BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Shipping, 1001bricks writes:

In Shipping, MiniRoz writes:

Hello there! When setting up shipping, does the weight margin apply to just the
weight of the items or to the item weight plus the base weight? So, if the base
weight is 1oz and the items purchased totals 5oz, would a 10% weight margin apply
to 5oz or 6oz?

IMHO it's a margin to the items weight only.

The base weight you *know* it, so you provide your exact number (with or without
a margin or an average).

That definitely would make the most sense, but above the adjustment fields, it
states “All adjustments will be combined to calculate total weight and dimension”,
which I interpret as base weight + item weight x weight margin. That doesn’t
make sense to me, but I can’t find anything on BL that clarifies this.

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 16, 2024 13:48

Subject:

Re: 'Report this Listing' link on EVERY lot?

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

In Problem, markofbrick writes:

Hello,

While browsing stores I like clicking on items to go to the part ID page to check
colors and prices.

Now there is a long "Report this Listing" link at the very most top right
of every lot next to the item ID.

It takes up a ton of space and I keep accidentally clicking on it, as the top
right is usually where the part ID is, and on user interfaces, is never where
a report button is.

I did not see any options in my settings to remove the link. I don't want
to see the link on every unique store lot I click on. I have reported maybe 1
thing in nearly 20 years.

Is there a way to remove this link? I know how to report if I need to. I don't
need it to be the largest link at all times, it is in the way constantly, as
I'm used to that spot being the actual item I want to see details on not
a "Report" button.

Agreed! I keep tapping it accidentally, as well, and it’s pretty annoying. It
seems moving the “Report Listing” link to the bottom would alleviate the issue.
Perhaps some emails to IT would help?

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 16, 2024 13:44

Subject:

Re: Email Lego Corporate re: Help Desk concerns

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

Problem

In Problem, Swatson217 writes:

Maybe if we all email Lego corporate expressing concerns about the Help Desk
situation, eventually they will at least address it in some way. Fixing it would
be ideal, but information would at least be nice.

(Yes I know they will probably just ignore our emails, but we have no other
recourse as far as I can tell.)

**This is in no way a criticism the humans behind the Help Desk or Admin.**

We DO pay fees every month……

I think it would take hundreds and hundreds of emails about this before LEGO
would even consider taking action to help the situation. I spoke with LEGO customer
service last week about something unrelated, but I also asked if they could look
into an issue I was having on BL. Part of the issue was that one of LEGO’s employees
recently opened a store and was selling loads of expensive minifigs that were
incomplete (missing heads and pauldrons, etc), and that BrickLink wasn’t addressing
the issue. The customer service rep put me on hold to ask a supervisor if there
was a way for them to contact BrickLink, and her response was that LEGO and BrickLink
are completely separate and they had no way of communicating with BL. LEGO, of
course, owns BrickLink, so there should be some channel of communication, but
their strategy seems to be compartmentalizing and putting a divide between the
two. I understand why they do that but, as a parent company, I suspect they would
step in if there were a huge outpouring of complaints or if BL became less profitable.
Most sellers have invested heavily on their inventory, so closing stores isn’t
feasible - I’m not sure how/if your proposed strategy would work. I hope someone
chimes in with a more helpful response

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 16, 2024 13:23

Subject:

Weight Margin

Viewed:

103 times

Topic:

Shipping

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 1, 2024 21:54

Subject:

Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER!

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, UTLF writes:

Just stop with the childish behavior, guys.

Lol, lmao even

Without having more complete details from both parties, it's boarding on slanderous if the identity of the other member should be publicly exposed, inadvertently or otherwise.

