BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Taxes, SylvainLS writes:

In Taxes, Nubs_Select writes:

[…]
I mean most stores are already collecting it so they still get it but now I'm
going to have to do a confusing year again with gst/hst remittance based off
of forecasted tax I'm going to collect this year and then if halfway thru
the year bricklink decides its finally time to collect tax its going to be more
headaches to sort everything out again

“forecasted”

You’re remitting taxes that you haven’t yet collected?

In UK self employed have to pay "forecasted" income tax based on the
previous year's income which can mean paying tax on money you haven't
earned if you have a bad year after a good year. You get it back but they use
your money!

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 9, 2023 08:48

Subject:

Re: Tracking information

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, figflipper writes:

Hello everyone,
I’m brand new to selling on Bricklink. I’ve sold on other online platforms for
years. I recently received my first two Bricklink orders and shipped via PirateShip.
Is there a way to automatically provide tracking to the buyer or do we just copy
and paste to an email for them? I appreciate any help with this. I just want
to provide a seamless experience for my customers.

Scott

Go into the actual order. Right at the bottom of screen you will find "edit
order"; in there you can add the tracking info.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 9, 2023 08:32

Subject:

Re: Shipping zones clarification for the UK

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Help, pcthurman writes:

I would like to place an order in a UK store. The store's splash page has
the shipping prices listed but they do not list which countries are for each
zone.
Can someone from the UK please tell me what zone the US would be in and what
the shipping may cost for an order weighing 631.58g please?

Thank you,
Cass T

Shipping from UK is dependent on both size/dimensions of packet as well as weight.
The size/dimension will also contribute to the weight of packaging which only
the seller can tell you depending on how he packs the order. There are also different
shipping services available. Always ask the individual seller for a shipping
price. Does he have quote enabled?

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 5, 2023 05:33

Subject:

Re: Buyers asking for a discount

Viewed:

76 times

Topic:

In General, SDF_Bricks writes:

I price my items rather low (for a quick sale) and yet, occasionally, some potential
buyers still ask for a 10-20% discount. This at times is really irritating/offending.
What most buyers fail to comprehend is that, by the time I factor in BL/Paypal
fees and others, I'm already 20% down from the listed price.

How do you guys deal with this? Is there a point in answering at all such 'unreasonable'
requests.

We always reply as in many cases we still get the order if we decline discount
but remain polite and give proper customer service.

Our response is always something like: "Thank you for your request but we
do not give discounts off our listed prices as we have many returning customers
who pay the asking price. We think it is fair to offer everyone the same price."

Ever since we started selling here we have stuck 100% to this. Bricklink is not
(currently) an auction site.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 4, 2023 10:36

Subject:

Re: Nature adapting

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, Stuart9 writes:

How’s this for coping with a problem.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-derbyshire-64165953

Amazing.

It has learnt the foxtrot!

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 4, 2023 08:50

Subject:

Re: Can You Just Sell New & Used Lego Sets?

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

In Selling, killi writes:

I want to do a general clear out of my Lego new and used sets. I was thinking
of selling them on Bricklink. But I would only have a small amount of stock and
wouldn’t be selling anything else (ie, minifigs, loose bricks etc). Is this allowed
on Bricklink?

Yes, that is fine. You just need to upgrade to a seller account.
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 2, 2023 06:18

Subject:

Re: Can you help me identify this window?

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Help, kobalt writes:

Hello,
I can't locate this item in bricklink database. Do you have any idea?
Thanks.

2352b Windscreen 2 x 4 x 3 Frame - Hollow Studs
Parts: Windscreen

Windscreen, not window

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 31, 2022 06:43

Subject:

Re: Scammed!

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, MihaG writes:

In Problem Order, yorbrick writes:

In Problem Order, MihaG writes:

I placed order in bricklink store located in belgium with almost 1600 feedback,
on 7.12.

Can I post name of his store?

You have already identified the seller, through the feedback.

I've paid 240€ for order + shipping via iban (bank transfer).

He said he will ship order on monday (12.12). He didn't so I contacted him,
he said 2 days later he shipped order and changed order status to shipped. After
that i asked his FEW times for tracking info and he is ignoring me now..

Did you pay for tracking? 10 euro for international with tracking doesn't
seem much although this obviously depends on what you ordered. And international
postage is slow over Christmas especially if items go through customs handling.

It is also a busy family time, it could well be the seller takes a break over
Christmas and so doesn't reply.

I filed NSS and gave him negative feedback, because I saw someone else did the
same few days ago.

Just because someone else says it, it doesn't mean it is true. If the seller
shows the postal receipt to BL, the NSS should be removed.

Should I contact police or anyone else? Can bricklink admins help?

BL admins have already been informed as you have filed an NSS.

