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| | | Author: | bb314137  | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 17:05 | | Subject: | Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 292 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | | Status: | Implemented | |
|
| I was the kind of person that never wanted instant checkout to be implemented
here in BL. I thought it would bring problems, overpaying or underpaying,
and also would stop a way of communication with my buyers. I really like to communicate
with them.
However, I was recently invited to test out another Lego selling website that
is under production. This site in particular has instant checkout implemented.
Well, after receiving an order today... I was thoroughly impressed by how well
it worked.
When setting up your store, it requires you to add your shipping methods, either
by weight bands or price bands. On countries where you have dimension limits,
that could be hard to implement. Anyways, after some thinking, this would be
my solution.
First, the simplest things would be to add weight ranges from the cart (you'd
need to weight your envelopes/boxes) and add the price. In example, if my bubble
envelopes weight less than 20 grams, I'd add a shipping band from 0-75 grams,
and put the price for under 100 grams. Or, if my boxes weight about 150 grams,
I'd put another band from 450 grams to... 750 grams, for under 1 KG!
That is the simple part, now let's get to restrictions or special needs.
I'm not sure about restrictions on other countries, but here the restrictions
are not too harsh. For them, and special bulky items, my solution would be to
have a special intern mark in the catalog, so the system knows they are bulky.
For example, let's say I'm adding a raised baseplate to the catalog,
another field could be if it's bulky or not. Bulky could be considered over
2 centimeters high on all three dimensions, or something like that. Yes, it
would
require some work to be implemented in the actual catalog items, but with this
community's help, it would be easily done. You could also make differences
between big bulky items, such as raised baseplates, or semi-bulky items, such
as some panels. A raised baseplate would make a difference in my shipping costs,
but not a panel, normally.
Now, with the mark, what it would happen is, you get a special option on your
shipping methods to see if your store "cares" for bulky items. I mean, when the
system is making the shipping price to give it to the buyer, it would detect
that his order has bulky items, and then, predefined by the seller, you could
get two different options. Either the seller could establish new rates for bulky
items, or the make the buyer request a regular invoice, so the seller can calculate
the shipping cost.
Solved the restrictions problem. Now on to fees. All fees should be noted up
front, anyways. It's easy to automatize lot limits/fees, packing fees, etc.
The seller would be required to add them, and the system would add them to the
order and show them to the buyer along with shipping prices, before checkout.
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not. Probably the former would be small
stores who cannot afford to loose 2$ on shipping and that. That way, you'd
make everyone happy.
On another note, I would automatize fees as a priority, and that cost should
be noted up front before checkout, even if you don't have instant checkout,
as you don't need postage to calculate them.
After this, and having all fees noted up front, postage should always be real
PO cost.
I hope you made it to the bottom of the page, as it was hard for me to write
this long thing.
I you have any more ideas, I'd love you to post them, or to refute my ideas,
that is what the forum is for. I posted is as a suggestion as it is how I'd
like the system to work, or how I think it would work the best. Lots of ideas
in my head!
Cheers,
Gerald
(Minor but huge typos in the other one  )
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| | | | | Author: | flyingo330 | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 19:17 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 60 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| Hi Gerald,
I am just a buyer, and I am not sure I understand all the stuff you wrote, but
definitely agree that all the costs before shipping should be added up front
before I click submit order (even the Paypal fees, if relevant when I click Paypal).
Actually if it was up to me, there would not be any. Just put it in your prices.
I usually choose a store based on :
- Who has the most unique parts from my wanted lists (price does not really mater
here - but I do compare the top 5)
or
- One part that I really, really want, I chose the cheapest store that has my
quantity.
In this case if there are extra costs it is not fair, however I still read the
top 5 terms before wasting too much time on the shopping.
I guess ranting is over.
Best regards,
Olivier
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| | | | | Author: | Pokernut | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 19:39 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 53 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| For and against Gerald.
While it has a lot of pros for it some of the cons, from my perspective, are
complicated. If it totally customisable for the seller re the packagung restrictions,
insurance etc then it could work.
I dont like store with " extra fees", like PP BL fuel, etc getting charged as
add ons...Price the stock to include these.( it still gets paid, and levels the
pricing field a little more )
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| | | | | | | Author: | eileenkeeney | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 21:43 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 57 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Pokernut writes:
| | For and against Gerald.
While it has a lot of pros for it some of the cons, from my perspective, are
complicated. If it totally customisable for the seller re the packagung restrictions,
insurance etc then it could work.
I dont like store with " extra fees", like PP BL fuel, etc getting charged as
add ons...Price the stock to include these.( it still gets paid, and levels the
pricing field a little more )
|
I like automated shipping, but not extra fees.
I even prefer paying a bit extra for shipping (than the actual cost), if that
is a necessary result of automating the shipping without the seller getting hit
for more shipping than they collect.
What really irritates me, about the views that shipping should not be automated
(or is not reasonably automate-able); is that there is an expectation that buyers
be able to do this estimate themselves, before committing to an order.
This is one of the things I find that is very seller biased about this site.
But I really need to develop better terms page reading habits.
I got hit for required insurance on what I considered a low value order, but
it was clearly in the terms, so I just paid it.
In this case it was less about the cost, than the hassle of having to be home
to sign for the package.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 05:00 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, eileenkeeney writes:
| | In Suggestions, Pokernut writes:
| | For and against Gerald.
While it has a lot of pros for it some of the cons, from my perspective, are
complicated. If it totally customisable for the seller re the packagung restrictions,
insurance etc then it could work.
I dont like store with " extra fees", like PP BL fuel, etc getting charged as
add ons...Price the stock to include these.( it still gets paid, and levels the
pricing field a little more )
|
I like automated shipping, but not extra fees.
I even prefer paying a bit extra for shipping (than the actual cost), if that
is a necessary result of automating the shipping without the seller getting hit
for more shipping than they collect.
What really irritates me, about the views that shipping should not be automated
(or is not reasonably automate-able); is that there is an expectation that buyers
be able to do this estimate themselves, before committing to an order.
This is one of the things I find that is very seller biased about this site.
|
Eileen is just about the buyer's perspective that fits perfectly into the
system, but, she is a "power buyer" (?), so she could differ a bit from the rest
of the casual buyers.
Many times, you will have to sacrifice one thing in favor for another one, you
can't have both.
Buyers: are you willing to pay a bit extra on some orders, and to pay a bit less
on some other ones, to have calculated shipping costs noted up front and to be
able to pay instantly by a paypal prompt, instead of going into a paypal account,
etc?
Sellers: are you willing to loose a bit on shipping on some orders, and have
a bit extra on shipping for some other ones, in exchange of fast checkout, no
need to be marking orders as paid 3 days after the order was placed, and to partially
avoid NPB's?
| |
But I really need to develop better terms page reading habits.
I got hit for required insurance on what I considered a low value order, but
it was clearly in the terms, so I just paid it.
In this case it was less about the cost, than the hassle of having to be home
to sign for the package.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Timothy_Smith | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:18 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| | | Eileen is just about the buyer's perspective that fits perfectly into the
system, but, she is a "power buyer" (?), so she could differ a bit from the rest
of the casual buyers.
|
I generally buy loose pieces in bulk, so my orders often would be easy to automate.
| |
Many times, you will have to sacrifice one thing in favor for another one, you
can't have both.
Buyers: are you willing to pay a bit extra on some orders, and to pay a bit less
on some other ones, to have calculated shipping costs noted up front and to be
able to pay instantly by a paypal prompt, instead of going into a paypal account,
etc?
|
Not interested in saving the time it takes to open PayPal.
In fact, there's an added benefit to opening it myself vs having an automated
link, and that is security. I know the page is safe because I opened it.
| |
Sellers: are you willing to loose a bit on shipping on some orders,
|
No.
| | and have a bit extra on shipping for some other ones,
|
Also no.
| | in exchange of fast checkout,
|
Don't care.
| | no need to be marking orders as paid 3 days after the order was placed
|
Don't care.
| | and to partially avoid NPB's?
|
This may reduce that number, but it will do so by making buyers pay more.
So many will simply choose not to order in the first place.
Which does save time and NPBs but misses the opportunity to actually make a sale.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:33 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| I did say that I like people multi-quoting my posts refuting my ideas. I will
back that statement.
I like people multi-quoting my posts providing constructive criticism, unlike
this one.
In Suggestions, Timothy_Smith writes:
| | | | Eileen is just about the buyer's perspective that fits perfectly into the
system, but, she is a "power buyer" (?), so she could differ a bit from the rest
of the casual buyers.
|
I generally buy loose pieces in bulk, so my orders often would be easy to automate.
| |
Many times, you will have to sacrifice one thing in favor for another one, you
can't have both.
Buyers: are you willing to pay a bit extra on some orders, and to pay a bit less
on some other ones, to have calculated shipping costs noted up front and to be
able to pay instantly by a paypal prompt, instead of going into a paypal account,
etc?
|
Not interested in saving the time it takes to open PayPal.
|
This is just one point of instant checkout, there are other benefits, and cons.
| | In fact, there's an added benefit to opening it myself vs having an automated
link, and that is security. I know the page is safe because I opened it.
| |
Sellers: are you willing to loose a bit on shipping on some orders,
|
No.
|
Well, don't implement it.
| |
| | and have a bit extra on shipping for some other ones,
|
Also no.
| | in exchange of fast checkout,
|
Don't care.
|
Good for you.
| |
| | no need to be marking orders as paid 3 days after the order was placed
|
Don't care.
|
Wonderful then!
| |
| | and to partially avoid NPB's?
|
This may reduce that number, but it will do so by making buyers pay more.
So many will simply choose not to order in the first place.
Which does save time and NPBs but misses the opportunity to actually make a sale.
|
Don't be close minded. You are not the only one selling here. And there would
be an option to not do instant checkouts, so why do you care then?
You are not the kind of seller that would look forward to a system like this
being implemented. How many orders do you receive daily? No need to post it here,
but that is my point.
I'm confortable right now as I am, but look at this: http://www.bricklink.com/feedback.asp?u=PBD&viewType=shop
If I were getting about 15, or even 8 daily orders, I'd be happy to not having
to calculate postage on each order and have instant payment/marking the order
as paid.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Timothy_Smith | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:53 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I did say that I like people multi-quoting my posts refuting my ideas. I will
back that statement.
I like people multi-quoting my posts providing constructive criticism, unlike
this one.
|
I was trying to answer the questions you asked.
If that's not helpful, ask different questions. 
| | Don't be close minded. You are not the only one selling here. And there would
be an option to not do instant checkouts, so why do you care then?
|
There's an option to to show the weight of shopping carts.
Have you seen the arguments and debate caused by this?
| | If I were getting about 15, or even 8 daily orders, I'd be happy to not having
to calculate postage on each order and have instant payment/marking the order
as paid.
|
Sure, agreed.
And when that represents the majority of sellers, it will be important.
Meanwhile, I see this causing endless trouble for my self and others.
The most constructive input I've given-
that this be one central solution-
was shot down instantly.
So there you go.
I don't want it as a buyer, don't want it as a seller.
I don't think it's a good idea for the site in general.
I don't think resources should be put towards this while we have bigger problems.
You asked for input and I've given mine, I don't like the idea.
I'll leave the thread alone now.
No way any of this is happening anyway, it's all just discussion.
Enjoy!
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:59 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Timothy_Smith writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I did say that I like people multi-quoting my posts refuting my ideas. I will
back that statement.
I like people multi-quoting my posts providing constructive criticism, unlike
this one.
|
I was trying to answer the questions you asked.
If that's not helpful, ask different questions.
| | Don't be close minded. You are not the only one selling here. And there would
be an option to not do instant checkouts, so why do you care then?
|
There's an option to to show the weight of shopping carts.
Have you seen the arguments and debate caused by this?
| | If I were getting about 15, or even 8 daily orders, I'd be happy to not having
to calculate postage on each order and have instant payment/marking the order
as paid.
|
Sure, agreed.
And when that represents the majority of sellers, it will be important.
Meanwhile, I see this causing endless trouble for my self and others.
|
Why? People would *choose* wether to implement it or not. No one is going to
make you, I, or the other small sellers do it. I just can't see why no one
understands this point. Or maybe I'm the one close minded?
| |
The most constructive input I've given-
that this be one central solution-
was shot down instantly.
|
Well, did you understand why that was not possible? Instead of remaining quiet,
provide us with your expertise!
| |
So there you go.
I don't want it as a buyer, don't want it as a seller.
I don't think it's a good idea for the site in general.
I don't think resources should be put towards this while we have bigger problems.
You asked for input and I've given mine, I don't like the idea.
I'll leave the thread alone now.
No way any of this is happening anyway, it's all just discussion.
|
Indeed, so stay then. Unless you are going to get some sleep.
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| | | | | Author: | DEREKFST | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 19:59 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| I voted no and will always vote no unless there is an opt out clause.
Over half my orders especially OS are sent as letters which means a 20mm maximum
thickness. Without the ability to do that which no automatic checkout I think
could handle I will lose most of my OS orders as soon as they fill the cart and
realize the minimum postage is a 500gm parcel with rates starting at AUS $10.25
going through $20.85 depending on destination with most including the US and
Europe in the higher range.
Similar but not as bad domestically with the parcel rate starting at AUS $6.95
for a 500gm parcel but still half of my orders are sent as letters. As an example
today I shipped 10 orders from the weekend, 1 x OS letter, 6 x domestic letters
and 3 x domestic parcels. Unlike say the US with 1oz, 2oz etc parcel rates without
the ability to ship via letter rate I might as well close up shop.
Thanks
Derek
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I was the kind of person that never wanted instant checkout to be implemented
here in BL. I thought it would bring problems, overpaying or underpaying,
and also would stop a way of communication with my buyers. I really like to communicate
with them.
However, I was recently invited to test out another Lego selling website that
is under production. This site in particular has instant checkout implemented.
Well, after receiving an order today... I was thoroughly impressed by how well
it worked.
When setting up your store, it requires you to add your shipping methods, either
by weight bands or price bands. On countries where you have dimension limits,
that could be hard to implement. Anyways, after some thinking, this would be
my solution.
First, the simplest things would be to add weight ranges from the cart (you'd
need to weight your envelopes/boxes) and add the price. In example, if my bubble
envelopes weight less than 20 grams, I'd add a shipping band from 0-75 grams,
and put the price for under 100 grams. Or, if my boxes weight about 150 grams,
I'd put another band from 450 grams to... 750 grams, for under 1 KG!
That is the simple part, now let's get to restrictions or special needs.
I'm not sure about restrictions on other countries, but here the restrictions
are not too harsh. For them, and special bulky items, my solution would be to
have a special intern mark in the catalog, so the system knows they are bulky.
For example, let's say I'm adding a raised baseplate to the catalog,
another field could be if it's bulky or not. Bulky could be considered over
2 centimeters high on all three dimensions, or something like that. Yes, it
would
require some work to be implemented in the actual catalog items, but with this
community's help, it would be easily done. You could also make differences
between big bulky items, such as raised baseplates, or semi-bulky items, such
as some panels. A raised baseplate would make a difference in my shipping costs,
but not a panel, normally.
Now, with the mark, what it would happen is, you get a special option on your
shipping methods to see if your store "cares" for bulky items. I mean, when the
system is making the shipping price to give it to the buyer, it would detect
that his order has bulky items, and then, predefined by the seller, you could
get two different options. Either the seller could establish new rates for bulky
items, or the make the buyer request a regular invoice, so the seller can calculate
the shipping cost.
Solved the restrictions problem. Now on to fees. All fees should be noted up
front, anyways. It's easy to automatize lot limits/fees, packing fees, etc.
The seller would be required to add them, and the system would add them to the
order and show them to the buyer along with shipping prices, before checkout.
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not. Probably the former would be small
stores who cannot afford to loose 2$ on shipping and that. That way, you'd
make everyone happy.
On another note, I would automatize fees as a priority, and that cost should
be noted up front before checkout, even if you don't have instant checkout,
as you don't need postage to calculate them.
After this, and having all fees noted up front, postage should always be real
PO cost.
I hope you made it to the bottom of the page, as it was hard for me to write
this long thing.
I you have any more ideas, I'd love you to post them, or to refute my ideas,
that is what the forum is for. I posted is as a suggestion as it is how I'd
like the system to work, or how I think it would work the best. Lots of ideas
in my head!
Cheers,
Gerald
(Minor but huge typos in the other one )
|
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| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | Pokernut | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 20:23 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, DEREKFST writes:
| | I voted no and will always vote no unless there is an opt out clause.
Over half my orders especially OS are sent as letters which means a 20mm maximum
thickness. Without the ability to do that which no automatic checkout I think
could handle I will lose most of my OS orders as soon as they fill the cart and
realize the minimum postage is a 500gm parcel with rates starting at AUS $10.25
going through $20.85 depending on destination with most including the US and
Europe in the higher range.
Similar but not as bad domestically with the parcel rate starting at AUS $6.95
for a 500gm parcel but still half of my orders are sent as letters. As an example
today I shipped 10 orders from the weekend, 1 x OS letter, 6 x domestic letters
and 3 x domestic parcels. Unlike say the US with 1oz, 2oz etc parcel rates without
the ability to ship via letter rate I might as well close up shop.
Thanks
Derek
|
One of the cons with countries with letter, large letter, small parcel, medium
parcel and large parcel rates. A large letter can be heavier than a small parcel,
but has to go parcel because of dimension restrictions. It may fit the thickness
but not the width etc
|
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| | | | | | | Author: | Brettj666 | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 23:27 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 84 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| Instead of saying no because it won't take into account the letter size,
if its a solution, then just assume it will take the letter mail as a shipping
option.
Canada is the same way. If I can keep something under 2cm, it may cost $3 and
If I can't, it may cost $10.
As long as the solution knows what will cost $3 and what costs $10, I'd be
all for it.
As long as its done right.
Trouble is maintenance and accuracy
If neither are accomplishible, it's not a solution but an idea that isn't
complete
In Suggestions, DEREKFST writes:
| | I voted no and will always vote no unless there is an opt out clause.
Over half my orders especially OS are sent as letters which means a 20mm maximum
thickness. Without the ability to do that which no automatic checkout I think
could handle I will lose most of my OS orders as soon as they fill the cart and
realize the minimum postage is a 500gm parcel with rates starting at AUS $10.25
going through $20.85 depending on destination with most including the US and
Europe in the higher range.
Similar but not as bad domestically with the parcel rate starting at AUS $6.95
for a 500gm parcel but still half of my orders are sent as letters. As an example
today I shipped 10 orders from the weekend, 1 x OS letter, 6 x domestic letters
and 3 x domestic parcels. Unlike say the US with 1oz, 2oz etc parcel rates without
the ability to ship via letter rate I might as well close up shop.
Thanks
Derek
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I was the kind of person that never wanted instant checkout to be implemented
here in BL. I thought it would bring problems, overpaying or underpaying,
and also would stop a way of communication with my buyers. I really like to communicate
with them.
However, I was recently invited to test out another Lego selling website that
is under production. This site in particular has instant checkout implemented.
Well, after receiving an order today... I was thoroughly impressed by how well
it worked.
When setting up your store, it requires you to add your shipping methods, either
by weight bands or price bands. On countries where you have dimension limits,
that could be hard to implement. Anyways, after some thinking, this would be
my solution.
First, the simplest things would be to add weight ranges from the cart (you'd
need to weight your envelopes/boxes) and add the price. In example, if my bubble
envelopes weight less than 20 grams, I'd add a shipping band from 0-75 grams,
and put the price for under 100 grams. Or, if my boxes weight about 150 grams,
I'd put another band from 450 grams to... 750 grams, for under 1 KG!
That is the simple part, now let's get to restrictions or special needs.
I'm not sure about restrictions on other countries, but here the restrictions
are not too harsh. For them, and special bulky items, my solution would be to
have a special intern mark in the catalog, so the system knows they are bulky.
For example, let's say I'm adding a raised baseplate to the catalog,
another field could be if it's bulky or not. Bulky could be considered over
2 centimeters high on all three dimensions, or something like that. Yes, it
would
require some work to be implemented in the actual catalog items, but with this
community's help, it would be easily done. You could also make differences
between big bulky items, such as raised baseplates, or semi-bulky items, such
as some panels. A raised baseplate would make a difference in my shipping costs,
but not a panel, normally.
Now, with the mark, what it would happen is, you get a special option on your
shipping methods to see if your store "cares" for bulky items. I mean, when the
system is making the shipping price to give it to the buyer, it would detect
that his order has bulky items, and then, predefined by the seller, you could
get two different options. Either the seller could establish new rates for bulky
items, or the make the buyer request a regular invoice, so the seller can calculate
the shipping cost.
Solved the restrictions problem. Now on to fees. All fees should be noted up
front, anyways. It's easy to automatize lot limits/fees, packing fees, etc.
The seller would be required to add them, and the system would add them to the
order and show them to the buyer along with shipping prices, before checkout.
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not. Probably the former would be small
stores who cannot afford to loose 2$ on shipping and that. That way, you'd
make everyone happy.
On another note, I would automatize fees as a priority, and that cost should
be noted up front before checkout, even if you don't have instant checkout,
as you don't need postage to calculate them.
After this, and having all fees noted up front, postage should always be real
PO cost.
I hope you made it to the bottom of the page, as it was hard for me to write
this long thing.
I you have any more ideas, I'd love you to post them, or to refute my ideas,
that is what the forum is for. I posted is as a suggestion as it is how I'd
like the system to work, or how I think it would work the best. Lots of ideas
in my head!
Cheers,
Gerald
(Minor but huge typos in the other one )
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | Timothy_Smith | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 04:27 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 61 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | Trouble is maintenance and accuracy
|
Finally someone has realized this.
WHO is going to maintain a worldwide shipping calculator?
WHO is going to verify accuracy of every rate for every package in every country?
A shipping table for the US Post Office is 30+ pages, Ash made one not long ago.
But Ash is manages a shipping store and is an HTML wizard.
Ordinary people can't make a thing like that, we'd have to use BrickLink's.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 05:10 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 34 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Timothy_Smith writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | Trouble is maintenance and accuracy
|
Finally someone has realized this.
WHO is going to maintain a worldwide shipping calculator?
WHO is going to verify accuracy of every rate for every package in every country?
|
I think I didn't make the thing clear enough.
In my solution, bricklink would only give away the system, the options to do
your thing. They should make the "options" to consider weight, bulky parts, dimensions,
fees, etc. Then, the seller is the one who fills out the forms and the
prices. BrickLink would not make you do or charge anything, you are the one to
choose prices and ranges, and if you want to set up that system.
| |
A shipping table for the US Post Office is 30+ pages, Ash made one not long ago.
But Ash is manages a shipping store and is an HTML wizard.
Ordinary people can't make a thing like that, we'd have to use BrickLink's.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Timothy_Smith | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 05:50 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I think I didn't make the thing clear enough.
|
Possible I didn't read clearly enough. 
I did notice that it's optional.
| |
In my solution, bricklink would only give away the system, the options to do
your thing. They should make the "options" to consider weight, bulky parts, dimensions,
fees, etc. Then, the seller is the one who fills out the forms and the
prices.
|
Well this is far worse than having a central solution.
At least in my country, with our current postal regulations.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | enig | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:25 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Timothy_Smith writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I think I didn't make the thing clear enough.
|
Possible I didn't read clearly enough.
I did notice that it's optional.
| |
In my solution, bricklink would only give away the system, the options to do
your thing. They should make the "options" to consider weight, bulky parts, dimensions,
fees, etc. Then, the seller is the one who fills out the forms and the
prices.
|
Well this is far worse than having a central solution.
At least in my country, with our current postal regulations.
|
and how exactly would you imagine that "central solution"?
Many countries have different regulations, and then even some bigger sellers
within same countries have contracts with different shipping companies.
Who would create a centralized system to fit it all, and who would be responsible
for miscalculations?
US is probably an exception, since you guys make up quite a large population
of BL So maybe I see a system created just for you, but I already see a never
ending stream of complaints of unhappy users too. "I have been charged $2.5 while
stamps on the envelope say $1.87!! What a ripoff!!!"
If you let the sellers to set the settings on their own, then there is actually
someone to take the responsibility for that.
I dont think it would be a problem to do such a thing on your own. Pre-sets could
be provided and then, with such a supportive community we have here, it should
not be hard to come up with settings that work for you.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Timothy_Smith | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:40 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, enig writes:
| |
and how exactly would you imagine that "central solution"?
|
I can't imagine it.
| |
Who would create a centralized system to fit it all, and who would be responsible
for miscalculations?
|
See also: http://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=736410
| |
If you let the sellers to set the settings on their own, then there is actually
someone to take the responsibility for that.
|
You don't think people will try to avoid responsibility for problems either
way?
Right now, sellers blame buyers for not reading store terms.
Do you think that situation will improve with instant checkout?
| |
I dont think it would be a problem to do such a thing on your own. Pre-sets could
be provided and then, with such a supportive community we have here, it should
not be hard to come up with settings that work for you.
|
How hard it is depends on a lot of things.
But it's independently hard for everybody if there is no central solution.
Every seller certainly will have to repeat the task and that adds errors.
For my store and my inventory and my shipping rules, it just isn't feasible.
Meanwhile, somebody could make and sell a third-party solution.
An add-on program that does exactly what you are talking about.
You could dial it in and sell it- BrickShip.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:46 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 58 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, enig writes:
| | In Suggestions, Timothy_Smith writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I think I didn't make the thing clear enough.
|
Possible I didn't read clearly enough.
I did notice that it's optional.
| |
In my solution, bricklink would only give away the system, the options to do
your thing. They should make the "options" to consider weight, bulky parts, dimensions,
fees, etc. Then, the seller is the one who fills out the forms and the
prices.
|
Well this is far worse than having a central solution.
At least in my country, with our current postal regulations.
|
and how exactly would you imagine that "central solution"?
|
L beat me to posting about this. A central solution would be no solution.
A central solution would need a couple of guys researching all postage costs,
keeping the system updated, etc. And those couple of guys would not do it for
free. And you don't want fees to go up, or at least for this thing, right?
On the other hand, BL providing the tools, and each one implementing it's
own postage costs, would be the right thing to do.
Firstly, you get people with different rates. You have people that use online
rates, or over-the-counter rates. I bet someone here works in the PO and gets
other rates, other people have contracts with couriers with different rates.
HOW in the world are you expecting a team of developers to figure this thing
out, for each one?
Secondly, people want to charge what they want to. Let's be real, if instant
checkout is implemented, someone charging 2$ more than actual cost, is not going
to stop doing it. I don't want a system telling me what I need to charge,
I want the tools to make my own system.
By providing people the tools, they would be able to customize it to their own
needs. I mean, if they are able to create a shipping chart, and I'm sure
that every store willing to implement this has a shipping chart already, why
not input that chart into the system? Is it that big of a difference?
Just like the catalog, opposed to having two or three guys adding items to the
catalog, creating inventories and submitting pictures, etc., BL's user base
provides all this pictures and information. It's impossible to have 3 people
research and implement shipping fees for all stores, but having 2,000 people
implementing their own shipping charges is feasible.
Those who feel that they would loose sales with this feature, well, don't
implement it in your shop, but let the people who want it do it. As someone said,
"live and let live", or "live and let die", if you get the reference.
| |
Many countries have different regulations, and then even some bigger sellers
within same countries have contracts with different shipping companies.
Who would create a centralized system to fit it all, and who would be responsible
for miscalculations?
US is probably an exception, since you guys make up quite a large population
of BL So maybe I see a system created just for you, but I already see a never
ending stream of complaints of unhappy users too. "I have been charged $2.5 while
stamps on the envelope say $1.87!! What a ripoff!!!"
|
| |
If you let the sellers to set the settings on their own, then there is actually
someone to take the responsibility for that.
I dont think it would be a problem to do such a thing on your own. Pre-sets could
be provided and then, with such a supportive community we have here, it should
not be hard to come up with settings that work for you.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Brettj666 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:41 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| So, you and I are neighbours, we literally live next door, buy the same supplies,
use the same post office and we both fill out this shipping form
Means that a customer could order all blue parts from you, order the exact same
yellow parts from me and have different shipping costs because we filled it out
differently.
Now, multiply that by 30,000
Added to that effect all the countries that have price increases and those that
start the option and don't adjust to it.
I don't know if it makes a lot of sense to me that 200 stores in, say Ohio,
fill out the same info and potentially do it wrong
Or the people that use the shipping calculator to pad shipping costs.
Is that really better for the customer?
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, Timothy_Smith writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | Trouble is maintenance and accuracy
|
Finally someone has realized this.
WHO is going to maintain a worldwide shipping calculator?
WHO is going to verify accuracy of every rate for every package in every country?
|
I think I didn't make the thing clear enough.
In my solution, bricklink would only give away the system, the options to do
your thing. They should make the "options" to consider weight, bulky parts, dimensions,
fees, etc. Then, the seller is the one who fills out the forms and the
prices. BrickLink would not make you do or charge anything, you are the one to
choose prices and ranges, and if you want to set up that system.
| |
A shipping table for the US Post Office is 30+ pages, Ash made one not long ago.
But Ash is manages a shipping store and is an HTML wizard.
Ordinary people can't make a thing like that, we'd have to use BrickLink's.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 06:55 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | So, you and I are neighbours, we literally live next door, buy the same supplies,
use the same post office and we both fill out this shipping form
Means that a customer could order all blue parts from you, order the exact same
yellow parts from me and have different shipping costs because we filled it out
differently.
|
Isn't it the same thing than having two stores in the same area with different
shipping costs listed on their splash page, as it currently is? 
In Spain you have a few stores, and all of them charge different shipping prices,
or add small fees, and we all get the same prices. Or maybe not.
| | Now, multiply that by 30,000
Added to that effect all the countries that have price increases and those that
start the option and don't adjust to it.
I don't know if it makes a lot of sense to me that 200 stores in, say Ohio,
fill out the same info and potentially do it wrong
|
If they are going to do it wrong, well, they'll figure out and do it right
or either don't do it. And if they do it wrong, and already charge wrong
prices... what is the difference?
| |
Or the people that use the shipping calculator to pad shipping costs.
Is that really better for the customer?
|
This is the thing I'd like more input. Would customers want it?
I'm not a good one to provide info on this, since I'm not one of those
that will make a big deal over a 50 cents overcharge. It's funny to see people
really caring about this. Are you going to fight over less than a Euro? Do you
really need that? Anyways, that is my way of thinking and another topic, so don't
discuss about it.
| |
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, Timothy_Smith writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | Trouble is maintenance and accuracy
|
Finally someone has realized this.
WHO is going to maintain a worldwide shipping calculator?
WHO is going to verify accuracy of every rate for every package in every country?
|
I think I didn't make the thing clear enough.
In my solution, bricklink would only give away the system, the options to do
your thing. They should make the "options" to consider weight, bulky parts, dimensions,
fees, etc. Then, the seller is the one who fills out the forms and the
prices. BrickLink would not make you do or charge anything, you are the one to
choose prices and ranges, and if you want to set up that system.
| |
A shipping table for the US Post Office is 30+ pages, Ash made one not long ago.
But Ash is manages a shipping store and is an HTML wizard.
Ordinary people can't make a thing like that, we'd have to use BrickLink's.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Brettj666 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 08:00 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 44 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| I'd be more inclined to, instead of assuming a new user has read TOS, they
email you with a few quick blurbs including "differences between Amazon, eBay
and bricklink.
Here's an example.
eBay has now allowed users to opt in to a program that will pre-calculate customs
charges for them, as demonstrated by Superchicken's post.
Probably is, they are over inflated, 100% occurring and simply a money making
scheme because the buyer experience didn't like getting surprised by a customs
charge at the post office..
So, they went from being surprised 30% of the time to being hosed 100% of the
time.
It seemed like a good idea at the time, but wow, I personally wouldn't shop
with an ebay seller that wanted to help my customer experience that much.
I think the biggest positive impact we could take on is education..
Tell them why we don't have instant check out.
I bought 20 small game sets from Amazon that were listed as $4.49 + $4.89 shipping
and if he shipped them separately, I would have been ok with 20x$4.49, but if
he was going to ship them in one box and charge me $95 and it cost him $15 to
ship, I was going to have an issue after the fact.
I didn't want someone in build profit into shipping.
to his credit, the charge was $14 or so and that corresponded to the label.
But sets are fixed sizes, parts are different.
Evan with eBay, they may sell some parts, but it's fixed parts in a single
listing. It takes up one box that is xyz in dimensions.
Instead of molding us after amazon and ebay, give a tool to a user to say why
we don't have instant check out.
One order this year, easy enough in a bubble mailer under 2cm, until they ordered
a 3x3 barrel and that one 30 cent piece brought them from $3 to $12 in shipping.
How is the user experience when they are adding parts, checking their shipping
costs, adds that one piece and boom, shipping goes up $9.
I would, without having prior knowledge of a foreign countries postal system,
feel I paid $9.30 for that part.
I think it's better customer service to say "Hi, thanks for your order, looking
it over, shipping would increase from $3 to $12 because of this one piece that
you ordered that puts it over the allowed maximum thickness for an envelope rate.
If you want this piece, that's great, I have no problem with it. You may
want to order other parts to maximum shipping value, you have 355 grams to work
with.
However, if you'd like to stick with the envelope rate, we'd have to
remove that one part, but you'd essentially save $9 by doing so."
Give them the choice.
Make them see that you are going out of your way to give them a valued experience
rather than "this is what you ordered, this is your cost, because you checked
out instantly"
I do like the idea in general, I just think it's hard to set up and maintain
world wide and putting it in the hands of individual sellers doesn't change
the differences, as you noted, but makes the issue faster.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 08:16 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | I'd be more inclined to, instead of assuming a new user has read TOS, they
email you with a few quick blurbs including "differences between Amazon, eBay
and bricklink.
|
| | Instead of molding us after amazon and ebay, give a tool to a user to say why
we don't have instant check out.
|
Thanks for your insight, Brett.
However, it makes me think wether people are understanding what I would like.
I'm talking about a system that would be a feature, and tool, something extra.
In example, bulk quantities exist. I don't use them, nor like them, but some
sellers do, because it makes their life easier. And yes, it seems that they don't
care too much about wether a buyer wants 2 tiles or 10 to meet the bulk amount.
This is what that would be, an extra. Some seller would appreciate it and implement
it. Just to make it clear, I wouldn't.
The "bulky" system thing is maybe too far out, if this is just going to be a
tool implemented by some. However, I'd just give it out as a tool, and let
people decide wether they want it or not. Some big sellers I'm should
would like the feature and use it.
It's just an extra, an option, a feature, a choice, something seller's
would choose to use if they like, and not use it if it's too much hassle.
If you wouldn't use it, why would you vote "no" then, if you wouldn't
be required to use it?
| | Make them see that you are going out of your way to give them a valued experience
rather than "this is what you ordered, this is your cost, because you checked
out instantly"
|
BTW, great idea. I do like the idea of a welcome email and a basic explanation,
as no one reads the help page in the beginning, so just the basic points would
be good, and easy to implement.
| |
I do like the idea in general, I just think it's hard to set up and maintain
world wide and putting it in the hands of individual sellers doesn't change
the differences, as you noted, but makes the issue faster.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | starbeanie | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 08:35 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 32 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | I'd be more inclined to, instead of assuming a new user has read TOS, they
email you with a few quick blurbs including "differences between Amazon, eBay
and bricklink.
|
| | Instead of molding us after amazon and ebay, give a tool to a user to say why
we don't have instant check out.
|
Thanks for your insight, Brett.
However, it makes me think wether people are understanding what I would like.
I'm talking about a system that would be a feature, and tool, something extra.
In example, bulk quantities exist. I don't use them, nor like them, but some
sellers do, because it makes their life easier. And yes, it seems that they don't
care too much about wether a buyer wants 2 tiles or 10 to meet the bulk amount.
This is what that would be, an extra. Some seller would appreciate it and implement
it. Just to make it clear, I wouldn't.
The "bulky" system thing is maybe too far out, if this is just going to be a
tool implemented by some. However, I'd just give it out as a tool, and let
people decide wether they want it or not. Some big sellers I'm should
would like the feature and use it.
It's just an extra, an option, a feature, a choice, something seller's
would choose to use if they like, and not use it if it's too much hassle.
If you wouldn't use it, why would you vote "no" then, if you wouldn't
be required to use it?
| | Make them see that you are going out of your way to give them a valued experience
rather than "this is what you ordered, this is your cost, because you checked
out instantly"
|
BTW, great idea. I do like the idea of a welcome email and a basic explanation,
as no one reads the help page in the beginning, so just the basic points would
be good, and easy to implement.
| |
I do like the idea in general, I just think it's hard to set up and maintain
world wide and putting it in the hands of individual sellers doesn't change
the differences, as you noted, but makes the issue faster.
|
|
As an FYI there are 20620 items in the catalog missing weights and 24513 missing
dimensions.
Everyone of this items would break the automated shipping feature.
Bret
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 08:46 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, starbeanie writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | I'd be more inclined to, instead of assuming a new user has read TOS, they
email you with a few quick blurbs including "differences between Amazon, eBay
and bricklink.
|
| | Instead of molding us after amazon and ebay, give a tool to a user to say why
we don't have instant check out.
|
Thanks for your insight, Brett.
However, it makes me think wether people are understanding what I would like.
I'm talking about a system that would be a feature, and tool, something extra.
In example, bulk quantities exist. I don't use them, nor like them, but some
sellers do, because it makes their life easier. And yes, it seems that they don't
care too much about wether a buyer wants 2 tiles or 10 to meet the bulk amount.
This is what that would be, an extra. Some seller would appreciate it and implement
it. Just to make it clear, I wouldn't.
The "bulky" system thing is maybe too far out, if this is just going to be a
tool implemented by some. However, I'd just give it out as a tool, and let
people decide wether they want it or not. Some big sellers I'm should
would like the feature and use it.
It's just an extra, an option, a feature, a choice, something seller's
would choose to use if they like, and not use it if it's too much hassle.
If you wouldn't use it, why would you vote "no" then, if you wouldn't
be required to use it?
| | Make them see that you are going out of your way to give them a valued experience
rather than "this is what you ordered, this is your cost, because you checked
out instantly"
|
BTW, great idea. I do like the idea of a welcome email and a basic explanation,
as no one reads the help page in the beginning, so just the basic points would
be good, and easy to implement.
| |
I do like the idea in general, I just think it's hard to set up and maintain
world wide and putting it in the hands of individual sellers doesn't change
the differences, as you noted, but makes the issue faster.
|
|
As an FYI there are 20620 items in the catalog missing weights and 24513 missing
dimensions.
Everyone of this items would break the automated shipping feature.
|
Indeed, but also most of them are not the usual items you get in an order. Yes,
that would break automatic shipping, thanks for the point. Also, I'm not
talking about dimensions anymore, as that was a little unrealistic. Or a solution
for the future if they want instant checkout for every single order, which I
would hate to see.
|
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | starbeanie | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 08:53 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, starbeanie writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | I'd be more inclined to, instead of assuming a new user has read TOS, they
email you with a few quick blurbs including "differences between Amazon, eBay
and bricklink.
|
| | Instead of molding us after amazon and ebay, give a tool to a user to say why
we don't have instant check out.
|
Thanks for your insight, Brett.
However, it makes me think wether people are understanding what I would like.
I'm talking about a system that would be a feature, and tool, something extra.
In example, bulk quantities exist. I don't use them, nor like them, but some
sellers do, because it makes their life easier. And yes, it seems that they don't
care too much about wether a buyer wants 2 tiles or 10 to meet the bulk amount.
This is what that would be, an extra. Some seller would appreciate it and implement
it. Just to make it clear, I wouldn't.
The "bulky" system thing is maybe too far out, if this is just going to be a
tool implemented by some. However, I'd just give it out as a tool, and let
people decide wether they want it or not. Some big sellers I'm should
would like the feature and use it.
It's just an extra, an option, a feature, a choice, something seller's
would choose to use if they like, and not use it if it's too much hassle.
If you wouldn't use it, why would you vote "no" then, if you wouldn't
be required to use it?
| | Make them see that you are going out of your way to give them a valued experience
rather than "this is what you ordered, this is your cost, because you checked
out instantly"
|
BTW, great idea. I do like the idea of a welcome email and a basic explanation,
as no one reads the help page in the beginning, so just the basic points would
be good, and easy to implement.
| |
I do like the idea in general, I just think it's hard to set up and maintain
world wide and putting it in the hands of individual sellers doesn't change
the differences, as you noted, but makes the issue faster.
|
|
As an FYI there are 20620 items in the catalog missing weights and 24513 missing
dimensions.
Everyone of this items would break the automated shipping feature.
|
Indeed, but also most of them are not the usual items you get in an order. Yes,
that would break automatic shipping, thanks for the point. Also, I'm not
talking about dimensions anymore, as that was a little unrealistic. Or a solution
for the future if they want instant checkout for every single order, which I
would hate to see.
|
Also "used complete" sets show up in the cart with the same weight as "new" sets.
Except used complete sets don't require the box or instructions. So clearly
not even close. You would have to change the way things are listed to include
check-boxes for these variables.
Bret
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 09:11 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 32 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, starbeanie writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, starbeanie writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | I'd be more inclined to, instead of assuming a new user has read TOS, they
email you with a few quick blurbs including "differences between Amazon, eBay
and bricklink.
|
| | Instead of molding us after amazon and ebay, give a tool to a user to say why
we don't have instant check out.
|
Thanks for your insight, Brett.
However, it makes me think wether people are understanding what I would like.
I'm talking about a system that would be a feature, and tool, something extra.
In example, bulk quantities exist. I don't use them, nor like them, but some
sellers do, because it makes their life easier. And yes, it seems that they don't
care too much about wether a buyer wants 2 tiles or 10 to meet the bulk amount.
This is what that would be, an extra. Some seller would appreciate it and implement
it. Just to make it clear, I wouldn't.
The "bulky" system thing is maybe too far out, if this is just going to be a
tool implemented by some. However, I'd just give it out as a tool, and let
people decide wether they want it or not. Some big sellers I'm should
would like the feature and use it.
It's just an extra, an option, a feature, a choice, something seller's
would choose to use if they like, and not use it if it's too much hassle.
If you wouldn't use it, why would you vote "no" then, if you wouldn't
be required to use it?
| | Make them see that you are going out of your way to give them a valued experience
rather than "this is what you ordered, this is your cost, because you checked
out instantly"
|
BTW, great idea. I do like the idea of a welcome email and a basic explanation,
as no one reads the help page in the beginning, so just the basic points would
be good, and easy to implement.
| |
I do like the idea in general, I just think it's hard to set up and maintain
world wide and putting it in the hands of individual sellers doesn't change
the differences, as you noted, but makes the issue faster.
|
|
As an FYI there are 20620 items in the catalog missing weights and 24513 missing
dimensions.
Everyone of this items would break the automated shipping feature.
|
Indeed, but also most of them are not the usual items you get in an order. Yes,
that would break automatic shipping, thanks for the point. Also, I'm not
talking about dimensions anymore, as that was a little unrealistic. Or a solution
for the future if they want instant checkout for every single order, which I
would hate to see.
|
Also "used complete" sets show up in the cart with the same weight as "new" sets.
Except used complete sets don't require the box or instructions. So clearly
not even close. You would have to change the way things are listed to include
check-boxes for these variables.
|
Or include your own weight on the listings.
Not what my first suggestion was about, but I think that the final purpose of
my suggestion is just to implement a basic system, as I said, depending on weight.
It's easy to implement, and some people would use it. No need offer a perfect
system. If you can't use it, you wont, but some people could.
Anyways, I was just giving out ideas and looking at what people thought. It was
more of an "idea thread" than a "I need this so implement it" thread.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Brettj666 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 09:13 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 33 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | In Suggestions, Brettj666 writes:
| | I'd be more inclined to, instead of assuming a new user has read TOS, they
email you with a few quick blurbs including "differences between Amazon, eBay
and bricklink.
|
| | Instead of molding us after amazon and ebay, give a tool to a user to say why
we don't have instant check out.
|
Thanks for your insight, Brett.
However, it makes me think wether people are understanding what I would like.
I'm talking about a system that would be a feature, and tool, something extra.
|
I did get that part
| | In example, bulk quantities exist. I don't use them, nor like them, but some
sellers do, because it makes their life easier. And yes, it seems that they don't
care too much about whether a buyer wants 2 tiles or 10 to meet the bulk amount.
This is what that would be, an extra. Some seller would appreciate it and implement
it. Just to make it clear, I wouldn't.
|
| | The "bulky" system thing is maybe too far out, if this is just going to be a
tool implemented by some. However, I'd just give it out as a tool, and let
people decide whether they want it or not. Some big sellers I'm should
would like the feature and use it.
|
Sounds like DadsAFOL already has it and is thinking of lending it out, for a
small fee, to other US sellers.
You're right, if he can do it, it can be done..
My issue more is with user controlled.
If people really had a need for instant checkout, I'd much rather do this,
estimate high and refund.
I went to the US this weekend and had two orders that were US bound. One person
had waited for this anyway, but the other person just ordered on Friday and I
was going on Saturday morning.
I struck this deal.
"I really don't know how much it costs to ship from the US, what I do know
is it has to be cheaper and faster than shipping from Canada. I'll invoice
you for $15 and refund whatever difference there is"
He was only to happy to do that, now, I suspect it was more for the speed than
the cost as he knew what the cost may have been like when he ordered from me.
I went down, mailed two packages, it cost less to mail 2 than it would have to
mail the cheapest one from Canada.
I made two refunds of $3.40 and $5.06.
For me, I'd rather say "If you want to check out instantly and pay, the highest
the shipping is likely to be based on weight is 'xxx'.. (oops, I shouldn't
say xxx, that's something else).
if you're ok paying that price and then potentially get a refund, you can
check out instantly, otherwise, please wait for an invoice.
I've burned myself on shipping and even drawn criticism for going to the
post office from a buyer because "it should be easy to calculate"..
| | It's just an extra, an option, a feature, a choice, something seller's
would choose to use if they like, and not use it if it's too much hassle.
If you wouldn't use it, why would you vote "no" then, if you wouldn't
be required to use it?
| | Make them see that you are going out of your way to give them a valued experience
rather than "this is what you ordered, this is your cost, because you checked
out instantly"
|
BTW, great idea. I do like the idea of a welcome email and a basic explanation,
as no one reads the help page in the beginning, so just the basic points would
be good, and easy to implement.
| |
I do like the idea in general, I just think it's hard to set up and maintain
world wide and putting it in the hands of individual sellers doesn't change
the differences, as you noted, but makes the issue faster.
|
|
|
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| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 05:05 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, DEREKFST writes:
| | I voted no and will always vote no unless there is an opt out clause.
|
I was hoping for people to read the entire thing before posting here or voting
(a bit hard with my language skills ).
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not.
| |
Over half my orders especially OS are sent as letters which means a 20mm maximum
thickness. Without the ability to do that which no automatic checkout I think
could handle I will lose most of my OS orders as soon as they fill the cart and
realize the minimum postage is a 500gm parcel with rates starting at AUS $10.25
going through $20.85 depending on destination with most including the US and
Europe in the higher range.
Similar but not as bad domestically with the parcel rate starting at AUS $6.95
for a 500gm parcel but still half of my orders are sent as letters. As an example
today I shipped 10 orders from the weekend, 1 x OS letter, 6 x domestic letters
and 3 x domestic parcels. Unlike say the US with 1oz, 2oz etc parcel rates without
the ability to ship via letter rate I might as well close up shop.
Thanks
Derek
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I was the kind of person that never wanted instant checkout to be implemented
here in BL. I thought it would bring problems, overpaying or underpaying,
and also would stop a way of communication with my buyers. I really like to communicate
with them.
However, I was recently invited to test out another Lego selling website that
is under production. This site in particular has instant checkout implemented.
Well, after receiving an order today... I was thoroughly impressed by how well
it worked.
When setting up your store, it requires you to add your shipping methods, either
by weight bands or price bands. On countries where you have dimension limits,
that could be hard to implement. Anyways, after some thinking, this would be
my solution.
First, the simplest things would be to add weight ranges from the cart (you'd
need to weight your envelopes/boxes) and add the price. In example, if my bubble
envelopes weight less than 20 grams, I'd add a shipping band from 0-75 grams,
and put the price for under 100 grams. Or, if my boxes weight about 150 grams,
I'd put another band from 450 grams to... 750 grams, for under 1 KG!
That is the simple part, now let's get to restrictions or special needs.
I'm not sure about restrictions on other countries, but here the restrictions
are not too harsh. For them, and special bulky items, my solution would be to
have a special intern mark in the catalog, so the system knows they are bulky.
For example, let's say I'm adding a raised baseplate to the catalog,
another field could be if it's bulky or not. Bulky could be considered over
2 centimeters high on all three dimensions, or something like that. Yes, it
would
require some work to be implemented in the actual catalog items, but with this
community's help, it would be easily done. You could also make differences
between big bulky items, such as raised baseplates, or semi-bulky items, such
as some panels. A raised baseplate would make a difference in my shipping costs,
but not a panel, normally.
Now, with the mark, what it would happen is, you get a special option on your
shipping methods to see if your store "cares" for bulky items. I mean, when the
system is making the shipping price to give it to the buyer, it would detect
that his order has bulky items, and then, predefined by the seller, you could
get two different options. Either the seller could establish new rates for bulky
items, or the make the buyer request a regular invoice, so the seller can calculate
the shipping cost.
Solved the restrictions problem. Now on to fees. All fees should be noted up
front, anyways. It's easy to automatize lot limits/fees, packing fees, etc.
The seller would be required to add them, and the system would add them to the
order and show them to the buyer along with shipping prices, before checkout.
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not. Probably the former would be small
stores who cannot afford to loose 2$ on shipping and that. That way, you'd
make everyone happy.
On another note, I would automatize fees as a priority, and that cost should
be noted up front before checkout, even if you don't have instant checkout,
as you don't need postage to calculate them.
After this, and having all fees noted up front, postage should always be real
PO cost.
I hope you made it to the bottom of the page, as it was hard for me to write
this long thing.
I you have any more ideas, I'd love you to post them, or to refute my ideas,
that is what the forum is for. I posted is as a suggestion as it is how I'd
like the system to work, or how I think it would work the best. Lots of ideas
in my head!
Cheers,
Gerald
(Minor but huge typos in the other one )
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| | | | | Author: | calebfishn | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 21:42 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| "On countries where you have dimension limits,that could be hard to implement."
What you say there is a problem. The shipping cost for almost all of my orders
is dependent on the dimensions, in particular a maximum two centimeter thickness.
If your suggestion is implemented without an opt out clause, everything I send
would automatically be invoiced at the much higher parcel rate, and the sticker
shock would likely result in a cancelled order and lost business.
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | connie | | Posted: | Jun 16, 2013 23:13 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 66 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| This was discussed also the other day in - Need Beta Testers - Seller Automation
- thread. I think there are too many cons with this system. I received many
private e-mails agreeing with my posts. This does not mean I am right, just
that a lot of people agree even if they don't want to speak up on the forum.
I also think that if you read sellers FB and previous buyers are happy with the
shipping and no complaints on over charging then you should have a level of trust
when buying from that seller. Also if you read their store terms and they have
no added fees then you should also feel better shopping there.
Connie
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I was the kind of person that never wanted instant checkout to be implemented
here in BL. I thought it would bring problems, overpaying or underpaying,
and also would stop a way of communication with my buyers. I really like to communicate
with them.
However, I was recently invited to test out another Lego selling website that
is under production. This site in particular has instant checkout implemented.
Well, after receiving an order today... I was thoroughly impressed by how well
it worked.
When setting up your store, it requires you to add your shipping methods, either
by weight bands or price bands. On countries where you have dimension limits,
that could be hard to implement. Anyways, after some thinking, this would be
my solution.
First, the simplest things would be to add weight ranges from the cart (you'd
need to weight your envelopes/boxes) and add the price. In example, if my bubble
envelopes weight less than 20 grams, I'd add a shipping band from 0-75 grams,
and put the price for under 100 grams. Or, if my boxes weight about 150 grams,
I'd put another band from 450 grams to... 750 grams, for under 1 KG!
That is the simple part, now let's get to restrictions or special needs.
I'm not sure about restrictions on other countries, but here the restrictions
are not too harsh. For them, and special bulky items, my solution would be to
have a special intern mark in the catalog, so the system knows they are bulky.
For example, let's say I'm adding a raised baseplate to the catalog,
another field could be if it's bulky or not. Bulky could be considered over
2 centimeters high on all three dimensions, or something like that. Yes, it
would
require some work to be implemented in the actual catalog items, but with this
community's help, it would be easily done. You could also make differences
between big bulky items, such as raised baseplates, or semi-bulky items, such
as some panels. A raised baseplate would make a difference in my shipping costs,
but not a panel, normally.
Now, with the mark, what it would happen is, you get a special option on your
shipping methods to see if your store "cares" for bulky items. I mean, when the
system is making the shipping price to give it to the buyer, it would detect
that his order has bulky items, and then, predefined by the seller, you could
get two different options. Either the seller could establish new rates for bulky
items, or the make the buyer request a regular invoice, so the seller can calculate
the shipping cost.
Solved the restrictions problem. Now on to fees. All fees should be noted up
front, anyways. It's easy to automatize lot limits/fees, packing fees, etc.
The seller would be required to add them, and the system would add them to the
order and show them to the buyer along with shipping prices, before checkout.
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not. Probably the former would be small
stores who cannot afford to loose 2$ on shipping and that. That way, you'd
make everyone happy.
On another note, I would automatize fees as a priority, and that cost should
be noted up front before checkout, even if you don't have instant checkout,
as you don't need postage to calculate them.
After this, and having all fees noted up front, postage should always be real
PO cost.
I hope you made it to the bottom of the page, as it was hard for me to write
this long thing.
I you have any more ideas, I'd love you to post them, or to refute my ideas,
that is what the forum is for. I posted is as a suggestion as it is how I'd
like the system to work, or how I think it would work the best. Lots of ideas
in my head!
Cheers,
Gerald
(Minor but huge typos in the other one )
|
|
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|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | Rbobo | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 02:19 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 48 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| Bricklink, the community, seems to prefer that actual shipping costs be passed
on to the buyer. Any attempt to mandate instant checkout WILL raise the average
cost of shipping. There is no way around this. I am not saying that this is
a bad idea; maybe it's worth the increased shipping costs but we can't
pretend they won't happen. A giant company like Amazon can negotiate shipping
rates and can eat short term shipping losses; most Bricklink stores cannot.
Furthermore, what we do is unique:
(I've posted this experiment before but I believe it bears repeating
1) Find an online store that specializes in large quantities of small, inexpensive
items. Perhaps a bolt-and-screw supply store.
2) Now find one that ships worldwide.
3) Now find one that will accept a $25 or so order for 100+ items of 20+ different
types.
4) Now find one that will checkout instantly.
5) Lastly, find one that will only charge you their actual cost of shipping.
Any luck?
-Richard Bobo
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I was the kind of person that never wanted instant checkout to be implemented
here in BL. I thought it would bring problems, overpaying or underpaying,
and also would stop a way of communication with my buyers. I really like to communicate
with them.
However, I was recently invited to test out another Lego selling website that
is under production. This site in particular has instant checkout implemented.
Well, after receiving an order today... I was thoroughly impressed by how well
it worked.
When setting up your store, it requires you to add your shipping methods, either
by weight bands or price bands. On countries where you have dimension limits,
that could be hard to implement. Anyways, after some thinking, this would be
my solution.
First, the simplest things would be to add weight ranges from the cart (you'd
need to weight your envelopes/boxes) and add the price. In example, if my bubble
envelopes weight less than 20 grams, I'd add a shipping band from 0-75 grams,
and put the price for under 100 grams. Or, if my boxes weight about 150 grams,
I'd put another band from 450 grams to... 750 grams, for under 1 KG!
That is the simple part, now let's get to restrictions or special needs.
I'm not sure about restrictions on other countries, but here the restrictions
are not too harsh. For them, and special bulky items, my solution would be to
have a special intern mark in the catalog, so the system knows they are bulky.
For example, let's say I'm adding a raised baseplate to the catalog,
another field could be if it's bulky or not. Bulky could be considered over
2 centimeters high on all three dimensions, or something like that. Yes, it
would
require some work to be implemented in the actual catalog items, but with this
community's help, it would be easily done. You could also make differences
between big bulky items, such as raised baseplates, or semi-bulky items, such
as some panels. A raised baseplate would make a difference in my shipping costs,
but not a panel, normally.
Now, with the mark, what it would happen is, you get a special option on your
shipping methods to see if your store "cares" for bulky items. I mean, when the
system is making the shipping price to give it to the buyer, it would detect
that his order has bulky items, and then, predefined by the seller, you could
get two different options. Either the seller could establish new rates for bulky
items, or the make the buyer request a regular invoice, so the seller can calculate
the shipping cost.
Solved the restrictions problem. Now on to fees. All fees should be noted up
front, anyways. It's easy to automatize lot limits/fees, packing fees, etc.
The seller would be required to add them, and the system would add them to the
order and show them to the buyer along with shipping prices, before checkout.
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not. Probably the former would be small
stores who cannot afford to loose 2$ on shipping and that. That way, you'd
make everyone happy.
On another note, I would automatize fees as a priority, and that cost should
be noted up front before checkout, even if you don't have instant checkout,
as you don't need postage to calculate them.
After this, and having all fees noted up front, postage should always be real
PO cost.
I hope you made it to the bottom of the page, as it was hard for me to write
this long thing.
I you have any more ideas, I'd love you to post them, or to refute my ideas,
that is what the forum is for. I posted is as a suggestion as it is how I'd
like the system to work, or how I think it would work the best. Lots of ideas
in my head!
Cheers,
Gerald
(Minor but huge typos in the other one )
|
|
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | bricksalabim | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 03:29 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| Instant checkout for sets - yes, possible (shipping price can be set for each
single set). However, a combination of sets/parts or several sets in one order
would still need individual calculation/communication.
Instant checkout for parts - no, seems impossible with millions of possible
combinations (and weight and size is not enough to predetermine the way of packing).
I would very much like to have an instant checkout, and often thought about fixed
shipping costs in my store (with the German Post shipping policy, it would be
very easy). But then lots of my buyers would spend more money than they do now.
I live near the border to Luxembourg and can ship small orders from there for
just EUR 1,70 (Europe) or 2.20 (worldwide). With instant checkout, these buyers
would always pay EUR 3.45. Quite a difference if you just order 2$ worth of parts!
And BTW, although I have a detailed shipping price list in my terms (and the
different possibilities appear WITH their price on checkout), I quite often have
to contact the buyer to tell him 'Hey guy, the other shipping method is better
for you, as it will only cost half'.
Renate
|
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 05:26 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 52 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| A follow up on my previous post.
Please consider all this points before even voting:
- This method is totally optional. The seller can choose wether to implement
it or not. If not implemented, the store would just receive orders as it does
now.
- This method is fully customizable by the seller. BrickLink only gives you the
options, the tools, the seller would input the prices, choose the methods, etc.
- This method is oriented towards BIG sellers, or somewhat big, who don't
mind loosing a bit on some (if you set it up properly, you won't do it many
times). It could be a big commodity for them, and save some time.
- I'm looking at paypal for instant payment, but for other methods, like
IBAN or check, it would still show the shipping prices, and then tell the buyer
once it commits your IBAN number or where to send the cash/check.
- Another option for sellers could be to make it mandatory in your store or not.
The buyer could ask for a good ol' invoice (if the buyer has requirements,
ship it to another address, etc) or pay it through the instant checkout, or the
seller could make it mandatory, or opt out. Personalization is essential! One
thing I love about BL, is that it doesn't tell you how to do most things.
- If the "bulky" system is implemented (some research would be necessary to see
what is the usual limit for height, it seems 2 cm for most countries), a seller
could opt to not show instant postage when the system detects you have a bulky
item in you cart. Or, show a different rate than the usual one, like parcel's
rate. Again, some sellers can do this, some can't.
- Once again, fully customizable! You could choose to just show the shipping
price instantly on small orders, and up from 2 kg in example, require an invoice,
etc.
I love when someone multi-quotes my post refuting my points, so please do. Or
more things to consider, post them here.
All it takes, is for someone to find a problem, and then look for a solution
to that problem.
In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | I was the kind of person that never wanted instant checkout to be implemented
here in BL. I thought it would bring problems, overpaying or underpaying,
and also would stop a way of communication with my buyers. I really like to communicate
with them.
However, I was recently invited to test out another Lego selling website that
is under production. This site in particular has instant checkout implemented.
Well, after receiving an order today... I was thoroughly impressed by how well
it worked.
When setting up your store, it requires you to add your shipping methods, either
by weight bands or price bands. On countries where you have dimension limits,
that could be hard to implement. Anyways, after some thinking, this would be
my solution.
First, the simplest things would be to add weight ranges from the cart (you'd
need to weight your envelopes/boxes) and add the price. In example, if my bubble
envelopes weight less than 20 grams, I'd add a shipping band from 0-75 grams,
and put the price for under 100 grams. Or, if my boxes weight about 150 grams,
I'd put another band from 450 grams to... 750 grams, for under 1 KG!
That is the simple part, now let's get to restrictions or special needs.
I'm not sure about restrictions on other countries, but here the restrictions
are not too harsh. For them, and special bulky items, my solution would be to
have a special intern mark in the catalog, so the system knows they are bulky.
For example, let's say I'm adding a raised baseplate to the catalog,
another field could be if it's bulky or not. Bulky could be considered over
2 centimeters high on all three dimensions, or something like that. Yes, it
would
require some work to be implemented in the actual catalog items, but with this
community's help, it would be easily done. You could also make differences
between big bulky items, such as raised baseplates, or semi-bulky items, such
as some panels. A raised baseplate would make a difference in my shipping costs,
but not a panel, normally.
Now, with the mark, what it would happen is, you get a special option on your
shipping methods to see if your store "cares" for bulky items. I mean, when the
system is making the shipping price to give it to the buyer, it would detect
that his order has bulky items, and then, predefined by the seller, you could
get two different options. Either the seller could establish new rates for bulky
items, or the make the buyer request a regular invoice, so the seller can calculate
the shipping cost.
Solved the restrictions problem. Now on to fees. All fees should be noted up
front, anyways. It's easy to automatize lot limits/fees, packing fees, etc.
The seller would be required to add them, and the system would add them to the
order and show them to the buyer along with shipping prices, before checkout.
Lastly, I would make automatic checkout, at least in the beginning, an option,
not a must. I'm sure many, many sellers would implemented, and those that
feel that they can't, just would not. Probably the former would be small
stores who cannot afford to loose 2$ on shipping and that. That way, you'd
make everyone happy.
On another note, I would automatize fees as a priority, and that cost should
be noted up front before checkout, even if you don't have instant checkout,
as you don't need postage to calculate them.
After this, and having all fees noted up front, postage should always be real
PO cost.
I hope you made it to the bottom of the page, as it was hard for me to write
this long thing.
I you have any more ideas, I'd love you to post them, or to refute my ideas,
that is what the forum is for. I posted is as a suggestion as it is how I'd
like the system to work, or how I think it would work the best. Lots of ideas
in my head!
Cheers,
Gerald
(Minor but huge typos in the other one )
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| | | | | Author: | bb200521 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 05:54 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| often new buyer don't read the help/tuition page on how BL work. And you
offer to make more differences on how the process work depending of each store....
then how could new buyer learn fast if the process became more complicated ?
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| | | | | Author: | enig | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 08:08 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| Alright time to chip in.
First of all - I like seeing someone devoting such a big amount of time for something.
Thank you G.
secondly, and I dont want to put you down, but let me say that I think it's
not worth your time. I am just being frank, so please excuse me for that.
However. My own thoughts..
To begin with - I doubt I would ever use such a system. Not because my postal
service has complicated restrictions. In fact, it is actually one of the simplest
(and cheapest) ones here on BL. I could probably ship a fully built 10190 as
a "letter" for 3.5 EUR anywhere within EU.
I have other reasons.
But if to look at it as a concept..
Many pros and cons, which are already being discussed. So not worth repeating
them I guess.
#1 BL is already complicated enough, and a new user can break an arm and a leg
just by trying to use it for the first time. Yet one more additional option (pay
now or request an invoice) would just add on to it. Especially for the ones who
barely understand English, so it would be yet one more reason for them to go
'f**k this I quit'
For us who are used to BL it does not look like that, but try and remember your
first time. How long did it really take you to learn 100% of all BL functions?
Heck, I am here for more than a year and I still dont know everything.
And the point is.. WE SHOULD NOT EVEN BE TALKING ABOUT THIS. IF we are,
then the system is faulty. But we already know that dont we
#2 if such an option ever gets implemented, it should be extremely user-friendly.
Every non-English speaking user should understand intuitively what means "pay
now" and "request an invoice".
And by that I mean - he should understand that "pay now" likely means:
a) over-paying for postage a little
b) OR that if there is something within his order which will require a different
shipping rate, he may be required to make another payment.
but then we get into that territory where, for example, to make an additional
1.5 EUR payment (for shipping) also means additional ~0.4 EUR in PayPal fees.
Bad.
If order grand total is somewhere at 25 EUR - 5 EUR shipping, 1 EUR payment fees,
10 EUR "own cost of parts", you are left with 9 EUR of actual profit on the parts.
20% taxes to your government and smilar leaves you with 7.2 EUR actual profit.
And 1.5 EUR would mean 21% decrease in profits. BL is a big game of margins,
and every single one counts if you're taking the game seriously.
Now all this being said, everyone who says that it is too complicated and would
never work is a short-sighted liar. You can code everything. They're
landing machines in Mars for gods sake.
The issue is not in the complexity if it, but in the equation of 'cost
to do it' vs 'profit'.
To create and maintain a flawless system would be costly, because ,due
to the nature of LEGO parts, it is a never-ending work with catalog. Who benefits
from it? Not the owner of BL (one can argue on that though).
To say "oh you can mark certain parts and then not allow instant checkout if
they're in a shopping cart" is easy. But then what's the point of having
such a system if it does not really work and only adds to an already complex
environment.
Once again - it is possible to have a truly working system but I am not sure
if it would not mean an increase in BL fees. I would hate to see that going up
for something that I would not use anyways.
But then.. at first people were getting killed for trying to prove that earth
is not flat and not the center of the universe too..
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| | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 08:41 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| In Suggestions, enig writes:
| | Alright time to chip in.
First of all - I like seeing someone devoting such a big amount of time for something.
Thank you G.
secondly, and I dont want to put you down, but let me say that I think it's
not worth your time. I am just being frank, so please excuse me for that.
|
I love getting different opinions, and people to convince me about something
that I wasn't. And it kills time, that's for sure.
| |
However. My own thoughts..
To begin with - I doubt I would ever use such a system. Not because my postal
service has complicated restrictions. In fact, it is actually one of the simplest
(and cheapest) ones here on BL. I could probably ship a fully built 10190 as
a "letter" for 3.5 EUR anywhere within EU.
I have other reasons.
But if to look at it as a concept..
Many pros and cons, which are already being discussed. So not worth repeating
them I guess.
#1 BL is already complicated enough, and a new user can break an arm and a leg
just by trying to use it for the first time. Yet one more additional option (pay
now or request an invoice) would just add on to it. Especially for the ones who
barely understand English, so it would be yet one more reason for them to go
'f**k this I quit'
|
This is quite a good point.
In the suggestion's favor, I'll say that some users already don't
understand how it works. I've had a couple new users asking me if they had
already paid by placing the order, or what should they do now. So, the difference
would be to have instant payments implemented, an option with both, instant payments
or invoice, which probably only experienced buyers with reasons would choose
the invoice, or invoices, just as it is now. All it requires is a badge in the
shop saying "This shop has instant checkout" or "This shop requires instant checkout".
I'm sure almost all users understand that instant checkout means paying right
there, and would choose it if they don't know about the other options.
| |
For us who are used to BL it does not look like that, but try and remember your
first time. How long did it really take you to learn 100% of all BL functions?
Heck, I am here for more than a year and I still dont know everything.
And the point is.. WE SHOULD NOT EVEN BE TALKING ABOUT THIS. IF we are,
then the system is faulty. But we already know that dont we
#2 if such an option ever gets implemented, it should be extremely user-friendly.
Every non-English speaking user should understand intuitively what means "pay
now" and "request an invoice".
|
Yes, this is true. But I bet it's more complicated to understand that by
placing an order you are requesting an invoice where the seller can put the shipping
cost that is previously noted in a splash page, and whatever fees he likes.
| |
And by that I mean - he should understand that "pay now" likely means:
a) over-paying for postage a little
b) OR that if there is something within his order which will require a different
shipping rate, he may be required to make another payment.
|
This is another thing. I don't understand why making this system would mean
overpaying.
I'm curious as to wether the big-time sellers pack before invoicing, or invoice
before packing. If you are already going to charge, for most orders, based on
weight the postage that you have in your terms and conditions page, why is it
that hard to put it in an automatic page that does that work for you?
Again, this wouldn't work for small sellers, but for big sellers, willing
to loose 1$ every 30 orders by charging what they have on their splash page,
maybe.
| |
but then we get into that territory where, for example, to make an additional
1.5 EUR payment (for shipping) also means additional ~0.4 EUR in PayPal fees.
Bad.
If order grand total is somewhere at 25 EUR - 5 EUR shipping, 1 EUR payment fees,
10 EUR "own cost of parts", you are left with 9 EUR of actual profit on the parts.
20% taxes to your government and smilar leaves you with 7.2 EUR actual profit.
And 1.5 EUR would mean 21% decrease in profits. BL is a big game of margins,
and every single one counts if you're taking the game seriously.
Now all this being said, everyone who says that it is too complicated and would
never work is a short-sighted liar. You can code everything. They're
landing machines in Mars for gods sake.
The issue is not in the complexity if it, but in the equation of 'cost
to do it' vs 'profit'.
|
It all would come down to a personal opinion. As I said, I wouldn't use it
in my store for now, but if I were a big seller, I'd take a few hours and
think about it. I'd think about the loss that this would cause, and the benefits
of it time-wise, and the other benefits. Then, just choose whatever fits me!
| |
To create and maintain a flawless system would be costly, because ,due
to the nature of LEGO parts, it is a never-ending work with catalog. Who benefits
from it? Not the owner of BL (one can argue on that though).
To say "oh you can mark certain parts and then not allow instant checkout if
they're in a shopping cart" is easy. But then what's the point of having
such a system if it does not really work and only adds to an already complex
environment.
Once again - it is possible to have a truly working system but I am not sure
if it would not mean an increase in BL fees. I would hate to see that going up
for something that I would not use anyways.
|
And of course, BL coders would only need to make the feature. I think that even
myself, with basic javascript resources, can create a program to get the cart's
weight, and if the weight is in the ranges previously inputted by the seller,
spit out a price. If it's not, invoice it is.
The increase in fees would only come when having a full time BL team creating
the shipping prices, and also, as I said, looking at all the different shipping
options that would be not difficult, impossible. How in the world is some coder
in HK going to know that I have a cousin working in the PO and he can get special
rates in my country? This feature would only work if fully customizable by each
and every single seller that chooses to implement it.
It's a basic (coding terms) feature, that could be easily implemented, or
so I think. (?)
| |
But then.. at first people were getting killed for trying to prove that earth
is not flat and not the center of the universe too..
|
Again, I'm not the kind of seller that would benefit from this system. It
was an idea and a solution that crossed my mind, and I thought would be beneficial
to others, so I felt like posting it. I guess I love thinking about problems
and finding solutions for those problems. That had a name, to make questions
just for the sake of finding solutions for them, but I forgot.
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| | | | | Author: | LastingToysInc | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 10:16 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| But how the heck do you handle 'volume' based shipping. Most countries
for airmail have gone to volume based shipping for 'LEGO sets' since
they are light/bulky items. It totally depends on the outer box size - not the
weight!!
Totally destroys any automatic shippig I know of unless I just charge them as
though they were individually shipping items.
At the point bricklink puts in place forced/automatic shipping, we'll probably
just drop off the site, I can't afford to lose money on shipping.
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| | | | | Author: | LastingToysInc | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 10:19 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 31 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| And as per any site in the world - that ships - it's always called shipping
& handling. We add 3-6$ to any raw shipping cost to cover boxes/tapes/worms
etc, and it's pretty darn close since we DO NOT TRUST recycled boxes, they
fall apart way too much, evidenced by the amount of shipments I receive, retaped
by the post office!! Then we also do a currency and paypal conversion on that
amount, to make sure we cover all our fees. So you can't just say shipping
has to be RAW COST of shipping. Shipping & Handling is the standard/norm.
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| | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 17, 2013 10:21 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, LastingToysInc writes:
| | And as per any site in the world - that ships - it's always called shipping
& handling. We add 3-6$ to any raw shipping cost to cover boxes/tapes/worms
etc, and it's pretty darn close since we DO NOT TRUST recycled boxes, they
fall apart way too much, evidenced by the amount of shipments I receive, retaped
by the post office!! Then we also do a currency and paypal conversion on that
amount, to make sure we cover all our fees. So you can't just say shipping
has to be RAW COST of shipping. Shipping & Handling is the standard/norm.
|
Shipping costs would be inputted by the seller. No one said he has to use actual
costs.
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| | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 29, 2013 18:19 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 60 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
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| On a side not and not wanting to bring up this old discussion, Brick Owl is using
one of my ideas of having dimensions on every part and adding them up to semi-calculate
volume. Not only that, but it also has some other nice tricks to calculate volume
if the dimensions of the part are not yet added.
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| | | | | | | Author: | bb314137 | | Posted: | Jun 29, 2013 18:27 | | Subject: | Re: Thoughts on instant checkout & postage... | | Viewed: | 60 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brick_Top writes:
| | On a side not and not wanting to bring up this old discussion, Brick Owl is using
one of my ideas of having dimensions on every part and adding them up to semi-calculate
volume. Not only that, but it also has some other nice tricks to calculate volume
if the dimensions of the part are not yet added.
|
AND, completely unrelated to this, I'm seeing much enthusiasm in the forum
there, by Lawrence and in the general ambient. Probably caused by Admin being
around all the time, answering to questions and making fixes.
Anyways, it's understandable, as this site is surely more complex, and can
be a mystery even for Eric. I just guess is us BL people feeling let down a bit
after this release... the feeling will probably go away in the future...
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Spain, Andalucia Ceuta i Melilla
Belgium
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Canada, Ontario
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