Okay, let's go over the details

If these minifigures were sourced directly from the sets, then they would be
complete with accessories, and would have had the correct heads. On top of that,
the seller would have had to buy x4 copies of the UCS Venator, which is around
$650 USD each, or $2600 total, to be able to have x4 SW1315 Captain Rex minifigures
- the chances of ALL 4 of these sets not coming with rangefinders or the pauldrons
is slim to none

the Mexico factory is known to have issues with illegitimate minifigures being
produced (ex. the colourful Darth Vader helmets, fully-transparent minifigs,
etc. that were banned here in recent years) as well as licensed minifigures being
smuggled out in droves

These licensed minifigures do not come with capes or other loose accessories
(like rangefinders) because those accessories likely come from a different factory,
and are then bundled into a complete set later on in the production process

There are multiple places online that harbor these sellers, most notably eBay,
Instagram & Facebook groups - they openly advertise what minifigures they can
"source" in bulk, and they are then sold in bulk to 3rd parties, like
Bricklink sellers

For a small store to purchase x4 $650 UCS Venator sets, just to part out x4 Captain
Rex minifigures & sell them for ~$80 each makes no sense

I guarantee you they do not have the parts from the actual build, and only have
minifigures listed in their store (a key giveaway as well - you will NOT recoup
the $2600 by selling the minifigures in each set, it's basic math)

This happened in the past with a lot of minifigures, for example:

Daredevil from the Bugle set
Punisher from the Bugle set
Blade from the Bugle set
Commander Cody from the AT-TE
Commander Fox from the Republic Gunship
C-3PO from the UCS Landspeeder
Joker from the 2nd UCS Tumbler
Batman from the 2nd UCS Tumbler
Captain Rex from the UCS Venator

and there are a lot more examples that can be found if you spend enough time
simply browsing the catalog

There are more legitimate sellers than there are bad apples, but this leads to
the bad apples being given the benefit of the doubt & defended because they blend
in with everyone else, but only roaches scatter when you turn the lights on

This makes perfect sense! I honestly didn’t even put together the fact that the
pauldrons and rangefinders are produced elsewhere. It also explains why he is
not selling any of these parts separately in his store.

For the record, I google machined the seller and found his LinkedIn profile;
he does, in fact, work at the LEGO factory in Mexico.

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 1, 2024 18:22

Subject:

Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER!

Viewed:

73 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, UTLF writes:

You bought minifigures illegitimately sourced from a Lego factory; the reason
they were without rangefinders/pauldrons is because those parts come from a different
location than where these minifig parts are sourced, and they can't smuggle
them out as easily (if at all)

Legitimate Lego, just stolen by factory workers and resold on Bricklink

I agree with most of what you’re saying, but I didn’t illegitimately buy anything.
I just looked at his store inventory, and he has several Employee Exclusive sets
for sale, so I’m wondering if he works at the LEGO facility in Mexico. He had
100% positive feedback when I made my purchase, but I’m now seeing that his feedback
was likely from a friend or second account. I have made dozens of purchases from
sellers in Canada that have been exceptional, so I didn’t feel I should over
scrutinize purchasing from a seller in Mexico. I’ve completed over 300 transactions
without incident, but I will obviously be more cautious moving forward.

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 1, 2024 17:51

Subject:

Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER!

Viewed:

57 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, Nubs_Select writes:

id recommend returning it. PayPal will usually always allow that and also since
rex is getting a rerelease in a couple of months you'll save lots of money.
as for reporting to bricklink they take a while to respond and take action but
once they eventually get to it they will probably take action

Thanks for responding. The seller just sent me a “one time offer” - he claims
he will issue a refund for the items (minus shipping) if I pay to ship it to
his location in Mexico. He says he will only issue the refund once he receives
the items. I have zero reason to trust this person. As the saying goes, “fool
me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me”. In this case, I feel that
sending the items back will leave me with the original amount I paid, the cost
to ship it to Mexico, and none of the items I purchased. There is no way this
person ever sends a refund. They have only had 6 or 7 orders, and they 60% positive
feedback. He has nothing to lose.

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 1, 2024 17:48

Subject:

Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER!

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, Nubs_Select writes:

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Apr 1, 2024 17:26

Subject:

DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER!

