BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Announce, StickyBrickit writes:

So it's been quite a while now since the bolt out of the blue announcement
that Lego had acquired this site. I remember at first there was quite a lot of
concern that they would ruin the site, or at least have an overall negative impact.
However I haven't really noticed any difference so far (perhaps a bit more
downtime from the server?).

Just wondering what other people's thoughts are now that they've had
control of the site for a while. Better, worse, about the same?

I would guess that LEGO has done very little that has directly affected the site
up to this point except:

Non-LEGO items have been removed.
Some language and terms have been updated.
The sales tax/brexit/vat issues were met head on, but I don't know if LEGO
was the impetus for this.
Our volunteer admin are now called Experts.
A few surveys have come and gone...

Did I miss anything?

Lots of people are assuming the LEGO is now in direct control, but I haven't
seen any evidence that this is the case. Help Desk is still slow. Bugs still
aren't fixed. Transparency is actually getting worse. Shrug.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 27, 2021 11:08

Subject:

Re: Buyers seeing that I don't ship to state

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Help, zorbanj writes:

I don't even red threads with this subject anymore. 2 more topics I now
skip over:

I can't part out set 71741 Ninjago City Gardens!

I'm waiting to be verified as a new shop, How long does it take?

Am I the only one who uses the forum search button?

Nope! But I'd bet we don't hear too much from people who DO use the search
first.

Jen

In Help, Tracyd writes:

Check the forum for this issue. This has been answered so many times it's
annoying to see a post about it now.

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 14:29

Subject:

Re: Tire Sorting Guide

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

Catalog Identification

In Catalog Identification, Andrsv writes:

That looks great

thanks!

Is it OK if I put a link to it from my website avbricks.no?

Yes, for sure! The images are all mine or LEGO stock images so I think there
would be no problem with posting it.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 14:26

Subject:

Re: Tire Sorting Guide

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

Catalog Identification

Oh, thanks and you're welcome everyone. Your kind words are making me feel
warm and fuzzy.

I forgot to ask if anyone has these in hand:

11209 Tire 21 x 9.9
Parts: Wheel, Tire & Tread

18977 Tire 24 x 12 Low
Parts: Wheel, Tire & Tread

35578 Tire 37 x 14
Parts: Wheel, Tire & Tread

and could confirm the presence of a molded part number?

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 11:30

Subject:

Re: Remove 1 item from order

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

Selling

https://www.bricklink.com/retractOrderItem.asp

In Selling, wendybrowne writes:

Dear super wild and crazy chicken! lol!

i have tried using that page to amend a few orders, it has never worked for
me, the customer says they don't see any option to approve a change in the
order, and I don't know where to tell them to look in their brick link account,
so i put a credit on the invoice.

i would like to know where exactly where does the customer find the "approve
change" in their account?

People have already answered this for you. It might better if you would start
reading the answers you get when you post on the Forum:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=289706&nID=1270835

In Selling, wildchicken13 writes:

In Selling, TechnicBuilt writes:

Hello

I have an order where the buyer ordered Qty 1 of a 1x1 Tan Plate. I have this
plate in my inventory but it is actually Nougat.

How do I remove the item form the order. The order has not been paid yet as it
is an manual invoice and I need to add shipping. Is the easiest way to credit
them the cost of the 1 item and then tell them what happened in an order note?

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 11:26

Subject:

Tire Sorting Guide

Viewed:

270 times

Topic:

Catalog Identification

Hello all,

I have updated my Common Tire Sorting Guide:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mfflmbrgrwq660d/LEGO%20Common%20Tire%20Sorting%20Guide%202021.pdf?dl=0

It's meant to help you sort out all those pesky tires quickly and accurately.
Remember to be sure that you print it out actual size if you want to be able
to just line your parts up with the images on the page.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions for improvements or notice any
errors that need fixing! If the dropbox download isn't working for you, just
send me a message to get a direct copy.

Take care,
Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 09:40

Subject:

Re: better quality of store logo

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Help, SaveYourBricks writes:

Does anybody know, if it's possible that the store logo can be uploaded in
higher quality?

Nope... 72px x 72px is what we have at the moment.

Your logo looks cute! I can see why you would want to show it off.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 09:28

Subject:

Re: Grammar: Less -> Fewer

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, axaday writes:

In Suggestions, E.Leslie writes:

I imagine I'm not the only one to be aware of this grammar mistake. When
searching a store's inventory, there's a drop-down menu that says "All
Filters." Once it's been expanded, it can be minimized by clicking "Less
Filters."

Properly, in English grammar, when there is a countable noun, we do not use the
quantitative adjective "less". That's flat-out wrong. We must say "fewer".

We can say "less milk," but not "less cookies." We must say "fewer cookies."

So here, English grammar demands that we say "Fewer Filters."

I do think that correcting this error will enhance the site's professionalism.

You are correct about the grammar. However, “less” is very commonly used this
way in the United States. Much more commonly than “fewer”. There is a fuzzy
line between poor grammar and a language evolving. They’re/there/their is clearly
on one side of the line for me, as an example, but less/fewer doesn’t bother
me.

I like this point of view!

My kid loved the Weird Al Word Crimes video when he was little. It's been
playing in my head since this thread started yesterday...

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 09:24

Subject:

Re: make a collection of sets and search them

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, subx writes:

This is probably more of an end user thing, rather than something that’s going
to help anyone sell anything, but I’ve always thought it would be handy if I
could create a collection of the sets I own. Then being able to ask things like:
whether I have have a particular part in my current sets, which of my sets does
this piece come from, etc.

I’ve had a search through past suggestions and can’t find anything quite like
this, but can’t imagine this hasn’t been thought of before. Or maybe it’s yet
another feature that’s buried in the interface that I haven’t found!

You are looking for Rebrickable!

https://rebrickable.com/

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 09:22

Subject:

Re: What does HLC mean?

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

LEGO products

In LEGO, jennnifer writes:

In LEGO, re_collection writes:

Hi all,
just a curiosity, what does HLC mean?

[p=3069bpb382]

Thanks

Heartlake City?

It's where all the Friends live.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 09:22

Subject:

Re: What does HLC mean?

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

LEGO products

In LEGO, re_collection writes:

Hi all,
just a curiosity, what does HLC mean?

[p=3069bpb382]

Thanks

Heartlake City?

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 09:13

Subject:

Re: 47566pb02L and 87568pb02L Different?

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

Problem

In Problem, firestar246 writes:

I have a mad buyer because he ordered 87568pb02L and 47566 was stamped on the
piece. According to him: 47566pb02L has a light gray print and 87568pb02L has
a white print.

87568pb02L Arm Mechanical, General Grievous with White Pattern on Left
Parts: Minifigure, Body Part

He himself said he knows that bricklink has 47566pb02L as an alternate item number
to 87568pb02L but also says that I listed on the wrong listing. I got that piece
from a new set and know I listed it correctly.

So is there actually a difference in print between the two? If so, there should
be a note on the listing (like 2345p01)

2345p01 Panel 3 x 3 x 6 Corner Wall with Black Lines Pattern
Parts: Panel, Decorated

or separated listings (like what happened
to 92747pb01).

92747pb01 Minifigure, Shield Elliptical with SW Gungan Patrol Shield Pattern (Undetermined Type)
Parts: Minifigure, Shield
Marked for Deletion

The buyer is having a very hard time understanding that I didn't
make a mistake. He's saying it's my responsibility to make sure I list
items correctly, which I did.

I am not sure about the differences, but since BL only has one entry for all
versions, it's up to the buyer to inquire if the seller has the exact variation
they wish to buy. They placed an order for 87568pb02L and you don't have
a crystal ball. ( I assume so, anyway.) I looked quickly and didn't see other
sellers listing this part with a note about the number or print color.

We need our resident Star Wars minifig expert! I only have the older version
so I can't help with the comparison.

Good luck with your buyer... hope they listen to reason.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 25, 2021 00:56

Subject:

Re: Remove 1 item from order

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

Selling

In Selling, peregrinator writes:

In Selling, TechnicBuilt writes:

Just buy a copy of

71741-1 (Inv) NINJAGO City Gardens
5574 Parts, 22 Minifigures, 1 Gear, 2021
Sets: NINJAGO: Legacy

and take the 1x1 tan plate from it

I am trying to imagine a world where I wouldn’t be able to just find one of those
in our own collection somewhere....

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 24, 2021 18:38

Subject:

Re: Any pointers for running a store?

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

In Help, cycbuild writes:
What is your BrickLink rule of thumb to organizing inventory and pulling orders?

Condition / Category / Size / Color

I pull orders alphabetically by Item Name since that mostly aligns with Categories.

I've heard that sorting by parts not color is a good one. Another is cutting/taping
your own boxes to save on shipping.

This takes a lot of time. If I sold a lot of sets, it might be worth it, but
I mostly sell parts and ship small orders.

And a lot of pros and cons to setting a minimum price/lots.

You need a minimum unless you are just trying to raise your feedback. Otherwise,
you will be losing money on itty bitty orders. Buyers hate lot limits. Don't
use them unless you have to.

My sub-query would be; are there any slow sellers that you
leave in the odd parts bin, or push to the end of the queue (of listing parts)?

Wheels, Tires, Wedges, Windscreens. Hate 'em.

Lastly, is BrickStock worth it or is Rebrickable a nice alternative?

Never tried either one. Shrug.

Thanks,
cycbuild

Good luck!
Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 24, 2021 18:27

Subject:

Re: Grammar: Less -> Fewer

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, E.Leslie writes:

Alas, you are correct, but BL is not so great with the grammar thing.

You
should see the Seller Message Template Settings page if you want to correct something
terrible.

I will say in their defense that not everyone who works there is a native English
speaker.

It's sso hard to get thingss corrected on this ssite.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 24, 2021 17:50

Subject:

Re: 87997 pom pom

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

Catalog Requests

In Catalog Requests, monica4391 writes:

Would it be possible to add a note to this part number, and more specifically
the 2 colored versions, that they are sold individually and not by the pair.
I've sold singles of both the red and blue on several occasions where the
buyer thought they were sold as a pair since the picture shows 2 of them.

I will submit new images.

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 24, 2021 12:56

Subject:

Re: 64225pb009 Change name MISSLE to MISSILE

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Catalog Requests

In Catalog Requests, Pippysblocks writes:

64225pb009 Wedge 4 x 3 Triple Curved No Studs with Dark Azure Galaxy Squad Logo and Orange 'MISSILE BATTERY' Pattern (Sticker) - Set 70701
Parts: Wedge, Decorated

Should be Missile and not Missle.

Thanks

For future use:

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 23, 2021 11:02

Subject:

Re: Tan in the catalog

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Catalog, infinibrix writes:

Sometimes I don’t understand why we should feel the need to go to such lengths
to edit Legos official renders or even Legos official colour names as in doing
so we just seem to create further problems for ourselves?

Honestly, we are going to these lengths because we think we are actually solving
a problem. Most of our renders are now fairly good, some of them are still bad.

If these official Lego renders were used as White, LBG, DBG and Black I would
soon become accustomed enough to be able to tell the difference regardless of
whether I’m able to see them side by side or not...

And then we have new sellers getting them all mixed up while they are 'becoming
accustomed'? And new buyers ordering the wrong thing?

**The best solution is to have the most renders possible with the best color
accuracy.**

Anyone can contribute and fix the remaining problems with this issue. I should
mention that fixing some of the colors like Tan and Dark Tan are a bit more challenging
to get right than others. Most of the bad examples in the OP were actually some
of my early attempts that need to get brought up to randyf's standard.

I will set aside some time today to contribute some better versions.

Take care,
Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 22, 2021 22:44

Subject:

Re: Tan in the catalog

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Catalog, infinibrix writes:

In Catalog, peregrinator writes:

In Catalog, infinibrix writes:

If it was done this way all the parts in your examples would look correct and
as below for both Tan and Dark Tan respectively:-

Honestly I think these renders are not good - the shading is so heavy that tan,
for example, looks much darker than it ought

But a lot of this comes down to simple display settings for instance on my PC
LCD they currently look perfect whereas on my Laptop they look a little too dark
but something easily adjustable for those that are bothered by it. Either way
at least all those example Lego images are uniform in colour/shading and that's
the important thing as the OP's examples show tan in different colours altogether?
besides if they're good enough for Legos official site I don't see any
reason why they shouldn't be good enough to use on Bricklink?

Here is where we agree to disagree.

I don't how LEGO using them makes
them good enough for our uses. They are not pulling parts using their images.
The accuracy means nothing to them. They use different images in their instructions
booklets and on printed material.

I think their renders are only clear if you have another render to compare them
to. At a glance, the White look LBG, the LBG look DBG, and the DBG look Black.
The Trans images are all terrible. The Yellow all look... well not Yellow.

Would you really go pull a White part from just seeing this render? randyf's
images are WAY closer to the truth.

87079 Tile 2 x 4
Parts: Tile {White}

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 22, 2021 21:10

Subject:

Re: Tan in the catalog

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Catalog, chetzler writes:

This is a relatively recent problem. There was a time when there photographs
rather than renders. The renders are problematic.

No, we went from 2D line-drawn renders to a mixture of LEGO and BrickLink's
3D renders.

LEGO's are better than BL's but their colors are still bad. The old renders
were awesome for color accuracy but apparently off-putting to people who thought
them old-fashioned.

Photos would be great, but to really work, they would all need to be consistent
and continuously updated. No magic button that I know of to make this problem
go away!

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 22, 2021 21:05

Subject:

Re: Tan in the catalog

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Catalog, infinibrix writes:

In Catalog, tec writes:

Hi
Is there a way (or setting) to collapse all Tan pics to the same shade? So that
all listings are simple, uniform.
or, show all in the the most common shade? (which is... the last?!?)
or, exclude just that strange shadowy Tan?

Oh well, just in case, if there's a fix also for Dark Tan... I'd love
to use it

Much of this would be achievable if we focused on using Legos official images
wherever possible expecially when it comes to generic bricks but it would take
a lot of time to expect community volunteers to go through and update them all.
Personally I think this needs to be done by an allocated Lego employee that also
deals with the images on their own site

If it was done this way all the parts in your examples would look correct and
as below for both Tan and Dark Tan respectively:-

The LEGO renders ARE the problem. They are so badly lit that some colors are
very poorly represented. Members like randyf took it upon themselves to adjust
each file manually to make the images actually resemble our colors. This is totally
worth it in my opinion. I can also adjust renders but I am not as good as he
is at it. If anyone ever wants an existing render to be improved, just drop me
a message and I will try and fix it.

This is a problem that can be fixed with a bit of effort and skill. I have not
seen a perfect set of renders out there for us to use, so this is what we have.
Trying to make the best of it!

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 22, 2021 14:53

Subject:

Re: related items disappears

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Help, madcat8 writes:

Actually noticed that is only on Chrome, i can see it on my phone and on Microsoft
edge

Did you accidentally click the 'Collapse' button on the right-hand side?

Or, do you have an ad-blocker running that could be blocking specific content?

Jen

In Help, madcat8 writes:

Hi,

This may have been mentioned elsewhere, so apologies if it is a repeat.

I don't seem to be able to see the related items that usually appears beneath
the picture it is where is shows the a,b,c,d options for certain parts.

It also shows what goes with the item ie windows etc

It briefly appears as the screen loads but then disappears, is there a setting
somewhere that has changed

Please help

Neil..

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 22, 2021 11:11

Subject:

Re: Homemade sticker and refund

Viewed:

67 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, renhoffman writes:

I don't know about the seller in question. It's certainly possible that
the parts where listed without full knowledge of their origin. That being said...

Fake replica stickers are bad. The closer to the original, the worse they are
for the hobby as a whole. This also applies to fake parts that are close to the
originals, even in colors that don't exist yet. I recall a member that created
tree leaves in colors that did not exist at the time. Now that some of these
colors actually exist, how certain is anyone going to be that any of them are
real or fake. This is not likely to end well

.

Darren

Just FYI, I had some of those leaves and the differences were noticeable. (plastic
feel, no LEGO logo)

I agree though, that it's more problematic when someone is deliberately copying
an existing part. I once called out a vendor at a major LEGO convention who was
openly selling 'replica' capes. I have no problem with people making
up their own ideas to use on or with LEGO products, but copying is just plagiarism.
Use a different type of fabric. Cut it in a different shape, whatever. (But capes
cost too much! Real LEGO parts are expensive and that's not fair! So, we
feel justified making these. We are providing a service. Yeah, yeah, it's
just an excuse to try and make money dude.)

Jen

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 21, 2021 11:25

Subject:

Re: Homemade sticker and refund

Viewed:

85 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, TitAnick67 writes:

Hello
I Have bought 3 tiles with false (homemade printed) stickers.

The seller wants me to send it back before he refunds.
I refuse to pay to send them back.
this is a false item !
So it is not because i am not happy ! just because it is a falsification of item
!
Quite different !
He tells me it is written in the store terms that if not happy with items, he'll
refund after receiving the pieces.
Since it falsification of lego parts I should I proceed.

Thanks

You should inform the BL office and get this seller shut down. No one likes a
cheat.

Author:

jennnifer

Posted:

May 17, 2021 11:01

Subject:

Re: Bricklink times out when parting out a set

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

Catalog Requests