BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Help, Admin_Russell writes:

In Help, infinibrix writes:

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Ra writes:

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Shintaku writes:

I received an order from a recurring customer.
This time, the order has a different shipping address, a different name, and
the buyer says it is a gift and I should not specify any price or add any invoice
or bill to the envelope.
I clearly sense a dropshipping case here.

Is it allowed on bricklink?

I believe it's allowed, one wishes that buyers would be a bit more honest
though.

But a nothing says a dropshipper couldn't order from bricklink. Besides there
are tons of different reasons to ship to a different address: a gift, item you
were short on, completing a transaction, trades how and shipping to hotel, business
partner, relative that doesn't like the internet, friend that doesn't
want the hassle to setup a bl account.

Yes, to be clear a BrickLink seller can't dropship since BL sellers can only
list what they actually have in inventory (maybe an exception can be made for
inventory mistakes, etc.). But there isn't anything stopping people from
listing on e.g., eBay, and then dropshipping from BL.

Yes exactly this ^

Bricklink doesn't want people selling what they don't have to hand here
because that can create a bad buyer experience. However it will be of little
concern to Bricklink if the buyer is shopping from another platform and the goods
are drop shipping from Bricklink

The only time we step in is if the dropshipper is a professional buyer and starts
giving sellers a hard time about orders that didn't go well. Otherwise, we
tolerate them - because a lot of our sellers appreciate the business.

Yes personally I'm happy to take orders from drop shippers but for my own
sales I prefer to hold the inventory else things can get messy with sourcing
as well as jeopardizing own feedback when relying too heavily on the service
and accuracy of others

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 19, 2024 10:54

Subject:

Re: Is dropshipping allowed?

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Ra writes:

In Help, peregrinator writes:

In Help, Shintaku writes:

I believe it's allowed, one wishes that buyers would be a bit more honest
though.

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 8, 2024 05:46

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

But whatever the difficulty is (I've set up 110 Shipping Methods), frankly
I'll never go back to the old way, it's FAR too convenient.

Its not convenient if you sell across multiple platforms and don't want to
rely on third party software to keep stock in check

If you don't automatically sync, technically you may not have "in hand"
the items you're selling

I do have the items in hand and I already list less quantities on each platform
than I actually have as already explained but mistakes can happen but of course
your feedback is perfect and you never make mistakes?

However I honestly
believe if a customer wants a part badly enough they will shop with that seller
irrespective of instant checkout or manual invoice/quotes

Ah, niche market, sorry.
Here orders are for parts you basically can find in many other places.
That may make a difference.

But like I recommend BrickStore (because I use it since 2006), people may be
reluctant to try it, but in general when they've spent a couple of hours
with it, they won't go back manually updating BrickLink pages...

You may be more reliant on this because you do large volumes of transactions
however the amount of messages I read with people having issues with third party
software I think it wise not to rely on such things besides it does not help
when you sell on other platforms like ebay?

It's kind of the same with ac/ip.
You may think it's the same for the buyer, but may be astonished by how much
people in fact DO prefer this than to wait for an invoice, of course...
Knowing that requires you try it, to set it up

Well I've never had a customer query or seem overly concerned as to why
I don't use IC and that's probably because they usually receive an invoice
from me within minutes and they know the stock is already secured for them. I
expect they also appreciate from reading my terms that they are not obligated
to proceed with the order if they do not like any part of the invoice and therefore
what's to dislike? Looking at my feedback record they seem happy enough with
many repeat buyers?

I should also add that my buyers have the convenience of being able to add to
their orders at any time.
Bricklink orders are often complex yet IC often forces buyers to make rushed
decisions in order to secure their most important items which is not always helpful
to the buyer. This is not Amazon and nor should it be made that way. Once a buyer
has paid for an order with IC this can makes it much more difficult to add to
the order

The best method for buyers, sellers and bricklink is surely to allow buyers to
secure stock and be able to continue ordering everything they need in full at
a more leisurely pace

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 8, 2024 05:32

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

But whatever the difficulty is (I've set up 110 Shipping Methods), frankly
I'll never go back to the old way, it's FAR too convenient.

Its not convenient if you sell across multiple platforms and don't want to
rely on third party software to keep stock in check

If you don't automatically sync, technically you may not have "in hand"
the items you're selling

However I honestly
believe if a customer wants a part badly enough they will shop with that seller
irrespective of instant checkout or manual invoice/quotes

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 16:15

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

My customers always seem to have trouble following the process of approving an
item removal request therefore can these steps not be simplified?