Viewed:

560 times

Topic:

I’m feeling a bit desperate and could really use help with an issue I’m having
with a seller. I purchased 7 minifigures from their store (2 Clone Trooper sw1304,
4 Clone Trooper Captain Rex sw1315, and 1 Sabine Wren sw1303. They arrived over
a month later, and both Clone Troopers had incorrect heads and no visors, all
4 Captain Rex were missing their pauldrons and rangefinders, and Sabine is missing
her rangefinder. When I reached out to the seller, he said those items are not
included because they are “accessories” and not part of the minifigure (the listings
say “does not include accessories”). I have explained repeatedly that everything
listed in a minifigure’s inventory is part of the minifigure, and I have sent
links to BrickLink’s policies to no avail. He is refusing to do anything to remedy
this situation. I filed an NSS and a claim with PayPal, which he is disputing.
My biggest concern is that PayPal likely doesn’t have the time to investigate
the nuances of minifigure inventory or BL policies. He is refusing to acknowledge
this, and claims my interpretation of the policies is incorrect. This hell loop
is seriously stressing me out. Can anyone please offer some guidance on how to
handle this?

Here are some exchanges with the seller:

Hello,
I just received my order, and there are multiple problems:

Both of the 2 Clone Trooper sw1304 have the WRONG HEADS. They came with
Chancellor Palpatine sw1306 heads. They are also missing their visors.
All 4 of the Clone Trooper Captain Rex figs are MISSING PAULDRONS and range
finders

Please let me know as soon as possible when you can ship all the missing items.
Since shipping took a long time, can these be shipped with Priority Mail or Express
Shipping?

I look forward to hearing from you.

I list in each sales publication it is specific how the minifigure comes, in
some cases with a lack of accessories and that is why the prices are so low,
although everything is new, you just can't get all the accessories.

Your way of interpreting it is wrong, when you buy a product you must carefully
check its conditions, from the moment you are buying a minifigure you are not
buying a complete set, a Lego minifigure is made up of 1 mini upper part, 1 lower
part , 1 head, and as an extra 1 helmet or hair. And so that you are well informed,
a minifigure is not a product that Lego sells, it is part of a product that Lego
sells.
What you say about shoulder pads, capes and so on, they are accessories, and
in the specifications I say: without accessories.

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Jan 26, 2024 19:01

Subject:

Re: New “Complete” Collectible Minifig Sets?

Viewed:

69 times

Topic:

In Buying, SylvainLS writes:

In Buying, MiniRoz writes:

When you purchase a Collectible Minifig set that is listed as “New - Complete”,
how do you feel about extra parts being included? I recently purchased about
a dozen collectible sets, and I was super disappointed when I saw that none of
the extra parts were included. That might sound petty, but hear me out - I often
buy new, complete minifig sets because they contain parts that are exclusive
to them, and I’m counting on the extras being included.
So, if the extras are not included, should the set be considered “complete”?

New Complete should include the extras:
https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=102

… unless, it’s Sealed and it’s LEGO’s fault there’s no extras.

They were removed from LEGO packaging and shipped in plastic bags, so can’t blame
it on them

Thank you for the info; I was really uncomfortable contacting the
seller about the missing parts (I do my best to avoid confrontation on the interwebs
- I don’t know how trolls do it), but I’ll reach out and see what they say. Thank
you!!!

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Jan 26, 2024 18:54

Subject:

Re: Selling condition

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Selling, Evalek writes:

If i have a minifigure in new condition but one piece is worse condition, can
i mark it as new as all pieces are new except for one of i clearly write in the
description wich piece is used and that the rest are new.

Please don’t list anything as NEW if it is not new, even if only one part is
used or damaged. That is one of the most frustrating things from a buyer’s perspective.
It’s also incredibly obnoxious to other sellers because if you list a used item
as new, you’re probably listing it at a lower price which brings down the average
cost and forces other sellers to lose money by lowering their prices in order
to compete. If you have ever displayed a minifig (any part of it) or done anything
other than remove it from the set and immediately store it, it’s not new.
Imagine buying a new pair of shoes online from Nike and receiving them with used
laces? And then calling them about it and they tell you that you should have
read the fine print?

Yes, this is clearly a sore subject for me

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Jan 26, 2024 18:43

Subject:

New “Complete” Collectible Minifig Sets?

Viewed:

124 times

Topic:

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Jan 15, 2024 18:17

Subject:

Re: Sellers listing Used Minifigures as New

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In Selling, Swatson217 writes:

This keeps happening to me as a buyer and it does drive me crazy.
I receive used that were sold as new.

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?

I feel the same way when I purchase “new” and receive used. I just think to myself,
“seriously?!”. I think it makes me even angrier than most bc with the figs I
sell, spend the time and money to bag and seal each part separately so everything
arrives in excellent condition and there’s no question as to its condition. I
realize that might be a bit excessive, but I know I’d appreciate it when I buy
figs. Also, I’m a bit OCD 🙃

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Jan 15, 2024 17:36

Subject:

Re: Sellers listing Used Minifigures as New

Viewed:

65 times

Topic:

In Selling, Nubs_Select writes:

report the listings here
https://www.bricklink.com/problemInventory.asp
and bricklink will take them down and then the rule-breaking competition will
be gone (if they relist it just report it again and if they keep violating then
bricklink will give harsher punishments)

Oh, wow. I had no idea that was a thing! Thanks so much for the link. I don’t
want to be “that person”, but it’s good to know I can do something if someone
is really driving down the price.

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Jan 15, 2024 17:19

Subject:

Sellers listing Used Minifigures as New

Viewed:

260 times

Topic:

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Dec 1, 2023 15:53

Subject:

Re: Cigarette Smoke - Try to salvage or Return?

Viewed:

65 times

Topic:

In Buying, jennnifer writes:

In Buying, MiniRoz writes:

Most plastic parts clean up easily with Dawn and some fresh air. However, they
can't really be considered New at this point. Tires, instructions, cloth,
and packaging are nearly impossible to fix.

2. While there is nothing in this seller’s terms regarding cigarette smoke, are
there rules or at least a universal agreement that this should be disclosed?

Yes, absolutely they should disclose the smokey smell. A bedroom? Really? No,
there are no official rules. This is an open marketplace. That sort of thing
is only enforced from buyer feedback.

3. Piggybacking on number 3, should a buyer be responsible for shipping cost
to return said stank items?

Some packages end up very smokey from just a mail courier. If you are certain
the seller is at fault (sounds like they are), then insist on a refund or full
shipping return. Leave appropriate feedback as a service to other BrickLinkers,
and then wear any retaliatory feedback with pride.

Good luck,
~Jen

I understand that parts can be both new and wreak of smoke, but should there
not be some rule regarding this sort of thing? If I were a fishmonger and used
my back office to sort and pack new parts with my fishy fingers, I can’t imagine
any buyers would find that acceptable, but at least that smell doesn’t permeate
LEGO as much. Maybe not the best analogy because secondhand fish smell isn’t
a health hazard, but you get where I’m going.

Thanks, Jen! Sage advice. The seller is definitely a smoker, and I appreciate
they were honest about it. They seemed genuinely shocked that cigarette smoke
somehow made its way into the one room in their house that’s “non-smoking”. The
door to that room isn’t the impenetrable force field they think it is.
They are a new seller with only a few orders, so I think they may soon realize
they need a new game plan.
It’s funny you mention retaliatory feedback bc I left neutral feedback for the
first time last week, and the dude went bananas. He left me negative feedback
and said I’m ungrateful that he refunded my order when it hadn’t shown up after
over two months, and he had no way to confirm it was shipped. That’s exactly
why I’ve never left neutral or negative feedback before. Hell hath no fury
like a seller with neutral feedback! I requested it be removed by BL, but they
messaged me saying they aren’t currently responding to any requests until they’ve
restored everyone’s accounts, so I pretty much groveled to get him to remove
it. I really do wish I’d read your advice about wearing it with pride, bc I’ve
only made the feedback system worse by removing the neutral feedback. Sigh…

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Dec 1, 2023 12:41

Subject:

Cigarette Smoke - Try to salvage or Return?

Viewed:

386 times

Topic:

I received an order with several minifigs, two SW polybags, and two trans windows.
The moment I opened the mailer, I felt like I’d walked into a dive bar circa
1984. The cigarette smell was so strong that, when I put the items outside to
air out, my hands smelled like smoke after several washings. Additionally, the
clear trans parts have that yellow tobacco film.
I contacted the seller, and they told me they store their Lego in a “non-smoking”
bedroom (reminds me of peeing in a pool analogy), but that he would accept a
return once he receives the items I ship back at my expense.
1. Is there an effective way to thoroughly clean and remove odor from figs, polybags,
and parts without ruining them?
2. While there is nothing in this seller’s terms regarding cigarette smoke, are
there rules or at least a universal agreement that this should be disclosed?
3. Piggybacking on number 3, should a buyer be responsible for shipping cost
to return said stank items?

I understand that parts can be both new and wreak of smoke, but should there
not be some rule regarding this sort of thing? If I were a fishmonger and used
my back office to sort and pack new parts with my fishy fingers, I can’t imagine
any buyers would find that acceptable, but at least that smell doesn’t permeate
LEGO as much. Maybe not the best analogy because secondhand fish smell isn’t
a health hazard, but you get where I’m going.

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Dec 1, 2023 00:22

Subject:

Re: Virtual Co-working for sellers

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Selling, popsicle writes:

In Selling, MiniRoz writes:

Hi there fellow sellers! I know many sellers run their BL shops with partners
or family members, but for anyone like me who is running their business solo,
I wonder if anyone else has considered some sort of virtual co-working space?
There are several apps for this purpose - often advertised as a platform for
virtual coworkers, accountability partners, body doubles - which match strangers
who need to do tasks and want some company while they work and/or another person
to help them stay focused.
The apps I’ve looked into have the same basic setup: You schedule a time to login,
you greet your “body double” and share what your goals are for the session, mute
your mic but keep your video on, and reconvene after the allotted time (30,45,60
mins) to debrief and share if you accomplished your goals. Most users on these
apps are doing desk work such as returning emails or studying, or they are doing
housework or exercising. I don’t know how I feel about moving around, packing
orders, and organizing my store while the other person is lifting weights or
writing a thesis. I suppose it doesn’t matter, but I would prefer sharing the
screen with people who “get” what I’m doing.
Anyway, I run my store alone and, while I have no problem getting orders packed,
it does get a little lonely, and admittedly my ADHD steers me off course now
and then. I like the idea of the companionship and accountability the apps I
looked at provide, and I was wondering if anyone would consider trying something
like this out? I think it would be great to have something like the existing
platforms, but instead of having just two sellers, perhaps multiple sellers could
co-work, and there might be a way to type a question and, anyone who has a moment
to answer can join that person on a separate screen to chat without interrupting
sellers who are focused on completing their goals.

Does anyone else have any interest in trying this out?

As to "get a little lonely" and "I like the idea of companionship"
I think most of us understand completely. But to that I say, go out and meet
folks. It's easier to do than you might imagine, and fun

I do so outdoors,
and frankly to the point that I'll from time-to-time feel the need to refrain
from doing so, and to just keep my head down

If you're looking for your daily inspiration through the "companionship
of others that do what you do" that understand? That's always well worth
pursuing.

Btw, if you ever would like to talk shop, reach out. I enjoy doing so when
my time allows.

-Cory (popsicle)

Hi Cory!
Thank you so much for your response! Admittedly, I need to be better about going
out and socializing outside of work but, after several years of being in the
“public eye”, I’ve developed some anxiety around that. In fact, rediscovering
my love of LEGO was in large part a result of looking for ways to relax on my
own when my social battery needs to be charged.
I think I’ll take you up on that offer to talk shop sometime soon, even if it’s
just a quick hello. I’ve actually shopped at your store and, if you scroll through
your feedback, you’ll probably find me singing your praises

I really appreciate you responding!

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Dec 1, 2023 00:06

Subject:

Re: Virtual Co-working for sellers

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

In Selling, UTLF writes:

You could try joining the (unofficial) Bricklink discord server, there's
a bunch of sellers on there that will help you with questions and discuss whatever
it is you're looking to talk about at the time

Thanks! This sounds like it might be exactly what I’m looking for

Author:

MiniRoz

Posted:

Nov 29, 2023 18:01

Subject:

Re: Virtual Co-working for sellers

Viewed:

52 times

Topic: