BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Feedback, rtzx9r writes:

In Feedback, MidwestBrick writes:

In Feedback, tknorr writes:

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

For me it works like this..

1. Buyer creates and order and pays (I use 100% instant checkout so this happens
at the same time)
2. I fulfill order and ship it. If there is any issue with it, I discuss with
Buyer ahead of time, but this is like 1 of 500 orders it seems. If I am missing
a piece, I go and find it myself which involved cracking a new set to get it
if needed.
3. After I drop off the package at UPS or USPS, I send out the "drive thru"
and subsequently also provide my feedback. The customer has completed their
task in making the purchase, that is their only requirement. Everything else
is on me to pack well, to have the order 100% fulfilled, and then on the delivery
service to do their job.

So, when do I provide feedback, usually within 24 hours after a purchase is completed.

When I print the shipping label for 100% of buyers. Most buyers never leave
feedback to the seller either. Oh well.

I feel there is absolutely nothing else I can do to be better to receive more
feedback.

Everything is packed with extra padding or very well packed to begin with, no
errors, and 95% of orders are shipped on same day or the next day (including
on Saturdays) even when the order is 100 Sets that requires multiple boxes or
2,000+ pieces and 300+ lots.

I pull orders many times until 3am or later (whatever is necessary) to meet these
shipping speeds to get their orders out just as fast as any big box retailer
would. And then, I leave feedback and provide the "drive-thru" when
I drop off the packages at USPS or UPS. I drop them all off because than I know
with certainty that they are checked in properly and I have a receipt of it too.

But, that is just how it is on this website, which is totally fine with me overall,
I just wish that Lego would advertise it or advertise more than just the "top
5-10" gross selling stores so some of the little guys could see some additional
action.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Dec 14, 2023 23:03

Subject:

Re: Who leaves Feedback First?

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

Feedback

In Feedback, tknorr writes:

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Dec 7, 2023 13:43

Subject:

Re: New Bricklink Beta Website

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In General, BasKrie writes:

In General, roverman writes:

Never posted before. I am an AFOL who just likes to buy and build quietly in
the back ground.

However, I just logged into Bricklink, and experienced a 'new' Beta Bricklink
website. I am bringing this to the communities attention because I am genuinely
afraid for the future of Bricklink and its usability.

The Beta version had all the hallmarks of the official Lego website which IMO
is slow, laborious, unintuitive and too 'glam' for its own good. The
simple layout of old Bricklink had gone. The ability of being able to manipulate
searches and gain information about parts, sets, minifigs etc had gone. The Parts
section had been reduced to approx 30 catagories - for example there was no listing
for 'energy'. Rather than a list, it was all big square 'buttons'
so you had to scroll down to see all the 'button' heads despite there
only being 30. There were only rendered pictures of parts, no ability to choose
on older version of a part, as opposed to an updated version. No ability to list
by colour etc etc. I am worried this site is the future.

I had a sudden overwhelming feeling of Anheuser-Busch Budlite (I am from the
UK) moment as I waded around the incomprehensibility of the site. To me, it felt
like this version has not been created by anyone who understands the AFOL community,
or what AFOLS need from an after market site, unlike Bricklink's founder.
This, I feel, is a corporate venture to meet the Lego philosophy and direction.
This has the feel of a Disney disaster.

I am writing this just to try and make folk here aware. I came out of the site
after leaving feedback (yes, there was an option), but later logged back in to
see what I could salvage from my account before considering my options to use
other Lego parts sites, to find I was back on the original format (I was soooo
relieved).

Apologies if this comes across as over dramatic, but I love my hobby, and Bricklink
has been an essential part in undertaking this pursuit. For it to be manipulated
in such a way would at this stage, appear to severely curtail my ability to pursue
it as I have been.

Thank you.

If for some reason you want to revisit: https://www.bricklink.com/r3/main.page
Or hit the button on the bottom of the page "Switch to XP"

Omg, it still hurts my eyes looking at it and my brain for trying to figure out
WHY!

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Dec 5, 2023 21:36

Subject:

Free Ship orders >$100--Save 5% orders>$200

Viewed:

65 times

Topic:

Sales

Hope all is going well this holiday season for everyone!

Before I shutdown for the holidays myself, I'm creating one last sale.

Any order of $100 or more ships for free.
Any order of $200 or more also gets a 5% discount on the total purchase price.
These deals stack (or at least they should per how they are set up).

I drop off any orders to USPS and UPS very quickly as well.

Instant checkout on everything!

Thank you
-Midwest Brick

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Dec 3, 2023 16:44

Subject:

Re: 3 types of fees, they DO add-up.

Viewed:

67 times

Topic:

In General, SDF_Bricks writes:

In General, peregrinator writes:

In General, SDF_Bricks writes:

Whenever I sell an item and get paid via Paypal, the latter takes two fees:

1. Paypal Fee
2. Partner Fee
3. Whatever BL charges me every month.

Question: If Paypal is already charging me a Partner Fee (that goes to BL??),
why does BL still charge me at the end of every month?

Thank You,
SDH Bricks.

The "partner fee" is the state sales tax that BL is required to collect
and remit.

Thank you very much. I checked my Paypal payments, and always the tax is equal
to the partner fee. Issue resolved

The unfair part, in my opinion, is that we get a paypal fee off the tax piece
too. (at least last I checked a year ago) It would be wonderful if that piece
would not count as a paypal fee. I know it is small, but it all adds up over
time.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Nov 30, 2023 16:38

Subject:

Re: Please Add Data Point for # of Bags in Set

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, Stellar writes:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, MidwestBrick writes:

[…]
Not sure if this works, but can't you look up the instructions on Lego and
page through to see how many bags per step there are? Are at a minimum, at least
know how many numbered steps there are?

1. That’s only possible for recent instructions / sets, where bags are numbered
AND shown in the instructions.

But some have multiple bags in one or two steps with the same number but the
instructions only show the step bag to use not how many.

For the older sets, there’s some people who keep pics on bricksafe or similar.
Or youtube videos….

2. The question of “how many bags in such set?” comes up frequently. It would
save time to keep that info somewhere accessible an universal, like in the BL
catalogue, instead of re-doing the job every time

I understand this isn't the golden answer, but it would at least provide
some idea of how many to expect. And if pictures are available from the auction,
certainly someone with a good sense of reading instructions and being able to
see parts in numbered bags from pictures could determine if it appears all bags
are there or not or if some are glaringly missing.

Anyway, those are the steps I would take... or pay the premium for a set that
is sealed and complete. Since it is on Ebay, I would take the assumption it
is not complete and the seller knows it.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Nov 30, 2023 14:48

Subject:

Re: Please Add Data Point for # of Bags in Set

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, axaday writes:

Like weight and dimensions, this would not have to be a required data point,
but one that would have a ? until entered. I often wish for this information
and I see it asked on the forum. I was just looking at an open box, sealed bags
set on eBay that I might like to buy, but the seller says how many bags there
are and notes that they don't know if that is all of them. Well, I don't
know either.

Not sure if this works, but can't you look up the instructions on Lego and
page through to see how many bags per step there are? Are at a minimum, at least
know how many numbered steps there are?

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Sep 6, 2023 23:01

Subject:

Re: Question for sellers

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, Shadowsmove writes:

I've done some buying of parts and other stuff but have not bought a set
yet on Bricklink and I have a question about shipping on sets. As a seller are
you ok with a buyer waiting until they see the shipping and handling costs before
they decide they want to go through with the purchase? I mean once the invoice
is sent, do you as sellers have issues if the buyer does not want to go through
with the sale? Or is the sale in your mind definite once the invoice is generated?
Or should I ask to get an estimate by contacting the seller before I even put
the set in my cart? I want to do things the best way for all concerned, buyer
and seller. Thank you for taking a little time to read my post and thank you
if you answer

Sean Griffin

There are also some shops... like mine for an example, where if you make any
purchase, shipping is only $4.99 regardless of what is ordered, including sets.
Instant checkout is also enabled to make the entire process as easy as possible
and so orders can get shipped out quickly too.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Feb 21, 2023 18:02

Subject:

Re: Feedback - does it still matter?

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

Selling

In Selling, BrickScope writes:

I used to chase feedback, and begged (kindly) to remind people to post. In the
early days I had a 85% feedback response rate. Today, that rate has dropped
to

So, does it really matter? After you pass a certain score, does a buyer really
care if you gain 1,000 more positive feedback or whether you get 10 or 500 feedback
per month? Is it only the positive rate that matters?

What do you say, my big friends?

Little Zoe

I love reading the feedback comments I get, especially when buyers mention how
quickly they received their order, or how well packaged it was, or how the experience
was fantastic overall.

But I don't chase it. I leave feedback for buyers the second I drop off
their package at the post office cause to me, they gain a positive the second
they place an order in my store as the responsibility is then 100% me to make
sure their experience is top notch.

Everything in my store is also 100% instant checkout so I do not have day delays
in invoicing or waiting for payment, etc... which really makes things flow well.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Feb 21, 2023 10:54

Subject:

Re: Do I do something wrong?

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, BountyBrickz writes:

hello,

I now have my BrickLink store for 2 weeks, and stil haven't yet got my first
salel. I don't understand why. Could it be that I have done something wrong
with the shipping or so?
If you know what I am doing wrong please contact me.

regards,
BountyBrickz

Here is some honest feedback:

You could have the best deals possible and I would pause before ordering for
the following reasons:

1. Your 2nd paragraph in your terms says "We try our best to keep our inventory
up to date. " which tells me that an error in what is ordered vs what is
available will most likely occur.

2. The correction for #1 is "it might" lead to a refund. Might? You
mean it will definitely be refunded.

3. I'm not up-to-date on charging an extra 5% for orders under your Payment
Fee. That section confuses me, is this an additional charge, is this the shipping
cost? What are your shipping costs? Will you invoice me actual or actual + something?

4. Under shipping, you say you will use envelopes. Lego does not transport
well in envelopes if your type of envelope is the same as an envelope that we
have in the USA. All Lego should be sent in bubble mailers or boxes. Please
note though that I am not familiar with what Bpost Envelope (2023) is.

5. Again, I don't know how other countries work with shipping, but tracking
should always be provided and no one should have to pay extra for it or feel
like they are.

6. You are responsible for loss or damaged shipments just like how every retailer
is responsible for getting their orders to their customers. I see this often
on this website where suddenly sellers think it is "ok" that buyers assume
that risk or ordering something, paying for it, but never getting it. Where
is the audit check that a package was even sent in the mail to begin with this
way? Maybe this is more of an international issue that I am not as familiar
with and it isn't possible? Thank goodness for UPS and USPS here in the
states where nearly everything is tracked

7. I'm assuming English is not your native language as I think, but could
be wrong, but in Belgium a variety of languages are used and trust me, I wish
I knew other languages better myself, but if the terms are going to be in English,
please do a spell check. It is very sloppy and I'm sure an online translator
doesn't spell works incorrectly that often so if needed, please use one.

Hope this helps. Best of luck on your Lego adventure and don't get frustrated,
we all started somewhere and had to learn how to best operate our shops with
how we each individually like to operate them.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 31, 2023 16:45

Subject:

Re: Shipping for specific item types

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, BrickScope writes:

In Shipping, Ber_i writes:

In Shipping, BrickScope writes:

Has anyone figured out how to limit a shipping method to certain item types?
For example, I want to set up a method just for minifigs and collectible minifig
sets. Yes, the buyer and seller can handle this manually, but wouldn't it
be nice to automate?

Z

Why would you treat bricks with the same dimensions from different categories
differently?
What’s next, shipping methods by brick color??

What if someone buy’s both figures and bricks?

Good question. I set up instant check-out for parts and minifigs for US buyers
but will use manual invoicing for other orders.

If it is an international thing, limits can be made of "how much" can
be shipped in terms of weight/size/both

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 31, 2023 13:55

Subject:

Re: Order not received

Viewed:

62 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, Nubs_Select writes:

In Shipping, ANTT5416 writes:

I have a shipment that indicates delivered but a the customer has informed me
that it has not been delivered. Request what options there are to rectify the
issue? Package was sent on 17 Jan and tracking lists it delivered on 20 Jan.
Total order was around 80.00 and the address is verified correct.

From what I’ve heard in America you can actually somehow ask the postal system
(not sure if all of them) for the gps cords of where the delivery was to see
if they delivered it to the correct area. However if it was marked as delivered
then your responsibly is over and if I’m not mistaken if the package was stolen
then from a little bit of research I did a while ago it’s then (at least in some
places) something to bring up with home insurance since it was stolen private
property so you wouldn’t be liable and PayPal should side with you

The GPS request is valid. Post offices should be running reports though too
which are more accurate than one would think in knowing if a package was scanned
at the incorrect location.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 31, 2023 13:21

Subject:

Re: Shipping for specific item types

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, BrickScope writes:

Ask your neighbor to set up a BL store (all their info including paypal info),
operate it for them. Offer to do their taxes and of course cover the tax bill.

Have either store have only what you want to sell with shipping options.

Or have your significant other open the store, use separate address/paypal/etc...
and do the same. I don't think there are restrictions on two separate people
within feet of each other operating under the same roof, as long as all information
about both stores/accounts are 100% unique from each other. I see it as no different
than if my brother lived with me and he wanted his own shop too. We would just
need to have separate addresses or two PO boxes and of course all his sales go
to his paypal and all mine go to my paypal.

Maybe there would be an issue with IP address being the same, but I'm sure
there are ways (like a VPN) to disguise that too or would it even be an issue
if everything is 100% separated from each other.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 30, 2023 22:41

Subject:

Re: Next 30 orders goes in for a drawing

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Announce

In Announce, Taz21 writes:

So far 3 in so 27 left. Then 1 of the 30 will win a new unassembled gar Saxon.
All you gotta do to be entered is place an order in my store.

Taz,

If what you have going on is working out for you, that's great, however,
here is some feedback I have from checking out your terms vs what appears to
be for sale in the store (sets/parts/etc..)

I would recommend that you look over your shipping terms. As a potential buyer,
I am not certain I understand the options available as all I see is "flat
rate small box" for an option. I fully understand that if I checkout I will
see a TBD and I'm sure an invoice with shipping will appear, but there is
no indication from your terms, on what to expect for shipping/handling costs.

Also, shipping flat rate is seen as a disadvantage to buyers as flat rate shipping
for Lego is generally not a favorable option as the containers are small and
more Lego can be shipped in a 16 oz commercial rate bubble mailer vs how much
weight would fit in a small flat rate box.

I'm sure if you browse around various stores, that ideas to research could
be found to modify from to use for what works for you.

I also mention that option as sets don't fit in small flat rate packages.

So either way, just some advice that you can take or leave as you manage your
shop. Again, if nothing changes and you like how it is, I don't have an issue
with that at all either.

Take care

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 30, 2023 21:29

Subject:

Re: Next 30 orders goes in for a drawing

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

Announce

In Announce, rab1234 writes:

Out of curiosity I’ve probably checked 30 or 40 “sales” over the past couple
years and saw exactly 1 that had a decent price after the discount.

Seems like it somehow works sometimes though. I see people having a fake sale
and then buyers respond with “order placed!” 🤷‍♂️

In Announce, randyf writes:

In Announce, randyf writes:

In Announce, rab1234 writes:

Interesting type of “sale” but you’ve already posted 6 times in 3 days. Looks
like you average 10 sales a month so just hoping we don’t see this announcement
175 more times. 😀

In Announce, Taz21 writes:

So far 3 in so 27 left. Then 1 of the 30 will win a new unassembled gar Saxon.
All you gotta do to be entered is place an order in my store.

Fake sale because they always have a "sale" going on:

https://www.bricklink.com/messageList.asp?uID=1847139&max=20

And everything in the store that is on my wanted list is *way* above the six-month
average even while being on "sale".

The replies above are terrible to read. Another seller on this platform is trying
something out which will either be successful or not. I'm sure the user
will learn from it with either outcome.

We don't have to agree to the prices, we don't have to agree on anything
the store is trying to do with the promotion or sale, whatever it is going on.
If it doesn't interest you, you look and leave the store, simple as that,
but to publicly bash their efforts, drag the store through the mud as it seems...
come on.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 30, 2023 13:49

Subject:

Re: Amazing fees

Viewed:

63 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, zorbanj writes:

I can't imagine the amount of fees BL is losing due to these types of setups.

In Problem Order, MidwestBrick writes:

A simple analytical tool viewing "shipping/handling" fees across all
sellers would easily show the outliners for BL to follow up on internally to
make a determination if stores are avoiding fees.

It's more than just fee's being lost, it's also buyers that have
a bad experience and don't return and also includes buyer's that read
terms of 1 store and get turned off so badly that they close out their browser
to not return at all.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 30, 2023 12:01

Subject:

Re: Amazing fees

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, Nubs_Select writes:

In Problem Order, Stellar writes:

In Problem Order, Nubs_Select writes:

In Problem Order, Brickwilbo writes:

In Problem Order, niko14 writes:

I actually checked all of that:
- the feedbacks were 100% positive (and it was not 2 or 3 feedbacks)
- I read the terms. I found them acceptable, because the price per items was
so low, that even with the fees, the final price per item was still comparable
(or better) that the other stores with comparable items.
- I admit that I didn't check the terms and conditions of all the stores
(!), but I read quite a lot, and found several with similar terms and conditions...
I will now never select a store with such fees...

Least favourite the store and in searches you can select to not appear.

Is this a form of fee avoidance if the seller is selling the lots super cheap
but getting money from additional charges? I can’t remember if there are fees
on additional charges but that what i immediately started thinking

BrickLink only charges fees on item prices, so yes, I think that behavior could
be considered fee avoidance.

One of bricklinks 7 deadly sins (probably not quite 7

)

In Problem Order, SezaR writes:

Time to time, a user like you reports on a problem he has with a seller and it
is always the case that:
- the user is a newbie. (like you) Who does not do the followings:

1) does not check the feedbacks that the seller has received so far.
2) does not check the feedback that the seller has left for others.
3) Does not read the terms of store?
In your case, if you did, how did you find acceptable to pay
2.5 + 74*0.25 = 21€

for an order of 16.62€ ?
Was this the only store you found on Bricklink that has your items?

4) does not compare store's terms and feedback with few other stores to get
an idea of what is good and acceptable.

For your record, I have ordered from over 100 stores and have never paid anything
as lot's fees (and will never do that).

J'espere que tes prochaines commandes vont etre plus faciles et raisonables

In Problem Order, niko14 writes:

Thanks a lot for all your messages - it's nice to see that I am not the only
one who thinks he is cheating!
I will of course pay nothing, I was simply suggesting to click on "Cancel
Order and Accept Penalty" on the NPB page, but I will actually do nothing
and wait for him to do something.
I will not publish his name here for the moment, at least until I have an official
answer from Bricklink in my favor.
As I said, I'm new here, so a little bit disappointed... Fortunately the
few other orders I did went very well. I guess I was not lucky with this one...

In Problem Order, SezaR writes:

Please name and shame

In Problem Order, niko14 writes:

Hi,
I ordered recently 900 items, for a total of 16.62€. The seller was applying
a packing fee of 2.5€, plus 0.25€ per lot. Given that my order including 74 different
types of items (= lots), I was expecting a total invoice of 16.62 + 2.5 + 74*0.25
= 37.62€. I received an invoice of 160.87€, because the seller split the 74 lots
in 538 ! For example, I ordered 100 bricks 1*2 white, all used, and the seller
considered them as 100 different lots!
He sent me a NPB, asking me to accept a penalty. I argued that it was not fair,
and asked him to simply cancel the order. I wanted to do it myself by selecting
the option "mutual agreement", and asked him if he agreed. But he waited
for several days to answer me, until the point this possibility (cancel the order)
was not accessible to me anymore. Now he is arguing that he can't cancel
the order, because it is written in his terms and conditions that he never cancels
orders.
I find the whole process (splitting lots to artificially increase fees, not answering
me until the deadline for cancelling ordered is passed, accusing me of not respectiung
his terms and conditions, etc...) totally unfair and dishonest. What could I
do? Except accepting a penalty, I cannot find any other option on the website
(sorry, I'm new on Bricklink).
Thanks in advance for your help.
Nico

A simple analytical tool viewing "shipping/handling" fees across all
sellers would easily show the outliners for BL to follow up on internally to
make a determination if stores are avoiding fees.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 27, 2023 21:35

Subject:

Re: Tell Me: What Do Sellers Want Most?

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

In General, infinibrix writes:

In General, MidwestBrick writes:

A lot. I want a lot of stuff. I do agree with items others have mentioned to
reduce confusion within the website, but am going to take a different angle here.

I'll try to keep the list short and focus mostly on increasing what Buyers
want cause it falls in line with what sellers want, which is increased sales,
increased traffic, and increased daily excitement putting together Lego orders
for other lovers of Lego. I can't tell you the joy I receive every time someone
visits my store and then the additional joy of seeing an order that I can go
pack up and fulfill.

1) I want buyers to know that BrickLink exists so more of them come here vs going
to Amazon. I don't have the answers on how you advertise but I can't
say I've ever seen any either. Put it this way, there is not 1 person in
my life that I have discussed Lego with that has ever heard of BL prior to me
introducing them to it. We are not talking about a few people, this is hundreds
of friends and family. They all have children, nearly all those children love
building Lego, nearly all those children receive at least 1 Lego set for Xmas/birthdays...
yet none know where to purchase Lego beyond Amazon, Walmart, or Target. What
really hurts though is many of them really dislike the invoice system, see #2
below as they want to shop, checkout and then see their purchase in their mailbox.
They don't want delays in-between.

2) For Domestic Orders as I think this should be possible for every country but
I am not sure entirely - I want every store to be required to have Instant Checkout
for every order cause I am growing tired of seeing the posts about X seller is
now charging this, or personally when I see X seller charging Retail shipping
vs Commercial... every store can keep their terms on costs but each store should
be fully capable of figuring out what works for them to provide instant checkout
with shipping costs built in too at various levels. It isn't difficult to
know our own inventory and know how much shipping would approximately cost for
domestic orders and if a seller gets burned a little, like many of us have, we
learn from it and move on.

3) along with #2 as I don't see that happening, then stores that are 100%
instant checkout from a buyers perspective, should be highlighted for them so
a buyer knows that they can fully checkout and bypass having to wait for invoices
etc... we should be adapting to what buyers want vs buyers having to adapt to
what each seller wants. I want to buy things from other sellers too, but as
an example, am SOOOO tired of being quoted Retail shipping when I know they are
paying commercial. I decline every single quote or request for shipping cost
when I know it is much higher than what I know they would actually be paying
especially when I ship orders every day and have the capacity to look up what
actual shipping would be from Point A to Point B. Some terms specifically say
"retail" which is fine, I just avoid them, but many are not clear enough.

Maybe this list is too strong and maybe too difficult and some sellers would
be turned off by these ideas. I have no doubt that many sellers would dislike
having to implement the above, however, for the betterment of the site, I think
it would do wonders to really help streamline Bricklink to be more what buyers
want to retain them and gain new customers for everyone, and add in a little
advertising and this could really become the 1st place customers go to get their
Lego.

There are many reason why sellers prefer to manual invoice (Something I've
gone over here many times before) and it goes far beyond any concern I might
have about charging the correct shipping!

All the points you have made about why you don't like manual invoice are
fixable without the need to completely remove the option and force everyone to
use instant checkout!

For starters if Bricklink made it so that instant checkout was the only way to
place an actual order with all manual orders becoming a quote instead that would
mean the buyer is not committed to ordering anything and after being invoiced
with shipping the buyer can freely choose to accept or decline the quote!

Also to ensure buyers are not kept waiting for a manual invoice bricklink could
make it so that the stock that the buyer is requesting is held for as long as
it takes for the seller to reply/invoice the quote. Since most sellers won't
like their stock being held up like this it will ensure quotes are responded
to promptly but if they are still not dealt with in good time BL could allow
buyers to submit NRS (Non Responsive Seller) complaints after a certain amount
of time without a response to their quote!

If instant checkout was required, "manual orders and Quotes" wouldn't
be necessary and every buyer would be committed upon paying at checkout just
like I'm committed when I purchase something from Amazon, Walmart or Target.

Should this not be the intended future and goal of an online business; to operate
like other online businesses that sell similar items?

All I'm getting at is that as a buyer too, it would be wonderful to know
which stores I can shop at, order, and pay all at one time no matter what I purchase
(small vs large, light vs heavy) just like shopping online anywhere else.

I do like your idea that the sellers stock would be tied up until they respond
because seller should be responding at a high rate, however, what occurs when
payment doesn't happen; are we not just back to where we are now when non-paying
buyers don't pay their invoice?

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 26, 2023 17:57

Subject:

Re: Tell Me: What Do Sellers Want Most?

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

In General, rainbowmist writes:

In General, MidwestBrick writes:

In General, rainbowmist writes:

I am all for either requiring Instant Checkout or highlighting sellers that do.
Even as a seller, I hate the guesswork when buying, and sometimes the sellers
come back with an out-of their... out of this world shipping price!

I prefer the manual invoice for my store. Sometimes I have to package orders
that have fragile parts and need the extra ounces for proper packaging or with
a shipping box. If the buyer does not agree with the shipping cost then they
can cancel the order or don't order in the first place. As long as what is
stated in your terms it seems pretty simple. Looking at other websites for their
shipping costs BL seems fair to me.

You can change what each item weighs or change the size or have Instant Checkout
use weight or size and modify all that yourself for each item.

If we all had to abide by the same rules, then buyers wouldn't have to cancel
their orders so all parties would be satisfied.

I know it is possible cause I am 100% Instant Checkout and have yet to come across
an order that floored me with how much it cost to ship. If an item would put
shipping parameters out of whack, as in cost too much to ship for how much I
could sell it for, I just don't add it to my shop, or if I do, put it at
a price that I'm satisfied at if it is purchased knowing it will cost more
to ship it.

Everyone has their own opinion.

I understand that but I'm telling you that all those parameters can be modified.
Many sellers do not know the control they may actually have in setting up their
shops. I know I'm still learning and I've been doing this for years.

Author:

MidwestBrick

Posted:

Jan 26, 2023 17:55

Subject:

Re: Tell Me: What Do Sellers Want Most?

Viewed:

61 times

Topic: