Redisplay Messages: Compact | Brief | All | Full Show Messages: All | Without Replies| Author: | infinibrix  | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2024 23:19 | | Subject: | Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER! | | Viewed: | 62 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, UTLF writes:
| | Lego doesn't sell licensed minifigures in bulk, especially when they come
in $650+ sets that are currently in production
We're talking about licensed minifigs, not regular bricks & pieces
|
Did I mention Lego bricks and pieces? The point is not every single Licensed
Lego part ends up in a sealed set? What do you think happens to the excess manufactured
Licensed parts? Will leave you to ponder!
|
 |
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2024 22:30 | | Subject: | Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER! | | Viewed: | 65 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, rtzx9r writes:
| | In Problem Order, infinibrix writes:
| | In Problem Order, MiniRoz writes:
| | I’m feeling a bit desperate and could really use help with an issue I’m having
with a seller. I purchased 7 minifigures from their store (2 Clone Trooper sw1304,
4 Clone Trooper Captain Rex sw1315, and 1 Sabine Wren sw1303. They arrived over
a month later, and both Clone Troopers had incorrect heads and no visors, all
4 Captain Rex were missing their pauldrons and rangefinders, and Sabine is missing
her rangefinder. When I reached out to the seller, he said those items are not
included because they are “accessories” and not part of the minifigure (the listings
say “does not include accessories”). I have explained repeatedly that everything
listed in a minifigure’s inventory is part of the minifigure, and I have sent
links to BrickLink’s policies to no avail. He is refusing to do anything to remedy
this situation. I filed an NSS and a claim with PayPal, which he is disputing.
My biggest concern is that PayPal likely doesn’t have the time to investigate
the nuances of minifigure inventory or BL policies. He is refusing to acknowledge
this, and claims my interpretation of the policies is incorrect. This hell loop
is seriously stressing me out. Can anyone please offer some guidance on how to
handle this?
Here are some exchanges with the seller:
Hello,
I just received my order, and there are multiple problems:
Both of the 2 Clone Trooper sw1304 have the WRONG HEADS. They came with
Chancellor Palpatine sw1306 heads. They are also missing their visors.
All 4 of the Clone Trooper Captain Rex figs are MISSING PAULDRONS and range
finders
Please let me know as soon as possible when you can ship all the missing items.
Since shipping took a long time, can these be shipped with Priority Mail or Express
Shipping?
I look forward to hearing from you.
I list in each sales publication it is specific how the minifigure comes, in
some cases with a lack of accessories and that is why the prices are so low,
although everything is new, you just can't get all the accessories.
Your way of interpreting it is wrong, when you buy a product you must carefully
check its conditions, from the moment you are buying a minifigure you are not
buying a complete set, a Lego minifigure is made up of 1 mini upper part, 1 lower
part , 1 head, and as an extra 1 helmet or hair. And so that you are well informed,
a minifigure is not a product that Lego sells, it is part of a product that Lego
sells.
What you say about shoulder pads, capes and so on, they are accessories, and
in the specifications I say: without accessories.
|
Well regardless of whether the seller believes they are accessories or not and
regardless of whether they put in their item description that accessories were
not included:-
A) They should have been more specific about what wasn't included as accessories
on Bricklink would be classed as handheld items that are not shown in the minifig
catalog image
B) It is against Bricklink policy to list a catalogued minifigure without everything
in the picture being included
|
They may very well be legit sources from a set (are they Lego stores in Mexico?).and
if the seller had, say, 6600+ feedback I’d be a true believer they are operating
a legit store. But when feedbacks drop faster than the atmospheric pressure in
a cat 5 hurricane, they refuse to address their issues as a seller, and there
is precedence set, it’s more of the old adage if it smells like mustard pizza,
it probably is.
People also believe OJ is innocent.
|
Have I skipped a post? Do we even have the full details of the sellers account
at this stage? If not lets just stick to what we know.... The buyer received
missing parts, nothing more nothing less!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2024 22:16 | | Subject: | Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER! | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, UTLF writes:
| | "random assumptions" as if there isn't a heap of information regarding
the Mexico factory & workers smuggling out minifigs in bulk... hokay buddy
|
Are you suggesting that every time someone receives missing items, This is the
reason why??
| | what do you expect me to do? buy 4 UCS Venators, part them out, and send the
missing pauldrons to OP & solve his issue?
|
Has anyone suggested that?
| | he already filed a paypal claim and NSS, I'm providing context as to why
this happened to him
|
Yes and without any evidence to back that up. The buyer simply received missing
items. Providing your own reasons/ideas as to why this may have happened is one
thing but statements like:-
"You bought minifigures illegitimately sourced from a Lego factory"
and
"Legitimate Lego, just stolen by factory workers and resold on Bricklink"
are baseless comments and pure speculation on your part
Maybe you should try to better understand the Lego Marketplace before commenting
that way it would save us both repeating ourselves.
What you have written there only shows me that you believe every part on bricklink
can only be sourced from parting out sets alone. Has it not occurred to you that
Lego manufacture excess parts for customer service purposes? What do you think
happens to those excess parts after the sets become retired and Lego no longer
support them? There will also be production run overspills that differ in quantity
for each minifig component meaning there will never be an equal number of heads
to torsos in existence for each minifig hence why some parts belonging to the
same minifig are widely available whilst others are not.
Lastly just because a seller has a good quantity of high value parts does not
mean they were not acquired legitimately. Is it so hard to believe that parts
bought relatively cheaply today can soon become high value in a few years from
now?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2024 20:34 | | Subject: | Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER! | | Viewed: | 66 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, UTLF writes:
| | You bought minifigures illegitimately sourced from a Lego factory; the reason
they were without rangefinders/pauldrons is because those parts come from a different
location than where these minifig parts are sourced, and they can't smuggle
them out as easily (if at all)
Legitimate Lego, just stolen by factory workers and resold on Bricklink
|
Your random assumptions don't really help anybody. Stick to the facts.....
The facts are that the buyer has received missing items. Everything you have
written above is pure speculation and therefore irrelevant to helping resolve
the buyers issue!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2024 20:30 | | Subject: | Re: DESPERATE for HELP with shady SELLER! | | Viewed: | 75 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, MiniRoz writes:
| | I’m feeling a bit desperate and could really use help with an issue I’m having
with a seller. I purchased 7 minifigures from their store (2 Clone Trooper sw1304,
4 Clone Trooper Captain Rex sw1315, and 1 Sabine Wren sw1303. They arrived over
a month later, and both Clone Troopers had incorrect heads and no visors, all
4 Captain Rex were missing their pauldrons and rangefinders, and Sabine is missing
her rangefinder. When I reached out to the seller, he said those items are not
included because they are “accessories” and not part of the minifigure (the listings
say “does not include accessories”). I have explained repeatedly that everything
listed in a minifigure’s inventory is part of the minifigure, and I have sent
links to BrickLink’s policies to no avail. He is refusing to do anything to remedy
this situation. I filed an NSS and a claim with PayPal, which he is disputing.
My biggest concern is that PayPal likely doesn’t have the time to investigate
the nuances of minifigure inventory or BL policies. He is refusing to acknowledge
this, and claims my interpretation of the policies is incorrect. This hell loop
is seriously stressing me out. Can anyone please offer some guidance on how to
handle this?
Here are some exchanges with the seller:
Hello,
I just received my order, and there are multiple problems:
Both of the 2 Clone Trooper sw1304 have the WRONG HEADS. They came with
Chancellor Palpatine sw1306 heads. They are also missing their visors.
All 4 of the Clone Trooper Captain Rex figs are MISSING PAULDRONS and range
finders
Please let me know as soon as possible when you can ship all the missing items.
Since shipping took a long time, can these be shipped with Priority Mail or Express
Shipping?
I look forward to hearing from you.
I list in each sales publication it is specific how the minifigure comes, in
some cases with a lack of accessories and that is why the prices are so low,
although everything is new, you just can't get all the accessories.
Your way of interpreting it is wrong, when you buy a product you must carefully
check its conditions, from the moment you are buying a minifigure you are not
buying a complete set, a Lego minifigure is made up of 1 mini upper part, 1 lower
part , 1 head, and as an extra 1 helmet or hair. And so that you are well informed,
a minifigure is not a product that Lego sells, it is part of a product that Lego
sells.
What you say about shoulder pads, capes and so on, they are accessories, and
in the specifications I say: without accessories.
|
Well regardless of whether the seller believes they are accessories or not and
regardless of whether they put in their item description that accessories were
not included:-
A) They should have been more specific about what wasn't included as accessories
on Bricklink would be classed as handheld items that are not shown in the minifig
catalog image
B) It is against Bricklink policy to list a catalogued minifigure without everything
in the picture being included
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2024 14:10 | | Subject: | Re: Searching for minifigs with darker skin color | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Searching | |
|
| In Searching, Bricker_Brack writes:
| | I'm helping my mom create a MOC for the prison she works in. We have a good
supply of minifigs of yellow/white skin color, but not very many of darker skin
colors.
When I look at bricklink stores I can sort of find heads that suit the purpose,
but what about hands?
Should I be looking for complete minifigs? Or can is it best to find some shop
that has many heads and "torso assemblies" to get the hands I need?
This is my first time dipping into the secondary market of minifigs, so I feel
like I'm in way over my head even for a relatively simple task.
|
Start with looking at the minifigs from this set to establish some of the available
skin tone colours to search for:-
https://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemInv.asp?S=40634-1&viewItemType=M
It contains quite a few different skin tone heads with matching hands. If you
look at the part breakdown of the minifigs you will find the torsos are quite
reasonably priced even if only buying for the hands themselves but once you've
established the colour hands you need to match your heads you can also buy them
separately:-
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=983&idColor=88#T=C&C=88
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Apr 1, 2024 06:00 | | Subject: | Re: Weird Seller | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Problem | |
|
| In Problem, PaulOfBricks writes:
| | I don't usually have many problems but this weekend I have a weird seller
offers PayPal for international customer
quoted me PayPal on my quote
but then invoiced IBAN
and says use IBAN or I think he wants to give me NPB
refuses to accept PayPal because "the British" always complain about
his orders.
Firstly this business store in Germany Surely regardless of payment method, they
should have certain legal requirements, such returns etc, that regardless of
payment method they should adhere to, which I think they probably feel they can
get out of with bank transfer.
I should have avoided this seller tbh as they already just replied 'dont
order' to my questions with regard to the variants, (lots of cheap rare variant
listing), I thought id take the gamble, but then after my issues I checked their
feedback, I should of done this first. many many complaints of rudeness. Oh well
happy easter!
but my point is can a seller give me a NPB for failing to pay after they refuse
to accept a payment method that they quoted with but later changed.
|
This illustrates again why I think the whole process of filing NPB's against
buyers should be scrapped. No seller should have a hold over a buyer in this
way. If the buyer doesn't agree to the invoice or the terms of sale (Nobody
has sufficient time to read every sellers terms in full) then they should be
within their right to cancel the order or as I've suggested recently turn
manual orders into quotes so there is no commitment to place an order:-
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1461685
In your specific case I would ask the seller to mutually agree to cancel since
they do not accept paypal which differs from their original terms. If they start
filing a NPB then I would report to Bricklink whilst directing them to your post
here which shows you raised your initial concerns prior to receiving the NPB
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 31, 2024 23:26 | | Subject: | Re: Setting Orders to Complete! | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, MMillere writes:
| | Since sellers are NOT supposed to set orders to Complete.....
Can we make it so they can't?
Because when a seller does it by mistake, we can not send a ship notice thru
the system 
Thanx
Milissa
|
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
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 31, 2024 13:50 | | Subject: | Re: Finally open for U.K. buyers | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Leftoverbricks writes:
| | In General, Stuart9 writes:
| | Sorry I can’t offer items outside U.K. as I’m not prepared to do all the red
tape.
|
I think the title of your post should be: We no longer sell to countries outside
the UK
Good luck, you Brits voted for excommunication and this is what you got.
This may sound like gloating, but it is not intended that way.
Until Brexit, I bought a lot in England. Lego, but also a lot of books. That
has now become unaffordable.
I my own shop I also no longer sell to the UK, but I do sell to all countries
in the EU.
|
Obviously I can't speak for Stuart or anyone else but only just over 50%
voted Brexit and I suspect most of those that did are much less likely to be
the types that run businesses or routinely trade online using platforms like
Bricklink.
It seems the overall brexit voter was more interested in seeing improvements
to immigration control but in that regards it appears they didn't fair any
better!
Covid probably came at the perfect time for Brexiteers since it helped mask many
of the issues the UK was experiencing at the time? brexit issues got merged in
with covid issues and vice versa making it very difficult to truly scrutinize
the negative impacts brought on by brexit alone!
That said having already overcome the initial big hurdle of adjusting already
I think at this stage its simpler to accept that this is the way things are without
caring to do all that much looking back and I suspect many others feel the same
way irrespective of how they initially voted
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 28, 2024 06:12 | | Subject: | Re: Request for Quote broken | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Technical Issues | |
|
| In Technical Issues, Ziegelmeister writes:
| | For whatever reason, people can not request quotes because it's telling buyers
that I don't have a shipping method available.
I have "Accept quote requests" turned on in Management.
I tried setting up my own method (and enabling it) where it's set to "manual"
(doesn't show up)
I tried importing the shared method (and enabling it) that is specifically called
"Request for quote" and it only gives a "place order" option,
the request for a quote button that should be below that is not visible for the
buyers.
I followed the instructions on this page: https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2437
and nothing seems to be working.
What am I missing?
|
In truth the whole quote process in general is broken and unfit for purpose:-
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1460675
I really wish Bricklink would adopt a simple system where only instant checkout
orders are FIXED orders, anything else is regarded as a quote. The seller manually
invoices the buyer and the buyer has 24 hours to pay after receiving that invoice
else inventory auto returns to stock. There should be no obligation for a buyer
to buy under these circumstances and therefore no longer any reason to need to
issue NPB's
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 26, 2024 07:42 | | Subject: | Re: New custom Lego minifigures | | Viewed: | 55 times | | Topic: | LEGO products | |
|
| In LEGO products, TallyToyBricks writes:
| | | | That would be a very short sighted approach since if the printing is being carried
out by Lego themselves then there should be no reason not to embrace them by
listing as a custom Item.
Any suspicious print designs can be verified checked with what is officially
available on the Lego site. Unofficial print designs are likely to be centered
around attempting to replicate designs from popular characters/themes and so
shouldn't be hard to spot anyway!
|
The sheer number of variations for these minifigures is probably the reason they
are not included in the catalog. There are over 500,000 possible variations in
this program - before you factor in the custom labels that can be printed on
the torso.
|
I've already clearly stated that they would need to be listed as custom items
| | Not sure about selling them as a custom item. Who would verify that they were
officially produced by Lego?
|
The same way we prove or verify all parts on Bricklink are officially produced
by Lego....
WITH DIFFICULTY!
The site relies on its community to report what they consider to be suspicious/counterfeit
usually from inspection of goods upon receipt or other suspicious activities.
A handful of custom printed Torsos with basic text and/or a decal design from
a limited selection of known options to be found on the Lego site are unlikely
to be counterfeit worthy!
However eyebrows may start to be raised if a seller starts listing custom printed
torsos with the superman Logo on the front!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 26, 2024 05:02 | | Subject: | Re: New custom Lego minifigures | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | LEGO products | |
|
| In LEGO products, randyf writes:
| | In LEGO products, The_Boyz_Bricks writes:
| | With the introduction of custom Lego minifigures allowing torso customization(https://www.lego.com/en-us/minifigure-factory),
I'm just curious about how these custom torsos fit into the catalog and its
policies about custom prints. Thanks!
|
Our policy is that we do not accept them into the catalog. Easy peasy. 
|
That would be a very short sighted approach since if the printing is being carried
out by Lego themselves then there should be no reason not to embrace them by
listing as a custom Item.
Any suspicious print designs can be verified checked with what is officially
available on the Lego site. Unofficial print designs are likely to be centered
around attempting to replicate designs from popular characters/themes and so
shouldn't be hard to spot anyway!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 25, 2024 05:25 | | Subject: | Re: Another scam | | Viewed: | 119 times | | Topic: | Announce | |
|
| In Announce, jandbbricks writes:
| | Just received an email from blservice@briicklinks.com (notice the two ii in the
name) telling me someone has signed into my account. There are links for contacting
support and/or logging out of all devices. Both require you to enter your password.
|
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1460661
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 24, 2024 18:19 | | Subject: | Re: Russia | | Viewed: | 87 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, Mannsky writes:
| | Hello,
I have a question. Does anyone know when the ban on buying things from Russia
will end? Because I have something in my cart from Russia that won't let
me buy it that I was really excited for.
Thanks in advance,
Mannsky
|
Hopefully after the country recognizes the errors of its ways and financially
contributes to rebuilding the country it has destroyed! Perhaps at that point
trade and normality can resume but sadly there appears to be no end in sight!
In other words probably best not to hold out any hope in being able to buy what
you need any time soon!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 22, 2024 11:54 | | Subject: | Re: Idea for messages Can we fix it? | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In General, George_Lucy writes:
| | Why can we not have all our messages go into our inbox on Bricklink? When someone
messages a seller who doesn’t have an order we get an email from BL with the
message. The message reply email isn’t even to the person asking the question.
You have to remove the BL email and put in their email or it will just go
to a dead box.
|
I agree this really ought to be up there as one of Bricklink's priority fixes
as I wonder how many sellers have replied not realizing their reply had gone
to the BL email leaving the buyer thinking they had been ignored. I wonder how
many lost sales opportunities and what overall negative impact this may have
caused to the way buyers perceive Bricklink and its sellers!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 22, 2024 07:03 | | Subject: | Re: Getting quotes | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Help | |
|
| In Help, calebfishn writes:
| | In Help, zorbanj writes:
| | In Help, sw_lego_lover writes:
| | Can I get help understanding what the ability is for requesting quotes?
|
https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2437
| | If a seller offers the Quote button then they presumably have to respond, but
otherwise (such as contacting them via BL messaging) there is no responsibility
|
A seller does not have to respond. If they do, the quote is good for 3 days.
| | All too many sellers offer no clear pricing for shipping, and I'm not about
to get snookered into paying 30%+ for shipping. In addition, most sellers don't
have a Quote option. This seems quite anti-consumer.
|
This is because most quotes don't result in a sale, which is a waste of the
seller's time.
|
66% of quotes I provide are accepted. I like this system and I don't think
it is a waste of time. I think that is because the buyer actually fills out a
cart.
Of the remaining 33% that are not accepted, a good number are cancelled because
parts were purchased by someone else.
|
Yes and this is exactly the reason I mention in this thread why I believe stock
should be held for 24 hours during the quote period. Giving buyers confidence
in being able to secure parts without being subjected to store terms that are
easily overlooked encourages confidence in buyers to be less hesitant over placing
orders/quotes and more likely to spend more money!
Quite often if a buyer wants certain items badly enough they will just quickly
place their order before they get snapped up by someone else there is often no
further opportunity to continue browsing a store to include other items since
the order is then already placed!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 21, 2024 22:55 | | Subject: | Re: Getting quotes | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | Help | |
|
| In Help, zorbanj writes:
| | In Help, sw_lego_lover writes:
| | Can I get help understanding what the ability is for requesting quotes?
|
https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2437
| | If a seller offers the Quote button then they presumably have to respond, but
otherwise (such as contacting them via BL messaging) there is no responsibility
|
A seller does not have to respond. If they do, the quote is good for 3 days.
| | All too many sellers offer no clear pricing for shipping, and I'm not about
to get snookered into paying 30%+ for shipping. In addition, most sellers don't
have a Quote option. This seems quite anti-consumer.
|
This is because most quotes don't result in a sale, which is a waste of the
seller's time.
|
Since the start of 2024 I have only received 9 quotes but 6 of these were accepted
and therefore I think you underestimate the value in Bricklink properly incorporating
quotes. I expect the number of quotes I and others receive would be a lot higher
if all those that offered quotes were at the very least expected to respond and
Bricklink could ensure that happens by making their stock held up until they
do so!
The reason buyers don't request quotes as much as they otherwise would do
is partly because the option is hidden away within the checkout process which
is confusing to most buyers but more importantly because they are unable to secure
the items they want with any confidence since it only takes one item to become
out of stock to invalidate the whole quote and a sellers slow action to respond
isn't helpful in that regards! Being able to secure/hold stock would resolve
this issue
In truth I really don't understand why no attention has been given to a proper
quote system that is useful and works?, I honestly believe Bricklink and a lot
of sellers here are very short sighted because those buyers that often feel the
need to put together a quote are quite often those that intend to place larger
orders where a little bit of extra thought is required and yet bricklink only
seems to be interested in encouraging its sellers to use methods that force customers
to make spontaneous instant checkout purchase/decisions! but this site is not
Amazon, Most orders are complex and made up of multiple items!
The way I see it is that sellers are here to serve buyers, Not the other way
round. When a seller chooses to give a buyer the option of requesting a quote
that quote needs to remain valid with stock held right up until 24 hours after
quoting else the quote is of little use to anyone!
If sellers are unhappy with having any of their stock held up during the quote
process then it would be better for everyone if they disabled the quote option
and just stuck to instant checkout!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 21, 2024 20:12 | | Subject: | Re: Phishing emails | | Viewed: | 94 times | | Topic: | Technical Issues | |
|
| In Technical Issues, Nubs_Select writes:
| | | | This is probably a dumb question, but how do you know that the email is fake?
|
by looking at who sent it and hovering over the button to see where the link
goes. if the email doesn't end with exactly "@bricklink.com" then
its not from bricklink and if the link goes to anywhere that isn't"bricklink.com"
then its likely not real (baring rare interview like emails)
|
In truth even when I know its from Bricklink such as a Pay my fee reminder I
always try to avoid following links within emails as people can do clever things
with making a recipient address look legitimate besides which, if you routinely
follow links via emails you only increase your chances of being exposed to any
risks
Where possible I prefer to Login from scratch to Bricklink(or any Other site)
and seek out whatever it is they are asking me to do from there, be that paying
my fee etc..
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 19, 2024 23:04 | | Subject: | Re: How many mistakes in an order are OK? | | Viewed: | 86 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| One observation that surprises me from reading this thread is just how many sellers
count and list their entire inventory on Bricklink down to the very last part?
I guess a business seller may feel the need to do this or the seller may already
know the exact quantity they have after parting out sets themselves and sorting/counting
as they go but generally speaking I feel it’s more important to be precise over
counting parts for an order rather than for inventory and by that I mean sometimes
it might be easier to only list part of your inventory at a time, that way you
can estimate the quantity listed in your store without feeling the need to count
it all
For instance if you estimate you have around 500 of a part. Maybe only list 400
and then worry about accurately counting and updating your store inventory as
you start to get down to the last 100 or so!
Also people mention human error and that's fine since we all make mistakes
but there's usually more to it than that since 1 or 2 errors in every 50-100
orders may very well be acceptable as human error but 1 or 2 errors in every
5-10 orders well that's more a case of carelessness and these types of mistakes
usually come about from cutting corners and not wanting to give the counting
process the required time and care it needs in order to be accurate. If low value
parts are not worth a sellers time to count carefully and accurately then that's
fine but then they also shouldn't mind over counting by an extra 5 or 10
pieces to be sure the buyer isn't left short!
Either way for those wanting to be more accurate I'd recommend using a bun
baking tray and counting five per section, Any section short a piece will stand
out a mile with just the quickest of glances!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 19, 2024 06:39 | | Subject: | Re: How many mistakes in an order are OK? | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, BrickBonder writes:
| | How many mistakes in an order do you all tolerate before contacting a seller?
For egregious cases the decision is easy, but I just received yet another order
leaving me with a frustrating decision to make. I understand quantity errors,
but what gets to me are the missing lots that occur in roughly 50% of all orders
that have missing lots that bother me.
In this case, I probably will not say anything, because only 2 of 60 lots are
missing, they are not minifigures, and because I can get them from Lego.com for
$4 total. However, the decision is still annoying because one of the lots is
for right wedges to match left wedges that did get included.
Notes:
-Yes, I have tried ordering fewer lots, but it seems you have to keep it under
20 lots in order to prevent most seller mistakes. Those smaller orders are usually
not cost effective for me after factoring in shipping costs.
-If you receive an order containing a printout with a hand-written check mark
next to each lot, consider favoriting that seller. Those sellers are rare and
almost never make mistakes.
|
You should always notify the seller of mistakes however small since they've
already inconvenienced you and therefore it only right that you inconvenience
them in return else there is no incentive for a seller to improve on their service
and attention to detail.
As a seller myself I know how costly and time consuming it can be to respond
to and rectify mistakes and issues therefore you soon learn that it better to
try and get things correct to begin with and that's the message we should
try to convey to all that sell here!
Frustratingly I often find that if you buy out all the remaining stock of an
item shown in a sellers store quite often they will just give you whatever they
have left assuming its correct quantity but without wanting to bother to check,
this often means a buyer ends up doing the counting job of the seller which seems
wrong to me especially since a buyer may feel the need to count for a second
time just to make sure its not them that's counted incorrectly!? (After all
you would assume a seller has sent correct amount!!)
Since accuracy is important I actually think Bricklink should implement an Accuracy
rating that is separate from main feedback where after leaving positive, Neutral
of Negative the buyer can also leave 1-5 stars for things like accuracy, condition
etc.. else how else do we improve the overall service here and keep sellers on
their toes?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 16, 2024 14:32 | | Subject: | 4523 Container D-Basket - Add Design I.D 5678 | | Viewed: | 55 times | | Topic: | Catalog Requests | | For: | Catalog Associate | | Status: | Open | |
|
| | 4523 Container D-Basket - Add Design I.D 5678 |
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2024 12:42 | | Subject: | Re: Lego Star Wars Alien Species List | | Viewed: | 52 times | | Topic: | Help | |
|
| In Help, Jkbvmartinez04 writes:
| | I am just beginning a Lego Star Wars collection consisting of at least one minifigure
for each species available in the Lego Star Wars theme. So far I have Human,
Ithorian, Wookie, Klatoonian, Togruta, and Trandoshan. I have a list of the few
more prominent species, like Jawa, Ewok, etc. If anyone could please make a list
of all the available Lego Star Wars minifigure species and which minifigure would
best represent it, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and have a wonderful rest of your day!
|
My suggestion in below link would aid you in comparing which minifig to choose
for each species but sadly it hasn't yet been implemented (if it ever will?)
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1416734
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 6, 2024 04:48 | | Subject: | Re: BrickLink Item(s) For Sale Deleted | | Viewed: | 98 times | | Topic: | Problem | |
|
| In Problem, brikomania writes:
| | Hello, twice now some lots from my store have been deleted. This is now messing
up with our inventory management and orders. Reason is absurd: Item is not for
sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing).
I understand that the price is above average at the moment, but so are the prices
of every item in our store.
Does Bricklink think we do not have these in stock?
Below is the communication.
Can anyone provide a reason that I might be missing, or a way to ensure that
this does not happen again?
Thank you,
------------------------------
Reason: Item is not for sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing)
Lot Number: 394499743
Description: Light Bluish Gray Plate 1 x 2
Comments: (none)
Qty: 47,951
Bulk Amount: 1
Price Each: EUR 0.112
Sale: 0
Tiered Pricing: (none)
Condition: New
Stockroom Item: No
Retain after Sold Out: Yes
--------------------------------
Reason: Item is not for sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing)
Lot Number: 378736897
Description: Black Plate, Round 1 x 1
Comments: (none)
Qty: 50,512
Bulk Amount: 1
Price Each: EUR 0.055
Sale: 0
Tiered Pricing: (none)
Condition: New
Stockroom Item: No
Retain after Sold Out: Yes
--------------------------------
Reason: Item is not for sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing)
Lot Number: 389449954
Description: Trans-Clear Plate 1 x 1
Comments: (none)
Qty: 27,154
Bulk Amount: 1
Price Each: EUR 0.16
Sale: 0
Tiered Pricing: (none)
Condition: New
Stockroom Item: No
Retain after Sold Out: Yes
--------------------------------
Reason: Item is not for sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing)
Lot Number: 385285054
Description: White Plate 1 x 2
Comments: (none)
Qty: 47,875
Bulk Amount: 1
Price Each: EUR 0.095
Sale: 0
Tiered Pricing: (none)
Condition: New
Stockroom Item: No
Retain after Sold Out: Yes
--------------------------------
Reason: Item is not for sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing)
Lot Number: 394162560
Description: Light Bluish Gray Tile 1 x 2
Comments: (none)
Qty: 42,647
Bulk Amount: 1
Price Each: EUR 0.223
Sale: 0
Tiered Pricing: (none)
Condition: New
Stockroom Item: No
Retain after Sold Out: Yes
--------------------------------
Reason: Item is not for sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing)
Lot Number: 394501324
Description: Light Bluish Gray Plate 1 x 1
Comments: (none)
Qty: 44,709
Bulk Amount: 1
Price Each: EUR 0.098
Sale: 0
Tiered Pricing: (none)
Condition: New
Stockroom Item: No
Retain after Sold Out: Yes
--------------------------------
Reason: Item is not for sale but for other purposes (frivolous listing)
Lot Number: 379440089
Description: Light Bluish Gray Tile 1 x 1
Comments: (none)
Qty: 47,433
Bulk Amount: 1
Price Each: EUR 0.156
Sale: 0
Tiered Pricing: (none)
Condition: New
Stockroom Item: No
Retain after Sold Out: Yes
|
I notice you still have these item listed in your store with similar high quantities
but slightly different prices so I'm thinking it could be that Bricklink
doesn't like you duplicating such high quantity listings possibly for two
reasons:-
A) If you search for those items by highest quantity you would appear multiple
times at the very top thereby it could be deemed as listing manipulation and
at the detriment to other sellers who also have high quantities of these parts
but end up pushed further down the list
B) Just one of those listings has enough quantity in itself before anyone would
ever need to purchase from your other duplicate listings and therefore Bricklink
may be deeming this listing practice as unnecessary and clogging up the catalog
I have a feeling it may be different if you were listing duplicate times for
much smaller quantities with these varying prices as these will sell out within
a much more reasonable timeframe and have more purpose
I could be wrong but those are the reasons I take from it....
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 2, 2024 10:58 | | Subject: | Re: sort the changes out please | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, BrickCompulsion writes:
| | HI Bricklink Team
Please can you either do the catalogue changes or not - I am listing a load of
printed tiles and some have the b and some don't. this is infuriating and
is meaning it is taking me longer to list than before.
I thought the changes were there to simplify matters. so far its the opposite
in every way plus we have a worse catalogue.
Also - and I fully admit I haven't been at my best the last few weeks due
to illness, but I thought we were getting an email with the parts in our inventory
it was affecting. Did I miss this ?
Cheers
Dave
|
It might be an idea to just list them all under one entry with comments stating
they could be either variant inline with Bricklinks scheduled merge!
I can't imagine neither Bricklink or your customers will hold you accountable
at this stage in the change process besides you'd be giving your customers
fair warning anyway
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Mar 2, 2024 05:11 | | Subject: | Re: Royal Mail stamps up again | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Stuart9 writes:
| | Prices for letters up again in April.
Justification : costs and less mail.
My guess is that part of the reason for less mail is, you guessed it, the fact
that the price keeps going up.
|
Well that's the thing as the Royal Mail keep saying their processing system
is only really designed for high volumes and that todays lower volumes make the
processing of letters unviable but judging by the recent Panorama program (Well
worth a catch up if you missed it) I would say it appears more to do with their
overall neglection and discouragement of Letters due to them becoming so fixated
with the higher profitability that comes with shipping parcels. The burden/commitment
of processing high volumes of letters appears to be a thorn in their side when
it comes to wanting to scale the more profitable parcel side of the business.
The unfair part is that many people are unknowingly paying extra for 1st class
Letter service yet many of these letters are more often than not getting processed
at exactly the same time scale as 2nd class in fact worse still most letters
in general are being held back in order to give priority to increased parcel
volumes with my posties advising me not to even bother wasting my money sending
1st class.
It's already looking likely that there will soon only be one Letter and one
Large Letter service with 1st/2nd essentially being merged into one!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 27, 2024 05:42 | | Subject: | Re: + Tile/Plate, Round, Modified & ... Jumpers? | | Viewed: | 56 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
| | In Catalog, 1001bricks writes:
| | In Catalog, StarBrick writes:
| | In Catalog, jennnifer writes:
| |
You would like them to split a category with just 24 items in it? Is this really
a problem?
|
That's not a valid argument as there are multiple categories with even less
item
|
Frankly, on eBay there are less Category problems.
I'd go there.
|
If only that were true….
I’ve been unsuccessfully battling with ebay to get their Lego category problems
resolved for near on 2 years. I appreciate it’s a bit of an unrelated topic here
but since you bring it up it may be interesting for you and others to know that
despite them only having 5 categories under Lego which includes:-
Parts
Sets
Minifigures
Instuctions
Storage
They do not always work as intended. For instance if you do a simple Lego search
on ebay it’s supposed to do a generic search across the whole site with the above
categories only in place to allow buyers to narrow down their search but there
are two major issues….
A) When you search for certain keywords alongside the word Lego sometimes ebay
mistakenly forces a search within only one of these categories even though the
buyer did not specify to only look within one of these categories (Keep in mind
that the buyer will not find any matches outside of this category and is unlikely
to notice that their search has been narrowed down to only looking within one
category instead of across the whole site)
B) Even worse still sometimes unbeknown to the buyer, ebay narrows down its search
within the wrong category and only offers results from here!
For example if you do a simple generic search for some parts such as ‘Lego Hair’
or ‘Lego Helmet’ notice on the left hand side the category ‘Complete Sets and
Packs’ is highlighted meaning if you list your hair or helmets under the CORRECT
category of ‘Bricks, Pieces & Parts’ your items will never be found when the
buyer does these generic searches! On the same token if you move your parts to
the incorrect sets category to compensate for this ebay glitch then you also
risk your items not being found if a buyer specifically chooses to narrow down
their search to only search within parts category. It really is a mess!
Fortunately many other part searches I’ve checked are handled correctly though
I’ve barely tested a fraction on all the Lego keyword searches to fully know
exactly the extent of the problem (I sell a lot minifig parts and so have only
really tested many of those that affect me?)
The correct way ebay is supposed to handle key word searches is with the example
search for ‘Lego Swords’ where you will notice it hasn’t forced a sub category
search unless/until buyer chooses to use sub category to narrow down their search!
|
I should just point out that I don't know whether this specific issue is
only isolated to ebay.co.uk but a search for 'Lego hair' on ebay.com
handles the search correctly!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 27, 2024 05:30 | | Subject: | Re: + Tile/Plate, Round, Modified & ... Jumpers? | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, 1001bricks writes:
| | In Catalog, StarBrick writes:
| | In Catalog, jennnifer writes:
| |
You would like them to split a category with just 24 items in it? Is this really
a problem?
|
That's not a valid argument as there are multiple categories with even less
item
|
Frankly, on eBay there are less Category problems.
I'd go there.
|
If only that were true….
I’ve been unsuccessfully battling with ebay to get their Lego category problems
resolved for near on 2 years. I appreciate it’s a bit of an unrelated topic here
but since you bring it up it may be interesting for you and others to know that
despite them only having 5 categories under Lego which includes:-
Parts
Sets
Minifigures
Instuctions
Storage
They do not always work as intended. For instance if you do a simple Lego search
on ebay it’s supposed to do a generic search across the whole site with the above
categories only in place to allow buyers to narrow down their search but there
are two major issues….
A) When you search for certain keywords alongside the word Lego sometimes ebay
mistakenly forces a search within only one of these categories even though the
buyer did not specify to only look within one of these categories (Keep in mind
that the buyer will not find any matches outside of this category and is unlikely
to notice that their search has been narrowed down to only looking within one
category instead of across the whole site)
B) Even worse still sometimes unbeknown to the buyer, ebay narrows down its search
within the wrong category and only offers results from here!
For example if you do a simple generic search for some parts such as ‘Lego Hair’
or ‘Lego Helmet’ notice on the left hand side the category ‘Complete Sets and
Packs’ is highlighted meaning if you list your hair or helmets under the CORRECT
category of ‘Bricks, Pieces & Parts’ your items will never be found when the
buyer does these generic searches! On the same token if you move your parts to
the incorrect sets category to compensate for this ebay glitch then you also
risk your items not being found if a buyer specifically chooses to narrow down
their search to only search within parts category. It really is a mess!
Fortunately many other part searches I’ve checked are handled correctly though
I’ve barely tested a fraction on all the Lego keyword searches to fully know
exactly the extent of the problem (I sell a lot minifig parts and so have only
really tested many of those that affect me?)
The correct way ebay is supposed to handle key word searches is with the example
search for ‘Lego Swords’ where you will notice it hasn’t forced a sub category
search unless/until buyer chooses to use sub category to narrow down their search!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 26, 2024 04:25 | | Subject: | Re: PROBLEM WITH DARK BROWN 3062 ITEM | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | Inventories | |
|
| In Inventories, minifig_75 writes:
| | In Inventories, SylvainLS writes:
| | In Inventories, StarBrick writes:
| | If the seller didn't change the ID, what/who did?
If the seller didn't change the prices, what/who did?
|
Do you have proofs the seller didn’t do that?
Do you have proofs the next possibility, BL, did that?
What Sylvain/1001bricks said earlier is exactly that:
— when someone blames BL, they don’t have proofs,
— those who have backups and traces always find it’s their fault / can never
pin it on BL.
|
Hello Sylvain and thanks for your so very useful message, as usual...!
I don't get why you wrote this, please explain ?
To me, it feels to me you're just saying I lied.
I have already specified once or twice on other messages I DON'T HAVE TIME
TO SPEND writing useless posts.. unfortunately, I have many things to do at home,
so I try to save time  , and I can't waste my time posting ..
So, you can very easily imagine I am not the kind of people to waste his time
posting if it's useless. AND NO, I didn't do this..
I noticed it randomly while working on my inventory.
I am pretty sure you, too, don't have time to waste posting messages like
this
|
hmm I wouldn't be so sure about that, in fact if you see any kind of absence
of his posts for any given number of days I'd be phoning the emergency services
to check he's okay! 
https://www.bricklink.com/messageList.asp?overTP=Y&q=&qS=Y&qM=Y&msgID=&uName=SYLVAINls&ID=&status=&v=c&max=50
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 21, 2024 05:23 | | Subject: | Re: Minifigures | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | LEGO products | |
|
| In LEGO products, Penguiknight writes:
| | I have been all over the internet trying to find someone who can do custom minifigures
I have ideas but am not artistically good enough to put them into fruition.long
story short I am in a dnd campaign and want to get some minifigures to represent
our party members as gifts, there are 5 total, me a skeleton resembling a reaper,
my wife who is a lera moth creature, one of my friends who is an arochian (like
a minotaur) and a kitsune (small humanoid fox, as well as an angel. I want to
get these made but can't find anywhere to get the parts or create them myself
if anyone has any way I could accomplish this that would be awesome. Thank you
for any info.
|
Some of these might a be a good starting point as they already exist in the catalog
and can be used/tweaked with...
Loads of skeleton parts and minifigs out there too
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 20, 2024 09:08 | | Subject: | Re: UK VAT threshold | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Taxes | |
|
| In Taxes, XKLSVBRKS writes:
| | In Taxes, infinibrix writes:
| | In Taxes, XKLSVBRKS writes:
| | Hi all. A couple of questions for UK based bricklink sellers that know a thing
or two about being VAT registered.
First of all, is it worth being VAT registered when selling on bricklink if the
store turnover is under the threshold?
And if not, is it worth going past the threshold where it's mandatory to
become VAT refistered if the store would only go past the threshold by a few
thousand pounds, or it's better to remain below the threshold and just stop
selling till the end of VAT year and resume selling when a new year begins?
I've been struggling to understand this stuff from info I find on gov pages
or other sources, would really like to hear about it from some of the fellow
sellers.
Thank you in advance!
|
A few things to think about before considering the VAT registered route would
be whether you can increase your all important net profit whilst still remaining
below the VAT threshold? For instance the only thing that will get you close
to the VAT threshold is high turnover but high turnover doesn't necessarily
equate to being the most profitable business therefore it might first be better
to fine turn the stock you sell. For instance high value ticket items like sets
can increase your turnover quite quickly to an impressive level without generating
all that much profit that is unless you hold onto them for a few years or part
them out!
Either way even the parts and minfigs we choose to sell/invest in can be fine
tuned in the sense that selling an item for 22p that was bought for 2p is better
than selling an item for 52p that was bought for 30p. Exactly the same profit
but one has a significantly bigger impact on your overall turnover and when you
scale this up across everything you sell it can make a big difference!
Obviously the other thing that will increase your turnover is the shipping costs
you charge and shipping a lot of international mail will increase your turnover
without seeing any improvement to your overall net profit therefore it may also
be worth only focusing on UK sales whilst operating below the VAT threshold.
The other benefit of disabling international sales for this purpose is that it
will give you a better incline of what potential business is waiting for you
at the click of a button helping you to better guage whether you can generate
enough sales to make the switch worthwhile.
But in the end if you feel that trying to remain below the VAT threshold is holding
you back then it may well be worth making the switch.
However if your currently running your store alone then keep in mind that much
more detailed itemization of your accounting will be required and therefore this
will likely take up a lot more of your own free time or take away money from
your business seeking out further assistance or employing someone to deal with
not only this but also the increased workload that comes with operating a bigger
store!
|
Thank you very much for your input, it's much appreciated!
I can tell you straight away, that this made me think about some things that
I never even though of thinking about, especially how international shipping
costs increase the turnover that much, so that's very helpful.
Just one follow up, does being VAT registered really adds so much paperwork and
accounting tasks? Whenever I read through the gov website pages or elsewhere,
it's all made look quite straight forward. It probably is, but to those that
have good experience dealing with it while a beginner would get confused/potentially
burn out quite quick if there'd be many transactions involved..?
|
You'll have to look into that in some more detail but for me I've only
come close to the VAT threshold once during the pandemic where I had to close
the store for a few weeks but at that time I would say I was as busy as I would
ever want to be therefore for me the increased turnover would likely either mean
no life or needing to employ someone neither of which I would want
I also feel there is a lot of tweaking I can still do before I consider the VAT
threshold a barrier that I need to move beyond such as moving more of my business
away from ebay as they take a bigger fee share meaning I have to increase my
prices over there to compensate which in turn increases my overall turnover without
necessarily increasing profit! I would also look to scale down the number of
orders I process by increasing minimum spends and prices. For instance I currently
have a lot of sub £5 items listed on ebay where you do so in the hope people
will purchase multiple items since you are unable to set minimum store spends
over there and you have to consider that ebay/paypal take 30p per transaction
on top of the usual percentage fees.
So removing small listings and bundling lots over there, moving more business
over here, removing international transactions and then increasing prices and/or
being more selective over what I sell I hope will increase profits and reduce
workload without feeling the need to be Vat Registered or at least that's
the long term plan for me if and when I keep getting too close to the VAT threshold
but at the moment I'm not yet in that position where I can be overly selective
over the types of orders I process compared to when it went crazy for me during
the pandemic
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 19, 2024 06:55 | | Subject: | Re: UK VAT threshold | | Viewed: | 55 times | | Topic: | Taxes | |
|
| In Taxes, XKLSVBRKS writes:
| | Hi all. A couple of questions for UK based bricklink sellers that know a thing
or two about being VAT registered.
First of all, is it worth being VAT registered when selling on bricklink if the
store turnover is under the threshold?
And if not, is it worth going past the threshold where it's mandatory to
become VAT refistered if the store would only go past the threshold by a few
thousand pounds, or it's better to remain below the threshold and just stop
selling till the end of VAT year and resume selling when a new year begins?
I've been struggling to understand this stuff from info I find on gov pages
or other sources, would really like to hear about it from some of the fellow
sellers.
Thank you in advance!
|
A few things to think about before considering the VAT registered route would
be whether you can increase your all important net profit whilst still remaining
below the VAT threshold? For instance the only thing that will get you close
to the VAT threshold is high turnover but high turnover doesn't necessarily
equate to being the most profitable business therefore it might first be better
to fine turn the stock you sell. For instance high value ticket items like sets
can increase your turnover quite quickly to an impressive level without generating
all that much profit that is unless you hold onto them for a few years or part
them out!
Either way even the parts and minfigs we choose to sell/invest in can be fine
tuned in the sense that selling an item for 22p that was bought for 2p is better
than selling an item for 52p that was bought for 30p. Exactly the same profit
but one has a significantly bigger impact on your overall turnover and when you
scale this up across everything you sell it can make a big difference!
Obviously the other thing that will increase your turnover is the shipping costs
you charge and shipping a lot of international mail will increase your turnover
without seeing any improvement to your overall net profit therefore it may also
be worth only focusing on UK sales whilst operating below the VAT threshold.
The other benefit of disabling international sales for this purpose is that it
will give you a better incline of what potential business is waiting for you
at the click of a button helping you to better guage whether you can generate
enough sales to make the switch worthwhile.
But in the end if you feel that trying to remain below the VAT threshold is holding
you back then it may well be worth making the switch.
However if your currently running your store alone then keep in mind that much
more detailed itemization of your accounting will be required and therefore this
will likely take up a lot more of your own free time or take away money from
your business seeking out further assistance or employing someone to deal with
not only this but also the increased workload that comes with operating a bigger
store!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 14, 2024 06:58 | | Subject: | Re: Constant Paypal issues | | Viewed: | 51 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, SimplyBricks writes:
| | In General, Clmorning writes:
| | Hello all,
Over the past 9 days, Paypal has asked me three (3) times to verify my account.
I have to upload a drivers license, verify transactions, send in USPS tracking
information. Twice now, I've submitted all of the info and within a few
hours, my account is back to normal.
THis morning, they have asked again and now want a copy of my bank statement,
verify more transactions with USPS tracking information.
What is going on with Paypal? Is anyone else having to deal with this? I only
use Paypal for my bricklink store. I don't transfer money all over the place
and all of my bricklink sales go into Paypal.
THanks,
CLM
|
Are you sure it's really Paypal asking for this info? Sounds like a bit
of a scam! I've never been asked by Paypal this level of info. Be careful.
Mike
|
Me neither. Probably best to phone paypal directly in order to get all the re-assurances
you need about the info they're requesting
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 13, 2024 14:02 | | Subject: | Re: Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, rickcraine writes:
| |
Thanks for that great response. I didn't mean to make you think I was attacking
you
|
No I didn't think that at all as your initial message here was very diplomatic
and fair to be honest with any misunderstandings between us not helped by one
or two others misinterpreting my comments and fueling the fire!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 13, 2024 09:57 | | Subject: | Re: Lego 9474 | | Viewed: | 51 times | | Topic: | Help | |
|
| In Help, Metalgiuppi writes:
| | Hi guys,
regarding LEGO 9474 Helm's Deep, keep it or sell it?
Is it a set that will increase the value even more?
|
It will almost certainly continue to increase in value but at what rate is hard
to say?
A year from now pricing may not have shifted all that much at all or it could
jump up by several hundred pounds. Nobody can know for sure. In the end it comes
down to whether or not you could do with the money for other things. If not then
you may as well hold on to it as Lego will always remain a good investment though
considering the overall size of the set its probably fair to say that there are
better sets to invest in overall!
If you are in two minds and not overly concerned about selling it. Price it at
the higher end of the market price guide that way if it sells you will get better
than average money for it and if it doesn't sell, well it continues to remain
a good investment for you!
After 10 years of holding onto 3 copies of this set I actually decided to sell
one to make way for other stock and it sold only a couple of months ago for £469.95
which is currently the highest sold price in the last 6 months for this particular
set:-
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?S=9474-1&name=The%20Battle%20of%20Helm%27s%20Deep&category=%5BThe%20Hobbit%20and%20The%20Lord%20of%20the%20Rings%5D%5BThe%20Lord%20of%20the%20Rings%5D#T=P
Obviously you are far less likely to get a quick sale with this approach but
it can be a worthwhile approach if you're not entirely sure whether you want
to sell it or not
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 13, 2024 09:12 | | Subject: | Re: Feedback Extortion | | Viewed: | 79 times | | Topic: | Feedback | |
|
| In Feedback, enig writes:
| | In Feedback, TimsBrickHouse writes:
| | I had a buyer leave negative feedback. In his email message he writes, "If
this is not dealt with appropriately I will be forced to leave my first negative
review of a Bricklink thus far." To me this is clearly extortion and against
policy, correct?
|
Nothing wrong with writing to a seller in advance and letting the seller know
that you are STILL(?) waiting for an issue to get resolved, and that you are
willing to leave a negative feedback if it wont get resolved.
If you have wronged the buyer AND have not offered a suitable solution - negative
feedback is warranted. It is not extortion.
|
On ebay even the mere mention of feedback is considered extortion (Not sure about
here?) but either way I don't believe feedback should be brought into the
conversation at all since as a seller I'd rather the buyer know that I'm
fixing the problem off my own back because its the right thing to do rather than
because they assume I'm only fixing the problem because they state they will
otherwise leave me negative feedback! In fact in those situations after resolving
the problem I may even consider blocking the buyer since feedback should not
be a bartering tool! The feedback is for the buyer/seller alone to decide upon
once the transaction process is complete and any issues resolved(or not)
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 13, 2024 07:08 | | Subject: | Re: Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 78 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, rickcraine writes:
| |
I am one of the 11 accounts you mentioned
|
Yes and yet I hope you can appreciate that my statement is a generalized statement.
It does not target any one individual such as yourself or anyone else but
Stormchaser has taken it open himself to go to the trouble of counting and listing
each individual with less than 10 feedback simply because just like many of his
other posts towards others such as admins and bricklink, he is a stirrer and
I assume he just wants those members like yourself to jump in on this thread
to attack me simply because he does not like my overall view point on the variant
merge!
Ironically when he was an admin for the catalog team his own responses towards
newer members suggesting anything would quite often be abrupt and dismissive
and so I really don’t think I need to take any lectures from him in that regards!
| | I am relatively new to Bricklink, as I have said before. This account is even
newer, which I have also said before, and which I have also explained why already
(in short, the old one wasn't really mine).
|
You don’t even need to defend yourself. The purpose of my post was to bring my
suspicions to the attention of the admins and that is all, Is that so wrong?
Others have expressed similar suspicions within these threads however it is not
the huge witch-hunt that it is being made out to be!
| | I am just pointing out the fact there is more than enough viable
reasons for people like me to be on the forum, voicing their opinion.
|
Of course, but I hope you can also appreciate that if someone who seemingly has
little experience at climbing mountains tells everyone they won’t need safety
ropes people are well within their right to be somewhat dismissive towards their
opinion and challenge that? Therefore I really don't see it as being "Elitist!".
Many members with less than 10 feedback are also my customers and many customers
know more about Lego than I do and I’m sure they know more than most other sellers
too. However selling to expert Lego enthusiasts can be problematic. Hence it
better these hardcore collectors tell us exactly what they need by asking rather
than assume all sellers are listing minor variants correctly!
| | Why did I argue against the variant
merge? Not because I collect old stuff, but because I saw some of the changes
as unnecessary happenstances. I saw it as a change that would annoy and frustrate
a small percentage of the population, and not benefit the majority enough to
be worth changing what was in place.
|
This is the only reason I would strongly challenge your opinion because your
opinion could affect how people buy and sell here. Neither of which you appear
to do? If you’re not a seller and do not have to sort the variants or be held
accountable for the incorrect minor variants being sent then it isn’t a problem
for you? Hence whilst your fully entitled to your opinion I also feel I’m in
my right to challenge that based on your lack of experience (or seemingly lack
of experience) on the complications variants can create from the selling side
of things?
Again its not about being Eliteist! But its about showing greater consideration
to the opinions from those it actually affects on a day to day basis and so I’m
sorry if there isn’t a better way of saying that without it sounding Eliteist
but there you go!
| | I've watched the forum since the argument, and now read through most of the
stuff that goes on here. Obviously, however, I should not be doing this, since
new faces (that really care about Lego!) are not accepted on this apparently
elitist website...
|
Your as much welcome here as any!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 13, 2024 06:35 | | Subject: | Re: Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 68 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, randyf writes:
| | In General, infinibrix writes:
| | In General, StormChaser writes:
| | In General, infinibrix writes:
| | there are clearly members here using second accounts to strengthen the voice of their own opinion in the forum?
|
Buuuut . . . how clear is it really? Is your bias toward approval of the decision
causing you to make mildly outrageous and clearly unsupported claims, perhaps
augmented by your surprise at being significantly in the minority?
|
No surprise at all about being in the minority in the forum because those that
use the forum tend to have a more in depth interest in the catalog and it's
variants
| | | | How is it possible that so many replies against the variant merge are from people
with barely any feedback yet they still appear to have the
highest/most complex level of understanding
|
You joined this website 11 years after me, yet you have nearly 10 times the feedback
I do. Does your higher level of feedback mean that your opinion is more meaningful
than mine?
|
You know very well it doesn't hence why you also felt the need to re-iterate
your comment further down this post... So shall I just skip this part and respond
further down to save us both the bother of you attempting to put words in my
mouth??
| | Member SylvainLS, who is affiliated with the website itself as a forum moderator,
has a feedback score of merely 46, even though he joined in 2014. Another person
affiliated with the site as a catalog expert (Turez) has an even lower feedback
score of only 43 and he joined the site two years earlier in 2012.
|
You inadvertently just pointed out the key differences between those two users
and other regular users in that they are not your average user! i.e they regularly
spend much of their time in the forum or in depth talking about Lego and/or working
on the catalog. That's very different to unknown users suddenly popping up
in the forum with extremely strong views on the changes where there is barely
any evidence of them having used the site for its primary purpose. Again the
primary purpose of this site is to buy and sell Lego, many decisions being made
here are specifically centered around improving this aspect of the sites functionality
therefore forgive me if I don't share their same strength of opinion as you
do but hey perhaps you are also being bias?
| | Therefore, I can only assume you must be referring to really low feedback
scores. In fact, I have decided to assume you mean scores of 10 or fewer feedback.
I went through the entire list of replies to the main post and there were only
11 members with such a low feedback score (see analysis below).
So these are the 11 accounts you are accusing of being duplicates and asking
site administration to investigate, correct?
|
I'm not directly accusing any accounts but I stand by my concerns that the
comments and demands from some of these accounts is very suspicious to me and
even if just one account is using a second account inappropriately that's
still one too many!
| |
| | The way I see it, this change is . . . a no brainer from Bricklinks perspective!
|
And with this, you have made an extraordinarily perspicacious observation.
|
My perspicacious observation is that people like yourself and randy are finally
starting to realize that the Bricklink site is not your own personal project!
|
Hey, please don't lump me into this. I said from the very beginning that
I was okay with almost all of the changes currently being proposed (there were
just a couple parts I disagreed with), that LEGO BrickLink was going to do whatever
they wanted to do, and that I thought a better way of handling the situation
would have been to create a better system for *all* users. Those were my opinions,
just as everyone else voiced their opinions. I honestly don't know how you
got "finally starting to realize that the Bricklink site is not your own
personal project" out of that. You seem to have a personal vendetta against
me, and I don't know why, but it makes more sense now why you couldn't
even accept true compliments for your store from myself in a prior thread.
|
Back handed compliments are not TRUE compliments just like you expect me to see
your banter comment further up this thread as a joke yet in another thread you
already specifically link to this whole thread where you criticize the subject
of it and therefore any comments you write within it can only be seen as smarmy
with an underlying negative motive regardless of whether you include an insincere
smiley at the end or not!
As I've said already.... I find your so called positive comments/joking with
me to be disingenuous!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 12, 2024 03:24 | | Subject: | Re: Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 105 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, StormChaser writes:
| | In General, infinibrix writes:
| | there are clearly members here using second accounts to strengthen the voice of their own opinion in the forum?
|
Buuuut . . . how clear is it really? Is your bias toward approval of the decision
causing you to make mildly outrageous and clearly unsupported claims, perhaps
augmented by your surprise at being significantly in the minority?
|
No surprise at all about being in the minority in the forum because those that
use the forum tend to have a more in depth interest in the catalog and it's
variants
| | | | How is it possible that so many replies against the variant merge are from people
with barely any feedback yet they still appear to have the
highest/most complex level of understanding
|
You joined this website 11 years after me, yet you have nearly 10 times the feedback
I do. Does your higher level of feedback mean that your opinion is more meaningful
than mine?
|
You know very well it doesn't hence why you also felt the need to re-iterate
your comment further down this post... So shall I just skip this part and respond
further down to save us both the bother of you attempting to put words in my
mouth??
| | Member SylvainLS, who is affiliated with the website itself as a forum moderator,
has a feedback score of merely 46, even though he joined in 2014. Another person
affiliated with the site as a catalog expert (Turez) has an even lower feedback
score of only 43 and he joined the site two years earlier in 2012.
|
You inadvertently just pointed out the key differences between those two users
and other regular users in that they are not your average user! i.e they regularly
spend much of their time in the forum or in depth talking about Lego and/or working
on the catalog. That's very different to unknown users suddenly popping up
in the forum with extremely strong views on the changes where there is barely
any evidence of them having used the site for its primary purpose. Again the
primary purpose of this site is to buy and sell Lego, many decisions being made
here are specifically centered around improving this aspect of the sites functionality
therefore forgive me if I don't share their same strength of opinion as you
do but hey perhaps you are also being bias?
| | Therefore, I can only assume you must be referring to really low feedback
scores. In fact, I have decided to assume you mean scores of 10 or fewer feedback.
I went through the entire list of replies to the main post and there were only
11 members with such a low feedback score (see analysis below).
So these are the 11 accounts you are accusing of being duplicates and asking
site administration to investigate, correct?
|
I'm not directly accusing any accounts but I stand by my concerns that the
comments and demands from some of these accounts is very suspicious to me and
even if just one account is using a second account inappropriately that's
still one too many!
| |
| | The way I see it, this change is . . . a no brainer from Bricklinks perspective!
|
And with this, you have made an extraordinarily perspicacious observation.
|
My perspicacious observation is that people like yourself and randy are finally
starting to realize that the Bricklink site is not your own personal project!
It is owned by Lego who will do with the site as they see fit. The fact that
you do not approve of their vison for this site is not my concern, though it
has to be said that you intentionally continue to be a negative disruptor in
the forum towards Bricklink, Lego, Russell and now people like myself simply
for approving of the changes. I suspect the real issue here is that you've
never quite got over your fall out with Bricklink to the point that its now impossible
for you to comprehend/accept that anyone could actually approve/agree with anything
Bricklink does at all!
Your posts only show me that that you desperately appear to seek attention as
you seem to constantly go about prodding the bear with a stick hoping to spark
some kind of uprising! An uprising that inevitably falls flat!:-
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1449063
You really need to let your frustration and anger towards Bricklink go....
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 12, 2024 03:20 | | Subject: | Re: Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, randyf writes:
| | In General, infinibrix writes:
| | In General, LeeGo73 writes:
| | Let me guess; you only sell new parts. Like so many vocal supports of the merge
who will surely reply with their "I'm bigger so I know what's best
for everybody" argument.
|
If you have a difference of opinion to me over the planned merges then great
your welcome to your own opinion.... the purpose of my post is simply to raise
my suspicions over the fact that I suspect people are using dupe accounts or
possibly hiding behind a second account whilst they go about criticizing the
changes! It has nothing to do with me believing "I know best"
| | This does not bother you because your buyers only want new parts and you believe
this might even help you sell more.
|
I think you know perfectly well that you're attempting to sideline your argument
to make it sound like those who approve of the merge have their own selfish motives
when in reality these changes are going to improve and simplify buying/selling
for 99% of Bricklink users! Right now we have a clonky system in place that lacks
efficiency which every single user is forced to use primarily to cater for the
less than 1% that actually care about minor variants!
Buyers will no longer have to search in multiple places for what is essentially
the same part and sellers won't have to sort and separate minor variants.
Most of these changes are time/efficiency improvements, not money making improvements!
|
Did you know that 83% of all statistics are made up on the spot?
|
They were never intended to be accurate statistics!
Stating 1% is just a very simple quick way of saying "A very, very, tiny
percentage". I hope that makes things more clear for you only you seem to
have a habit of taking comments too literally where you appear to struggle to
read between the lines!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 11, 2024 22:11 | | Subject: | Re: Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, LeeGo73 writes:
| | Let me guess; you only sell new parts. Like so many vocal supports of the merge
who will surely reply with their "I'm bigger so I know what's best
for everybody" argument.
|
If you have a difference of opinion to me over the planned merges then great
your welcome to your own opinion.... the purpose of my post is simply to raise
my suspicions over the fact that I suspect people are using dupe accounts or
possibly hiding behind a second account whilst they go about criticizing the
changes! It has nothing to do with me believing "I know best"
| | This does not bother you because your buyers only want new parts and you believe
this might even help you sell more.
|
I think you know perfectly well that you're attempting to sideline your argument
to make it sound like those who approve of the merge have their own selfish motives
when in reality these changes are going to improve and simplify buying/selling
for 99% of Bricklink users! Right now we have a clonky system in place that lacks
efficiency which every single user is forced to use primarily to cater for the
less than 1% that actually care about minor variants!
Buyers will no longer have to search in multiple places for what is essentially
the same part and sellers won't have to sort and separate minor variants.
Most of these changes are time/efficiency improvements, not money making improvements!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 11, 2024 05:44 | | Subject: | Re: Minifig name clarification and correction | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog Requests, Kenopolis writes:
| | Hi,
I have submitted 2 Minifigure name change requests.
For Ron Weasley from Harry Potter
Figs hp113 and hp123
The torso, used in two sets, represents the Ron from Order of the Phoenix.
The Red Plaid or Tartan sweater he wore had brown sleeves. It was not a vest.
The Hogwarts express set had Black legs, Diagon Alley had Reddish Brown legs.
Just trying to make it easier to notice the difference and similarities between
the two figures.
Thanks.
(Deleted original post, and resubmitted with repetition removed)
|
Well yes in order to minimize any confusion those descriptions ought to be identical
with the only difference being the mention of the different coloured Legs since
this is the only difference between them.
That said in an ideal world I actually believe listings like this (There are
lots of them) would better serve the community if they were merged into one entry
since the legs are very generic and add little to no uniqueness between them.
Obviously you have to still have a clear breakdown of the minifigure but my approach
would be to only add the one version (lets say black legs version) with notes
stating that it is also known to come with Brown Legs. This would leave a seller
who has the brown leg version with two options to either switch out their brown
legs for black legs so that it matches the catalog and photo or Bricklink could
allow sellers to leave notes for selling an alternate colour but only where Bricklink
mentions in the notes about a known alternate colour. Choosing to add your own
custom photo with brown legs could also be optional
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 10, 2024 09:53 | | Subject: | Re: Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 87 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, WOLKsite writes:
| | In General, infinibrix writes:
| | How is it possible that so many replies against the variant merge are from people
with barely any feedback yet they still appear to have the highest/most complex
level of understanding when it comes to variants?
|
I wouldn't attribute it to dup accounts, that's kinda silly. More-so,
when Slugger and Duckbricks made their videos, that brought the attention of
a lot of people.
|
No what is silly is where we have people with barely any feedback/transaction
history jumping up and down about the changes when they don't actually even
use the site for its primary intended purpose? Even the very few occasions when
you yourself have actually placed an order here, sellers appear to of had some
issues?
Using Bricklink as a resource alone is fine yet many of those same users also
expect their voices to be heard as though they somehow know what's best for
Bricklink and its wider user base?
That said, you don't think its a bit strange that we have all these new users
that have so much passion and complex understanding of variants but apparently
not quite enough passion to actually buy those variants that they claim to be
so passionate about keeping?
Therefore in that sense you could say that their arguments to keep the variants
becomes somewhat void?
Well that or they choose not to use their REAL account when it comes to voicing
their concerns which is what I would call "Kinda Silly!"
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 10, 2024 06:07 | | Subject: | Re: Minifig head to minifig sh821 | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | Catalog Identification | |
|
| In Catalog Identification, skaraborgjohan writes:
| | Hi
3626cpb3030 is the head to minifig sh821 as we can find in BL catalog.
My head is dualprint where one side is Exact the same as 3626cpb3030. Is my head
not the same or is this actually same head but missing pictures for the dualface.
(sorry for my english).
|
I assume the catalog must be missing one of the correct images. Looks like the
same image has been mistakenly uploaded twice the only other situation I can
think of is that this minifig (sh821) only came with the one print and the one
you have belongs to a different minfig altogether though if that was the case
there would usually be a link along the lines of this part is similar to this
part... Unless that has been overlooked?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 8, 2024 08:51 | | Subject: | Re: Proposed Alternative to Catalog Consolidation | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, PurpleKangaroo writes:
| | So there's been some heated discussion about the recent decision to consolidate
certain Bricklink part entries. For example, the merger of certain parts with
open studs and parts with blocked studs. Much has been said about the fact that
people rely on Bricklink as a catalog as well as a marketplace, and how the removal
of this information is detrimental to the future success of the LEGO hobby.
|
Keep in mind that some of this catalog information might actually be detrimental
and unhelpful to the hobbyist too since it can also give a false sense of what
is officially accurate and what is not. For starters we know that the Bricklink
catalog only allows for one head type to be documented as the official version
found in sets and belonging to a minifigure thereby making the whole concept
of an accurate minifig inventory breakdown in relation to the correct head to
be unviable, inaccurate and therefore unhelpful information to keep documented.
On the same token there is a difference between wanting to collect something
because you want both versions and wanting to collect something simply because
Bricklink leads you to assume that one part is more accurate than another. Either
way Lego does not differentiate these minor variations and it appears they also
no longer want Bricklink or its users to differentiate them either and therefore
I don't think finding a solution is the problem here as they already have
their own plans for the direction they want to take the site...
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 3, 2024 06:16 | | Subject: | Re: Modern Buyers? | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, SDF_Bricks writes:
| | I've had a buyer potentially interested in 2 large sets I'm selling.
He asked for pictures. So, I went ahead, checked the inventory once again, took
several pictures, sent to him, unlisted the two items he was interested in (to
give him first dibs). It's been 4 days now and he has not even acknowledged
receipt of the pictures and what his intentions are. Be nice to people they said,
what did I get? I waisted 2 hours and now nothing. Yes, it's part of the
business/hobby, but next time someone asks for pictures well ... we'll see.
|
Unfortunately its easy to assume that someone’s apparent interest matches that
of our own ‘serious’ interest if we ourselves were to ask similar questions of
a seller. Therefore I would never hold stock just for someone asking for photos.
I would hold stock if they specifically requested me to do so as I want to be
helpful wherever I can but then I might look upon their account very differently
if I feel I’m being messed around
That said my approach to these questions is now pretty much to advise the buyer
that whilst the box is in great condition they need to keep in mind that however
carefully we pack there is no guarantee it will reach them in the same perfect
condition as any photos taken. I also advise them that we primarily sell our
sealed sets to those just wanting the actual all important contents and so for
hardcore collectors wanting a box devoid of any minor scuffs, scratches or imperfections
I simply advise them that we cannot guarantee that level of service as to do
so might only risk leaving them disappointed!
To put it simply I’m quite happy to bat away this business and give it to other
sellers because if the whole transaction hinges on the condition of the outer
box alone then that makes the outcome of the transaction all the more risky whilst
devoiding the all-important content value in the process!
Sometimes buyers have responded back saying they intend to open the box and they’re
not collectors but just want to see photos to show its been well kept and not
a mangled mess to begin with and at that point they are usually serious buyers
and I send them photos and those transactions have gone through smoothly
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 1, 2024 08:07 | | Subject: | Re: Variants Thread - January 31 | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, helge writes:
| | | |
We may cancel a few of these variant merges, but I do believe most of them will
go through. And I am 100% behind any effort to give us better tools to handle
variants and the different audiences that we have. But these particular variants
I don't imagine will ever be handled by a separate system. They are just
too obscure. Most people wouldn't even know they exist without the BrickLink
entries.
|
I am fully behind this merge plan; thank you for the good work. I totally agree
that this will be good for the great majority of Bricklinks users, while a small
loud minority may not like it.
|
I echo this and particularly look forward to the merger of the minifig heads
which will have a positive influence in how people view/buy using the minfig
breakdowns.
As Russell put it... most just want the correct head print and really don't
care about the stud type hidden away under the headgear and I believe the same
is true for most of those other parts too!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 1, 2024 07:14 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 46 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, infinibrix writes:
| | In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, infinibrix writes:
|
| | | | Yes thank you for preaching the rules once again however I'm fully aware
of that too but since you claim there is no ambiguity perhaps you could answer
a simple yes or no to my questions?
|
Sure! I love games!
| | If you open a sealed set and find a head piece wedged inside a helmet are both
those parts still classed as new?
|
BrickLink answer:
According to the ToS, yes. They have not been handled for sorting yet, so they
can be sorted. Refer to "If a minifigure or part assembly was originally
sold assembled by LEGO, its component parts after disassembly can also be listed
as new." In other words, the provenance rules.
If I had my own store answer:
I would list them as used with a note that they are like new and were only assembled
by accident in the sealed set. But my personal opinion doesn't matter here.
| | If you open a set and accidentally wedge a head piece inside a helmet whilst
handling the Lego are both those parts still classed as new?
|
BrickLink answer:
According to the ToS, no. They have now been handled for sorting, so whether
I accidentally or intentionally wedge two pieces together after they come out
of the package is too bad for me. I combined them; the LEGO group didn't.
Therefore, the record of provenance has changed.
If I had my own store answer:
I would list them as used with a note that they are like new and were only assembled
by accident while sorting. But, once again, my personal opinion doesn't matter
here.
| | If you buy new parts from a seller on Bricklink and find a head has accidentally
become wedged inside a helmet are both those parts still new?
|
BrickLink answer:
According to the ToS, no. They have already been handled for sorting, so whether
two pieces get wedged together during transit from one person to another accidentally
or intentionally makes them no longer new. They got combined post-LEGO group.
So, once again, the record of provenance has changed.
If I had my own store answer:
I would list them as used with a note that they are like new and were only assembled
by accident during shipping. But, one more time, my personal opinion doesn't
matter here.
| | In the end it doesn't matter whether you answer yes or no to these questions
I very much doubt there is a single seller on this platform that will give a
second thought about continuing to list those parts as new and to believe otherwise
is just plain naivety!
|
Anybody can do what they want, but there are consequences to being called out
for it, including negative feedback. As I said before, it is the honor system,
but knowingly clicking new pieces together to send them to someone who purchased
them as new should raise a little red flag on anyone's moral compass who
sells here.
| | Yes sellers will follow the rules closely but common sense dictates when it is
necessary and when it isn't necessary to list a perfectly new part as used!
|
What's that quote? Oh, here it is.
"Common sense is not so common."
|
No ambiguity?? and yet you couldn’t even give a simple yes/no answer? In fact
you felt the need to give two answers for each question!
|
I gave you a simple yes/no answer for each question based on the ToS, which is
all that matters no matter how much you shout and wave your fist at the ceiling
wishing for it to be different.
Answer 1: "According to the ToS, yes."
Answer 2: "According to the ToS, no."
Answer 3: "According to the ToS, no."
The answers I _personally_ gave showed that I would consider them all used if
I were the one writing the rules. So, I would even be harsher than the current
ToS. But I'm not writing the rules and those aren't the rules, so my
_personal_ answers don't matter and neither do yours. I think I made that
abundantly clear in my _personal_ answers.
Don't get me wrong, I completely understand your side of the issue, and I
would be supporting your arguments if they were spelled out in the ToS. They
aren't though. Until the ToS is amended to support your arguments, all any
of us can do is look to the current wording of the ToS which is pretty clear
to me. Hence, the simple yes/no answers given above.
| | By attempting to describe your parts in this way you only confuse the buyer not
to mention bending the rules yourself in the process. In fact by going to such
lengths to appear this unnecessarily honest and detailed only makes the way you
list your parts appear further questionable and disingenuous!?
|
I wouldn't know. I don't run a store.
But if I did, I am sure my feedback would speak for my service and quality just
like yours does. You have a very commendable store, and I would do what I could
to be on par with a store like yours. In other words, such hypotheticals don't
bother me.
| | It’s a bit like a shop keeper putting a label on a can of beans saying “This
can of beans was new but was briefly dropped on the floor and is now used” People
will be like “Do I really need to know this and why do I need to know this, What
is actually going on here?”
Overall I find what you claim you would do to be unrealistic and disingenuous
and yet if you truly are that pedantic where you hold this kind of stance towards
sellers then I’m sure there are many here that would sooner not deal with you
rather than risk giving you the opportunity to come back to them saying “Whilst
you may have sent these parts new, two parts have become attached and so I have
now received used!”
* STOP LIST ALERT! *
|
I think my feedback as a buyer speaks for itself.
And out of 466 orders I have placed, I have only ever caught two people selling
used stuff as new (I never buy used). My experiences on BrickLink have therefore
been amazing, and there are plenty of stores that enjoy my business even if a
few in the forums don't like something I say or perceive me to be "unrealistic
and disingenuous".
| | If nobody can tell the difference between the part in those three different scenarios
(Because let’s be honest there will be no difference) what makes you think the
buyer can and what makes you think they even care or that Bricklink even cares?
Ultimately Bricklink just wants a safe market place with happy customers and
sellers only need let their feedback do the talking in that regards!
Those that try to pass off used bricks as new will soon be discovered and called
into question and the rules for the most part do their job at ensuring sellers
list their parts appropriately!
|
Totally agree. Maybe you should champion to have the ToS updated with all of
this pent up energy you have concerning the ambiguity in it? Because I'm
not the one you need to convince, and I think many others would be on board with
an effort to look into it.
Now go spend some time keeping that store of yours at peak performance.
|
Your posts are so condescending and disingenuous that you wonder why I react
the way I do?
As I’ve previously already stated, the rules for the most part on this subject
already serve their purpose and so I have no real interest in the need to change
any of that. You keep feeding this line that every seller must be and will be
following the rules to a degree that is unrealistic because in my example scenarios
almost every seller is going to list those parts as new regardless of whether
they openly admit to that or not and regardless of you constantly trying to withhold
the TOS by throwing the rule book back at them!
Throughout this post you’ve gone from saying the rules are extremely clear (black
and white) and whilst that may be true from the perspective of how the rules
have actually been written/defined (You cannot intentionally allow grey areas
to be written into rules!) there are still some shades of grey and ambiguity
which you now also appear to acknowledge and yet had you of done that before
it may have saved us both a lot of time and effort going around in circles
With that said I think I’m done here now!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Feb 1, 2024 07:06 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, infinibrix writes:
| | In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, Nubs_Select writes:
| | | | I would list them as used with a note that they are like new
|
“Proceeds to break rules”
|
My bad on my imaginary store. Will "excellent condition" be okay?
|
Says it all really doesn’t it! Preaching the rules back to sellers when you don’t
even sell or understand them yourself?
|
Ah, good ol' personal insults.
|
I don't see that as an insult at all, its just a reasonable and valid observation!
I'm not sure what relevance my comments in those post have? Either way we
all have different roles here and my primary role is to serve the buying community.
Your primary role (which you've signed up to do) is to maintain the catalog
in order to make that possible! You may do it for other reasons such as an overall
interest in Lego, the catalog along with its documented variants but all this
comes secondary regardless of whether you want to take my opinion towards things
like variant mergers seriously or not!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 31, 2024 07:38 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 52 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, infinibrix writes:
|
| | | | Yes thank you for preaching the rules once again however I'm fully aware
of that too but since you claim there is no ambiguity perhaps you could answer
a simple yes or no to my questions?
|
Sure! I love games!
| | If you open a sealed set and find a head piece wedged inside a helmet are both
those parts still classed as new?
|
BrickLink answer:
According to the ToS, yes. They have not been handled for sorting yet, so they
can be sorted. Refer to "If a minifigure or part assembly was originally
sold assembled by LEGO, its component parts after disassembly can also be listed
as new." In other words, the provenance rules.
If I had my own store answer:
I would list them as used with a note that they are like new and were only assembled
by accident in the sealed set. But my personal opinion doesn't matter here.
| | If you open a set and accidentally wedge a head piece inside a helmet whilst
handling the Lego are both those parts still classed as new?
|
BrickLink answer:
According to the ToS, no. They have now been handled for sorting, so whether
I accidentally or intentionally wedge two pieces together after they come out
of the package is too bad for me. I combined them; the LEGO group didn't.
Therefore, the record of provenance has changed.
If I had my own store answer:
I would list them as used with a note that they are like new and were only assembled
by accident while sorting. But, once again, my personal opinion doesn't matter
here.
| | If you buy new parts from a seller on Bricklink and find a head has accidentally
become wedged inside a helmet are both those parts still new?
|
BrickLink answer:
According to the ToS, no. They have already been handled for sorting, so whether
two pieces get wedged together during transit from one person to another accidentally
or intentionally makes them no longer new. They got combined post-LEGO group.
So, once again, the record of provenance has changed.
If I had my own store answer:
I would list them as used with a note that they are like new and were only assembled
by accident during shipping. But, one more time, my personal opinion doesn't
matter here.
| | In the end it doesn't matter whether you answer yes or no to these questions
I very much doubt there is a single seller on this platform that will give a
second thought about continuing to list those parts as new and to believe otherwise
is just plain naivety!
|
Anybody can do what they want, but there are consequences to being called out
for it, including negative feedback. As I said before, it is the honor system,
but knowingly clicking new pieces together to send them to someone who purchased
them as new should raise a little red flag on anyone's moral compass who
sells here.
| | Yes sellers will follow the rules closely but common sense dictates when it is
necessary and when it isn't necessary to list a perfectly new part as used!
|
What's that quote? Oh, here it is.
"Common sense is not so common."
|
No ambiguity?? and yet you couldn’t even give a simple yes/no answer? In fact
you felt the need to give two answers for each question!
By attempting to describe your parts in this way you only confuse the buyer not
to mention bending the rules yourself in the process. In fact by going to such
lengths to appear this unnecessarily honest and detailed only makes the way you
list your parts appear further questionable and disingenuous!?
It’s a bit like a shop keeper putting a label on a can of beans saying “This
can of beans was new but was briefly dropped on the floor and is now used” People
will be like “Do I really need to know this and why do I need to know this, What
is actually going on here?”
Overall I find what you claim you would do to be unrealistic and disingenuous
and yet if you truly are that pedantic where you hold this kind of stance towards
sellers then I’m sure there are many here that would sooner not deal with you
rather than risk giving you the opportunity to come back to them saying “Whilst
you may have sent these parts new, two parts have become attached and so I have
now received used!”
* STOP LIST ALERT! *
If nobody can tell the difference between the part in those three different scenarios
(Because let’s be honest there will be no difference) what makes you think the
buyer can and what makes you think they even care or that Bricklink even cares?
Ultimately Bricklink just wants a safe market place with happy customers and
sellers only need let their feedback do the talking in that regards!
Those that try to pass off used bricks as new will soon be discovered and called
into question and the rules for the most part do their job at ensuring sellers
list their parts appropriately!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 31, 2024 07:33 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, Nubs_Select writes:
| | | | I would list them as used with a note that they are like new
|
“Proceeds to break rules”
|
My bad on my imaginary store. Will "excellent condition" be okay?
|
Says it all really doesn’t it! Preaching the rules back to sellers when you don’t
even sell or understand them yourself?
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 31, 2024 07:32 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, Nubs_Select writes:
| | | | One or two of that same tribe have'nt yet jumped in on me which is
surprising but there's still time I guess!
|
Mwhahahahahahahahaahhahhahahahahahaa
|
BTW didn’t specifically have you in mind.... But now that you mention it!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 30, 2024 04:45 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, ausdarren writes:
| |
just to point out 3x bricks were so tightly compressed i scratched 2 seperating
them, with a brick seperator.
|
Yes I take no issue if they are easily removed like minfig heads but when your
forced to use a brick separator or nails that is just plain inconsiderate!
Yes and usually by the same tribe of forum dwellers but you get used to it around
here! One or two of that same tribe have'nt yet jumped in on me which is
surprising but there's still time I guess!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 30, 2024 02:08 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 76 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:
| | In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
| | In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:
| | In Catalog, zorbanj writes:
| | In Catalog, Duq writes:
| |
So after week of discussion in which hundreds of users told you what a stupid
idea this is, I assume you're going ahead anyway?
|
"Hundreds" of users? I don't think so.
|
I know not every post is unique but there were quite a few
|
along with quite a few dupe accounts most probably!
|
Some may have several accounts but I’d say few/no posts were made by the same
person with different accounts for different posts
|
Maybe though some are definitely not commenting with their main accounts which
I find odd especially if they expect to be taken seriously?
Many complain that it will be harder to buy stuff here whilst showing little
indication of ever having used their account for that purpose!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 30, 2024 01:19 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 52 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:
| | In Catalog, zorbanj writes:
| | In Catalog, Duq writes:
| |
So after week of discussion in which hundreds of users told you what a stupid
idea this is, I assume you're going ahead anyway?
|
"Hundreds" of users? I don't think so.
|
I know not every post is unique but there were quite a few
|
along with quite a few dupe accounts most probably!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 30, 2024 00:43 | | Subject: | Re: Inventory Change Request for Minifigure sw0180 | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests | |
|
| In Inventories Requests, rylie_aitch writes:
| | In Inventories Requests, ghyde writes:
| | In Inventories Requests, Nubs_Select writes:
| | its current looks accurate (see picture below)
unless you have another version of the instructions? the helmet is not on the
minifigure when its built so with how bricklink works its not considered part
of the minifgiures inventory
|
I checked the online instructions and it does appear as a part of the minifgure
building steps at the completion of the minifigs, beside the battle damaged Darth
Vader.
I don't see it being used anywhere else in the building instructions, but
it was placed next to Vader as if it belonged to him, even if not placed on him.
That, to me, tells me that it's a part of Vader, both by his infamy, and
by association with who he is in the Star Wars franchise.
It also means that it's an optional minifgure accessory that belongs to him,
and can be placed on him if the builder of the set wishes to do so. Since most
LEGO sets are aimed at specific age ranges, children who fit the age range of
the set might feel justified in placing Darth Vader's helmet on him during
roleplay with his character. It's because it's a part of an iconic figure
from the well known Star Wars franchise.
Something that belongs to Vader means that it's unique to him and only him,
and therefore could be construed as a part that should be included with him.
Just my thoughts and opinions on this helmet accessory that clearly belongs to
Darth Vader.
Cheers ...
ghyde
|
Vader's lightsaber isn't included in the inventory either, and it's
actually attached to him!
|
Yes though I would personally see value in having a fully accessorised option
that does includes these weapons/accessories along with alternate headgear.
In fact despite not being the most competitive minifig seller I do receive a
lot of comments from buyers who say they specifically buy from me because I mention
in the notes that I include the weapons etc… Damn I’ve just given away my secrets!
If you think about it many people buying/gifting minifigs will often feel the
need to acquire these items at the same time and what generally happens is those
cheaper weapons/accessories get sold out within a week leaving the buyer no option
but to acquire these items elsewhere which can be a pain!
Even if there is only one option, in an ideal world the minifig entry would best
serve the community if it included whatever is considered to be the most desirable
combination of parts to make that minifig feel complete i.e Vaders Lightsaber/helmet
yes, random city guys cup in hand maybe not!
But as someone else stated here, re-adjusting to how minfigs are sold here would
take a lot of getting used to and potentially frustrate those sellers that have
already parted out lots of minifgs and no longer have the additional accessories
in order to be able to continue listing them.
However having a barebone and fully accessorised option would seem a good compromise
besides if one entry eventually becomes somewhat redundant it could always be
removed later such as if most people are buying Vader with helmet/lightsaber
compared to very few buying the one without it
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 29, 2024 16:36 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 59 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, TheBrickGuys writes:
| | You are talking about not getting upset if you received a couple of pieces here
and there being stacked together in an order but it appears you didnt fully read
the entire post before responding. The original post does not complain about
a couple of pieces being staked, he stated the ALL the pieces were stacked.
There is a BIG difference between a couple of pieces verses all new pieces being
stacked.
Jim.
|
Thanks for chiming in but you actually didn't read the full context of my
own post either as it was directed towards yorbrick not the OP. I already stated
that I didn't fully approve of stacked bricks and so I don't take issue
with whatever complaints the op has over how they received their parts. It's
more directed at Yorbricks overly pedantic "stacking for 5 seconds" comment
along with his many other past comments where he obsessively appears to enjoy
correcting people and re-iterating the rules back to them regardless of how necessary/minor
the subject matter!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2024 23:28 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 60 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, infinibrix writes:
| | In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, infinibrix writes:
| | In Buying, randyf writes:
| |
This doesn't come down to anyone's narrative, common sense, intentions,
or anything else.
The BrickLink ToS clearly states what the condition of "New" means for
parts:
-----
Follow along:
(1) https://www.bricklink.com/v3/terms_of_service.page (Section 6)
(2) https://www.bricklink.com/v3/terms_of_service_seller.page (Section 1.2.10)
(3) https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=102 ("Parts" Section)
New Parts - Parts are brand new, taken directly from new sets or were
purchased "as new" in another form such as accessory packs or Pick A
Brick and have been handled only for sorting. These parts have never been used
in any manner. If a minifigure or part assembly was originally sold assembled
by LEGO, its component parts after disassembly can also be listed as new.
-----
If the parts have been used for anything other than "handled only for sorting",
they no longer meet the definition of "New" and are now "Used".
The ToS has no gray areas. It is black and white, and the site administration
will always adhere to these terms when it comes to disputes.
Getting stacked parts that were ordered "New" is a definite reason to
object to an order.
|
I’m well aware of what the Bricklink TOS state on the matter but the rules here
are ultimately in place to ensure that nobody attempts to undermine the market
place with knowingly selling used bricks as new and these rules/guidelines for
the most part give a good understanding of what is expected of them. However
Bricklink will be fully aware that they have no way of policing the matter. If
a seller whilst parting out a set sees a new part they’ve not seen before and
takes an interest in briefly attaching with another brick they are unlikely to
then go on to list those parts as used despite whatever you or anyone else might
want to believe and therefore to push that narrative/expectation is futile!
|
It is an honor system, yes. But if you are caught being dishonorable, the ToS
will not support you.
| | Now if the rules state a seller can assemble a minifigure and sell as New and
a seller can also buy an assembled minfigure from Lego break down those parts
and also sell them as New, This alone makes the guidelines subjective and open
to interpretation regardless of what you or anyone else may understand of those
rules or how heavily you may expect Bricklink to enforce those rules.
|
Absolutely not. The ToS spells out the guidelines for both parts and minifigures.
Until the ToS is revised to say that minifigures cannot be assembled as new,
then minifigures can be assembled as new. It is really that easy to understand
and requires no interpretation of any kind.
| | Either
way nobody is going to be any the wiser about how that part has been handled
regardless of whether it arrives stacked or not! Ultimately we can only judge
sellers on the condition of the bricks we receive when it comes to matching their
claims of NEW! but if you want to complain about a couple of stacked bricks then
fine!
|
The ToS for items is based on the history of the part, *not* the quality. You
can have a perfectly mint used part that looks better than a brand new part out
of a set, but the ToS tells you exactly how to list them. The used one is used.
The new one is new. Any descriptors beyond that are left to each seller to add
to the listings to make sure that buyers are aware of the quality of the items.
| | Personally I would be more concerned about the parts being sorted with clean
hands in a clean environment rather than worrying myself over the trivial matter
of whether a seller briefly attached some bricks for 5 seconds or not!
|
Your opinion is just that, and the ToS clearly covers the last part.
| | That doesn’t make me a fan of stacking and although I assemble my minifigures
I’ve never once had a complaint about that but okay if stacking a few (easily
removeable) parts and assembling a minifigure make those bricks 'NEWER'
than the other, okay fine whatever you say and whatever Bricklink says its still
plain for all to see that in reality those bricks have'nt been treated any
differently?
|
How many times do you need to read the ToS to understand it? Because you clearly
fail to comprehend that your definitions, interpretations, opinions, narratives,
or "common sense" do not supersede what is written for all to see.
|
You keep preaching the TOS, I already fully understand the TOS but you still
fail to grasp anything I’ve said. Therefore perhaps read my comments more carefully
before commenting?
In simple terms unlike a set that is easily and defined as new or used based
on whether it’s been opened or not, It is impossible to put in place a truly
meaningful/reliable definition for loose parts being new vs used regardless of
Bricklinks best efforts to try and regardless of sellers following the TOS!
|
It isn't impossible. It is written in the ToS exactly as it is meant. By
definition, that makes it possible.
| | If you want to be so pedantic about it then it would probably be easier to classify
every handled loose piece as used! That would be far less ambiguous even if I
don’t want to see this!
Either way what I’m talking about here has nothing to do with the TOS in place
but rather the ambiguity that surrounds how one handling/assembling process is
considered to be new compared to another when in reality the part in question
remains the exact same quality condition part?
Compute? Please don’t ask me to explain again?
|
The only ambiguity is the ambiguity that you read into it and keep thinking about.
Once again, the terms "new" and "used" on BrickLink are not meant
to describe condition; they are meant to describe provenance.
|
Yes thank you for preaching the rules once again however I'm fully aware
of that too but since you claim there is no ambiguity perhaps you could answer
a simple yes or no to my questions?
If you open a sealed set and find a head piece wedged inside a helmet are both
those parts still classed as new?
If you open a set and accidentally wedge a head piece inside a helmet whilst
handling the Lego are both those parts still classed as new?
If you buy new parts from a seller on Bricklink and find a head has accidentally
become wedged inside a helmet are both those parts still new?
In the end it doesn't matter whether you answer yes or no to these questions
I very much doubt there is a single seller on this platform that will give a
second thought about continuing to list those parts as new and to believe otherwise
is just plain naivety!
Yes sellers will follow the rules closely but common sense dictates when it is
necessary and when it isn't necessary to list a perfectly new part as used!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2024 17:16 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 55 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | | | TL;DR
Do NOT assemble new parts, for no (invalid) reason.
Do NOT (preferably) assemble Minifigures.
Don't play with your customers merchandise
|
You make too many assumptions... Anyway I can't waste time here, I have minfigures
to assemble and orders to process!
|
It wasn't written for you, just a PSA
Please go stack for shipping your:
... that'll give me more buyers
|
I don't stack and I don't tend to stock generic parts... You can have
those orders its fine although I'm sure you don't need any more buyers?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2024 17:03 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | | | | | That doesn’t make me a fan of stacking and although I assemble my minifigures
I’ve never once had a complaint about that but okay if stacking a few (easily
removeable) parts and assembling a minifigure make those bricks 'NEWER'
than the other, okay fine whatever you say and whatever Bricklink says its still
plain for all to see that in reality those bricks have'nt been treated any
differently?
|
How many times do you need to read the ToS to understand it? Because you clearly
fail to comprehend that your definitions, interpretations, opinions, narratives,
or "common sense" do not supersede what is written for all to see.
|
You keep preaching the TOS, I already fully understand the TOS but you still
fail to grasp anything I’ve said. Therefore perhaps read my comments more carefully
before commenting?
|
TL;DR
Do NOT assemble new parts, for no (invalid) reason.
Do NOT (preferably) assemble Minifigures.
Don't play with your customers merchandise
|
You make too many assumptions... Anyway I can't waste time here, I have minfigures
to assemble and orders to process!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2024 16:39 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, randyf writes:
| | In Buying, infinibrix writes:
| | In Buying, randyf writes:
| |
This doesn't come down to anyone's narrative, common sense, intentions,
or anything else.
The BrickLink ToS clearly states what the condition of "New" means for
parts:
-----
Follow along:
(1) https://www.bricklink.com/v3/terms_of_service.page (Section 6)
(2) https://www.bricklink.com/v3/terms_of_service_seller.page (Section 1.2.10)
(3) https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=102 ("Parts" Section)
New Parts - Parts are brand new, taken directly from new sets or were
purchased "as new" in another form such as accessory packs or Pick A
Brick and have been handled only for sorting. These parts have never been used
in any manner. If a minifigure or part assembly was originally sold assembled
by LEGO, its component parts after disassembly can also be listed as new.
-----
If the parts have been used for anything other than "handled only for sorting",
they no longer meet the definition of "New" and are now "Used".
The ToS has no gray areas. It is black and white, and the site administration
will always adhere to these terms when it comes to disputes.
Getting stacked parts that were ordered "New" is a definite reason to
object to an order.
|
I’m well aware of what the Bricklink TOS state on the matter but the rules here
are ultimately in place to ensure that nobody attempts to undermine the market
place with knowingly selling used bricks as new and these rules/guidelines for
the most part give a good understanding of what is expected of them. However
Bricklink will be fully aware that they have no way of policing the matter. If
a seller whilst parting out a set sees a new part they’ve not seen before and
takes an interest in briefly attaching with another brick they are unlikely to
then go on to list those parts as used despite whatever you or anyone else might
want to believe and therefore to push that narrative/expectation is futile!
|
It is an honor system, yes. But if you are caught being dishonorable, the ToS
will not support you.
| | Now if the rules state a seller can assemble a minifigure and sell as New and
a seller can also buy an assembled minfigure from Lego break down those parts
and also sell them as New, This alone makes the guidelines subjective and open
to interpretation regardless of what you or anyone else may understand of those
rules or how heavily you may expect Bricklink to enforce those rules.
|
Absolutely not. The ToS spells out the guidelines for both parts and minifigures.
Until the ToS is revised to say that minifigures cannot be assembled as new,
then minifigures can be assembled as new. It is really that easy to understand
and requires no interpretation of any kind.
| | Either
way nobody is going to be any the wiser about how that part has been handled
regardless of whether it arrives stacked or not! Ultimately we can only judge
sellers on the condition of the bricks we receive when it comes to matching their
claims of NEW! but if you want to complain about a couple of stacked bricks then
fine!
|
The ToS for items is based on the history of the part, *not* the quality. You
can have a perfectly mint used part that looks better than a brand new part out
of a set, but the ToS tells you exactly how to list them. The used one is used.
The new one is new. Any descriptors beyond that are left to each seller to add
to the listings to make sure that buyers are aware of the quality of the items.
| | Personally I would be more concerned about the parts being sorted with clean
hands in a clean environment rather than worrying myself over the trivial matter
of whether a seller briefly attached some bricks for 5 seconds or not!
|
Your opinion is just that, and the ToS clearly covers the last part.
| | That doesn’t make me a fan of stacking and although I assemble my minifigures
I’ve never once had a complaint about that but okay if stacking a few (easily
removeable) parts and assembling a minifigure make those bricks 'NEWER'
than the other, okay fine whatever you say and whatever Bricklink says its still
plain for all to see that in reality those bricks have'nt been treated any
differently?
|
How many times do you need to read the ToS to understand it? Because you clearly
fail to comprehend that your definitions, interpretations, opinions, narratives,
or "common sense" do not supersede what is written for all to see.
|
You keep preaching the TOS, I already fully understand the TOS but you still
fail to grasp anything I’ve said. Therefore perhaps read my comments more carefully
before commenting?
In simple terms unlike a set that is easily and defined as new or used based
on whether it’s been opened or not, It is impossible to put in place a truly
meaningful/reliable definition for loose parts being new vs used regardless of
Bricklinks best efforts to try and regardless of sellers following the TOS!
If you want to be so pedantic about it then it would probably be easier to classify
every handled loose piece as used! That would be far less ambiguous even if I
don’t want to see this!
Either way what I’m talking about here has nothing to do with the TOS in place
but rather the ambiguity that surrounds how one handling/assembling process is
considered to be new compared to another when in reality the part in question
remains the exact same quality condition part?
Compute? Please don’t ask me to explain again?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2024 12:25 | | Subject: | Re: Royal Mail | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Stuart9 writes:
| | Due to pressures on their delivery system, not enough mail, they are looking
at becoming a third rate service.
Nothing decided but toying with the idea of only three deliveries per week, seriously
!
Probably proposing three days so that when they reduce it by one day it looks
like a good compromise, mind games as usual.
For those older like myself, remember when we had two deliveries a day ?
|
Yes and mentions of only one service with 1st and 2nd being merged into one!
In fact after a recent conversations with two of my regular posties they both
recommended that even as of right now not to even bother with first class as
there is currently minimal if any difference between the handling times of 1st
and 2nd compared to what there once was!
If you think about it the delivery of 1st class is meant to take priority over
any 2nd class post particularly when things are busy yet if the numbers of Letters
are down so much there cannot be much need for any prioritization!?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2024 07:55 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 70 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, randyf writes:
| |
This doesn't come down to anyone's narrative, common sense, intentions,
or anything else.
The BrickLink ToS clearly states what the condition of "New" means for
parts:
-----
Follow along:
(1) https://www.bricklink.com/v3/terms_of_service.page (Section 6)
(2) https://www.bricklink.com/v3/terms_of_service_seller.page (Section 1.2.10)
(3) https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=102 ("Parts" Section)
New Parts - Parts are brand new, taken directly from new sets or were
purchased "as new" in another form such as accessory packs or Pick A
Brick and have been handled only for sorting. These parts have never been used
in any manner. If a minifigure or part assembly was originally sold assembled
by LEGO, its component parts after disassembly can also be listed as new.
-----
If the parts have been used for anything other than "handled only for sorting",
they no longer meet the definition of "New" and are now "Used".
The ToS has no gray areas. It is black and white, and the site administration
will always adhere to these terms when it comes to disputes.
Getting stacked parts that were ordered "New" is a definite reason to
object to an order.
|
I’m well aware of what the Bricklink TOS state on the matter but the rules here
are ultimately in place to ensure that nobody attempts to undermine the market
place with knowingly selling used bricks as new and these rules/guidelines for
the most part give a good understanding of what is expected of them. However
Bricklink will be fully aware that they have no way of policing the matter. If
a seller whilst parting out a set sees a new part they’ve not seen before and
takes an interest in briefly attaching with another brick they are unlikely to
then go on to list those parts as used despite whatever you or anyone else might
want to believe and therefore to push that narrative/expectation is futile!
Now if the rules state a seller can assemble a minifigure and sell as New and
a seller can also buy an assembled minfigure from Lego break down those parts
and also sell them as New, This alone makes the guidelines subjective and open
to interpretation regardless of what you or anyone else may understand of those
rules or how heavily you may expect Bricklink to enforce those rules. Either
way nobody is going to be any the wiser about how that part has been handled
regardless of whether it arrives stacked or not! Ultimately we can only judge
sellers on the condition of the bricks we receive when it comes to matching their
claims of NEW! but if you want to complain about a couple of stacked bricks then
fine!
Personally I would be more concerned about the parts being sorted with clean
hands in a clean environment rather than worrying myself over the trivial matter
of whether a seller briefly attached some bricks for 5 seconds or not!
That doesn’t make me a fan of stacking and although I assemble my minifigures
I’ve never once had a complaint about that but okay if stacking a few (easily
removeable) parts and assembling a minifigure make those bricks 'NEWER'
than the other, okay fine whatever you say and whatever Bricklink says its still
plain for all to see that in reality those bricks have'nt been treated any
differently?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 27, 2024 08:08 | | Subject: | Re: New Parts | | Viewed: | 118 times | | Topic: | Buying | |
|
| In Buying, yorbrick writes:
| | In Buying, ausdarren writes:
| | A major gripe from me,
Just opened my delivery from an Australian seller and all the new parts are connected
to each other.
Are they still new parts as have been connected for over a week???
Why to some sellers do this is it to upset us as has still put in separate bags.
SO So stupid, aw well another seller to steer clear of.
Mad
|
They are not new if the seller knowingly stacked them for 5 seconds, let alone
a week.
Complain, and least favourite the store. Leave feedback saying that they stack
new parts.
|
You always appear to push this same overly pedantic narrative and whilst I don’t
recommend sellers bulk stack or even stack their bricks especially on really
silly unhelpful things like 1x1 plates if I ordered some new parts such as 40
or so different yellow minifig heads and the seller stacked a couple of heads
in order that they can all be bagged together to save on plastic whilst aiding
the buyer with being able to quickly match up those that are the same type from
the other heads I wouldn’t be so pedantic as to hold that against anyone and
refuse to accept them as new? Likewise if I opened a new Lego set for parting
out and a minifigure head ended up fixed inside a helmet I wouldn’t suddenly
say to myself okay that part is no longer new!
Common sense should prevail, the part was purchased as new the condition appears
to remain the same(new) and I’m happy with what I’ve received. There are worse
things that could occur to a part such as dropping and picking it up off the
floor, is that still new? How many times does that occur when picking parts?
Have you also seen how the machines throw the bricks around during the manufacturing
process?
The rules are certainly there as important guidelines to be followed but there
are also grey areas just the same as an assembled minifigure can be classed as
new. At the end of the day the Intentional connection of bricks for our own play
use such as for building/display purposes is very different from new bricks that
have been stacked accidentally or perhaps for certain logistical reasons and
regardless of whether we want to believe every single new part listed on Bricklink
has never been connected in some form it would be naïve to assume that is always
the case regardless of whether they arrive stacked or not. At the end of the
day this all comes down to the sellers good/bad intentions as only they know
whether they are trying to pass off used as new?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 26, 2024 14:45 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 51 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, oukexergon writes:
| | In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
| | In Catalog, Mozzas_Bricks writes:
| | The point of Bricklink is to find the part you require, not take a chance on
whether the item you order is the one you want. Essentially, if Lego has made
a variant, then that is how it should be listed / sold as.
How would you feel if you ordered a cheeseburger and and got a vegan burger?
|
A closer comparison here would be that you've ordered a cheeseburger made
with British beef and got one made with Irish beef hence Bricklink considers
these minor variants not to have any specific functional difference to warrant
having their own entry
|
OK, you go to a restaurant that always has a British Beef Burger on the menu.
People that don't care and people that care order it. Then they change it
to just "beef burger" for no reason other than most people who order
it don't typically care where the beef comes from. Obviously, those people
will still order it. But the people who were ordering it just because it's
British beef will be unhappy and probably go somewhere else to get it.
|
Yes maybe if they are ultra particular, But most people aren't and the will
settle for either and I expect BL's thought process surrounding how they
now handle these minor variants mirrors this
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 26, 2024 14:28 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 53 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Mozzas_Bricks writes:
| | The point of Bricklink is to find the part you require, not take a chance on
whether the item you order is the one you want. Essentially, if Lego has made
a variant, then that is how it should be listed / sold as.
How would you feel if you ordered a cheeseburger and and got a vegan burger?
|
A closer comparison here would be that you've ordered a cheeseburger made
with British beef and got one made with Irish beef hence Bricklink considers
these minor variants not to have any specific functional difference to warrant
having their own entry
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 26, 2024 12:38 | | Subject: | Re: Please help identify | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Help | |
|
| In Help, mayhem75 writes:
| | I received these in a bundle but can't identify them, Any help would be greatly
appreciated, Thanks in advance
|
Top one looks to be this although you have the wrong head attached:-
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 26, 2024 02:13 | | Subject: | Re: Merging piece varian is a BIG PROBLEM | | Viewed: | 88 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, randyf writes:
| | In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
| |
The Admins already have the necessary data on all members along with powers to
act on and enforce their own policy, I've simply alerted them with my suspicions!
As for every member having equal right to express their views, of course but
using just the one true account would be nice. Either way it doesn't mean
I or anyone else should take the guy who has been a member for a matter of months,
never sold anything, only placed a couple of orders all that seriously when it
comes to how best to optimize the catalog for buying and selling on Bricklink.
Optimizing the site for viewing/cataloging purposes come secondary to actually
buying and selling and many of those with barely any feedback are not using the
site to buy or sell
|
Although it is certainly true that newer members do not yet have the knowledge
that older members do, belittling the large number of them that make up the site's
userbase is not something that I prescribe to.
|
It has nothing to do with belittling anybody its just a simple factual thing
where showing you have some buying/selling experience on this site are key to
being able to properly weigh up and come to a well-informed opinion on the proposals
in question and so if members are going to push so hard against these proposals
they ought to at least show us that they use the site for more than just browsing.
They also ought to show us that they have held an active account for at least
more than just a couple of months?
Yet if many of these ‘So Called’ new members are as knowledgeable as they appear
and want to be taken seriously then it might be better to comment using their
main account?
| | As I have stated repeatedly, I am not against most of these changes, but I am
against certain changes that are removing valuable information from the same
catalog that leads to myself and others gaining new knowledge about the hobby
on a constant basis. Yes, the site is a marketplace first, but there is no reason
that it cannot have the best catalog possible with as much granularity that the
catalog volunteers are willing to contribute.
And in that regard, there is a solution that would make everyone happy with no
need to ever have these discussions ever again. It's just that BrickLink
doesn't want to do it. For some reason, there is a sudden rush to do all
of this right now, and none of us know that reason.
|
The reason as far as I can see it is quite simple in that they want to progress
forward with a more functional site and personally I’d rather they focus their
attentions on these things rather than spending vast amounts of time and energy
restructuring the whole site in order to cater for what are the very least important
variants, Variants that most people really don’t care about outside of this forum
which may be hard for some to accept, but true!
That’s not to say that they shouldn't/couldn’t of at least considered implementing
these variants at a later date if/when the system allowed it but it shouldn’t
be done at the expense of slowing down the overall progress of the site either(How
long do we wait for the site to be re-structured?). People are very critical
at the lack of progress since the acquisition of Lego and then when some focused
and in my view positive planned changes are rolled out everyone starts putting
the breaks on!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 21:33 | | Subject: | Re: Is the Uk post awful or is this seller? | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Shipping | |
|
| In Shipping, Adjour writes:
| | I'm curious, I ran across a UK seller with parts I'd like but in 5000
sales they have nearly 40 negs. Almost all of them have the seller blaming the
Royal mail service.
About 30 or so are people complaining about either missing orders, or missing
parts, and then the missing parts are mailed and those come up missing.
Basically almost all the bad reviews are claiming the order or replacements never
came and the seller just replies with how they are not responsible.
Almost every reply is a version of "too bad, so sad". I find a
hard time believing this person isn't just ripping people off.
I've shipped, goodness, 6k parcels at least between various platforms and
I've had only 2 vanish. So will someone vouch for this person or are they
full of it?
Crystal
|
I use Royal Mail to ship from UK to USA, Canada, Australia etc.. and have very
few issues! I have full confidence in my packages arriving with only the odd
inevitable package going astray but they are generally few and far between!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 21:23 | | Subject: | Re: Merging piece varian is a BIG PROBLEM | | Viewed: | 76 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, randyf writes:
| | In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
| | In Catalog, randyf writes:
| | In Catalog, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | Now, this is a BIG PROBLEM.
|
I don't wish to look arrogant or such - but opinion of a 1 Order Member,
sincerely...
|
Well, having to post a reply to just say this looks arrogant.
|
There is actually good reason to call into question some of these member posts
for reasons I've outlined here:-
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1450285
|
If you have proof that there are duplicate accounts being used by the same person,
please report them. Otherwise, every member has the same right to express their
opinion as anyone else, especially given the fact that BrickLink just notified
the entire userbase yesterday of these impending changes and linked them all
directly to the main thread.
|
The Admins already have the necessary data on all members along with powers to
act on and enforce their own policy, I've simply alerted them with my suspicions!
As for every member having equal right to express their views, of course but
using just the one true account would be nice. Either way it doesn't mean
I or anyone else should take the guy who has been a member for a matter of months,
never sold anything, only placed a couple of orders all that seriously when it
comes to how best to optimize the catalog for buying and selling on Bricklink.
Optimizing the site for viewing/cataloging purposes come secondary to actually
buying and selling and many of those with barely any feedback are not using the
site to buy or sell
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 14:02 | | Subject: | Re: Merging piece varian is a BIG PROBLEM | | Viewed: | 65 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, randyf writes:
| | In Catalog, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | Now, this is a BIG PROBLEM.
|
I don't wish to look arrogant or such - but opinion of a 1 Order Member,
sincerely...
|
Well, having to post a reply to just say this looks arrogant.
|
There is actually good reason to call into question some of these member posts
for reasons I've outlined here:-
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1450285
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 12:44 | | Subject: | Re: Merging piece varian is a BIG PROBLEM | | Viewed: | 58 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | Now, this is a BIG PROBLEM.
|
I don't wish to look arrogant or such - but opinion of a 1 Order Member,
sincerely...
|
Your being too modest! Your opinion is 51,000 orders more relevant and around
46,000 orders more relevant than my opinion
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 12:27 | | Subject: | Re: BricklinkV - for Vintage Parts? | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, wildchicken13 writes:
I assumed so but without a smiley at the end I have to also consider that I'm
being called out for contradicting myself given all my other posts approve of
variant merges
| |
But, in all seriousness, what you've just described is similar to the way
the catalog works now. I'd reckon the majority of buyers are looking for
the "main" (i.e., current) variants of parts (with grooves, etc.), and
these parts represent the bulk of what is sold on this site. But some people
do care about older variants; e.g., when completing old sets.
This goes back to the marketplace vs. database debate. For those who use BrickLink
as a database, all variants are essentially equal, since, at least in theory,
each variant gets a single entry in the database. However, for those who use
it as a marketplace, not all variants are equal, since some variants are more
common than others.
I guess this is one of those "great schisms": when either the community
can come to some sort of agreement over how to treat variants in the catalog,
or the community itself will split.
|
That's the thing though I myself and possibly the vast majority will continue
to list here as the idea of trying to split and sell variants to only a small
niche of members on a vintage sister site with a limited range of available parts
does not appeal to me personally though for many others here that claim there
is a huge market for it this would be a good way to gauge that market, Bricklink
does not even need to maintain the scaled down site but just sit back and watch
the marketplace either thrive or fizzle away to nothing!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 11:14 | | Subject: | Re: BricklinkV - for Vintage Parts? | | Viewed: | 56 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, wildchicken13 writes:
| | In General, infinibrix writes:
| | Has Bricklink ever considered having a sister site dedicated to vintage parts.
I know Lego is ever evolving and molds, parts, colours can be discontinued at
any time but maybe it’s a place dedicated to getting parts pre a specific era
where there has been substantial changes such as the place to get old brown and
grey colours perhaps? Pre mid 90’s parts or whatever?
It’s probably a dead in the water idea as I appreciate bricklink and most users
here will probably just want a one stop place for all their Lego needs but maybe
instead just a really scaled down vintage site for all those nerdy types that
want their variants along with those relevant parts of the catalog to remain
intact. Obviously people will still have to use the main site to buy the vast
majority of their Lego so really just a place for the hardcore vintage guys
That’s not me by the way, but with so many appearing to be concerned about some
of the upcoming changes and variant merges I’m just throwing ideas around and
causing trouble!
|
So, you're proposing that we split BrickLink into two different variants?
|
Not really because the main Bricklink site will have all those variants merged
meaning the functionality of the main site performs at its optimum with the vast
majority of members only using the main site. Choosing to instead list items
on a scaled down Vintage site would generally be detrimental but just give an
alternative option for those that want to list items there without the variant
entries being affected. Being an alternative site altogether would make it little
different to listing your variants on Brickowl instead but lets be honest its
never going to happen anyway
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 10:44 | | Subject: | Re: Variant Merge | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Announce | |
|
| In Announce, axaday writes:
| | In Announce, G.Backsson writes:
Isn't BrickLink supposed to be about fans of LEGO?
| | Rather than being a cashcow for LEGO tm or sellers?
|
Yeah, this is a really good point that I hope isn't overlooked. All of this
seems to be about making things easy for sellers. Well, Bricklink could come
to our houses and sort out sets for us. That would make it easy for me.
But is Bricklink for sellers?
|
I honestly believe its about making things easier for buyers too because having
to search in multiple locations for the same part is not an efficient way to
buy, browse or compare prices.
Also many buyers are left mistakenly viewing certain minifigure heads with a
false sense of worth simply because they don't appear as part of the main
minifig inventory something I believe Bricklink considers to be one of its main
priority changes!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 05:42 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 59 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, bricknationtoys writes:
| | This will in turn create issues for sellers who will need to deal with increase
in customer dissatisfaction and all what comes with it - emails, returns, bad
feedback etc.
|
For this particular argument it will have the opposite effect since buyer expectations
will be lowered as it will be widely understood by everyone that sellers will
no longer be responsible for ensuring these minor variants are accurate. Right
now all the expectation and onus is unfairly put on the seller to list exactly
as per the catalog or risk buyer dissatisfaction. Putting the onus/responsibility
back on the buyer to ask the question is the only fair and right way to go since
buyer/collector knowledge usually supersedes the knowledge of your average seller
when it comes to minor variants like this and should anyone really require a
degree in Lego variants to be able to successfully sell here? I'm not so
sure!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 25, 2024 04:24 | | Subject: | Dupe Accounts to push Variant Merge Argument? | | Viewed: | 332 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| I hope the admins are taking note only there are people here like myself that
have always followed the rules despite wanting and being denied a second account
for legitimate reasons (separate business from personal) and yet there are clearly
members here using second accounts to strengthen the voice of their own opinion
in the forum?
How is it possible that so many replies against the variant merge are from people
with barely any feedback yet they still appear to have the highest/most complex
level of understanding when it comes to variants?
Yes perhaps one or two of these never buy or sell and only use Bricklink as a
database reference in which case are they the best voices to be listening to
anyway given they don’t actually contribute to the core element of the site which
is to buy and sell Lego!
But let’s be honest having an opinion is one thing but using a second account
to voice that same opinion again is unhelpful spamming and so I hope admins will
investigate and merge these accounts!
Ultimately as far as peoples opinions go in general I understand the arguments
on both sides and to a degree sympathies but generally a lot of these arguments
seem to be along the lines that the merge is a bad idea because people will no
longer be able to easily distinguish the correct variant? Yet this appears to
be the exact intention, since Bricklink has already openly stated that they do
not particularly want members of its community (New or Old) being overly bogged
down and concerned with these variants. They essentially want them dismissed/forgotten
about! (Pretty much their own words)
With this in mind it really isn’t in Bricklinks best interest to put in place
any specific solution that only further prevents them breaking away from what
they are trying to break away from? Therefore in the end it can only be for individual
members who care about this stuff to either use the comments field or ask the
question!
The way I see it, this change is probably going to hinder maybe 1% of the community
whilst making things smoother and more efficient for 99% of the community. It’s
a no brainer from Bricklinks perspective!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 24, 2024 06:12 | | Subject: | Re: Nothing received. PayPal said to go to court? | | Viewed: | 113 times | | Topic: | Problem Order | |
|
| In Problem Order, lozzajp writes:
| | Hello,
I spent £25 on an order which is a fair bit of money to me, and never received
the item or any communication from the seller on this website or given email
address. I was advised on here to open a case with PayPal as they will handle
everything, but they closed the case in favour of the seller.
Again no communication from the seller and PayPal won't give me any information,
their response was for me to go small claims court in my county??? PayPal won't
let me reopen the case.
Has anyone else encountered this? My understanding is PayPal would be useful
and help in these scenarios, but this just totally now feels like I have been
scammed on bricklink despite using the recommended channels and methods.
Anyone have advice for me here?
|
If Paypal sided with the seller its because the seller was able to provide a
tracking number with evidence that the item was shipped/received. However in
some cases just because an item was signed for it doesn't always mean it
went to the correct address. The courier may also be at fault in some other way
such as wrongly signing on your behalf or not leaving in a safe place when you
weren't at home to take the package.
My advice would be to ask the seller or paypal to provide the tracking number
so you can look into what has occurred.
I once checked the tracking evidence only to notice that the photo proof that
accompanied the signature wasn't even a photo of my own front door! The driver
basically shipped to a different address with the same house number and I was
able to collect from this alternative address without issue!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 24, 2024 05:22 | | Subject: | Re: Fun queries we sellers get... | | Viewed: | 53 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| In Selling, novabrick writes:
| | "Do you have X of this part you haven't listed?"
or
"more of this part you only have 2 of."
Now, we constantly add to our inventory and have a ton of parts yet to be listed.
It still is a somewhat silly question i think.
Christian
novabrick-team
|
It depends as there are a lot of sellers that split their inventory across multiple
platforms also there are many other sellers that intentionally hold back stock
for other reasons. If you list your entire stock in one go, someone at some point
will come along and buy out your entire remaining inventory simply because you
are one of the cheapest and selling way below current market value or because
your item has become scarce with very few others selling it!
Sometimes its better to list smaller portions of your stock at a time so that
each time you sell out of a part you can re-evaluate its current market value/rarity.
Having the ability to continually replenish rare or desirable stock encourages
more shoppers to your store who might not otherwise bother to visit!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 23, 2024 22:25 | | Subject: | Re: Fun queries we sellers get... | | Viewed: | 57 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| In Selling, popsicle writes:
| | Over the years we've had our share of let's say 'intriguing'
questions from prospective buyers.
Today's example "How much for all of the Luke’s?" that's it,
nothing further. For context, there are many Luke's listed on BrickLink,
we currently have 10 different Luke's. A brand new member (a few days old)
so they automatically receive an overabundance of understand.
How serious do you or should you, take such inquires though? It actually can
be fun trying pull meaning from the communication of some, to decipher without
asking for clarification, is sort of a challenge
Now curious, how do you sellers typically respond to such messages?
-popsicle
(Full disclosure: I did ask for clarification, without getting a reply)
|
It can be quite frustrating when a buyer assumes your a mind reader or when they
seemingly can't be bothered to string a proper sentence together especially
when you find yourself spending a lot more time typing lengthy replies back in
an attempt to decipher exactly what they are asking?
Literally last week I had a buyer send me a question about a £65 item I was selling
on ebay and this is the question I received in its full exact entirety:-
55?
Now I was tempted to reply back "No sorry I only have four left in-stock"
knowing full well they meant £55 but then I also thought does this 3 character
question even deserve such a lengthy 8 worded reply and so I then considered
replying back "no 4" to give them a riddle of their own to work out?
As it happened their unusual questioning style only led me to check what sort
of feedback they tend to leave for other sellers which was enough to put them
on my stop list!
As a general rule if they are asking for your time or a discount and yet can't
bothered to include either a please or thank you within the same sentence they
are probably not worth dealing with in my view!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 23, 2024 09:26 | | Subject: | Re: obvious drop shipper order | | Viewed: | 55 times | | Topic: | Selling | |
|
| In Selling, stranqe writes:
| | So someone just purchased a minifig and asked to ship "without invoice or
packing slip" which is against how I do business as I always include an invoice
inside the package in case of damage to package or whatnot and the post office/UPS
needs to find the address inside the package. This is the obvious sign of a
drop shipper purchasing off me to fulfill their order to someone else on a different
platform. What are you guys' thoughts on these kind of requests?
I half want to include a biz card with coupon code to entice their customer and
show how much cheaper they can purchase things on bricklink directly. lol.
|
Keep in mind that the drop shipper themselves are your customer and if they've
given you the order on the provision that you follow the instruction asked it
would be good business practice to adhere to what was agreed or at least fulfill
the order in such a way that keeps your customer happy (within reason!)
The only reason you have an order in the first place is due to marketing/sales
fees that the drop shipper has already had to pay on those other platforms! Essentially
you've got an order from free marketing!
The other thing I will say is that some buyers will continue to shop on Amazon/ebay
regardless of finding out where the item came from simply because they already
have accounts on those platforms and prefer the convenience and safety blanket
they get from shopping on a platform they are familiar with.
Also its not just about not wanting to disclose where it came from and how much
profit was made but its general good business practice not to disclose this type
of info even if the drop shipper is sending this as a replacement item to their
customer for free!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 23, 2024 07:28 | | Subject: | Re: Helmeted figures should be helmeted | | Viewed: | 52 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, mattthecatt_1 writes:
| | In response to all the comments in this thread so far, there seems to be more
than one issue going on here. I personally assemble my minifigures in such a
way so as to 'complete the outfit', meaning headgear will be favoured
over hair. I guess I align with the OP in this regard. However, there is plenty
of room for subjectivity.
Let's take an example, loc154 from 70225. There is an accessory clipped to
the back of the figure that is actually a handheld device, yet is catalogued
as part of the figure itself, which I strongly disagree with. Having an accessory
that's intended to be detachable is very different to, say, having permanent
wings attached, per loc096 from the same set.
Then we have Invincible Iron Man, sh368, exclusive to set 76077. In no way should
the 3062b round bricks attached to the figure be compulsory to have on it. You're
telling me that nobody would want to buy if they weren't there, and that
they will affect the selling value in any significant way? Yet, nobody can list
the figure without them. Contrast that with ow008 from set 75975. It has to be
sold with regular black legs attached. Plenty of buyers might prefer it to come
with its ghost legs, part 19859pb08, which would otherwise be more difficult
to obtain.
In none of these situations are the minifigures incomplete. Rather, they just
might not be configured the same way as they are in the catalogue while still
being legitimate builds. For this reason alone, there could be a time where I
go to sell something requiring me to go back through my other parts to see whether
I retained the additional parts that had come with it. This would prove to be
epecially problematic with rarer elements.
Really, what percentage of minifigures come with alternate headgear and accessories?
I don't have the numbers, and while it may not be uncommon, it does seem
to be more the exception than the rule. I don't think it would be too much
of an ask for the catalogue to get rid of some big headaches for sellers by accounting
for valid variants of the figures that have them. It's evident that there
are already those who would be willing contributors to this.
So, what do you all think? Handheld weapons or no handheld weapons with gs014?
Just have a look at the listings...
|
Here's another prime example of catalog inconsistencies where the handheld
item gets special treatment with the allowance of two entries here:-
But not for other fist welding minfigures such as below where it only appears
without fists:-
On the same token this one you can only buy with the fists:-
Making special exceptions is one thing but it should at least be consistent among
those minifigs wielding the exact same part with either two entries for each
or just one or the other!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 20, 2024 11:51 | | Subject: | Re: Helmeted figures should be helmeted | | Viewed: | 55 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, TimeWarpDrive writes:
| | Why does sw1259 (sw1287, sh739, sh731, etc) have the hair piece instead of the
helmet? The box and instructions show the character with the helmet. I think
more people who prefer to have the helmet over the hair. A good compromise would
be to have an in-set variant that lists this figure with the helmet for people
who want to buy the helmeted figure.
|
For some minifigs the helmet may be more desirable but in other instances where
a minifig comes with a very generic hat or helmet the actual hair piece may be
more desirable besides which if you listed these guys with helmets instead of
hair they'd end up resembling generic stormtroopers rather than the intended
characters of Han and Luke
But I agree that it would make sense to have an alternative option but to make
the differences more worthwhile/substantial it would be better to have a barebone
option (No backpacks, quivers but otherwise built to instructions) and then a
fully accessorized option with weapons, quivers, backpacks and both alternate
headgears etc...
Therefore the barebone Han remains listed exactly as above with a fully accessorized
option sw0772b also including the gun and helmet
As already mentioned by others, part of the problem is that Bricklink uses the
build instructions as a means of establishing with absolute certainty exactly
how it should be entered into the catalog so that everyone can follow and understand
using those exact same guidelines but at times there still comes a point where
common sense needs to intervene. For instance I see little point including a
quiver with a forestman minifigure if your not going to also include a bow? Therefore
better to do away with things like quivers altogether likewise following the
instruction build is why we have this yoda with a useless backplate??:-
[m-sw0471]
When it should really just be merged with this one:-
[m-sw0707]
Overall I don't think Bricklink likes the idea of having too many minifig
entries but at the same time a lot can be done to clean up the existing entries.
For instance do we really need to have so many different entries for what are
essentially the same minfigure but with different plain coloured Legs, plumes
for example. Differences which could very easily just be mentioned in the notes
instead?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 18, 2024 07:16 | | Subject: | Re: Catalog Variants - SURVEY RESULTS | | Viewed: | 103 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, StormChaser writes:
| | As we all know, the decision was already made before members were ever consulted.
Still, as an exercise in sharing meaningless facts, here is how BrickLink members
feel.
A total of 75 people shared thoughts (including OP).
13.4% approved of the decision.
16% had no opinion.
24% had mixed feelings.
46.6% disapproved.
Result: over 70% of respondents did not approve of these changes or had
mixed feelings. But . . . the "platform" approves, so I suppose we're
all good.
|
Hardly the most scientific or accurate survey to go by though is it? I mean
these results only reflect on the opinions of those in the forum. Yet the forum
mainly represents your hardcore Lego enthusiast who is far more likely to be
passionate about variants and/or already contributed to the catalog in some way.
It certainly doesn’t represent the general populous of buyers, sellers, collectors
who no doubt just want an efficiently run site that is simple to use besides
which most of these people will not even have an opinion on the matter meaning
they simply rely on the powers that be to make the right judgment calls when
it comes to how best to serve the Lego community as a whole!
Lego is one of the biggest selling toys around the world and so if you hold that
thought for a moment this survey (if we're right to call it that) by the
forum regulars is a drop in the ocean when it comes to catering to your average
Lego user! Its also a bit like ONLY asking dog owners whether they prefer cats
or dogs? In translation we're pretty much only asking those that understand
or are passionate about variants whether they want to keep these particular variants
or not?
Your right about one thing though in that I have little doubt that Bricklink
had already made the decision prior to announcing these plans in the forum but
at the same time they have to think about the bigger picture and being swayed
too heavily by just the most vocal in forum is at times just going to hinder
the progression, functionality and vison they have for the site as a whole!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 18, 2024 05:58 | | Subject: | Re: Zip lock bags | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, oak73 writes:
| | Wondering what size Ziplock bags do you recommend to someone new to selling Legos?
|
For minifigures and small quantities/lots I use these sizes the most along with
GL0 (Not pictured):-
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1438331
but a range of sizes is ideal and I use around 13 different sizes from GL0 to
GL12 but most importantly for me is to keep things compact and only use the exact
bag sizes required for the quantity of parts being packed in the sense that for
environmental purposes its not about how many bags you use, its how efficiently
you use them as so many people just go for larger sized bags to cover all situations
but this usually means parts being shipped out with unnecessary excess airspace/plastic
waste (Lego do the same which I've never quite understood?)
Using several smaller bags to pack an order benefit the customer by keeping lots
separated whilst generally using less plastic waste but of course if dealing
with lots of small quantities of 1 or 2 it often makes sense to bundle these
lots together in same bag rather than use individual bags for each lot which
is not only wasteful but actually quite tedious for the buyer who then has to
open a bag to access each and every single part they've ordered. No idea
why so many sellers do this?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 12, 2024 23:24 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 70 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Kenopolis writes:
| |
Vented/Blocked stud heads listed as alternates in sets:
I wanted to share a thought about this one.
The only reason one is listed as the alternate, is because someone added it as
such.
We really have no idea how many sets have the alternate. By adding it as an alternate,
people automatically think it's more rare, when in reality, they might have
had a 50/50 distribution rate.
|
Well yes and this is the main reason I've always taken such issue with the
idea that one stud type is somehow more relevant to a minfigure/set compared
to the other. Ultimately both versions of a head have been printed with the same
decal and manufactured by Lego for exactly the same purpose yet somehow Bricklink
and its community has allowed itself to get into a cycle of insisting one particular
version found in a set or most commonly found in a set is more relevant and should
have overall influence on how the catalog entries are shaped.
Fortunately Bricklink appears to recognize that we shouldn't have ever continued
down this path and for the benefit of the catalog has made the brave decision
to undo what has been put in place for many years which won't come as much
comfort for those that have already spent time/money cataloging everything to
the format of the catalog but better to put a stop to it now than continue along
the same misguided path! Its just a shame that this point of change has taken
so long!
Either way that doesn't mean I don't understand or appreciate why some
people want variants or the retro versions of certain parts but this I see as
a separate issue because wanting to collect variants is one thing but shaping
the catalog around some of these variants is just detrimental to the functionality
of the catalog as a whole!
| | A note added that says something like, "This
Minifig has been found with both hollow and blocked studs. would go a long way.
|
Yes I also think notes to this effect would be helpful but only alongside the
actual head entry itself. I would also include a secondary photo showing the
stud types that are applicable to head in question as outlined here:-
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1447878
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 12, 2024 15:49 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 71 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | In Catalog, jennnifer writes:
| | In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| |
https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2626
For the Duplo bricks and the Blocked and Vented studs, there are just too many
to list at this time, but people can do a search for them in their stores.
We will need a full list to send out the notification next week though, so that
will be coming.
Concerning the removed vs changed, nothing will technically be removed from the
catalog. All items will be merged to a similar item and the lots in stores will
be preserved. In some cases, just the Item Name and Item Number will be adjusted,
and that may not require any text to be added to the comments section.
But the easiest thing would simply be to add notes to every listing on the list.
I have found it helps buyers have confidence that a variant is correct when a
note is present, even if the note simply duplicates the info in the Item Name.
|
It is also extremely important to retain and update all comparison images. The
submitter's work should be lost in this process. Just adding an Additional
Note is insufficient as the image is more accurate and useful. (Especially for
non-English speakers.) Also, many members have Collapsed their Notes and never
see them.
The comparison images will be even more important going forward as, without distinctions
in the Catalog, many inexperienced members will pick up an odd mold and immediately
call: Fake.
I can just imagine it now: selling a rare 'Hollow' stud SW head, only
to be confronted by a buyer claiming it's fake due to the absence of the
LEGO logo and 'some weird triangle top'. Every single head that comes
in multiple variants needs to be publicly documented for this purpose.
What is going to happen if the Minifigure, Head image that is retained has an
inset showing its Stud variant? Buyers will assume that that is the correct version
going forward.
Which of these images will you choose, what happens to the other one, and what
happens to the inset?
* | | 3626bpb0748 Minifigure, Head Alien with SW Klatooinian Dark Green Facial Lines, Dark Bluish Gray Eye Shadow, and Sharp Teeth (Kithaba) Pattern - Blocked Open Stud
Parts: Minifigure, Head |
* | | 3626cpb0748 Minifigure, Head Alien with SW Klatooinian Dark Green Facial Lines, Dark Bluish Gray Eye Shadow, and Sharp Teeth (Kithaba) Pattern - Hollow Stud
Parts: Minifigure, Head |
Thanks,
Jen
|
All images will be retained, especially the comparison images. In choosing the
primary image, we will likely just choose the one that looks the best. For the
example you gave above, I personally would be inclined to remove the inset image
from one of the images and use that one as the primary image, and then retain
both original images as alternates.
|
Yes it would make sense at some point to crop images like this so you only see
the actual Face (along with dual sided face where applicable) but then what might
be better is to have something like my example top down photo as the secondary
image (Obviously in Olive Green instead) but the good thing with doing this is
that you can save time and use these same images for all other minifig heads
of the same colour that come in the same combination of stud types which also
helps keep some continuity.
I'm sure someone can do a better job but essentially you could use my example
photo as the secondary image for all those Light Nougat heads that come in both
Blocked Open and Hollow stud for example
|
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 12, 2024 06:36 | | Subject: | Re: Due to the upcoming variants merge do you... | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Inventories | |
|
| In Inventories, 1977_mauro writes:
| | ...still will differentiate the merged variants using the comment field?
Choose:
a) yes
b) no
c) not sure yet
Keep in mind that it won't be visible anymore in the old set inventories
which variant has been used.
Thanks Mauro
|
No but for the first few months I will keep them separated so that where possible
I can pick a buyers order with all the same type. Once I feel more confident
that the buying community has become accustomed to the fact that they could receive
either variant within the same order batch I may then start to merge my stocks
into the same storage bin.
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 11, 2024 13:27 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:
| | Looking at this list I may have been wrong about something and was hoping you
could clarify.
It says
“Blocked and vented studs will be merged”
So does that mean hollow and blocked are not being merged? I was under the impression
that vented, hollow, and blocked were all being merged which was very uncounted
but reading this again it sounds like only blocked and vented are being merged
|
Was questioning the same thing?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 11, 2024 13:18 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 56 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, WhiteHorseMatt writes:
| |
That's always been the rub though, hasn't it. What are imperceptible
or irrelevant to some are critical for exactness or vintage status to others.
Where to draw the line is challenging.
|
Well yes and also where to draw the line in terms of accountability towards sellers
as only a few months ago I had a buyer issue on Brickowl for those very same
swords where the buyer claims I sent the wrong variant. Fortunately I had a mix
of both versions to compare and sent replacements but I did also go on to explain
to the buyer that my store settings are set at "Does not differentiate Mold
Variations" and therefore always best to check and ask in these situations
to which I get a snarky response back that I should have listed them correctly
in the first place and a Neutral for my best efforts!
The first and only neutral on either of these platforms!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 11, 2024 06:56 | | Subject: | Re: BricklinkV - for Vintage Parts? | | Viewed: | 73 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, SylvainLS writes:
| | In General, infinibrix writes:
| | Has Bricklink ever considered having a sister site dedicated to vintage parts.
[…]
|
A niche of a niche of a niche…. It’s niches all the way down!
|
Oh it will be much more niche than that because in order to sign up an account
on the BricklinkV site potential users will need to answer a series of vintage
questions correctly where only a 99% score rate will secure account approval.
I’m anticipating around 10-20 users will make the grade whereby they will be
in the privileged position of being able to exclusively trade amongst themselves
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 11, 2024 06:24 | | Subject: | BricklinkV - for Vintage Parts? | | Viewed: | 214 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| Has Bricklink ever considered having a sister site dedicated to vintage parts.
I know Lego is ever evolving and molds, parts, colours can be discontinued at
any time but maybe it’s a place dedicated to getting parts pre a specific era
where there has been substantial changes such as the place to get old brown and
grey colours perhaps? Pre mid 90’s parts or whatever?
It’s probably a dead in the water idea as I appreciate bricklink and most users
here will probably just want a one stop place for all their Lego needs but maybe
instead just a really scaled down vintage site for all those nerdy types that
want their variants along with those relevant parts of the catalog to remain
intact. Obviously people will still have to use the main site to buy the vast
majority of their Lego so really just a place for the hardcore vintage guys
That’s not me by the way, but with so many appearing to be concerned about some
of the upcoming changes and variant merges I’m just throwing ideas around and
causing trouble!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 10, 2024 14:31 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 72 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Brickitty writes:
| | In Catalog, infinibrix writes:
| | Surely its just a case of listing the merged part twice with different comments/prices
for each variant?
|
Did you not read what I wrote? I clearly explained why that's not the case.
If the set inventories are changed, THAT'S what gets rid of the demand. Merging
the parts or separating them with comments is irrelevant. I already do that for
my many minor mold variations that Bricklink has never separated, and those parts
don't sell because. they're. not. differentiated. in. set. inventories.
|
I do understand what your saying but I think you've also answered you own
question.... because if your saying that these parts are only desirable because
Bricklink has specifically inventoried/associated them with old sets then for
all intensive purposes people only care about these minor variants for this very
reason and so if bricklink merges them, going by your words "those buyers
will no longer care about the variants" and therefore from Bricklink and
the rest of communities point of view its problem solved as everyone ends up
with a more straight forward and functional site
Whilst I appreciate you may feel that this will now make your variants far less
desirable is this good enough reason to hinder the progression of the sites functionality
for all other users in general?
Yes maybe you lose out on a few sales because some people are no longer aware
that they need a certain type for a specific old set but on the same token maybe
that also saves those buyers a lot of grief with trying to match their variant
purchases to what the bricklink set inventories state even though for the most
part it appears not to be all that important but at the end of the day if these
minor variants are desirable enough people will seek them out regardless but
if they're only desirable because Bricklinks catalog makes them desirable
then maybe they're not all they desirable after all. Either way you cant
have it both ways?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 10, 2024 13:37 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Brickitty writes:
| | In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | If you already sort a particular variant, simply add the descriptor to your listing
notes for each item. You can still sell them even though they are not distinguished
in the catalog. No need to lose money.
|
With respect, that is incorrect. I know my store very well and have extensive
data on the sales patterns due to being an Excel nerd. And I already have comments
for quite a few minor variations that Bricklink doesn't differentiate in
the catalog, and almost none of them sell (the only real exceptions being misprints
and Old Dark Red, which regularly sells better than the New Dark Reds even at
a higher price point).
Sure, if I price the 3747a variant the same as the 3747b variant under the new
umbrella entry, they'll both sell. But any markup for vintage variations
will almost certainly stop selling, and I have hundreds of these lots, many of
which are good or great sellers. Please trust me to know my business, and
make no mistake -- these changes will cost me hundreds in sales every month.
If you'd like, I will take the time to go through every order for the last
month and add up my sales for the parts to be changed, and then add up the sales
in February for the same parts when they're only differentiated with listing
notes.
|
Surely its just a case of listing the merged part twice with different comments/prices
for each variant?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 10, 2024 06:33 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, pcthurman writes:
| | In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | Hello everyone,
As a platform, we have decided to take a hard look at some of the mold variants
that we are currently asking you to recognize. For sellers, more variants means
extra sorting and extra work while pulling orders, plus the issues that arise
from variant misunderstandings.
For buyers, excess variants mean that it's harder to assemble a wanted list,
find stores, and ultimately obtain the parts you are looking for.
I have put together a quick Help page to outline these proposed changes:
https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2625
|
I have read through the entirety of this subject, here are my opinions...
Do not change anything that has to do with minifigures! People who buy them OR
parts of them OR sets put a lot of importance on the minifigures being authentically
correct. I appreciate that solid stud heads will continue to have their own entry
in the catalog however it is annoying to order blocked open heads and receive
hollow stud heads instead and I can only imagine the nightmare of what this will
do to minifigure torsos.
|
Honestly most people really don't care as much as you may be led to believe
and those that do care will still manage to find ways of seeking out what they
need
| | Bricklink is the reason my business is viable today. I rely on the catalog variations
to find the correct parts for the sets I need to finish.
|
If the system doesn't cater so well for these minor variants, overall buyer
expectations will be lowered across the site to the point that you may no longer
need to put so much time and effort into sourcing these specific variants in
the first place!
| | I consider myself old school when it comes to Bricklink and have had to contact
shops to find out if they have the correct variations. Recently, 2020-2024, it
has become very frustrating when shop owners will not answer the question OR
worse yet, insist they do have the correct period piece and when it arrives,
you discover it is in fact incorrect or you get blacklisted for having the audacity
to ask a question in the first place.
It should not be the buyer's job to teach the shop owner about variations and yet I find myself doing this quite often.
|
I think you've just pointed out how problematic the current system of separating
variants can be for many sellers? The system needs to be simplified as many buyers
rely too heavily on the expectation that all sellers will have/should have the
same variant knowledge. With variant notes left in the comments buyers will have
more certainty over which sellers can cater for their needs in many cases without
even needing to ask questions!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 10, 2024 05:50 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 54 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:
| |
I don’t know how to explain it as well as others but it just feels wrong specifically
for minifigure parts to combine them. I kinda get it for things like the sprue
on the chair but for something iconic like the different molds for minifigure
heads is just something that shouldnt change as differentiating between hollow
and blocked is important
|
It's only considered to be important because Bricklinks catalog has led us
to believe its important all these years. Granted there would have always been
a market for variants regardless of whether only one or two entries were initially
created/separated because people like to collect these things but the differences
are for the most part so insignificant that we're actually hindering the
functionality of the whole site for "every single user!" for the sake
of catering for a small handful of collectors who can still go about collecting
these parts in other ways with the help of sellers who are willing to provide
this service for them
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 22:48 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 56 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, CCBricks writes:
| | This is like being invited to a taffy pulling contest where everyone picks their
nose!
A giant mess in my opinion. Leave the catalog the way it is,
|
I'd much rather see the catalog cleaned up than left as a giant mess!
| |
I'm not a fan of merging the minifigure heads as figures sold with blocked
open stud may command more money than a recessed or vented stud. Yeah, it's
the same part, does the same job, but it's not "that" true minifigure.
|
I can honestly say that I have sold thousands of minfigures across multiple platforms
and never once been called up on the head type supplied. I've always supplied
my minifigs with whichever stud type I have stocked/available without even checking
whether it matches with bricklinks so called "official" minifig entry!
The only time I've ever been called out is where someone thinks a blocked
open stud head is fake simply because it doesn't show a Lego logo.
Loose heads are a different story as the stud type is more clearly specified
and so some buyers will expect what you send to match the description hence I
reluctantly try to match/sort in line with the catalog (Hopefully for not much
longer!)
I've also yet to really experience any specific stud type adding any extra
value to my minifigs. Maybe a little extra value specified to individually sold
head parts maybe but not against a whole collective minifigure!
We're this to add any real value I'm sure we'd see a lot more people
on Bricklink and other sites advertising "Minifig comes with Blocked Open
Stud head!" and what not but it appears to be not even significant enough
for a mention by anyone really?
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 21:54 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:
| | to a point but much of the demand will be gone as for example in the past I would
have pursued and paid 3x+ for a head if I needed blocked instead of hollow or
vice versa but now I have no need to and I know I'm not the only one. yes
some will still be interested and may pay a premium but demand will fall and
as such the values
|
I honestly think it will have the opposite effect because where the majority
of sellers no longer bother to separate variants, sellers like yourself will
have more exclusivity over the variant market
Also even if a newer buyer isn't familiar with past variants and how they
were once separated on BL there will still be notes about the variants within
the single catalog entry and those types that are inclined to collect things
will likely still want to seek out and collect regardless of there being two
entries or not!
Likewise if you list the part in your store twice using same entry and different
descriptions of Blocked and Hollow the varying degree in price difference alone
is certainly going spark some curiosity and interest from buyers especially if
the more expensive variant you are offering doesn't appear to be all that
readily available or advertised clearly elsewhere!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 21:08 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 52 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Nubs_Select writes:
| |
in addition to that, with blocked versus hollow heads. I've spent lots of
money to get say blocked instead of hollow for certain heads to get correct versions
so if they are combined I'm also out lots of money.
|
Not if you continue to keep them separated and sell them the way you are. No
matter what the BL catalog changes the collectors are not going to suddenly forget
these variations exist and they will continue to go to extreme lengths to seek
them out. Adding variation notes in the comments will take away much of the hassle
that comes with needing to ask/check which in turn will have them flocking to
your store!
| | if this change didn't
affect minifigure parts it would be much better. hollow versus blocked are iconic
to the point I even have label some storage drawers as such
|
For me this is the main area I want changed as I've always hated how one
stud type is associated with the minfig inventory whilst the other is almost
disregarded and hidden away from view. Merging them together will be a much welcome
and long overdue change in my view!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 14:08 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Brickitty writes:
| | Hi,
I'm opposed to this. As one of the sellers who differentiates every part
carefully, I frequently get messages asking me to confirm which variant I'm
sending. Buyers do want period-accurate mold differences, including ones on that
list. I realize I could still list these differences in the comments, but the
problem is that they're presumably going to be removed from inventories,
so buyers and collectors won't know which sets are supposed to have which
variants.
|
For me its the opposite problem in that I rarely receive messages about variants
prior to purchase but then later made accountable for apparently sending the
wrong minor variant despite stating in my store that I do not separate minor
variants and that it best to check/ask?
Therefore essentially I'm almost forced to separate and sort what I can just
to cover myself in case a buyer overlooks my store terms and wants to still hold
me accountable?
I also have little doubt there are sometimes the odd opportunistic buyers out
there that know the system and use the minor variant complaint as an easy way
of getting what they want for free regardless of whether they care about the
variant received or not!
So I ask, is it really fair that all sellers should be forced into sorting variants
as currently there is not really a reliable safe way of opting out!?
On the plus side if everyone is forced to merge their variants any sellers like
yourself who continue describing the exact variant in the comments, I think if
anything will only give you an edge over other sellers! I expect most sellers
will conform to the new changes shrinking the existing variant selling competition
for you!
|
|
| Author: | infinibrix | | Posted: | Jan 9, 2024 12:59 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 87 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
|
| In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | Hello everyone,
As a platform, we have decided to take a hard look at some of the mold variants
that we are currently asking you to recognize. For sellers, more variants means
extra sorting and extra work while pulling orders, plus the issues that arise
from variant misunderstandings.
For buyers, excess variants mean that it's harder to assemble a wanted list,
find stores, and ultimately obtain the parts you are looking for.
I have put together a quick Help page to outline these proposed changes:
https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2625
Notice the date on this is coming up quickly (Feb 1), so I'm not giving a
lot of time for discussion. I'm aiming for about 1 week of discussion and
then we'll give sellers 2 weeks to adjust the descriptions on affected items
if they wish to retain the distinctions.
I plan to construct a full FAQ page with answers to all your questions. This
will serve to inform users about what was done here in February 2024, and also
help point the catalog in the right direction in the future.
To get started, I'll list a few here:
1. This sounds like you're dumbing down the BrickLink catalog to make
it easier for new users. Is that what is going on?
Not really. There are many, many other variants we expect people to sort and
care about. These ones don't really seem to matter much, and some of them
(e.g., the minifigure heads) actually cause problems for the catalog that cannot
be corrected otherwise.
2. What if I really care about a certain variant that is going away? Can I
still buy and sell that variant?
Absolutely! You can add notes to your listings to make them as "determined"
as you wish. Buyers can still search within notes for extra details, or they
can simply observe them as they browse listings.
3. How do I know which exact variants will be merged? I only see one example
in each category.
Please ask in this thread and I can be very specific. Usually we are talking
about a handful of parts and the printed versions.
4. Has a merge like this ever been done before?
Yes, there was a precedent - the Headlight Brick with Slot:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1016584
It was marked for deletion a few years ago and was finally merged last August.
5. Are these the only parts up for consideration, or are there other variants
that will be merged as well?
This is all for now. Based on how well this goes, we may elect to remove other
entries later. However, we will keep all functional variants and important cosmetic
variants.
|
Russell, thanks for reaching out to the community on this. Whilst I understand
the concerns from collectors/contributors I think we have to consider using a
system that better serves the wider community as a whole and removing these variants
certainly does this therefore your proposal gets my full support!
As far as I can tell the Pro’s far outweigh the Cons
I think what those passionate variant enthusiasts need to consider here is that
the extra seller work load and time spent dealing with these minor variants is
actually detrimental to the vast majority of buyers and sellers here as a whole.
Minor variants require extra time and extra storage space, both of which are
precious commodities. With less inventory to manage a seller can be more organized,
more efficient and potentially offer a wider selection of parts to fill this
newly freed up space!
I’ve also never liked the idea that one minifig head type is somehow inferior
to another in the sense that one is closely associated with the minfig inventory
whilst the other type is seemingly hidden away in the shadows!
I believe most buyers just want to buy the head whilst comparing prices with
ease. Having to look in two places for essentially the same thing is far from
ideal (That’s if the buyer is even fully aware to look in this second location?)
Also on the subject of contributions. I don’t think this is a good enough reason
to hold out with an old way of doing things. The current system may have served
its purpose for all these years with an idea that was thought to be the best
approach at the time but this new proposal will benefit far more than it hinders!
Sometimes things have to evolve and go forward otherwise we’d all still be using
Windows 3.1 simply because a lot of time and effort once went into contributing
to it?
|
|
Next Page: 5 More | 10 More | 25 More | 50 More | 100 More
|
United Kingdom, England