It could, but on the other hand and just like NPB: as soon as you're using
auto checkout instant payment, all this cease to be a concern.

But we're not all using Instant checkout and so are you suggesting that we
all should be

Frankly? In 2024? With all those Consumer laws saying a transaction isn't
valid if the buyer doesn't see and agree to pay the final price?

Yes.

If the consumer sees and agrees to pay the final price after SEEING a manual
invoiced order or quote then what is the difference? It is only Bricklinks platform
itself that insists a transaction is a binding contract, not the individual sellers
many of who will happily allow a buyer to cancel should they wish to regardless
of an item being out of stock or not hence I raise the suggestion that buyers
should not be hit with NPB's and manual invoiced orders should be treated
as quotes to help prevent this situation so that buyers can shop with confidence

Yes, legally in many Countries, buyers are NOT bound by any contract if the
final total price isn't shown on his screen and the buyer doesn't confirm
his will to pay this exact total amount.

But, then, it's old BrickLink way again, juste like talked somewhere else

Anyway, sellers should develop ac/ip the more they can, it *really* is closer
to what's nowadays expected while buying on line, and it does simplify problems
of cancellation, NPB, IRR, and so many.

Of course you do as you wish.

But whatever the difficulty is (I've set up 110 Shipping Methods), frankly
I'll never go back to the old way, it's FAR too convenient.

Its not convenient if you sell across multiple platforms and don't want to
rely on third party software to keep stock in check however I already under list
what I sell on each platform with backup stock to help better prevent stock oversights
but the less of a safety net I have with being able to double check stock before
taking any payment the more cautious I have to be about how much inventory I
list here which serves no one, least of all my customers.

At the end of the day if an alternative way of buying doesn't directly affect
a customer then there should be no reason to dismiss that alternative method
in a negative context. If buyers want to be down with the 2024 ways and only
want to shop with sellers that offer IC then that is fine and I don't have
an issue with losing some business therefore where is the harm? However I honestly
believe if a customer wants a part badly enough they will shop with that seller
irrespective of instant checkout or manual invoice/quotes

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 14:12

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

My customers always seem to have trouble following the process of approving an
item removal request therefore can these steps not be simplified?

It could, but on the other hand and just like NPB: as soon as you're using
auto checkout instant payment, all this cease to be a concern.

But we're not all using Instant checkout and so are you suggesting that we
all should be

Frankly? In 2024? With all those Consumer laws saying a transaction isn't
valid if the buyer doesn't see and agree to pay the final price?

Yes.

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 12:19

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Problem, 1001bricks writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

My customers always seem to have trouble following the process of approving an
item removal request therefore can these steps not be simplified?

It could, but on the other hand and just like NPB: as soon as you're using
auto checkout instant payment, all this cease to be a concern.

But we're not all using Instant checkout and so are you suggesting that we
all should be and that no improvements can and should be made to manual order
invoicing?

Ideally I would rather these manual orders be treated as quotes anyway for reasons
outlined here:-

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1460675

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 7, 2024 11:54

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Problem, TheBrickGuys writes:

Does it even really need the customer to approve the change? If so why?

In answer to at least this one question is that it is very important for the
customer to be involved in the process of changing quantities of parts in their
order. Imagine a customer places an order for a build but as the store is filling
the order he realizes that he is 4 short of one part, 3 short of another and
20 short of yet still another. If the store can just change the qty of what is
ordered without the customers approval then the customer's order will be
all screwed up.

This is just one example. There is certainly room for improvement but the customer
should always be part of any qty change in the orders they place.

Jim

Yes of course but that doesn't mean the customer won't still be notified
of the changes?
Only I don't see the difference between receiving an email stating "Item
is out of stock, do you approve the removal request" and "Item is out
of stock and has therefore been removed from your order"
Again whether I ask my customer to approve the change or not won't change
the fact that the item is unavailable and won't be included in the order.
Yes the customer at this point should be entitled to cancel the whole order if
this is a critical part of it however this then goes back to my previous argument
where I feel its important to turn all non instant checkout orders into quotes
where stock is held for 24 hours and customer can freely cancel if they are
unhappy with any aspect of the invoice/quote:-

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1460675

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 6, 2024 11:49

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

[…]

I've definitely had buyers leave feedback before they even received their
orders - rare, but it happens.

Yes but this example just illustrates someone not using the system properly and
I'm pretty sure we don't require a system built around a one off user
not using the system correctly?

A system shouldn’t allow its users to use it incorrectly.
(That includes sellers marking orders complete

)

And your point? Removing the Completed option would solve this issue at the same
time?
Besides which as a Seller I have never marked an order as Complete! Once I mark
the order status as 'Shipped' I then leave the customer alone to change
the status from there on in

“You’re holding wrong” is a registred trademark. BrickLink is too cheap to use
it.

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 6, 2024 10:53

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, peregrinator writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

I cannot think of a single situation where a buyer would leave feedback if they
didn't consider the order completed? Presumably they leave feedback when
they've either received goods and are happy (Order Completed) or they leave
negative/neutral feedback because they are unhappy with the sellers lack of resolve
(Order Completed)

On other platforms like ebay there is no Completed status because feedback alone
defines the orders status and rounds up the overall transaction as complete!

I've definitely had buyers leave feedback before they even received their
orders - rare, but it happens.

Yes but this example just illustrates someone not using the system properly and
I'm pretty sure we don't require a system built around a one off user
not using the system correctly?
I can imagine the feedback they left was interesting....

"Great Seller, Order is on its way and it will arrive in good time and be
absolutely perfect!"

I don't know if one can do the same on eBay
(it seems one can click the "Leave Feedback" button but I don't know
if the form can be submitted), but in any case, since eBay also tracks orders,
I imagine the order isn't complete until the buyer has received it (I don't
know what happens in cases where the order can't be tracked).

I think if the buyer marks the order as "Received" and then leaves positive
feedback the order should automatically complete. Maybe when the buyer leaves
any kind of feedback? Not sure about that last part.

The way I see it the very final option in the dropdown should be 'Received'
with no need for a 'Completed' option. The buyer essentially completes
their order by leaving feedback!

i.e they mark as received and then leave feedback once they are happy with their
order or if they are unhappy with their order they mark as received, message
seller for a resolution, wait for issue to be resolved(or not resolved) and then
leave appropriate feedback. By leaving feedback the buyer is finished with that
order and it is essentially complete

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 6, 2024 06:30

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, popsicle writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

As a side note I wonder whether status should auto set to complete once buyer
has left feedback or certainly after both buyer and seller have left feedback

Sensible. Put it forward as a Suggestion post, I say.

Abolutely not please.

Buyer also can be too kind and post immediately a positive feedback when having
paid, or even before!

This would close the order as "Completed" while it wasn't meant

If the buyer has left feedback prior to item being received/shipped then that
would be a bit silly and they are in no better position regardless of whether
the order has been completed or not!

See Help page of definition of Status Completed.

A positive feedback doesn't mean the order is completed.

It doesn't mean your original statement makes any more sense either?

Kind of, re-read "while it wasn't meant" as "while it could haven't
been meant".

But who cares, the fact is there's no / not always relationship between feedback
and status.

I mean apart if everything's rewritten, like status, feedbacks, alerts...

But as of right now, a quick and easy way to straighten things would be to:

* redefine the Completed status in Help,

* or make seller not able to set the order to Completed.

Right now we're discussing in vain because it's one of the points where
BrickLink doesn't work or can't be used as described

I'm off this subject, sorry.

That's okay I can round-up things then....

Basically a buyer doesn't leave feedback until they consider the order completed
thereby making the status of 'Completed' obsolete

I cannot think of a single situation where a buyer would leave feedback if they
didn't consider the order completed? Presumably they leave feedback when
they've either received goods and are happy (Order Completed) or they leave
negative/neutral feedback because they are unhappy with the sellers lack of resolve
(Order Completed)

On other platforms like ebay there is no Completed status because feedback alone
defines the orders status and rounds up the overall transaction as complete!

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 20:48

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, popsicle writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

As a side note I wonder whether status should auto set to complete once buyer
has left feedback or certainly after both buyer and seller have left feedback

Sensible. Put it forward as a Suggestion post, I say.

Abolutely not please.

Buyer also can be too kind and post immediately a positive feedback when having
paid, or even before!

This would close the order as "Completed" while it wasn't meant

If the buyer has left feedback prior to item being received/shipped then that
would be a bit silly and they are in no better position regardless of whether
the order has been completed or not!

See Help page of definition of Status Completed.

A positive feedback doesn't mean the order is completed.

It doesn't mean your original statement makes any more sense either?

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 19:44

Subject:

Re: Setting Orders to Complete!

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 1001bricks writes:

In Suggestions, popsicle writes:

In Suggestions, infinibrix writes:

As a side note I wonder whether status should auto set to complete once buyer
has left feedback or certainly after both buyer and seller have left feedback

Sensible. Put it forward as a Suggestion post, I say.

Abolutely not please.

Buyer also can be too kind and post immediately a positive feedback when having
paid, or even before!

This would close the order as "Completed" while it wasn't meant

If the buyer has left feedback prior to item being received/shipped then that
would be a bit silly and they are in no better position regardless of whether
the order has been completed or not!

I've come to the conclusion that you are the type of person who just likes
to disagree for the sake of disagreeing only your counter arguments rarely ever
seem to have any substance or make any sense?

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 19:23

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Problem, hpoort writes:

In Problem, infinibrix writes:

In Problem, Bricklord writes:

I would posit that the problem isn't with the process being overly complicated
but with the users themselves. Most are simply too lazy to read anything, and
couple that with the managements insistence on pandering to those glued to their
phones as opposed to using a proper computer and that accounts for 90%+ of the
issues with Buyers claiming to have problems doing something on here. My experience
anyway.

This may be the case to an extent but if we're to accept that as the reason
then all the more reason to simplify and change the process. The thing is I'm
dealing with a newish buyer anyway and so the whole site to them no doubt already
looks quite complex. The other thing is from their point of view they just want
to order what they need. They don't want to read lots of processes, read
store terms or hunt around for links and so I feel they have every right to be
lazy in that respect and I think if Bricklink wants more people shopping here
then things overall need to be simplified.

For starters why is it you can cancel an order without a customers approval but
your can't amend an order without their approval?

Even if I've made a stock oversight and its my own fault. I still have to
make the change to the order regardless of whether the customer approves or not?
Therefore why bother having to inconvenience the customer even further with having
to approve/accept the change. The process for the customer should be simple,
either they accept the changes I've made to the order or we agree to cancel
the order in its entirety there is no need for them to need to hunt down a link
to approve anything?

Or approach it differently and don't bother the buyer at all:

- you were offering the items for sale and according to TOS had them in hand
- you made the stock oversight if you accidentally didn't have them in hand
- you are well versed on Bricklink and can easily buy the missing parts
- you can simply inform the buyer that a slight delay may occur because you are
doing your best to provide them with the quality parts that they expect of you
- and you ship out the order complete.

And all your comments here come from your own personal experience of selling?
Your viewpoint here only shows me that you lack all tolerance and understanding.
A transaction works both ways, You expect sellers to provide you with everything
you need, a complex, diverse range of tiny parts whilst holding them fully accountable
for even the smallest of oversights and this is prior to an order even having
been paid for??
Sellers may very well pander to your expectations but if they feel your being
too one sided they may not wish to do business with you for a second time - Red
Flag Alert!

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 07:02

Subject:

Re: How to charge customers per x amount of lots

Viewed:

62 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, marcarlo writes:

Hello,

I have my own store and I am wondering how I can charge customers for buying
more than 20 lots. Because it takes me so much time to collect the order, I think
it would be fair to base the fee on the amount of lots that are being bought.

How I would like to do it is this:
Every 20 lots = 1 euro extra packing fee.

Could someone help me with this and explain to me how I can set this up in my
store the most efficient way? Also, is there the possibility to let this go automatically?

Thank you in advance!

Kindest regards,
Marc Verkerk

In truth the more items/lots a buyer purchases within the same order the more
convenient that buyer should be to you and so to penalize them for ordering more
with you would be a very odd approach in my view?
Surely if 10 different buyers only buy 2 lots this scenario is much worse for
you because now your still picking the same amount of parts for the same money
but instead have to pack and process 10 orders instead of 1?

Besides which hidden fees are never a good way to do things and will only frustrate
your customers.

A better approach would be to make your picking time more worthwhile especially
when it comes to picking low value parts. If a part is not worth your time to
pick either don't bother selling it, Force the buyer to buy a minimum quantity
of it such as 10, 20, 50 etc.. or set price accordingly so it becomes worth your
while even if that means setting your price well above market value. In this
situation you will have to rely on them being bought in conjunction with your
more desirable/unique inventory. People will often pay higher prices for cheap/common
parts when its come to the convenience of being able to order everything they
need at the same time

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 5, 2024 06:32

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Problem, Bricklord writes:

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 4, 2024 21:44

Subject:

Re: Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Problem, Nubs_Select writes:

any other sellers experience similar problems?

yup, its extremely confusing to use. id strongly recommend if the item missing/not
wanted is not that expensive then simply refund the customer and let them know
if paid and if unpaid then to add a credit to the order value. if done it this
way for a long time and haven't had any issues

I'm glad I'm not the only one then

However the customer hasn't paid or even received an invoice from me yet
since I can't do this until changes have been approved
When picking lots of orders I think it important that the quantities display
within the order correctly else I'll more than likely end up picking the
order incorrectly hence I don't think the credit option would work for me

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 4, 2024 21:32

Subject:

Order Item Removal Requests Too Complicated!

Viewed:

135 times

Topic:

My customers always seem to have trouble following the process of approving an
item removal request therefore can these steps not be simplified?

A buyer has asked me to reduce the quantities they have ordered on a couple of
items from their order and whilst I have no issue submitting the request they
always seem to struggle to approve it despite me spending lots of extra time
trying to explain and direct them to 'MY BL' and then 'MY ACTIVITY'
to locate and approve the request

Does it even really need the customer to approve the change? If so why?

If this is required it really needs to be much, much easier for the customer
to do as the last thing I want is to frustrate my customer unduly before we've
even started especially since they actually originally asked me to cancel the
whole order so they could re-order what they needed (They asked me this twice
already!) but since it was only a couple of small adjustments I suggested against
this on the basis that cancelled orders make things messy and are not an ideal
look for a seller (Potential fee avoidance attempts from BL's point of view!)

any other sellers experience similar problems?

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 4, 2024 07:03

Subject:

Re: Incorrect parts price inflation

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

Selling

In Selling, Leftoverbricks writes:

I observe that some parts are regularly offered for exorbitant prices when there
is actually no reason for this.

Take for example this part

19730 Minifigure, Headgear Helmet Rectangular (Minecraft)
Parts: Minifigure, Headgear {Pearl Gold}

This was previously only available in set

21127-1 (Inv) The Fortress
959 Parts, 4 Minifigures, 2016
Sets: Minecraft

and

21137-1 (Inv) The Mountain Cave
2822 Parts, 6 Minifigures, 2017
Sets: Minecraft

These sets were limited in number and are much sought after.

Since 2024, a new set

21252-1 (Inv) The Armory
196 Parts, 2 Minifigures, 2023
Sets: Minecraft

has been available that contains this part.
It can be purchased in any LEGO store or reseller. But I still see that every
new seller of this part bases their price on the original price when this part
was still rare.

This it totally nuts imo.

I'm thinking of parting out 10 sets containing this part and pricing them
at around 50 cents to change the price guide which will force future sellers
of this item to sell this item cheaper.

To the sellers: do you also experience these kinds of crazy things?

Keep in mind that not all sellers are looking for a quick sale on all their stocked
items. If you have lots of stock of a part and/or can replenish that stock quickly
and easily then yes you may want to price competitively or perhaps even below
market value. Same goes for wanting to clear out stock that you feel holds little
long term potential but takes up precious storage space

However sellers may also want to price well above market value where the part
is not widely available at cheap pricing within their own country/region also
they may not envisage being able to easily stock that part ever again and therefore
see more value in these parts compared to their competitors. Basically they are
in it for the long term waiting game but that's not to say there isn't
still potential for it to sell sooner alongside other more competitively priced
items stocked within that same store (In short not everything in your store needs
to be super competitive to generate orders but it helps to have atleast some
competitively priced and unique items)
Sometimes I might price items high simply because they're not my usual parts
and so I don't have a very organized storage solution for them therefore
if it ends up taking me forever to find at least I know I sold it for good money!
(Time is sometimes more important)

Also take a GWP set... Once they flood the market they can sell for next to nothing
but just because most other sellers want to sell their GWP's cheaply for
a quick sale there is nothing wrong with listing them well above market value
and being in it for the long haul especially since sets generally require more
time and effort to process as well as needing a visit to post office therefore
if I'm going to sell a set then I'd personally rather make it worth my
effort and time!

Author:

infinibrix

Posted:

Apr 4, 2024 06:02

Subject:

Re: Show me how you organise your inventories!

Viewed:

105 times

Topic:

General