|
 |
| | | Author: | jamesuniverse  | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 10:07 | | Subject: | Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 532 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | jamesuniverse | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 10:13 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 117 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| Keep in mind, the Clarity of answers we get instead of neutral/beat around the
bush answers determine’s seller confidence in The LEGO Group’s/BrickLink’s decision.
If answers to these questions are not clear or good overall for sellers. Expect
many sellers to migrate to other platforms.
~James
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | SylvainLS | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 10:22 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 122 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Keep in mind, the Clarity of answers we get instead of neutral/beat around the
bush answers determine’s seller confidence in The LEGO Group’s/BrickLink’s decision.
If answers to these questions are not clear or good overall for sellers. Expect
many sellers to migrate to other platforms.
|
Well, “We don’t know anything yet” seems to be their answer.
Personnaly, I find that a bit funny that they are buying something but didn’t
think about what to do with it first 
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | BrainOfTheBrick | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 10:33 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 119 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
I'm wondering about the part numbers and names? Will we continue to have
'pb such & such" after part numbers for variants? I'm worried many variants
might be merged, or new variants not added separately. And since BL uses different
part names then BL, will The LEGO Group change that? Honestly I'm very concerned
about a lot of things.
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | cycbuild | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 10:46 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 101 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, BrainOfTheBrick writes:
| | In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
I'm wondering about the part numbers and names? Will we continue to have
'pb such & such" after part numbers for variants? I'm worried many variants
might be merged, or new variants not added separately. And since BL uses different
part names then BL, will The LEGO Group change that? Honestly I'm very concerned
about a lot of things.
|
please no
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | iprice | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 12:06 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 78 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| | |
I'm wondering about the part numbers and names? Will we continue to have
'pb such & such" after part numbers for variants? I'm worried many variants
might be merged, or new variants not added separately. And since BL uses different
part names then BL, will The LEGO Group change that? Honestly I'm very concerned
about a lot of things.
|
Don't forget colour names are different too...
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Author: | jamesuniverse | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 12:08 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 72 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, iprice writes:
| | | |
I'm wondering about the part numbers and names? Will we continue to have
'pb such & such" after part numbers for variants? I'm worried many variants
might be merged, or new variants not added separately. And since BL uses different
part names then BL, will The LEGO Group change that? Honestly I'm very concerned
about a lot of things.
|
Don't forget colour names are different too...
|
Bricklink already tracks the different color name variations. LEGO recognizes
the communities use of “Old Dark Grey” and “Bley”. Green to AFOLs is Dark Green
to LEGO. Plus AFOLs combine many colors such as “Flat silver”.
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | SylvainLS | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 12:15 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 76 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | In LEGO, iprice writes:
| | | |
I'm wondering about the part numbers and names? Will we continue to have
'pb such & such" after part numbers for variants? I'm worried many variants
might be merged, or new variants not added separately. And since BL uses different
part names then BL, will The LEGO Group change that? Honestly I'm very concerned
about a lot of things.
|
Don't forget colour names are different too...
|
Bricklink already tracks the different color name variations. LEGO recognizes
the communities use of “Old Dark Grey” and “Bley”. Green to AFOLs is Dark Green
to LEGO. Plus AFOLs combine many colors such as “Flat silver”.
|
Maybe we will finally have the Lego colour names besides the BL ones in the Colour
guide? 
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Author: | BrainOfTheBrick | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 13:48 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, iprice writes:
| | | |
I'm wondering about the part numbers and names? Will we continue to have
'pb such & such" after part numbers for variants? I'm worried many variants
might be merged, or new variants not added separately. And since BL uses different
part names then BL, will The LEGO Group change that? Honestly I'm very concerned
about a lot of things.
|
Don't forget colour names are different too...
|
Oh yikes! I might have to re-learn BrickLink now! XD
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | axaday | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 13:59 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 90 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
Q&As are typically made by people with answers, rather than people with questions.
There is no reason to suspect that this Q&A thread will have any answers in
it. It's just a question thread.
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | jamesuniverse | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:26 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 70 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, axaday writes:
| | In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
Q&As are typically made by people with answers, rather than people with questions.
There is no reason to suspect that this Q&A thread will have any answers in
it. It's just a question thread.
|
Sorry for my mis-used title. Ideally it turns into a Q&A thread.
~James
|
|
|
| | | | | |
| | | | | Author: | Heartbricker | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:30 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 113 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
I don't see them putting restrictions on pricing or restricting sets from
being sold BECAUSE BRICKLINK IS NOT THE ONLY PLACE TO BUY OR SELL THOSE.
Putting any restrictions on sellers will only divert traffic to other auction
sites and i don't see TLG buying eBay or Amazon.
I don't think that they bought this site just to shut it down because another
similar site will pop up shortly after rendering their investment a loss.
I think we'll see more LEGO adds and more diversion of traffic to TLG store,
i'm okay with that- it's a free market.
I hope that user data (specially sellers) will not be used to further restrict
sellers from buying from TLG stores.
I also hope that TLG doesn't siphon high volume buyers from Bricklink (like
artists, schools, etc.)
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | J_Money | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:32 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 64 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| | (Cancelled) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | J_Money | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:52 | | Subject: | Re: (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 63 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, Admin_Russell writes:
| | In LEGO, J_Money writes:
Please do not repost the same material just to increase its exposure.
|
Thanks for proving my point in making sure that voices are silenced. Never saw
as much Admin activity until now.
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | StarBrick | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:55 | | Subject: | (Cancelled) | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| | (Cancelled) |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Author: | Heartbricker | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:54 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 62 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, J_Money writes:
| | In LEGO, Heartbricker writes:
| | In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
I don't see them putting restrictions on pricing or restricting sets from
being sold BECAUSE BRICKLINK IS NOT THE ONLY PLACE TO BUY OR SELL THOSE.
Putting any restrictions on sellers will only divert traffic to other auction
sites and i don't see TLG buying eBay or Amazon.
I don't think that they bought this site just to shut it down because another
similar site will pop up shortly after rendering their investment a loss.
I think we'll see more LEGO adds and more diversion of traffic to TLG store,
i'm okay with that- it's a free market.
I hope that user data (specially sellers) will not be used to further restrict
sellers from buying from TLG stores.
I also hope that TLG doesn't siphon high volume buyers from Bricklink (like
artists, schools, etc.)
|
Posting this again to help clarify what will almost certainly happen and I'll
put my $ on.
Well I'm sorry but in my opinion this is nothing positive for sellers.....
Having been through two company acquisitions myself I've found that its great
for the company selling and the company buying but that's about all the treasure
to be found. Everyone and everything involved in between are subject to dismissal
and liquidation.
I would expect that on the grand scale of things if Bricklink is still an up
and running website in a year I would be SHOCKED!
Look at whats involved in the sale. Basically nothing that Lego cares about except
a competitor that undercuts their price points and uses their brand logo. LEGO
has the money to throw around and buying out competitors so you can ONLY buy
their products at their price points is business 101 folks.
I truly hope that BL will continue to exist and FLOURISH but I would start making
plan B now. Hope to hear where the new marketplace will be when this ship starts
to take on water.
I'm sure my post won't last to long before being deleted but as a "Community"
I just wanted to share my opinion harsh but probably true.
|
I love and appreciate you as a customer BUT
Sure, i'll bet against you on this matter.
LEGO isn't a VC entity- it's a company that has historically been very
socially conscience even at the expanse of profits (i.e- environmental projects)
Had they been a money grabbing entity- they would have been traded in the stock
market and be run by investors rather than a management team.
I'm expecting great things.
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | J_Money | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 15:00 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 77 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, Heartbricker writes:
| | In LEGO, J_Money writes:
| | In LEGO, Heartbricker writes:
| | In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
I don't see them putting restrictions on pricing or restricting sets from
being sold BECAUSE BRICKLINK IS NOT THE ONLY PLACE TO BUY OR SELL THOSE.
Putting any restrictions on sellers will only divert traffic to other auction
sites and i don't see TLG buying eBay or Amazon.
I don't think that they bought this site just to shut it down because another
similar site will pop up shortly after rendering their investment a loss.
I think we'll see more LEGO adds and more diversion of traffic to TLG store,
i'm okay with that- it's a free market.
I hope that user data (specially sellers) will not be used to further restrict
sellers from buying from TLG stores.
I also hope that TLG doesn't siphon high volume buyers from Bricklink (like
artists, schools, etc.)
|
Posting this again to help clarify what will almost certainly happen and I'll
put my $ on.
Well I'm sorry but in my opinion this is nothing positive for sellers.....
Having been through two company acquisitions myself I've found that its great
for the company selling and the company buying but that's about all the treasure
to be found. Everyone and everything involved in between are subject to dismissal
and liquidation.
I would expect that on the grand scale of things if Bricklink is still an up
and running website in a year I would be SHOCKED!
Look at whats involved in the sale. Basically nothing that Lego cares about except
a competitor that undercuts their price points and uses their brand logo. LEGO
has the money to throw around and buying out competitors so you can ONLY buy
their products at their price points is business 101 folks.
I truly hope that BL will continue to exist and FLOURISH but I would start making
plan B now. Hope to hear where the new marketplace will be when this ship starts
to take on water.
I'm sure my post won't last to long before being deleted but as a "Community"
I just wanted to share my opinion harsh but probably true.
|
I love and appreciate you as a customer BUT
Sure, i'll bet against you on this matter.
LEGO isn't a VC entity- it's a company that has historically been very
socially conscience even at the expanse of profits (i.e- environmental projects)
Had they been a money grabbing entity- they would have been traded in the stock
market and be run by investors rather than a management team.
I'm expecting great things.
|
Well as someone who knows first hand how mergers go I will take your bet. LEGO
has been trying like HE double hockey sticks to keep resellers from selling their
products. Thus if they buy a large Marketplace like Bricklink it would put a
big ole stopper in the drain on those lost funds.
But honestly only LEGO and the top brass of BL know how this is going to go regardless
if they say they don't. My experience has that instead of just slamming doors
it will be a gradual process as there are still funds being exchanged here.
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | axaday | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:53 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 72 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, Heartbricker writes:
| | I hope that user data (specially sellers) will not be used to further restrict
sellers from buying from TLG stores.
|
I would think that when the reselling is paying them Bricklink fees they might
not mind the reselling like they used to.
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Author: | J_Money | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 14:56 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 69 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, axaday writes:
| | In LEGO, Heartbricker writes:
| | I hope that user data (specially sellers) will not be used to further restrict
sellers from buying from TLG stores.
|
I would think that when the reselling is paying them Bricklink fees they might
not mind the reselling like they used to.
|
I always thought the reselling aspect of it was a moot point. ANY Entity other
than Lego is technically a reseller and as you stated LEGO has been all hung
up on it but most of the reselling market are composed of sellers selling DISCONTINUED
items that LEGO doesn't provide. On this point reselling may be safe? But
I wouldn't hold my breath.
|
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | Author: | J_Money | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 15:02 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 67 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, Heartbricker writes:
| | In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
|
I don't see them putting restrictions on pricing or restricting sets from
being sold BECAUSE BRICKLINK IS NOT THE ONLY PLACE TO BUY OR SELL THOSE.
Putting any restrictions on sellers will only divert traffic to other auction
sites and i don't see TLG buying eBay or Amazon.
I don't think that they bought this site just to shut it down because another
similar site will pop up shortly after rendering their investment a loss.
I think we'll see more LEGO adds and more diversion of traffic to TLG store,
i'm okay with that- it's a free market.
I hope that user data (specially sellers) will not be used to further restrict
sellers from buying from TLG stores.
I also hope that TLG doesn't siphon high volume buyers from Bricklink (like
artists, schools, etc.)
|
Agreed but LEGO DOES OWN THIS ONE where as they don't own the others. They
will have TOTAL AUTONOMY to do as they wish here.
|
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | Author: | ZSchoonover | | Posted: | Nov 26, 2019 23:15 | | Subject: | Re: Q&A Discussion Thread Regarding Acquisition | | Viewed: | 120 times | | Topic: | LEGO | |
|
| In LEGO, J_Money writes:
| | In LEGO, Heartbricker writes:
| | In LEGO, jamesuniverse writes:
| | Let’s be honest. This news of the M&A with The LEGO Group was shocking. Wether
you like it or not is irrelevant. But I think it would only be beneficial for
sellers to voice their concerns.
1. The LEGO Group has been very vocal to ban/block resellers of their products
from their stores and online. How will BL’s data not be used as a way to further
enforce this rule? When a promotional set comes out and shows up on Bricklink
2 days later, it clearly comes from LEGO direct. But honestly it could be AFOLs
who simply don’t need the extra set and want to buy more (different) parts.
2. The LEGO Group has very strict policies regarding the pricing and promotion
of Exclusive sets. Brick and Mortar, Online, and even mega retailers have been
punished by violating MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). Will this policy be enforced
on Bricklink? Will a new contract be formed that engages Bricklink sellers in
The LEGO Group’s pricing structure?
3. LEGO sells Bricks and Pieces, BAM, and PaB. In addition to point 1, which
many Bricklink sellers sell parts from all 3 locations, how will The LEGO Group
enforce their historical conflict of interest with sellers directly? There are
extremely strict rules to sell LEGO in a Brick and Mortar store. LEGO also needs
to recognize that many sellers who source from LEGO in various forms are essential
to the platform’s variety and quantity of parts supply. Walmart clearance can
only get you so far.
4. Will custom products and sets now basically be banned on BrickLink without
an extensive and complicated review process? Creations for Charity is an amazing
platform and opportunity for AFOLs to build and “sell” creations to fund the
giving of sets to children around the world. Many of these custom items incorporate
IP or Theme conflicts with The LEGO Group’s vision.
5. Will The LEGO Group be using this data to produce or dilute the market of
rare parts? A seller doesn’t sell on Bricklink to make money on technic pins
and cheese slopes. They have to part of the entire set and hope the rare/expensive
items convert to a good ROI. Once again, clear concern for sellers.
6. Large sellers on the platform are essential to this platforms success. Sure.
Their are hobby sellers, but the top 4-5% of sellers are most likely pulling
a small/substantial salary from this business. You can’t expect a platform to
be 100% hobby based sellers. How will we know that these seller’s supply chains
and source of goods won’t be interfered with?
7. What will be done to Bricklink that may or may not drive traffic away from
sales on its site? There are very clear rules established on Bricklink about
driving away sales. If The LEGO Group promotes buying from LEGO direct in any
form or fashion, including linking to a product’s page on Shop at Home, this
would contradict this policy. How does The LEGO Group plan to drive or divert
traffic to and from Bricklink? This is a business acquisition. Not something
The LEGO Group did for “fun”. Therefore their had to be a substantial amount
of money on the line that has to have a positive ROI.
8. Will The LEGO Group sell ON Bricklink?
Now some more light-hearted questions
9. There is a small community of parts collectors who specialize in collecting
rare and unique parts, including myself. Will The LEGO Group do anything with
regards to the catalog to further try and improve it? Examples are prototype
molds, non-production parts, and missing color data.
10. Will The LEGO Group partner with buyers, AFOLs, and *specifically* Sellers
to find and implement ways to improve Bricklink? As someone who sells tens of
thousands of products online across multiple marketplaces, BrickLink is by far
the oldest “looking” and one of the hardest interfaces for sellers to use. Tying
BL into an ERP/Inventory System would be nice at some point.
11. What is The LEGO Group’s goal with this acquisition? AFOL designer program
was cool. But many sellers see their could be benefits *and* problems with it.
We would love to understand a more complete vision.
12. At what point can we email/ask questions regarding specific platform questions
and expect to get a reply from a representative from LEGO instead of Bricklink?
Thank you for your time. Please contribute more questions in a clear and consistent
manner below.
~James McConnell Jr.
Long-time AFOL
Hobby-based Seller
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I don't see them putting restrictions on pricing or restricting sets from
being sold BECAUSE BRICKLINK IS NOT THE ONLY PLACE TO BUY OR SELL THOSE.
Putting any restrictions on sellers will only divert traffic to other auction
sites and i don't see TLG buying eBay or Amazon.
I don't think that they bought this site just to shut it down because another
similar site will pop up shortly after rendering their investment a loss.
I think we'll see more LEGO adds and more diversion of traffic to TLG store,
i'm okay with that- it's a free market.
I hope that user data (specially sellers) will not be used to further restrict
sellers from buying from TLG stores.
I also hope that TLG doesn't siphon high volume buyers from Bricklink (like
artists, schools, etc.)
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Agreed but LEGO DOES OWN THIS ONE where as they don't own the others. They
will have TOTAL AUTONOMY to do as they wish here.
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Honestly, why would Lego spend a ton of money buying BrickLink when they know
sellers can easily just migrate over to Brick Owl? I just can't see the sense
in that strategy.
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USA, Texas
France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
United Kingdom, England
Netherlands, Gelderland