I lost 240€ and this guy will keep doing this..

I just started my shop and I bought some sets from him so I can part them out
and expand my store didn't expect to get scammed by someone who has 1600
feedbacks..

He charged me 50€ for 2.2 kg package. He said that tracking is included and he
will send me tracking info! Which he never did!

I would be glad to get package and remove NSS, but he is ignoring me...

Just in case, have you looked at the order detail recently? He "might"
have just updated the order with the tracking number and not bothered to answer
your message. From feedback sadly I would not put too much hope on this but it
is worth checking. BTW, where did you see he got 1600FB he has not, did you read
his feedbacks?
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 31, 2022 06:20

Subject:

Re: Scammed!

Viewed:

79 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, MihaG writes:

In Problem Order, Maaslander writes:

In Problem Order, MihaG writes:

I placed order in bricklink store located in belgium with almost 1600 feedback,
on 7.12.

Can I post name of his store?

I've paid 240€ for order + shipping via iban (bank transfer).

He said he will ship order on monday (12.12). He didn't so I contacted him,
he said 2 days later he shipped order and changed order status to shipped. After

Sorry but not much use in hindsight - always read negative feedbacks before buying
and never send money via bank transfer to buy something from someone you don't
know/trust. What to do now? Contact your bank for advice, I hope this gets resolved
for you.
Robert

that i asked his FEW times for tracking info and he is ignoring me now..

I filed NSS and gave him negative feedback, because I saw someone else did the
same few days ago.

Should I contact police or anyone else? Can bricklink admins help?

I lost 240€ and this guy will keep doing this..

I just started my shop and I bought some sets from him so I can part them out
and expand my store didn't expect to get scammed by someone who has 1600
feedbacks..

If you paid with paypal, you can claim your money back! wich store is it?

I've paid with bank transfer.

Store name: gy_bricks

usernamee: belgiumbricks

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 7, 2022 06:22

Subject:

Re: Yellowed bricks - acceptable as Used bricks?

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

In Selling, keithmcgibbon writes:

I am putting together my used set Star Wars Republican Attack Gunship for resale
- but a lot of the white parts are discoloured. This is the image of them after
soaking in hydrogen peroxide (3%) overnight. Given they are still discoloured
I wonder if they are fit for resale? Is quite pricy to replace the lot, but
I don't want to disappoint the buyer! Any views on the best way to proceed?
Thanks

It is OK to sell faded used parts either as parts or in sets as long as the description
of the item for sale accurately describes the condition. You can use the extended
description and include words such as "many of the white parts yellowed/faded
but otherwise good condition". Obviously price accordingly.. IMO taking off the
price of replacing those parts would be a good basis.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 3, 2022 08:20

Subject:

Re: Instand check-out, aAdd tracking, how to?

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

In Technical Issues, Bricks_And_More writes:

Trying to add tracking costs for international letter shipping when the order
amount is over 75 euro's. But everytime i check the (world)checkbox and save,
when i go back it's unchecked.
Also the other world checkbox below is checked and stays checked. Hopefully you
understand what i am saying..

Just had an order above 75 euro's and the tracking is not added. What am
i doing wrong?

Where was the order shipping to? You have 3 shipping zones EUR1, EUR2 and World.
Your setting to add tracking is only for World zone (i.e. if your order was for
zones Eur1 or 2 it would not be added). If the order was for World, then sorry
I don't know why it didn't work.

Hope this helps
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 2, 2022 05:09

Subject:

Re: So THAT'S why they added My Collection

Viewed:

98 times

Topic:

In General, yorbrick writes:

In General, crazylegoman writes:

I suppose the recent addition of the My Collection feature makes a bit more sense
now... at least from the company's perspective.

David

Presumably this will be a one off reward. Otherwise if you get more points for
having more sets, I have them all.

I wonder what the point of collecting the data is - maybe to try to work out
how much people are buying from lego online and instore (via their vip account)
vs purchasing elsewhere, to see if they can increase the former and decrease
the later?

I don't think the data sample will be that significant. How many people will
(correctly) list their collection on Bricklink as a percentage of collected sets
on the planet? Any guesses, 0.001% perhaps?

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 1, 2022 11:32

Subject:

Re: My Collection - an absolute useless feature

Viewed:

74 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, Leftoverbricks writes:

I like the idea of MY Collection: a place to keep track of parts, especially
when you are a MOC-er, like me.

Unfortunately it looks like this was 'developed' and written by someone's
11 year old nephew 'who is smart with computers'.

ONE
Wouldn't it be nice and very useful (and logical) if you could add a recent
Bricklink order you placed to your collection? Sure!
But you can't.

TWO
OK, I'll try something else: the import function. I downloaded my recent
orders as a XML and CSV. Now I can add all those parts to my collection!
Unfortunately, you can't, it just doesn't work.

THREE
^ I see, too bad. But let's try a wanted list. You can download a wanted
list as XML file. Now I upload this to my collection, easy peasy lemon squeezy,
right?
Oh my, it won't import.

So what's left of this feature?
Nothing.
What you can do is part out a set to your collection. It does it quickly,
hooray! But then? All you get is a list of parts (maximum 200 per page) but you
can't do anything with it.

You cannot:
- sort
- search
- add notes about location
- perform any other operation upon the items in your collection

The only thing you can do is binge watching your parts. I have around 131,198
parts in my collection (according to Rebrickable, a great site!). And this is
only from sets I own. I own another 200,000 parts from Bricklink orders (rough
estimate).

Basically it comes down to netflixing / binge watching your parts. 200 per page,
300,000 parts divided by 200 is 1,500 screens to watch. Click next screen. Click
next screen....

For some reason I get the idea that Bricklink, owned by the largest toy company
in the world - which we all love, otherwise we weren't here - doesn't
take us seriously.

My hands are itching to offer myself as a software developer at Bricklink but
I'm afraid I have to talk to that nephew of 11 year old.

Sarcasm included, but really....

Martin

I was wondering where this feature came from and what it is for. My first guess
was that it could potentially be for uploading inventory without opening a store
then someway offering that inventory for sale offsite avoiding seller fees but
then... perhaps not the idea!

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Nov 29, 2022 04:02

Subject:

Re: Is this a bad Quality?? The Grand Piano

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In LEGO products, singhmp77 writes:

Hi All

Though pictures not that clear but can see the light passing though?? This is
just the first 3 bags of the Grand Piano.

Even the Tan bricks are of different shades.

I have never seen that spacing between the bricks ever.

Is this ok??

Thanks

Paul

If it was my set I would send the exact same pictures and question to LEGO customer
service for comment.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Nov 24, 2022 10:31

Subject:

Re: error between two orders

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

Contests

In Contests, Nicolasamico37 writes:

I think we are dealing with a child. Her first feedback (and a NPB) mentioned
that !

possibly, I spotted that on the FB but that is a separate issue to resolving
the payment to the sellers.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Nov 11, 2022 11:03

Subject:

Re: Blocking a buyer based on other external tr

Viewed:

69 times

Topic:

In Selling, Hagbart writes:

Dear Bricklinker

Just a general question of preventive blocking a buyer from my store, as prior
joining Bricklink I had some transactions with that buyer and he always tried
to cheat on the payment or complained about the prices.

Can we just cancel a transaction and block him to avoid facing the same problems?

Please advise how I shall handle his order or request for a cancellation?

If you have already received the order then there is no way to block it. You
would have to cancel the order if you don't want to sell to him... of course
this opens you up to getting bad feedback which I would say is quite likely in
this case. Maybe better to supply the order, see how it goes and stoplist the
buyer for future orders if you have any problems.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Oct 20, 2022 06:36

Subject:

Re: This time I am really back !

Viewed:

61 times

Topic:

New Stores

In New Stores, Slim_Pickins writes:

It would appear that the impossible was indeed possible.

With help from admin I have now been fully resurrected.

Now I have to change the settings (esp the postage costs) and add some inventory
again.

This time there is no doubt that I am for real

Slim

WOW, great to see you back Slim!
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Aug 22, 2022 04:31

Subject:

Re: A nice inside PC scenery

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

My Own Creation

In My Own Creation, 1001bricks writes:

What a good idea to invent a scene behind the PC glass!

I can imagine crazy, fun and creative ways to use the empty space.
Note you should create while respecting some sufficient air flow...

Higher res here:
https://i.redd.it/dbcd1vt3ukm31.jpg

That looks like a whole new approach to antivirus is needed

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

May 12, 2022 04:47

Subject:

Re: Advice please...

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

In Help, Brickopedia writes:

Dear Experts

I have a seller, who, for the 2nd time is claiming a package did not arrive.
(UK to UK) As I have only ever had four go missing in way over 3000 orders I
am righty suspicious. I messaged three other buyers who have all had the same
experience. Now, other than stoplist him, the packages sent are under £20 and
therefore insured up to that amount but they are obviously doing this scam regularly.
Can he be reported somewhere? I don't want other buyers to suffer. Also,
would you call them out?

Thank you in advance.

Contact Royal Mail. If this is a scam they will have likely received multiple
claims for lost mail to this address. Tell them you believe this is mail fraud
which is a criminal offence and that you will provide any evidence to support
their investigation. If it is not a scam then they likely have a rogue postman
which they need to investigate and your evidence may help.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Apr 23, 2022 05:18

Subject:

Re: shipping cost

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, yelush writes:

How can I know how much does the shipping cost before I order the lego set?
It is written that shipping and handling fees will be seen on the invoice.
Am I not committed to buy the product if the invoice is already issued?

If the seller does not offer automatic checkout showing the total price including
shipping you should ask the seller for a shipping quote before ordering. If you
get no response buy elsewhere, do not place an order without knowing the price.
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Apr 12, 2022 10:49

Subject:

Re: Gramma can't figure out this part 😀

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

Searching

In Searching, MommaPenguin writes:

Good morning!

I'm a Gramma trying to take a 40 gallon tote of 25 years of bricks and sort
them back out into actual sets to assemble. When I come across a decorated brick,
usually I can figure out which set it belonged to, but this one has me stumped.
I've asked my grandson, the latest to play with all the Lego's, and it
doesn't look familiar to him. Any help is appreciated.

The sticker is on 3008- 1x8 white brick, and I've tried everything *I* know
of for searching, but I'm also a rather new AFOL, so seeking your help as
more experienced experts, please!

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Lori, a.k.a. Momma Penguin 🐧 ❤️

Looks like this one but with the sticker poorly placed..
3008pb163
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Apr 2, 2022 03:50

Subject:

Re: All these years of shipping packages abroad

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, popsicle writes:

... I’ve remained fuzzy about more than a few things. You know those nagging
somethings you’re gonna take a few minutes to figure-out sometime, but
never do? For example: everytime I shipped a package to our cousins across the
pond, I wondered: what constitutes England, Great Britain, United Kingdom and
the British Isles?

Carried the thought awhile, that it might be an outdated term or two the postal
system still used. Apparently not.

England is England. Great Britain is England, Scotland and Wales. United Kingdom
encompasses the aforementioned plus Northern Ireland. Hence the rather confusing
shipping label term “The United Kingdom of Great Britain and N. Ireland”
leaving out the Republic of Ireland, as of 1922. But to confuse further, the
term “British Isles” is all the aforementioned mentioned plus the Republic of
Ireland. Reinstated, I guess.

In my pitiful defense, though I lived and worked many years in northern Europe
(1979-95) I never spent time in the UK beyond the occasional stopovers. Just
thought I’d hang my ignorance out there to take a swing at. Call it penance

-popsicle

That's a good summary! Fortunately for us the postal system (RoyalMail) basically
covers the whole United Kingdom as one entity so we don't need to worry about
the different countries when posting. There are some further complications though..
notably the Channel Islands (ie, Jersey, Guernsey, etc) are a separate tax authority
and require customs documentation on packages just like shipping outside UK.
If we venture outside of RoyalMail and use courier services then they make their
own rules and charge different rates depending on destination so for example
Scottish Islands can be more expensive to ship to. We might be small but we know
how to make things complicated

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Mar 28, 2022 08:59

Subject:

Re: Seller status denied

Viewed:

141 times

Topic:

In Selling, Dormouse75 writes:

I applied to become a seller because they have said I have another account, which
I don't. My boyfriend however does. I have emailed and messaged admin team
to see what we can do and I don't seem able to get a response from anyone.
And now all emails I sent and received have literally vanished from my email
account.
What am I doing wrong.

You have a store (currently closed) on the account you sent this message from
... you can only have one store.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Mar 17, 2022 05:26

Subject:

Re: Oooops!

Viewed:

65 times

Topic:

https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/911/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/911/pub/911/page/25/article/281592

In Off Topic, SimplyBricks writes:

In Off Topic, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In Off Topic, SimplyBricks writes:

Oooops, I don't have a subscription to the Telegraph..

Robert

You shouldn't need one for this article!

It seems you do to access it via the link you gave which (if you don't have
a subscription) directs you to the subscriptions sign up page.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Mar 17, 2022 04:37

Subject:

Re: Oooops!

Viewed:

71 times

Topic:

https://digitaleditions.telegraph.co.uk/data/911/reader/reader.html?#!preferred/0/package/911/pub/911/page/25/article/281592

In Off Topic, SimplyBricks writes:

Oooops, I don't have a subscription to the Telegraph..

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Mar 8, 2022 06:29

Subject:

Re: Price 200% up after quote request

Viewed:

134 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, firelordi writes:

Seller does not respond to quote request.
After this expired, the article price was increased by 200%.
Is it normal and fair or how do you see it?

Not responding to a quote request is bad form and frankly rude. Unless the seller
was incapacitated in some way then he should respond to quote requests or not
offer the service IMO.

Changing prices is a seller/business decision and is normal. Fair? not sure but
it is not unfair as the buyer simply has a choice not to buy.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Mar 4, 2022 03:25

Subject:

Re: Some "Sales" are funny and can be costly

Viewed:

103 times

Topic:

In General, DanialR writes:

In the past few weeks, I have run into some fun things people do when they are
having a sale.

Last week the price was $10.

Over the weekend a 27.85% off sale and the price is $10.32.

Today there is no sale going on and the price is $10.

In more than one state in the US it is a violation of consumer laws. You cannot
raise prices, then advertise a sale that results in the price being the same
or higher than the pre or after sale prices. Fines can be in the thousands of
dollars.

Personally, I don't care if you do this type of pricing. I price track Lego
items over $5-7 that I am going to buy and have a list of stores that won't
get my business no matter how big a sale they are having because I know they
game their pricing.

I point it out as a warning that it not just sales tax laws that we have to follow
if we are selling on a marketplace platform. The consumer laws in your State/County/City
have to be followed or your business could become quite costly.

I have a friend who was selling craft items on an online platform. One of their
customers was not happy with an order and didn't like PayPal's resolution
so they filed a complaint with the county they did business in. It cost them
over $5,000 when the county/state was done. Multiple years in business without
a business license, B&O taxes for 3 years + fines for not having paid the B&O
taxes.

It wasn't just the federal government that pushed for the $600 IRS reporting
rules.

Some here believe rules of business do not apply to them or that they are not
even businesses despite purposefully buying goods for resale. Fake sales and
pricing games are just one aspect. Illegal store terms are more of a problem
IMO. If it was not possible to get a refund via Paypal for non-receipt for example
I think a number of these sellers would have had the authorities investigating.
Check sellers' terms carefully, check feedback before buying and pay using
a protected method. Fortunately rogue sellers are a minority here though but
I think BL could do more to remove obvious abusers.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Feb 9, 2022 03:44

Subject:

Re: Sometimes I wonder... (lame joke)

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, novabrick writes:

Minifig No: trn102a Name: LEGO Loco Super Station Master with Red Plastic Cape

trn102a LEGO Loco Super Station Master with Red Plastic Cape
Minifigures: Train
Marked for Deletion

Why isn't this guy called Super Conductor?

Because he has no ticket machine?

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Feb 9, 2022 03:10

Subject:

Re: Fraudulent chargeback claim

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

In Help, Adjour writes:

I am debating whether or not to contact the buyer, especially since a positive
feedback was left about the item, and the buyer has a lot of positive feedback.
However, my only concern it whether this is appropriate in case I need to file
a lawsuit against the buyer.

To be blunt, this is beyond silly. Contact the buyer, like yesterday.

Keep in mind this might be a spouse or other family member having a falling out.
Weird things happen during divorces etc.

Indeed and how can contacting the buyer with a reasonable question about payment
be detrimental to any future action? I'm not a lawyer but NOT CONTACTING
the buyer would seem like giving the buyer some defense especially if he were
to claim nobody told him there was a problem.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Feb 8, 2022 10:23

Subject:

Re: Show me yours and I'll show you mine...

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Selling, popsicle writes:

In processing an order, the Number of orders in this store (60)
caught my attention. It got me thinking, what are some of our repeat buyer stats?
Not given it much thought before, nor do I know what to make them now I’m thinking
about it

What do yours look like, or have you even given thought to the subject?

We consider repeat buyers a very important stat.

Our top 10 currently stand at (in number of orders)

330, 200, 179, 155, 128, 124, 120, 106, 104, 98

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Feb 8, 2022 06:05

Subject:

Re: Fraudulent chargeback claim

Viewed:

80 times

Topic:

In Help, sputnikcharlie writes:

I am a new seller on Bricklink, just a few sales yet, and would like some help
with a possible fraudulent claim against me.
I have just received a chargeback claim from PayPal, which was filed through
the buyer's bank, claiming an "unauthorized transaction" took place, and
requesting all the money back. Because this was done through the bank and not
PayPal, PayPal's seller protections does not apply, and all they can do is
to act as mediator between myself and the buyer's bank. I have provided PayPal
with all the necessary proof that the sale was legit, which they will forward
to the claimant's bank.
I don't want to go into too much detail as the case is still open, but I
can confirm that the buyer's Bricklink and PayPal addresses match, that I
have proof of delivery from the shipping company, and that the buyer left a positive
review on my Bricklink account. Despite all this, the buyer's bank could
still side with the claimant and I would find myself swindled out of almost $400.
Has anyone had to deal with something similar? If so how did you handle it? What
was the outcome?
Does anyone have any input on how to safeguard against this?
I find myself crying about this situation, and I feel like a fool.
Any help if very much appreciated.

This has happened to us a couple of times in the past. In both cases it turned
out that the buyer was unaware of the chargeback which had been initiated by
the bank without his knowledge. I would urge you to politely contact the buyer
directly and ask him to advise what happened and if necessary make a new payment.
Hope this is the case and not fraud in which case you my need to contact the
authorities.

Hope this helps
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Feb 7, 2022 06:51

Subject:

Re: HP Owl - colour?

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

Catalog Identification

In Catalog Identification, tpr writes:

92084pb01 Owl, Angular Features with Black Beak, Yellow Eyes, and Tan Chest Feathers Pattern (HP Pigwidgeon)
Parts: Animal, Air

Are the chest feathers and area surrounding the eyes actually tan?

Looks more of a light bluish grey to me

Thanks

tpr

Hi again

Checking further, if you look at sets this item comes in, and the pictures in
the catalogue, there appears to be 2 different prints. A tan one, and a Light
Bluish Grey (?) one.

The area around the eyes looks printed differently as well

tpr

Just checked our inventory, ours look like light bluish grey too.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Feb 1, 2022 06:05

Subject:

Re: Customs failed item returned

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, HappyBricksUK writes:

Hi,

I am based in England and my shipping set to UK only.
A customer from overseas contacted me as he wanted a figure I had, I explained
I only shopped within UK, but he really wanted the figure so I agreed to ship
at his cost.
After a month of the item not arriving it was returned to me saying customs had
failed, despite me putting all the info on the package etc.
I am offering a complete refund including the postage he paid but he is saying
he wants me to post it again and he'll risk it!!.
What should I do? I don't want to be in a position where I have to refund
and I've lost the Lego??
Any advice appreciated x

Did you put the customs information into the RoyalMail system digitally or just
hand write a CN22? I believe the customs info now needs to be digital.
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 23, 2022 10:58

Subject:

Re: Anyone recognise this?

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Help, John_Miller writes:

This part is used in Akiyuki's Train Loader mechanism anyone know the part
number?

41531 Cylinder 4 x 4 x 1 2/3 with Pin Holes and Center Bar
Parts: Cylinder

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 17, 2022 10:45

Subject:

Re: New UK Prices on PAB cups

Viewed:

66 times

Topic:

In LEGO, cosmicray writes:

In LEGO, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In LEGO, calsbricks writes:

Effective 1 Jan 2022 large cup prices have increased from £11.24 each to £14.24
each (That is on using returned cups). 30% ish hike

Hmmmm

That could be good news for Bricklink stores other than those that source inventory
from PAB walls of course!

Robert

Looking at it from the other end of the telescope ... If you sell it here, for
the same price you had it listed for 12 months back, your return today will not
buy what it would have bought 12 months ago. Think about that.

The price guide does not take into account inflation. Actual buying power is
varying from country to country (which also isn't being considered).

Very true, with inflation your inventory is worth less in terms of spending power
when liquidated. Here in UK we have not seen big inflation for decades, many
sellers will never have experienced its effect.

Robert (who unfortunately is old enough to remember the 70's/early 80's!!)

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 17, 2022 10:38

Subject:

Re: New UK Prices on PAB cups

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

In LEGO, calsbricks writes:

In LEGO, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In LEGO, calsbricks writes:

Effective 1 Jan 2022 large cup prices have increased from £11.24 each to £14.24
each (That is on using returned cups). 30% ish hike

Hmmmm

That could be good news for Bricklink stores other than those that source inventory
from PAB walls of course!

Robert

That is one positive - prices may go up on Bricklink which might not be quite
so positive

Yep I think this year will have the tag "inflation". Bricklink prices are likely
to be behind retail prices due to the massive overstocks here but I think they
will go up over time. For mass demanded parts (bricks, plates, etc.) it would
not take a big shift of buyers switching to BL from other sources like PAB I
suppose to reduce those stocks though. That said there are some parts here that
look like they might take until the next millenium to sell out.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 17, 2022 09:47

Subject:

Re: New UK Prices on PAB cups

Viewed:

77 times

Topic:

In LEGO, calsbricks writes:

Effective 1 Jan 2022 large cup prices have increased from £11.24 each to £14.24
each (That is on using returned cups). 30% ish hike

Hmmmm

That could be good news for Bricklink stores other than those that source inventory
from PAB walls of course!

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 17, 2022 05:18

Subject:

Re: How big am I?

Viewed:

74 times

Topic:

In General, yorbrick writes:

In General, Gizmo1969 writes:

How do you search to find out how big your store is compared to others… in the
world or country or state / province.

Thanks in advance!

If you want to get bigger, put your prices up so you don't sell anything
but keep adding stock.

Funny! Indeed this site is strange in that many people view success in terms
of how much "unsold" inventory they have......

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 8, 2022 08:30

Subject:

Re: Bricklink calculates VAT incorrectly

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

In Selling, tjb01527 writes:

I did read it that way. Perhaps an email to his government rep would be more
helpful rather than moaning about BL. It is totally illogical to me as to why
postage should be taxed with VAT. All it does is hurt the small seller. Let’s
face it, whilst taxes are the law and needed, there is only so much you can afford
before it breaks the camels back. It just seems that governments are getting
too greedy. When I buy on BL, I ask the seller to put the VAT invoice on the
package. Maybe I have been lucky, but I have never had any problem. I do the
same for my buyers. On EBay, I use their IOSS and again have had no problems

For what it's worth I don't believe Governments (in general) are thinking
about little guys like all of us when making tax law, they are just trying to
balance the books of their countries so they can try to provide some of the services
their citizens demand. Also I think they have an obligation to support domestic
tax paying businesses and not allow tax loopholes for people to import goods
via the back door from non domestic tax paying overseas businesses. I agree with
the OP that BL's job is to operate the platform so that all countries tax
laws are complied with and my observation is that they are making a much stronger
effort to do that than the previous regime. If we don't like our tax systems
that is for us to vote on or lobby our governments I guess. BL has my full support
on what they are doing in this respect.

Just my 2p +VAT, no political opinion intended.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Jan 4, 2022 08:49

Subject:

Re: Switching to UK sales only for UK stores

Viewed:

61 times

Topic:

In Selling, Stuart9 writes:

Anyone here switched to UK sales only in the recent past and are UK based ( obviously

)

Really don’t see me selling overseas anymore due to all the red tape and need
to produce paperwork that appears to fall foul of or being ignored by officials.

Could barely fit a CN22 to some small packages, now it seems you need to attach
much more for customs, I could be wrong.

No way do I want to get into arguing with vat officials or others because I missed
something or something has changed.

Anyone think I’m being shortsighted or over reacting, fire away, I’m happy to
reconsider.

My best sales have been overseas so I will miss out, I know that, might make
exceptions for large orders, who knows.

Hi Stuart,

We can't move to Cornwall but we spent 3 weeks down there last summer, will
be 5 weeks this year hopefully.... kind of slowly retiring!

We stopped shipping overseas nearly 2 years ago due to problems with logistics
first Brexit and then Covid. Not so much the paperwork, more trying to avoid
delays and customer service problems. Review of that decision is still pending
but we may have to implement revised shipping fees to cover increased costs if/when
we reintroduce overseas as we don't want to increase prices overall to cover
those overheads affecting our UK customers (which have always been the majority
of our business). We certainly would introduce a higher minimum order value for
overseas, maybe high enough to justify tracked shipping.

Anyway, good luck for 2022 whatever you decide.
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 18, 2021 03:54

Subject:

Re: Issues with placing orders

Viewed:

88 times

Topic:

Administrative

In Administrative, CE_Tanja writes:

Dear all,

We are currently working on fixing this issue. The solution is expected to be
delivered on Monday.

The current workaround for sellers is as follows:
Turning off the feature that has 'Handling cost rule' set up or removing
the handling fee settings and manually adding a handling fee. The easiest way
to keep track of this is to leave 1 domestic and 1 foreign shipping method.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

We will keep you updated.

Hi Tanja,

We had a customer report the issue to us too but we do not use the handling fee
setting at all in any of our shipping methods. We do have a manual invoice option,
we asked our customer to try checking out with this and the order processed without
issue. So it seems the issue is within the instant checkout procedure but not
limited to handling fee.

Hope this helps!
Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 17, 2021 03:40

Subject:

Re: Lego Bricks and Technics

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In LEGO, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In LEGO, rudiultraman writes:

Hi, looking for some advice and reference so thanks in advance.
I am trying to combine Lego Technics and Lego Bricks but I don't find many
online resources and books about how they play together. Would anyone here have
any advice or reference to share please?

Depending on what you are looking to achieve, the old Model Team series might
be a good place to start:

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?catType=S&catID=60

Maybe take a look at some of these and get hold of the instructions for any that
are of interest.

HTH

Robert

I forgot this one...

10194-1 (Inv) Emerald Night
1072 Parts, 3 Minifigures, 2009
Sets: Train: RC Train

Many of my favourite sets use a Technics platform then use bricks on top. IMO
these make more appealing models than pure Technics alone.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 17, 2021 03:31

Subject:

Re: Lego Bricks and Technics

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In LEGO, rudiultraman writes:

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Dec 11, 2021 11:12

Subject:

Re: What happens next

Viewed:

77 times

Topic:

In General, calsbricks writes:

TLG - Bricklink have recently announced a change of leadership at Bricklink
and thanks the previous CEO for all of his efforts. (Sorry to Interrupt the Monthly
Contests), etc.

We have a new gentleman coming on board - who we do not know a great deal about
other than he is a Lego guy. Ok good. Everyone who uses this site since JK's
takeover (2013) knows it needs a major re-write (Not XP) but both a redesign
and rethink. There have been a few (Including one by us) messages on here which
pointed the cost of doing that to be around 2 years in development terms at whatever
cost you wish to put on that.

