Redisplay Messages: Compact | Brief | All | Full Show Messages: All | Without Replies| Author: | BensBrickstore  | | Posted: | Apr 21, 2024 23:33 | | Subject: | Re: US Tax Exemptions | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Taxes | |
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| In Taxes, Admin_Russell writes:
| | In Taxes, Graham. writes:
| | In Taxes, Admin_Russell writes:
| | In Taxes, cosmicray writes:
| | Yesterday I received two messages from one of the BL CE accounts, informing me
that US sellers are now able to submit their reseller certificate, in order to
be allowed tax exempt purchases.
I'm seeing no announcement about this in the Community. Is this official
? Personally, I do not see myself making use of it going forward, as I don't
wish to acquire additional inventory.
Nita Rae
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Yes, it is official. However, we limited the scope of communication to members
who had initially shown interest in the development of this feature.
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Good news. Is this LEGO group or just LEGO Bricklink?
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Just BrickLink, and just for reselling. Non-profits like schools are currently
not covered.
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Hi Russell,
Glad this is finally coming together. I'm curious, will it eventually be
available for non-profits as well? I'm sure there will be interest in that.
One step at a time though, I guess.
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Feb 15, 2024 19:11 | | Subject: | Re: Variants Thread - February 12 | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
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| In Catalog, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | 16 ARE THE PART NUMBERS GOING CHANGE OR MERGE ON STUDIO?
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I don't know the others, but I wish to donate 1€ for this poor guy to fix
his locked keyboard caps lock.
Who's following me?
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I think it might be just as productive if we all pitch in and buy this person
a few computer classes that can teach them how to use spell check. 
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Feb 1, 2024 20:19 | | Subject: | Re: Bricklink API - Update Store Inventory | | Viewed: | 81 times | | Topic: | Technical Issues | |
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| In Technical Issues, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | We encountered as well an issue with Brickstore by exporting a part out from
Brickstore that included any of the 3062b, 3068b, 3069b, or 3070b, and they were
rejected while trying to upload stating that the code does not exist. Couldn’t
Bricklink accept the xml by recognizing the 3062b as a 3062?
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It's normal, 3062b is now an invalid reference.
Simply wait BrickStore has a fresh database, then reopen the file and it'll
be corrected?
You people could be a bit patient; BrickStore it's a guy working for free
for you 
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I didn't get any impression that they were being impatient, just reporting
an issue. For all anyone knows they could be paying for BrickStore - there is
a donate option if anyone feels so inclined.
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Jan 28, 2024 14:35 | | Subject: | Celebrating 5 Years on Bricklink! | | Viewed: | 153 times | | Topic: | Sales | |
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| Ben’s Brickstore is Celebrating 5 Years on Bricklink!
***See our Facebook Page for a better version of this announcement, with photos! You can find our Facebook page by searching for Ben's Brickstore either within Facebook or on Google.***
Monday, Jan 29th, marks our 5th anniversary of selling LEGO on Bricklink! We are also quickly approaching our 5,000th Bricklink order!
We opened our Bricklink store on 1/29/2019. Our first order came in on February 4th, kicking off what has become quite a journey! When we first opened, we probably only had a few thousand parts listed for sale, along with some used sets. We closed out our first year with around 50,000 items in stock. Our revenue that year was around what our store currently earns in about 2 weeks.
To celebrate our 5 year Bricklink anniversary, we’re offering the following promotion when you place a Bricklink order between now and when we reach our 5,005th order:
Mention “Anniversary Promo” in the BRICKLINK order comments to be eligible.
• Spend $20 (item sub-total), get a FREE “blind box” from Marvel Series 2 Collectible Minifigures (71039). This box contains a random 1 of 12 characters to collect.
• Spend $100 (item sub-total), and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a FREE Forest Hideout (40567). This set was only available as a gift with purchase (GWP) from LEGO in 2022, and is a reproduction of 6054 Forestmen’s Hideout from 1988. Forestmen (and Castle) is Erik’s all-time favorite theme.
• Spend $200 (item sub-total), and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a FREE Forest Hideout (40567) AND Majisto’s Magical Workshop (40601). This was another reproduction, which was available as a GWP in 2023, and is based off 6048 Majisto’s Magical Workshop from 1993, part of the Dragon Knights subtheme of Castle.
• If we reach order #5,000 by Valentine’s Day (2/14), we are also going to have a drawing for a copy of 10328 Bouquet of Roses!
• Our 5,000th BRICKLINK customer will receive a free gift with their purchase. Gift will be of our choosing and will be of relative value to the size of the order. We will try to choose something that we think the buyer will like based on what they ordered, but it will be a surprise. 😊
o This will be for the 5,000th customer regardless of whether they mention anything in the order comments or were aware of the promo.
We are currently at 4,892 orders on Bricklink, so we are only 108 orders away from 5,000! Your odds of winning one of the drawings are very good! Don’t forget to mention “Anniversary Promo” in the Bricklink Order Comments! Visit store.bricklink.com/BensBrickstore to place your order.
Thank-you,
Erik H
Ben's Brickstore
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Jan 17, 2024 16:31 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 63 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
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| In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| |
Nevertheless, and regardless of these arguments I am making, because of the complaints
about this variant, I am flagging it for further discussion - the same as the
torsos. Maybe we can come up with a better solution for these items.
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Russell,
Thank-you for deciding to flag this one for further discussion. I wish you would
flag all of them for further discussion. I do think some of the changes are warranted,
but the timeline is much too hasty. There are some changes I don't agree
with, stud variants on minifig heads being a big one.
It is also going to have quite an impact on 3rd party software that we use for
inventory management and syncing. There needs to be more time for those software
developers to adapt to the changes.
I want to spend some time adding notes to our affected listings. I don't
think I'm going to have enough time to do that in the next two weeks, due
to my current workload and catching up on bookkeeping and other tasks. It seems
like it would be much more difficult to add the notes after the changes, since
the items will already be merged, and I'd need to check each item to see
which version I originally had.
Please consider pushing out the date for when these changes will happen. Give
everyone more time!
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Jan 11, 2024 02:12 | | Subject: | Re: Important proposal regarding catalog variants | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
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| I think this is way to short of a time period before these changes are being
implemented. I have mixed feelings about the changes, particularly with the distinctions
on minifig parts. I think ribs on torsos and head stud variants are important
to differentiate.
Also, the vast majority of users don't look at the forum very often, if at
all. The forum is archaic. It's tedious to read, and you can't even react
to posts with a like button etc. How about when a critical change like this is
being discussed, send an email letting everyone know about it, with a link to
the forum thread etc...BEFORE actually changing the thing.
If the forum isn't going to get a modern update any time soon, maybe important
discussions like this would be better suited somewhere else. Maybe Bricklink
could create an official Facebook group or something.
It sounds like these changes are already set in stone, despite a lot of concerns
expressed by both buyers and sellers. Even though only a very small % of the
community has probably seen this forum thread. That's unfortunate.
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Apr 5, 2023 11:30 | | Subject: | Re: ATTN: BrickLink "Trans-Black" Color Change | | Viewed: | 65 times | | Topic: | Catalog | |
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| In Catalog, wahiggin writes:
| | In Catalog, Admin_Russell writes:
| | In Catalog, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:
| | In Catalog, pitz8008 writes:
| | In Catalog, randyf writes:
| | Dear BrickLink members,
In May of this year, the LEGO Group plans to release a new color, and this has
implications for the BrickLink catalog and marketplace. The new color being introduced
is 375 Transparent Black, and we believe it will eventually replace LEGO color
111 Transparent Brown.
As most of you know, the greater fan community has for many years referred to
LEGO color 111 Transparent Brown as "Trans-Black". Up until now, this
name has served us well because there was no official LEGO color known as Transparent
Black. Now that the LEGO Group is introducing a color officially known as Transparent
Black, it will cause alignment problems to have the same name being used for
two different colors.
We anticipate that the introduction of this color will cause some disruptions
over the short term, but we have created a plan of action to minimize those disruptions.
The first thing we will do is change the name of the current Trans-Black color
to "Trans-Brown (Old Trans-Black)". This change is scheduled to
take place at the beginning of April. This will ensure that the name change will
be very noticeable within the catalog, set inventories, BrickLink stores, order
summaries, etc., so that the majority of BrickLink users can adjust to the change.
Next, the new color will be added to the catalog as "Trans-Black (2023)"
to make it very obvious that this is a new color and should not be used for older
set inventories and older parts being listed for sale. This addition is expected
to happen at the beginning of May when set 75346 is released and inventoried:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1398124
After a 6-month transition, we will remove the text in parentheses from both
color names. The older color will then be "Trans-Brown", and the
newer color will be "Trans-Black". This will complete the transition.
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Why not just keep the text in parentheses? Seemed like a reasonable plan going
forward. But why not just keep the text in parentheses instead of removing it
after 6 months.
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+1. 6 months is a very short period of time especially for those who have Lego
as an occasional hobby, it is easy to overlook that when many of us visit the
site virtually every day. Apart from this I think the plan is very well thought
through.
Robert
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If there is significant pressure to retain the text in parentheses for a longer
period of time, we will consider doing so.
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Please leave it in place longer than 6 months. Thanks
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I agree, please leave the parentheses in place longer than 6 months. At least
a year, if not longer (I see no reason or urgency to remove it). Other than that
I agree with the changes.
I'm sure this will generate a lot of confusion in the future. The transition
of the new color appearing in sets will take a few years, and sets with the old
color will continue to be on the market for several years. Plus it'll be
a long time before the new color starts showing up in used bulk hauls, folks
that only sell used parts might not even come across the new color until years
from now.
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Sep 5, 2022 13:15 | | Subject: | Re: Order id 20000000 | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | Almost there... |
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Aug 9, 2022 11:42 | | Subject: | Hit 600k Items! Sale 10-75%! Closed Aug 20-26 | | Viewed: | 63 times | | Topic: | Announce | |
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| Good Morning,
We have been adding parts to the store rapidly, and now have over 611k items in stock (10,600 lots)! There are a ton more sets to be processed very soon. 750k is around the corner! After getting through the sets to part out, we have about 500lbs of used bulk to dive into.
Also, we are running a sale on some items, to help clear out older stock. Select parts are 10-30% off, minifigs 10% off, and instructions up to 50-75% off (these are almost always on sale)!
Lastly, we will be closing the store from Aug 20-26, for a much needed week off. While the store is closed, there will be a bypass password, you can still place an order, but these orders will not be shipped until Mon 8/29 at the EARLIEST.
So, please check out the store and get your orders in in the next week and a half if you can! If you've ordered previously, and have marked the order complete/left feedback, and I still owe you a coupon, drop me a message. 😎
Erik Homstead
Ben's Brickstore
www.bensbrickstore.com
(link redirects to our BL store page)
Find us on Facebook to see photos of our new store location! We have been gradually moving the store out of our house into a rented office space, will be ready to move the parts inventory soon! facebook.com/bensbrickstore
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Dec 10, 2021 20:16 | | Subject: | Re: Organizational change in BrickLink | | Viewed: | 87 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
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| In Administrative, CE_Tanja writes:
| | In Administrative, BensBrickstore writes:
| | Hi Tanja,
Related to this, could you share anything regarding sales tax exemption for resellers
(and/or non-profits)? I believe in a previous forum thread around a year ago,
we were told that this would be implemented around Q1 2021, and now we are in
Q4, and I haven't heard an update (I could have missed an update, I don't
have time to visit the forums often).
Really looking forward to this, I think the lack of a sales tax exemption option
could be really hurting business for US sellers, and of course for BL, because
some potential buyers could be choosing to shop elsewhere. Rolling this feature
out could really help Bricklink compete with other marketplaces, including 2
other platforms that I think could be considered BL's direct competition,
both of which do offer sales tax exemption for resellers.
If/when there is any news to share it would be greatly appreciated if it could
be shared via email newsletter as well as on the forums.
Thank-you!
Erik (Ben's Brickstore)
In Administrative, CE_Tanja writes:
| | Hi macebobo,
Yes, we are aware that these are causing a lot of frustrations but they are some
of the compliance related issues that I referred to earlier. I know that the
team here has worked around the clock to support everyone in managing this, if
you have questions related to this, please write our helpdesk and we will be
happy to support you in any way we can.
In Administrative, macebobo writes:
| | In Administrative, CE_Tanja writes:
| | If you won't mind, please share an email with what you are mentioning above
reg. new implementations with me.
|
Tonya,
Take cover, incoming VAT/Sales Tax implementation complaints by the truckload.
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Hi Erik,
I know we have another dialogue about this as well and I am still looking forward
to hearing back regarding the details.
I want to let you and everyone else know that several people have reached out
to us regarding this issue and we have decided that the next natural step will
be for us, and our Tax team, to understand exactly what is needed and what the
requirements will be from a tax and legal perspective, in order for that to happen
we will reach out to a few of you that have expressed interest in taking part
in this and invite you in for a dialogue in the beginning of the new year.
Once we have a clear understanding of the issue, then we will reach out to all
sellers to understand how many are able and interested in making use of this
feature in order to be able to prioritize this based on a solid and sound foundation.
|
Thank-you for your reply. I'm not sure which other dialogue you're referring
to. I know this has been brought up in older forum threads but it can be hard
to dig through old threads. I'm not sure what else there is to understand,
or why it is taking so long. Tax exemption for resellers (and especially non-profit
organizations) should have been a feature from day 1 of the Bricklink sales tax
implementation. At the very least, it was promised at one point for Q1 2021,
so it is almost a year late now.
Sales Tax Exemption for resellers should be relatively straight forward. Granted,
it's a slightly different process in each state, but the concept is the same.
If I am buying a product for resale, I shouldn't pay sales tax, because the
end-buyer (my customer) will also be paying sales tax on the same item. Most
US retailers, as well as several online marketplaces, offer a sales tax exemption
process. I have sales tax exemption set up with Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Barnes
& Noble, eBay, and Brick Owl. I also make a lot of purchases on Bricklink, for
example damaged box sets that I want to part out, parts being sold in bulk quantities,
or collectible minifig sealed boxes. There have definitely been situations where
the fact I have to pay sales tax on Bricklink makes the price non-competitive
and I have to shop elsewhere. This is very unfortunate, because I would much
rather shop here and support other sellers here.
This needs to be given an URGENT PRIORITY. I think a lot of sellers would be
interested in this, both for their own purchasing but also to offer their customers
making purchases that are intended for resale. The lack of sales tax exemption
could be hurting business, and there is no way to tell how badly. I would be
happy to assist if there is anything I can do to help, please feel free to reach
out to me.
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Dec 6, 2021 21:24 | | Subject: | Re: Organizational change in BrickLink | | Viewed: | 120 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
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| Hi Tanja,
Related to this, could you share anything regarding sales tax exemption for resellers
(and/or non-profits)? I believe in a previous forum thread around a year ago,
we were told that this would be implemented around Q1 2021, and now we are in
Q4, and I haven't heard an update (I could have missed an update, I don't
have time to visit the forums often).
Really looking forward to this, I think the lack of a sales tax exemption option
could be really hurting business for US sellers, and of course for BL, because
some potential buyers could be choosing to shop elsewhere. Rolling this feature
out could really help Bricklink compete with other marketplaces, including 2
other platforms that I think could be considered BL's direct competition,
both of which do offer sales tax exemption for resellers.
If/when there is any news to share it would be greatly appreciated if it could
be shared via email newsletter as well as on the forums.
Thank-you!
Erik (Ben's Brickstore)
In Administrative, CE_Tanja writes:
| | Hi macebobo,
Yes, we are aware that these are causing a lot of frustrations but they are some
of the compliance related issues that I referred to earlier. I know that the
team here has worked around the clock to support everyone in managing this, if
you have questions related to this, please write our helpdesk and we will be
happy to support you in any way we can.
In Administrative, macebobo writes:
| | In Administrative, CE_Tanja writes:
| | If you won't mind, please share an email with what you are mentioning above
reg. new implementations with me.
|
Tonya,
Take cover, incoming VAT/Sales Tax implementation complaints by the truckload.
|
|
|
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | Aug 14, 2021 22:21 | | Subject: | Re: Sales Tax - Colorado, Florida, Kansas | | Viewed: | 65 times | | Topic: | Administrative | |
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| This might be slightly off-topic, but I'm wondering if Bricklink is aware
of the fact that today and tomorrow (August 14th & 15th, 2021) is officially
a sales tax holiday in Massachusetts.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sales-tax-holiday-frequently-asked-questions
From mass.gov:
"What about internet sales? Do those sales qualify for the sales tax holiday
exemption?
Yes. If you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet on the sales
tax holiday, Eastern Daylight Time, that item will qualify for the sales tax
holiday exemption. No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if delivery of
the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend."
"Legislation was signed into law in 2018 that established an annual sales tax
holiday for one weekend each year." The exact dates might change from year to
year, but I think it is always in August.
I haven't received any orders from buyers in my home state as of yet this
weekend, so haven't been able to test whether Bricklink has disabled MA sales
tax for the weekend. Shoppers here are well aware of the sales tax holiday, so
I imagine a buyer would be pretty annoyed to see a sales tax charge on Bricklink,
and it might even cost sellers some sales. Not just MA sellers, but any seller
potentially shipping to a buyer in MA.
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| Author: | BensBrickstore | | Posted: | May 25, 2021 18:35 | | Subject: | Petunia & Porky Pig, collt11 vs collt12 | | Viewed: | 88 times | | Topic: | Catalog Requests | | For: | Catalog Associate | | Status: | Completed | |
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| Hi,
I just noticed that there is an error with the item #'s for these two minifigs.
Petunia Pig is mixed up with Porky Pig.
Petunia Pig CMF set is collt-11 but minifig is collt12; Porky Pig set is collt-12
but minifig is collt11...
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USA, Massachusetts
