone have any helpful comparison photos? I’ve only
been able to confirm some horse armor pieces, but this color displays a ton of
variation, so they don’t match other parts very well.

Is the left spear the older color? It’s slightly greener.

The left spear looks like the old color to me.

The only part I know I have in both color is 3848. Old PDG seems generally slightly
greener/brownish, but of course inconsistent. New PDG in my experience is a very
consistent, neutral grey. In this piece in particular, I find the older one to
have a more grainy texture, but I'm not sure that's something consistent
to go on. It's hard to get good lighting to show the difference though :c

Looks like old Pearl Dark Gray halberds do not have the part number or LEGO logo
molded ANYWHERE.

The difference between old and new Pearl Dark Gray is as wide as the difference
between common Pearl Light Gray and Flat Silver. This color definitely deserves
to be added here.

If new/old dark red isn't differentiated, there's no reason to do so
for this.

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jul 9, 2023 08:58

Subject:

Any Europeans that want to make a quick buck?

Viewed:

136 times

Topic:

Buying

I have come across three listings in the last week that I wanted to purchase,
but alas did not offer shipping to my country. All, coincidentally, are in Germany.

Would anyone here be willing to buy these lots on my behalf, and ship them on
to me? I will of course cover all expenses and pay you some extra on top.

Thanks!

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jul 2, 2023 19:30

Subject:

Re: Threats

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, SylvainLS writes:

In Problem Order, PlanetEarthToys writes:

[…]
presenting someone with an ultimatum is extotion. regardless of where it happens
or who is issuing the ultimatum.

simple example of Extortion - "do this or else this other thing happens"

With that definition, sellers are “extorting” money from their buyers….

How did you know!?!

Author:

Yo_Yo_Flamingo

Posted:

Jul 2, 2023 14:14

Subject:

Re: Poll

Viewed:

61 times

Topic:

Off Topic