For me 2 things come to mind:-

1. Cost benefit analysis - what would Lego and everyone else expect to get out
of rewriting the site (versus doing nothing or doing something else instead)?

2. Risk analysis. Completely rewriting the site sounds like potentially changing
(or losing) some functionality and as we have seen many times before a resulting
dissatisfaction from members. Could be disaster.

I don't know if they are even thinking of doing this or not and I'm personally
not convinced it is the right thing to do now. Overall not my decision to make
thankfully!

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Nov 21, 2021 17:04

Subject:

Re: Buyer receiving “Technical Issue” message

Viewed:

62 times

Topic:

Problem

In Problem, AFOLliquidation writes:

Hi. I’m in the U.S. and have a buyer in Canada who sent this message:
“I go thru checkout and now get a "Technical Problem" in the right side panel
after clicking checkout and can only continue shopping. Help!”
I’ve checked on my end and can’t find a reason. Any ideas how to fix this?
Thanks for your help. Lori

We just had a customer report this issue, he was able to request a quote rather
than complete checkout by placing an order. Looks to be a system issue processing
orders via manual invoice rather than IC.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Oct 24, 2021 11:24

Subject:

Re: Linking people toBrickowl store on splashpage

Viewed:

71 times

Topic:

In Selling, BrickAndStone writes:

Hey everyone. Just wanted to ask and this is probably not allowed as it will
take fees out of Bricklink but wanted to inquire anyways.
Since I have a 2 figure limit in my Bricklink store due to my figures being the
lowest prices in the USA, Is it allowed to link people to my brickowl store on
our splash page if they want to buy more than 2 figures as we dont have the figure
limit there but have them at way higher prices there for our customers who need
more than 2 figures.

Also please dont bash on the terms of my store. My customers like it and thats
all that matters.

Thanks for all the help!!

-Jean Pierre

That would be a selling offence, see "linking" here:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=97

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Oct 22, 2021 08:12

Subject:

Re: Store inventory Not showing up

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

In Help, jgrossman1025 writes:

Hello,

When i look at my items in my store, it seems they are not listed under the minifigure
or set. One example would be Sabine Wren sw0616, i have one available in my
store for 13.26 and yet it isn't showing up under the minifigures for sale...
Can anyone help with this problem?

Thanks, NG

I can see sw0616 for sale in your store on sale at $11.271 listed in minifigures/star
wars.

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Oct 11, 2021 10:07

Subject:

Re: Really ?????

Viewed:

99 times

Topic:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10079553/Lego-says-remove-gender-bias-toys-survey-showed-boys-fear-fun-of.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ico=taboola_feed_article_desktop_news

In General, cosmicray writes:

In General, yorbrick writes:

In General, SimplyBricks writes:

So I wonder what they will do with Friends? Maybe they will include more male
minidolls in the sets to make that more gender balanced.

I thought the whole point of Friends and the minidoll was to aim products firmly
at girls, and that the minidoll form came from their research that (some) girls
find it more appealing than the traditional minifigure. Unless they start to
introduce a lot more male figures, Friends (and any future minidoll series like
Elves) will always be seen as a girls range, even though some boys like it. The
Friends sets are much more targeted towards girls than City is towards boys.

Possibly, but if you turn back the clock, and look at Scala, Belville and Paradisa,
those were both more gender neutral than Friends.

Friends has felt a bit, like a girls only gender space. Regardless of you spot
on the diversity spectrum, that is rather limiting.

Nita Rae

I thought embracing diversity was supposed to celebrate differences not try to
eliminate them. I think they have got the wrong message out of their research.
Instead of stopping making some toys that appeal to girls and some that appeal
to boys they (and everyone else) perhaps need to focus on why it is seen as a
peer issue if some boys play with the girls toys. What next, no male or female
fragrances, only perfumes that are gender neutral?

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Oct 2, 2021 06:10

Subject:

Re: Imagine Stud.io with VR

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, Quinn_McBrick writes:

I mentioned to my local LUG group the subject in the title.
Someone told me to mention it here. So here it is haha.

Imagine though how cool it would feel to actually build with your hands but in
a virtual reality! You'd be like Iron Man. You'd also look pretty funny
to people who don't know what your up to hehe.

Have fun everyone!

I love the idea but what if you could then get VR set instructions... you'd
no longer need to buy the sets! Though for many there is no substitute for the
feeling of snapping the bricks together (until VR comes with realistic "virtual
touch" I guess).

Robert

Author:

Rob_and_Shelagh

Posted:

Aug 15, 2021 06:54

Subject:

Re: Slow Sales

Viewed:

122 times

Topic: