BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Buying, groggy68 writes:

I'm relatively new at buying on here so I've got some questions. First
what is the easiest and best way to find the seller who has the most available
parts that I need? I've got about 30-40 sets that I gave my now grown boys
and I'm going thru them and discovering pieces and parts missing. For the
parts that ARE at Lego, they are pricey if they have them at all. Thank you.

You need a wanted list.
You can find each set on Bricklink, and that part out each set into a wanted
list.

One way to do this is to part out into a wanted list, with "Exclude all part
by default". Then, for each part you are missing, uncheck the "delete"
box, and your wanted list will only have the parts you are missing.

From the wanted list, you can do searches to find sellers who have more of the
parts you are missing.

This is a good project, as some of those set could have significant value if
you are able to complete them.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Feb 12, 2024 14:59

Subject:

Re: Variant Merge - How do I sort this out

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Topic:

In Catalog, dearlydeparted writes:

Variant Merge - How do I sort this out after being close for a couple years.
I had always hoped to reopen when my elderly parent caregiver roll had ended.
I feel like it's just not worth the bother to merge or update all these parts
with "notes" of variants. That's quite ridiculous. I don't know
what the push is, but this is certainly pushing me to the point of - is it worth
my time?

This is a very bad, generic move - the catalog was awesome, now no more.

Really. I'm not sure what to do to keep my inventory current now.
Apparently, I've missed a lot.

Judith

I decided to go ahead and enter comments for the listed variants in my inventory.
It was not too painful a process. I simply followed the instructions for this
given in the initial FAQ. (It is the process wherein you create a wanted list,
and then see which variant parts are in your store) I will add that I only did
this for my current existing stock. I will not be carrying the process forward
for new stock. I'm treating this is sort of an experiment, just to see if
it makes any difference.

However, having done this, I don't know that I would recommend you do the
same, unless you are very devoted to distinguishing the variants, or believe
that your buyers are discriminating enough to care about the comments and variant
distinctions.

Bricklink officially advises you that it is not worth your time. You can decide
to provide comments distinguishing none, some, or all of the variants in your
stock - it is very unlikely to make a difference to the vast majority of buyers.

I hope this helps.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Feb 9, 2024 14:49

Subject:

Re: Buyer will not respond

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Topic:

If you do not have the part, you should submit an "Item Removal" request.
This will go to the buyer. If the buyer does not respond immediately then you
should send the order as is, and give a refund.

New buyers in particular often do not check messages. However, they will complain
that it took a long time to ship. So, don't delay shipping too much by waiting
for their response.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Feb 2, 2024 15:31

Subject:

Re: To text; or not to text?

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1. Unless a buyer has somehow opted in to receive text messages from you, don't
do it.
2. There is nothing wrong with sending a polite reminder by email, or Bricklink
messaging. After 5-7 days is giving the person lots of time.
3. There is nothing nasty about an NPB. An NPB acts as a reminder. It the reminder
works, then the buyer experiences no negative impact from an NPB. If the reminder
does not work, then NPB should be completed, and other sellers warned.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Feb 1, 2024 15:05

Subject:

Re: Variants Thread - January 31

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Topic:

In Catalog, Tarkur writes:

Its so good that we have admins who are so adamant about listening and communicating
with both sellers and buyers alike. Without even the slightest bit of controversy
being sparked. What's that a 858 post long thread with several people repulsed
by the idea of this update. What a bunch hippie dippy baloney. No way we could
have ever had such a thread.

I hope all bricklink scalpers are happy now

Yes, it is amazing that several repulsed people managed to generate a 858 post
thread.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 30, 2024 12:28

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

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Topic:

I'm looking at this issue and trying to understand it, and decided to throw
in my two cents.

"For sellers, more variants means extra sorting and extra work while pulling
orders, plus the issues that arise from variant misunderstandings."
This statement in Russell's original announcement is unequivocally true.
Require sellers to manage multiple variants places burdens on the sellers.
First of all, in parting out sets. For many sets, there are alternative variants
for various parts, that the seller needs to manually check, by counting whether
a hinge has seven teeth, or nine, for example. Which variant is in that set
seems like the luck of the draw. And then ensure I keep these visually identical
parts separate in storage.

In fulfilling orders. Heaven forbid I got the wrong stud type on the round bricks,
or the wrong X shape axle hole. then I have to scramble to find or source the
correct part so that the buyer is not upset, but the sad truth is that the buyer
most likely does not actually care about the specific variant, but just picked
the first round brick on the list, or the cheaper one. That is probably true
for a majority of buyers. I'm not too lazy to sort variants, if I have to,
but this is a lot of stress.

Something else I consider is that this issue is going to get larger. In the next
five to ten years, the number of mold changes and variants of parts is going
to keep growing. This is as good a time as any to make decisions about whether
Bricklink will keep adding more and more variants, or whether it will put limitations
on which variants are supported. The sets of today, will be "classics"
in a few years, and some builders will demand that sellers provide the theoretically
"authentic" part. How big will we allow the variant list to grow - without
limit?

My final observation is that the discussion here points to the tension created
by two aspects of Bricklink. On the one end is the wish for Bricklink to be the
definitive Wikipedia of all Lego parts and their history. The other side of the
tension is the idea of Bricklink as a great way to buy and sell lego parts. Although
these two ideas are usually complementary, they also create tension that leads
to the challenge of the current discussion.

The Bricklink catalogue is indeed a great asset to sellers, buyers, and all Lego
hobbyists. But is it reasonable to dedicate so much effort to ensure that the
catalogue is comprehensive in documenting information that the Lego company itself
doesn't care to maintain? Particularly when doing so places serious burdens
on sellers? I truly value the information in the catalogue, but honestly, I am
going to feel relieved when I don't feel obligated to sort out and maintain
separate inventories for all these variant parts.

I will keep my current stock separate, and add comments to listings to help buyers
find variants in my store. But it will be as an experiment to see if they actually
sell.

I can't contribute to the discussion here about the functional differences
in variants. However, in keeping with my former career as an archivist, I will
ask Bricklink to do whatever they can to preserve historical data, somewhere.
It would be a shame if it were to be lost.

That's enough of that.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 28, 2024 17:41

Subject:

Re: Payments Paypal - not received

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Topic:

Help

In Help, timappeltaart writes:

Hi all,
I have sold 2 different orders. The customers where happy and all seems to be
perfect. But... I did not receive the money at my paypal account. Does anyone
know how this works?

Do not ship until you have confirmed receipt of payment.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 27, 2024 21:53

Subject:

Re: Various Threads

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Topic:

Off Topic

Unfortunately, these spools of thread are from a new, modern dye lot, and do
not have the original and historical shades of color I need to sew my classic
jeans. In the interest of authenticity, can you please list colors relevant to
restoring classic jeans from the 1980's?

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 27, 2024 21:45

Subject:

Re: Merging piece varian is a BIG PROBLEM

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In Catalog, rickcraine writes:

Hey, I just am trying to draw to everyone's attention the update Bricklink
is rolling out on February first that will cause several types of pieces to be
merged together under specific listings. For example, slopes that have smooth
and rough sides will no longer be considered different pieces. Now, this is
a BIG PROBLEM. When you are MOCing and you need a specific texture for a, lets
say, roof, and you use the wrong texture, it stands out A LOT. I hope everyone
sees what I am getting to here. If sellers are allowed to combine those two VERY
DIFFERENT variants of pieces, I may need to do several orders to get the actual
pieces I want, and it won't be the sellers fault if they send me a mix of
TWO DISTINCT TYPES OF PIECES. I am new to Bricklink, so maybe this has happened
before, but right now, this seems like it could pose a huge problem. I am sure
the Bricklink Devs had good intentions in mind when they decided to merge these
piece variants, but what they said in their letter to the Sellers, quote, "We
consider them (the piece variants) to be relatively unimportant and cumbersome
from the viewpoint of the Bricklink Marketplace" IS NOT TRUE. Specific things
like the textured variants of pieces DO MATTER. Please spread the word and hopefully
the Bricklink Devs will listen to the community.

Some sellers will continue to separate variants, and indicate the type in the
comments section of the listings. It seems from the comments here that there
are a ton of sellers who are committed to doing this! If you are looking for
a specific variant of a part, such as, "Slope with smooth surface" you
should be able to use the advanced search function to search for all comments
that describe that variant. As the seller will have specified the exact variant
in the comments, you should have an even better chance of getting exactly the
correct variant.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 27, 2024 21:31

Subject:

Re: (Cancelled)

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Topic:

Off Topic

Way too long, a bit grainy, and the central conflict between the two main characters
doesn't work.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 27, 2024 21:30

Subject:

Re: inventory of a set in stockroom

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Topic:

Help

In Help, DarthMaul1 writes:

so i have a set in inventory in my stockroom and i am making sure i have the
correct pieces can i use alternate pieces to fill in 11 missing pieces?

Sorry, I don't understand how alternate pieces become the correct pieces?
Before listing the set you need to ensure that all the piece are correct as per
the Bricklink inventory.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 20, 2024 22:34

Subject:

Re: Helmeted figures should be helmeted

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Topic:

In Catalog, TimeWarpDrive writes:

Why does sw1259 (sw1287, sh739, sh731, etc) have the hair piece instead of the
helmet? The box and instructions show the character with the helmet. I think
more people who prefer to have the helmet over the hair. A good compromise would
be to have an in-set variant that lists this figure with the helmet for people
who want to buy the helmeted figure.

There is nothing to stop a seller for including the helmet along with the hair,
in fact, there are many listings that do so.

I think in-set variants or anything that greatly multiplies the number of variants
of minifigures will complicate the catalogue, and not in a good way.

Bricklink is a market place for buying lego parts you need. If you buy a minifigure
with hair, but want the helmet, then you should buy the helmet from a seller.
That way, sellers get more business.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 16, 2024 12:34

Subject:

Re: Sellers listing Used Minifigures as New

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Topic:

Selling

In Selling, MiniRoz writes:

It seems like there is an increase in sellers listings USED figs as being in
NEW condition, but they put some like “looks new” or “like new” in the comments.
When I’m buying figs for my own collection, I’ll take the time to read the comments
and it’s not a huge deal. As a seller, however, it drives me nuts. When someone
lists a used fig as new, they usually sell it for well under the 6 month average,
which obviously affects what buyers believe is the average cost for actual new
figures. I know what they’re doing goes against BrickLink’s policy, but they
either didn’t get the memo or they don’t care.
As sellers, does this drive you bananas or do you just shrug it off? Do you keep
your new figs listed at a price that maintains a reasonable profit margin, or
do you cut your losses to compete with current average prices?

If a seller lists a minifig as "New" but then puts in the description
comments "Like new" or "looks new" then the ambiguity shows that
it is not "new", but "used". Listings like this can be reported
to admin, and they will be removed.

There is no point in being driven "nuts" or "bananas" and there
is not point in "shrugging it off." Report incorrect or fraudulent listings.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 9, 2024 14:16

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

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Topic:

Thanks for posting this, and for considering the input of users here.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 9, 2024 14:08

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

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Topic:

i support this approach

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 9, 2024 14:06

Subject:

Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants

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Topic:

I support this approach

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Jan 4, 2024 21:00

Subject:

Re: Chat Etiquette

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Topic:

In Announce, BrixAhoy writes:

There have been many transgressions towards the newest members of the chat of
lately. Try to mind your manners and stay in your lane especially regarding matters
of status

This has not been my experience or my observation. I'll keep my eyes open.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 30, 2023 22:00

Subject:

Re: Older Lego builder with newby questions

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Topic:

Look up the bricklink set inventory for this set.

If you use the Part Out Set function and compare to the parts you do have, then
you should be able to see what you are missing.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 29, 2023 15:09

Subject:

Re: Where do the bricks come from?

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Topic:

Where do bricks come from?

Well, when a Mommy brick and a Daddy brick really love each other, then they
get a baby brick.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 28, 2023 13:51

Subject:

Re: General question

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Topic:

Help

As everyone has replied, it is acceptable to purchase small lots.

But, if you would like to be extra nice, you could buy out the last remaining
piece of the lot listed. What I mean is if the seller has 5 parts in a lot,
and you only need 4 of them, you'll make the seller happy if you purchase
the fifth as well.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 23, 2023 20:46

Subject:

Re: Here's a suggestion

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Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, sasquatch_eater writes:

Why aren't we allowed to use descriptions such as "like new" on used
items? I've been wondering about this rule for quite a while and it doesn't
make sense to me. I understand why we can't describe used items as new but
"like new" does not mean the same thing as new. "Like new" means
almost to me.

It is my suggestion that we do away with the rule that descriptions such as "like
new" are not allowed.

--Claude

"Like New" is an incorrect descriptor for a used part. "New"
in Bricklink does not describe the surface condition of a part, it describes
the usage history. That means that to say that a used part is "like new"
is saying that it is not "like used" which would make no sense, and potentially
confuse buyers who may take it to mean that although the item has been listed
as used, it is actually new, or has the same usage history as a new part.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 20, 2023 00:43

Subject:

Re: Feedback and completing orders

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Topic:

Feedback

In Feedback, AWOLbriks47 writes:

Hey guys. Not sure if all this belongs here but seems relevant to me. Do this
many users here not leave feedback or even complete orders??? I thought it was
a have to thing to use the site. Idk. How do y'all handle the no feedback
on orders, if at all. I always leave feedback as soon as I receive my order as
a buyer and selling I leave feedback soon after payment and before shipping.
Also no communication and anything and not marking orders completed. Thanks for
your comments about anything

A certain percentage of buyers will not leave feedback or make an order as completed.

Don't let it bother you. Ignore it. As long as you get paid, it's all
right.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 16, 2023 23:48

Subject:

Re: Who leaves Feedback First?

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Topic:

Feedback

In Feedback, marlinjc writes:

It only makes sense for the buyer to leave feedback first when satisfied. The
seller should wait until the buyer marks it complete or posts feedback. If the
seller sends feedback right after shipping, there is the possibility of the set
being lost or stolen, or there being a missing part or other issue. Only the
buyer knows if the order arrived and is complete. Remember the USPS will mark
it delivered on the tracking app and a porch pirate can still get it.

The seller does not need to wait until the buyer marks the order complete in
order to file the seller's feedback. The seller can file feedback anytime
in the order process, in particular when the buyer has met all his responsibility,
which is simply, to pay.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 15, 2023 13:30

Subject:

Re: Who leaves Feedback First?

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Topic:

Feedback

In Feedback, tknorr writes:

I'm curious how many sells out there leave feedback before the buyer does?
My current practice as a seller has been to leave feedback upon payment. Before
I even ship the package. However, in a recent post i was reading about feedback,
it seems like some sellers wait until the buyer leaves feedback before leaving
feedback. As a seller, what is your timeline for posting feedback?

The question has been asked, and answered hundreds of times on this forum.

I leave feedback when I ship. I don't see any useful reason to make the buyer
wait for feedback.
A wise person once said that the key to life was to do things for other people
the way you would want them to do for you. That's the answer to the feedback
dilemma in my book.

Author:

calebfishn

Posted:

Dec 15, 2023 13:28

Subject:

Re: Sort Parts as initially packed numbered bags

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Topic: