My in depth question is not criticism towards any of the catalogue team who in
my view do a far beyond exceptional job.
I quite often part sets, obviously I sell the parts which includes minifigs.
The set 21348 and its figs have me confused, I think it has the potential to
confuse Buyers and Sellers alike. I will use the "idea184-Merry Rumwell"
as my example.
Idea184 shows 4 parts in the catalogue so if I was to sell to a buyer they get
4 parts! But what is that buyer really expecting and as a Seller am I actually
providing the full minifig.
Parts catalogue for all mini figs (excluding the skeletons) also shows 1 x head
3626pb3597. That on face value is factual. But from a parting perspective to
resale it is actually 2 heads (the head is not a double face print). The set
has 2 heads for each Minifig.
But also with the second head in the Idea184 instance there is also a cape-Part
# 101184, with a mask part#30381.
In my view I don't think I should be parting and selling 4 parts as per the
catalogue. I should be selling 2 heads, a mask, a cape, a torso, some legs. That
is 6 parts that make the minifig.
I hope that made sense. I just don't like being confused because I do the
best I can for my buyers. But I also don't want a buyer to be dissapointed
with a seller.
Am I making sense or do you want a couple of photos?
[…]
Idea184 shows 4 parts in the catalogue so if I was to sell to a buyer they get
4 parts! But what is that buyer really expecting and as a Seller am I actually
providing the full minifig. […]
This is the full minifigure for the catalogue. Because that’s how the minifigure
is first built in the instructions. The other parts are added / swapped later
and there can’t be multiple minifigures (male, female, uncaped, caped…) in the
inventory, especially as they share parts.
The buyer can check the inventory if they have a doubt and they can buy the other
parts separately…
[…]
In my view I don't think I should be parting and selling 4 parts as per the
catalogue. I should be selling 2 heads, a mask, a cape, a torso, some legs. That
is 6 parts that make the minifig.
… but you can still provide the other parts if you wish, either as “freebies”
in the minifigure or in a custom lot (or a superlot).
But these three solutions all have disavantages:
— freebies: other sellers are not giving away those parts, their prices will
show that,
— custom, superlot: less easy to near impossible to find.
[…]
Am I making sense or do you want a couple of photos?
You can use a ‘macro’ to add thumbnails and links to the catalogue entries.
Use the “Add catalog image” button or directly enter “[ m=«id» ]” (without
the spaces) for a minifigure or “[ p=«id» ]” (and so on for every type, set,
instruction, original box, gear, book).
[…]
Idea184 shows 4 parts in the catalogue so if I was to sell to a buyer they get
4 parts! But what is that buyer really expecting and as a Seller am I actually
providing the full minifig. […]
This is the full minifigure for the catalogue. Because that’s how the minifigure
is first built in the instructions. The other parts are added / swapped later
and there can’t be multiple minifigures (male, female, uncaped, caped…) in the
inventory, especially as they share parts.
The buyer can check the inventory if they have a doubt and they can buy the other
parts separately…
[…]
In my view I don't think I should be parting and selling 4 parts as per the
catalogue. I should be selling 2 heads, a mask, a cape, a torso, some legs. That
is 6 parts that make the minifig.
… but you can still provide the other parts if you wish, either as “freebies”
in the minifigure or in a custom lot (or a superlot).
But these three solutions all have disavantages:
— freebies: other sellers are not giving away those parts, their prices will
show that,
— custom, superlot: less easy to near impossible to find.
[…]
Am I making sense or do you want a couple of photos?
You can use a ‘macro’ to add thumbnails and links to the catalogue entries.
Use the “Add catalog image” button or directly enter “[ m=«id» ]” (without
the spaces) for a minifigure or “[ p=«id» ]” (and so on for every type, set,
instruction, original box, gear, book).
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I don't want Buyers/Sellers to have misapprehensions of what they will receive/expectations.
I sold a Idea184 just yesterday through Bricklink. I am going to send the extra
parts as a "freebie" to this buyer because I don't want negativity
imposed on me. But lets be clear here this $30.00 minifig as 4 parts is a $30.00
minifig.
I add the extra head, mask, cape and at a cursory glance that is about 15.00
in parts.
I also have the advantage or disadvantage as it appears that I have 8 of each
of these minifigs from 21348. Which I now don't want to advertise in my store.
I 100% get your point Sylvain.
Would it be prudent for the catalogue team to make a note at the bottom of each
Minifig of the extra parts required for the alter egos of the theme?
I don't want to lose 15.00 in every 30.00 deal. But I don't want to mislead
someone either. Does that make sense?
[…]
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I’m not saying you said that. I’m trying to say that the buyer should already
know and can easily check what they get when they buy a minifigure.
The parts are not on the picture¹, they are not in the inventory, they are not
in the description in your store. As a buyer, I think that’s enough cues that
I won’t get them when I buy the minifigure.
¹ The pic of the back of the head can be confusing to some people. Disputes
have already happened when parts had pics with 2 angles: buyers thought they’d
get two parts.
Would it be prudent for the catalogue team to make a note at the bottom of each
Minifig of the extra parts required for the alter egos of the theme?
I don’t think so.
What would the note say “the parts needed to make other minifigures (which are
not in the catalogue) are not included in the inventory of this minifigure”?
That’s what the inventory already says.
If the other minifigures had entries in the catalogue, then they could be linked
to this one (similar item relationship or whatever)… but they don’t exist for
the catalogue.
And they wouldn’t be in the set’s inventory in any case.
[…]
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I’m not saying you said that. I’m trying to say that the buyer should already
know and can easily check what they get when they buy a minifigure.
The parts are not on the picture¹, they are not in the inventory, they are not
in the description in your store. As a buyer, I think that’s enough cues that
I won’t get them when I buy the minifigure.
¹ The pic of the back of the head can be confusing to some people. Disputes
have already happened when parts had pics with 2 angles: buyers thought they’d
get two parts.
Would it be prudent for the catalogue team to make a note at the bottom of each
Minifig of the extra parts required for the alter egos of the theme?
I don’t think so.
What would the note say “the parts needed to make other minifigures (which are
not in the catalogue) are not included in the inventory of this minifigure”?
That’s what the inventory already says.
If the other minifigures had entries in the catalogue, then they could be linked
to this one (similar item relationship or whatever)… but they don’t exist for
the catalogue.
And they wouldn’t be in the set’s inventory in any case.
I have not misunderstood you.
Guys like you and Jen and many others in this community are wise, knowledgeable
and sophisticated with lego. But a large percentage are not, or are new users
and so forth.
Look at the parts listing for the idea184. Specifically the "head". 1
photo for 2 different heads. Now you, Jen and myself know its not.
To a newbie or one lacking wisdom this could easily be interpreted as a double
printed head. But its 2 heads reflected by 2 parts/alternate parts and so forth.
Not everyone is going to comprehend this.
A photo is a powerful thing to mislead someone. Of course that is not intentional.
Sure, but there are literally hundreds of minifig images in our Catalog showing
the alternate side of a dual head. Or the printing on a head that covered. I
think most people can interpret what an inset is and is meant to show. Or they
just need to figure it out once and move on.
Would you think this minifig comes with 3 heads despite such evidence to the
contrary?
*
cas535 (Inv) Castle - King's Knight Armor with Lion Head with Crown, Helmet with Pointed Visor, Blue Plume, Determined / Open Mouth Scared Pattern Minifigures: Castle
By the same logic, do buyers think most every Torso in the Catalog is actually
2 parts sold as 1? No, I don't think so.
Personally, I am against the insets and prefer alternate view and dual sided
items have separate images. But that is not good when one is trying to identify
parts. It's a compromise.
Sure, but there are literally hundreds of minifig images in our Catalog showing
the alternate side of a dual head. Or the printing on a head that covered. I
think most people can interpret what an inset is and is meant to show. Or they
just need to figure it out once and move on.
Would you think this minifig comes with 3 heads despite such evidence to the
contrary?
*
cas535 (Inv) Castle - King's Knight Armor with Lion Head with Crown, Helmet with Pointed Visor, Blue Plume, Determined / Open Mouth Scared Pattern Minifigures: Castle
By the same logic, do buyers think most every Torso in the Catalog is actually
2 parts sold as 1? No, I don't think so.
No I think they believe what their eyes see. Not what experienced people know
as fact.
Yes but no. A torso is obvious because of the way arms and hands are formed.
Its obvious there is a "front" and "back". It is abundantly clear
there is 1 torso.
The head is no obvious there is a front and back because of its design shape.
So an assumption can be drawn by those less knowledgeable it is one (1) head.
when in fact it is two (2)
Personally, I am against the insets and prefer alternate view and dual sided
items have separate images. But that is not good when one is trying to identify
parts. It's a compromise.
Sure, but there are literally hundreds of minifig images in our Catalog showing
the alternate side of a dual head. Or the printing on a head that covered. I
think most people can interpret what an inset is and is meant to show. Or they
just need to figure it out once and move on.
Would you think this minifig comes with 3 heads despite such evidence to the
contrary?
*
cas535 (Inv) Castle - King's Knight Armor with Lion Head with Crown, Helmet with Pointed Visor, Blue Plume, Determined / Open Mouth Scared Pattern Minifigures: Castle
By the same logic, do buyers think most every Torso in the Catalog is actually
2 parts sold as 1? No, I don't think so.
No I think they believe what their eyes see. Not what experienced people know
as fact.
Yes but no. A torso is obvious because of the way arms and hands are formed.
Its obvious there is a "front" and "back". It is abundantly clear
there is 1 torso.
The head is no obvious there is a front and back because of its design shape.
So an assumption can be drawn by those less knowledgeable it is one (1) head.
when in fact it is two (2)
Personally, I am against the insets and prefer alternate view and dual sided
items have separate images. But that is not good when one is trying to identify
parts. It's a compromise.
[…]
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I’m not saying you said that. I’m trying to say that the buyer should already
know and can easily check what they get when they buy a minifigure.
The parts are not on the picture¹, they are not in the inventory, they are not
in the description in your store. As a buyer, I think that’s enough cues that
I won’t get them when I buy the minifigure.
¹ The pic of the back of the head can be confusing to some people. Disputes
have already happened when parts had pics with 2 angles: buyers thought they’d
get two parts.
Would it be prudent for the catalogue team to make a note at the bottom of each
Minifig of the extra parts required for the alter egos of the theme?
I don’t think so.
What would the note say “the parts needed to make other minifigures (which are
not in the catalogue) are not included in the inventory of this minifigure”?
That’s what the inventory already says.
If the other minifigures had entries in the catalogue, then they could be linked
to this one (similar item relationship or whatever)… but they don’t exist for
the catalogue.
And they wouldn’t be in the set’s inventory in any case.
I have not misunderstood you.
Guys like you and Jen and many others in this community are wise, knowledgeable
and sophisticated with lego. But a large percentage are not, or are new users
and so forth.
Look at the parts listing for the idea184. Specifically the "head". 1
photo for 2 different heads. Now you, Jen and myself know its not.
Are you trying to say here that
*
3626pb3597 Minifigure, Head Dual Sided Black Eyebrows, Moustache and Beard, Medium Nougat Wrinkles, White Sweat Drop, Worried Open Mouth Smile with Teeth / Angry Frown, Lime Eyes, Bright Green Mask, Lightning Bolts Pattern Parts: Minifigure, Head
is not actually a dual sided head
but in fact two different parts? If this is they case then it definitely should
not be listed this way.
To a newbie or one lacking wisdom this could easily be interpreted as a double
printed head. But its 2 heads reflected by 2 parts/alternate parts and so forth.
Not everyone is going to comprehend this.
A photo is a powerful thing to mislead someone. Of course that is not intentional.
[…]
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I’m not saying you said that. I’m trying to say that the buyer should already
know and can easily check what they get when they buy a minifigure.
The parts are not on the picture¹, they are not in the inventory, they are not
in the description in your store. As a buyer, I think that’s enough cues that
I won’t get them when I buy the minifigure.
¹ The pic of the back of the head can be confusing to some people. Disputes
have already happened when parts had pics with 2 angles: buyers thought they’d
get two parts.
Would it be prudent for the catalogue team to make a note at the bottom of each
Minifig of the extra parts required for the alter egos of the theme?
I don’t think so.
What would the note say “the parts needed to make other minifigures (which are
not in the catalogue) are not included in the inventory of this minifigure”?
That’s what the inventory already says.
If the other minifigures had entries in the catalogue, then they could be linked
to this one (similar item relationship or whatever)… but they don’t exist for
the catalogue.
And they wouldn’t be in the set’s inventory in any case.
I have not misunderstood you.
Guys like you and Jen and many others in this community are wise, knowledgeable
and sophisticated with lego. But a large percentage are not, or are new users
and so forth.
Look at the parts listing for the idea184. Specifically the "head". 1
photo for 2 different heads. Now you, Jen and myself know its not.
Are you trying to say here that
*
3626pb3597 Minifigure, Head Dual Sided Black Eyebrows, Moustache and Beard, Medium Nougat Wrinkles, White Sweat Drop, Worried Open Mouth Smile with Teeth / Angry Frown, Lime Eyes, Bright Green Mask, Lightning Bolts Pattern Parts: Minifigure, Head
is not actually a dual sided head
but in fact two different parts? If this is they case then it definitely should
not be listed this way.
Not in this instance, but in another instance. In this example I am talking about
2 heads, a cape and a mask which is a "expected part" of a minifg and
not in my mind an accessory.
I have included a photo of what I mean with anything to do with Idea184 minifig
parts opposed to accessories.
Perhaps it is me and I have a different view to cataloguing staff. If I am wrong
then I am wrong. But to me a head, mask and cape is a "part", it should
be displayed and sold as such.
Of course TLG could have spent an extra few dollars and added a an extra body
and torso.
To a newbie or one lacking wisdom this could easily be interpreted as a double
printed head. But its 2 heads reflected by 2 parts/alternate parts and so forth.
Not everyone is going to comprehend this.
A photo is a powerful thing to mislead someone. Of course that is not intentional.
only the items in the #1 category should be included in the listing. the rest
should not be.
I cant argue with any of you, you are all professional parts sellers.
I guess I just didn't want all these spare new heads and capes and crap hanging
around.
understandable, but if they are considered parts by bricklink and not figures,
they are used in the calculations for partout values when selling just the parts
to other sellers so that should help fix that
only the items in the #1 category should be included in the listing. the rest
should not be.
I cant argue with any of you, you are all professional parts sellers.
I guess I just didn't want all these spare new heads and capes and crap hanging
around.
understandable, but if they are considered parts by bricklink and not figures,
they are used in the calculations for partout values when selling just the parts
to other sellers so that should help fix that
Get your wallet out Nubling. The price of NEW PARTS AND ACCESSORIES just went
up!
only the items in the #1 category should be included in the listing. the rest
should not be.
I cant argue with any of you, you are all professional parts sellers.
I guess I just didn't want all these spare new heads and capes and crap hanging
around.
understandable, but if they are considered parts by bricklink and not figures,
they are used in the calculations for partout values when selling just the parts
to other sellers so that should help fix that
Get your wallet out Nubling. The price of NEW PARTS AND ACCESSORIES just went
up!
only the items in the #1 category should be included in the listing. the rest
should not be.
I cant argue with any of you, you are all professional parts sellers.
I guess I just didn't want all these spare new heads and capes and crap hanging
around.
understandable, but if they are considered parts by bricklink and not figures,
they are used in the calculations for partout values when selling just the parts
to other sellers so that should help fix that
Get your wallet out Nubling. The price of NEW PARTS AND ACCESSORIES just went
up!
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I don't want Buyers/Sellers to have misapprehensions of what they will receive/expectations.
I sold a Idea184 just yesterday through Bricklink. I am going to send the extra
parts as a "freebie" to this buyer because I don't want negativity
imposed on me. But lets be clear here this $30.00 minifig as 4 parts is a $30.00
minifig.
I add the extra head, mask, cape and at a cursory glance that is about 15.00
in parts.
By assuming that you have to match buyers expectations you are making the problem
worse for the vast majority of sellers who ship minifigures exactly matching
the catalog entries.
Once you give away that stuff for free then that expected negativity you are
avoiding is just being pushed onto the next seller your buyer orders from.
- Sellers should sell what is included in the catalog entry of the minifigure.
- Buyers should expect to receive what is included in the catalog entry of the
minifigure.
You acknowledge the catalog entries are correct so stick to them as your guide
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I don't want Buyers/Sellers to have misapprehensions of what they will receive/expectations.
By assuming that you have to match buyers expectations you are making the problem
worse for the vast majority of sellers who ship minifigures exactly matching
the catalog entries.
Once you give away that stuff for free then that expected negativity you are
avoiding is just being pushed onto the next seller your buyer orders from.
- Sellers should sell what is included in the catalog entry of the minifigure.
- Buyers should expect to receive what is included in the catalog entry of the
minifigure.
You acknowledge the catalog entries are correct so stick to them as your guide
I agree with BricksThatStick's evaluation.
My 2 cents. I feel that part of my job as a seller is to educate my buyers. I
have had the opportunity to do so just once in 5,000+ orders.
IMO, our buyers do want their expectations met, but most of all, they want a
responsive seller who acknowledges and addresses any perceived issues.
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I don't want Buyers/Sellers to have misapprehensions of what they will receive/expectations.
By assuming that you have to match buyers expectations you are making the problem
worse for the vast majority of sellers who ship minifigures exactly matching
the catalog entries.
Once you give away that stuff for free then that expected negativity you are
avoiding is just being pushed onto the next seller your buyer orders from.
- Sellers should sell what is included in the catalog entry of the minifigure.
- Buyers should expect to receive what is included in the catalog entry of the
minifigure.
You acknowledge the catalog entries are correct so stick to them as your guide
I agree with BricksThatStick's evaluation.
My 2 cents. I feel that part of my job as a seller is to educate my buyers. I
have had the opportunity to do so just once in 5,000+ orders.
IMO, our buyers do want their expectations met, but most of all, they want a
responsive seller who acknowledges and addresses any perceived issues.
100% I always address my buyers expectations, I always ship fast, I always pack
well. I am not a parts guy. I do sets.
I will just take the wisdom of the several parts sellers here who have all said
pretty much the same thing and do exactly what the catalogue dictates.
I will just take the wisdom of the several parts sellers here who have all said
pretty much the same thing and do exactly what the catalogue dictates.
For what it's worth, while I know it does happen on occasion, I have
never once had a customer ask "where is this missing part from the minifigure
I just bought?" And I get a lot (relatively speaking) of new customers.
Ok. I am not saying the catalogue is wrong, because it is correct.
I don't want Buyers/Sellers to have misapprehensions of what they will receive/expectations.
I sold a Idea184 just yesterday through Bricklink. I am going to send the extra
parts as a "freebie" to this buyer because I don't want negativity
imposed on me. But lets be clear here this $30.00 minifig as 4 parts is a $30.00
minifig.
I add the extra head, mask, cape and at a cursory glance that is about 15.00
in parts.
By assuming that you have to match buyers expectations you are making the problem
worse for the vast majority of sellers who ship minifigures exactly matching
the catalog entries.
Once you give away that stuff for free then that expected negativity you are
avoiding is just being pushed onto the next seller your buyer orders from.
- Sellers should sell what is included in the catalog entry of the minifigure.
- Buyers should expect to receive what is included in the catalog entry of the
minifigure.
You acknowledge the catalog entries are correct so stick to them as your guide
Yeah, now I have had a few hours to chill, that is a good perspective and I dont
argue with people when I know they are right
Idea184 shows 4 parts in the catalogue so if I was to sell to a buyer they get
4 parts! But what is that buyer really expecting and as a Seller am I actually
providing the full minifig.
BrickLink defines minifigures as they are first shown to be built in the instructions
(for the most part). Anything that someone feels 'comes with' or 'is
a part of' or 'is expected' is just that: what they feel.
The minifigs are clearly defined, the rules are applied as consistently as possible
across a wide-ranging and ever-changing product.
If you want to add a second head or whatever to this official minifigure, meeting
'expectations' but breaking with all the rules and precedent, okay. But
then what happens? Then, do we do this with all minifigs moving forward? Retroactively
go back and do this with all minifigs that came before? Add the alternate headgear?
Why not the accessories? Doesn't the buyer expect Luke Skywalker to come
with his light saber? Does the Lone Ranger come with his horse? Does Grogu come
with his hover pram?
Our defined minifigures are simply a line in the sand. And the one that keeps
the process from getting completely out of hand. You can buy and sell whatever
individual parts on this site. You want to buy the other head? Or the light saber?
Well, then feel free! If you want to list a minifigure with a bunch of other
parts that 'come with it' then you can use a Super Lot or a custom listing
as you choose.
Idea184 shows 4 parts in the catalogue so if I was to sell to a buyer they get
4 parts! But what is that buyer really expecting and as a Seller am I actually
providing the full minifig.
BrickLink defines minifigures as they are first shown to be built in the instructions
(for the most part). Anything that someone feels 'comes with' or 'is
a part of' or 'is expected' is just that: what they feel.
The minifigs are clearly defined, the rules are applied as consistently as possible
across a wide-ranging and ever-changing product.
If you want to add a second head or whatever to this official minifigure, meeting
'expectations' but breaking with all the rules and precedent, okay. But
then what happens? Then, do we do this with all minifigs moving forward? Retroactively
go back and do this with all minifigs that came before? Add the alternate headgear?
Why not the accessories? Doesn't the buyer expect Luke Skywalker to come
with his light saber? Does the Lone Ranger come with his horse? Does Grogu come
with his hover pram?
Our defined minifigures are simply a line in the sand. And the one that keeps
the process from getting completely out of hand. You can buy and sell whatever
individual parts on this site. You want to buy the other head? Or the light saber?
Well, then feel free! If you want to list a minifigure with a bunch of other
parts that 'come with it' then you can use a Super Lot or a custom listing
as you choose.
Hope this helps!
~Jen
Thank you Jen. I am also aware you have practiced the art of cataloguing.
I just think this particular set crosses a line with TLG by not providing a couple
of extra torsos and legs. But that is just my opinion on a 500.00 set.
I personally just don't see a head, cape, mask as an "accessory"
swords, knives, lightsabers and so forth most definitely are accessories.
But you have clearly suggested the common practice is to sell the minifig as
catalogued.
That answer I appreciate. I will supply all the extras on this one occasion.
I think from my end I will simply provide in the product listing "item sold
as per the parts description". I am just not sure how else I can appease
my sellers conscience.
Idea184 shows 4 parts in the catalogue so if I was to sell to a buyer they get
4 parts! But what is that buyer really expecting and as a Seller am I actually
providing the full minifig.
BrickLink defines minifigures as they are first shown to be built in the instructions
(for the most part). Anything that someone feels 'comes with' or 'is
a part of' or 'is expected' is just that: what they feel.
The minifigs are clearly defined, the rules are applied as consistently as possible
across a wide-ranging and ever-changing product.
If you want to add a second head or whatever to this official minifigure, meeting
'expectations' but breaking with all the rules and precedent, okay. But
then what happens? Then, do we do this with all minifigs moving forward? Retroactively
go back and do this with all minifigs that came before? Add the alternate headgear?
Why not the accessories? Doesn't the buyer expect Luke Skywalker to come
with his light saber? Does the Lone Ranger come with his horse? Does Grogu come
with his hover pram?
Our defined minifigures are simply a line in the sand. And the one that keeps
the process from getting completely out of hand. You can buy and sell whatever
individual parts on this site. You want to buy the other head? Or the light saber?
Well, then feel free! If you want to list a minifigure with a bunch of other
parts that 'come with it' then you can use a Super Lot or a custom listing
as you choose.
Hope this helps!
~Jen
Thank you Jen. I am also aware you have practiced the art of cataloguing.
I just think this particular set crosses a line with TLG by not providing a couple
of extra torsos and legs. But that is just my opinion on a 500.00 set.
The don't see why the price of the set matters. The Catalog rules are for
all sets and minifigs.
I personally just don't see a head, cape, mask as an "accessory"
swords, knives, lightsabers and so forth most definitely are accessories.
Again, you are making an assumption based on what you feel should be included.
Okay, so we move the line to include non-accessory but other minifig stuff like
alternate headgear. So, the instructions show the alternate headgear on the page
with the minifig build. Great! So easy. Except in this next set, Cole's helmet
is in his room on page 214. It's clearly Cole's helmet. It's in the
set. He's wearing it on the box art somewhere! Do we add that as well? How
are these to be defined? What if two characters both have the option of wearing
the jetpacks shown on page 14? And again, do we now go back and fix all the other
minifigs in the Catalog?
Can you see what I mean by the line in the sand?
But you have clearly suggested the common practice is to sell the minifig as
catalogued.
If you buy a pack of screws at the hardware store, will you not expect it to
contain only the quantity listed on the box? It's the people including the
'extras' that are causing the continuation of the incorrect expectations.
Don't get me wrong! We've all seen this before:
"I purchased this minifig that doesn't show the light saber and doesn't
list the light saber! Why didn't I get a light saber?" Ah... okay.
That answer I appreciate. I will supply all the extras on this one occasion.
I think from my end I will simply provide in the product listing "item sold
as per the parts description". I am just not sure how else I can appease
my sellers conscience.
I would be worried too if I were selling expensive minifigs here to inexperienced
buyers. I find that parting out all my minifigs brings me much nicer buyers.
Idea184 shows 4 parts in the catalogue so if I was to sell to a buyer they get
4 parts! But what is that buyer really expecting and as a Seller am I actually
providing the full minifig.
BrickLink defines minifigures as they are first shown to be built in the instructions
(for the most part). Anything that someone feels 'comes with' or 'is
a part of' or 'is expected' is just that: what they feel.
The minifigs are clearly defined, the rules are applied as consistently as possible
across a wide-ranging and ever-changing product.
If you want to add a second head or whatever to this official minifigure, meeting
'expectations' but breaking with all the rules and precedent, okay. But
then what happens? Then, do we do this with all minifigs moving forward? Retroactively
go back and do this with all minifigs that came before? Add the alternate headgear?
Why not the accessories? Doesn't the buyer expect Luke Skywalker to come
with his light saber? Does the Lone Ranger come with his horse? Does Grogu come
with his hover pram?
Our defined minifigures are simply a line in the sand. And the one that keeps
the process from getting completely out of hand. You can buy and sell whatever
individual parts on this site. You want to buy the other head? Or the light saber?
Well, then feel free! If you want to list a minifigure with a bunch of other
parts that 'come with it' then you can use a Super Lot or a custom listing
as you choose.
Hope this helps!
~Jen
Thank you Jen. I am also aware you have practiced the art of cataloguing.
I just think this particular set crosses a line with TLG by not providing a couple
of extra torsos and legs. But that is just my opinion on a 500.00 set.
The don't see why the price of the set matters. The Catalog rules are for
all sets and minifigs.
I personally just don't see a head, cape, mask as an "accessory"
swords, knives, lightsabers and so forth most definitely are accessories.
Again, you are making an assumption based on what you feel should be included.
Okay, so we move the line to include non-accessory but other minifig stuff like
alternate headgear. So, the instructions show the alternate headgear on the page
with the minifig build. Great! So easy. Except in this next set, Cole's helmet
is in his room on page 214. It's clearly Cole's helmet. It's in the
set. He's wearing it on the box art somewhere! Do we add that as well? How
are these to be defined? What if two characters both have the option of wearing
the jetpacks shown on page 14? And again, do we now go back and fix all the other
minifigs in the Catalog?
Can you see what I mean by the line in the sand?
But you have clearly suggested the common practice is to sell the minifig as
catalogued.
If you buy a pack of screws at the hardware store, will you not expect it to
contain only the quantity listed on the box? It's the people including the
'extras' that are causing the continuation of the incorrect expectations.
Don't get me wrong! We've all seen this before:
"I purchased this minifig that doesn't show the light saber and doesn't
list the light saber! Why didn't I get a light saber?" Ah... okay.
That answer I appreciate. I will supply all the extras on this one occasion.
I think from my end I will simply provide in the product listing "item sold
as per the parts description". I am just not sure how else I can appease
my sellers conscience.
I would be worried too if I were selling expensive minifigs here to inexperienced
buyers. I find that parting out all my minifigs brings me much nicer buyers.
~Jen
What 30.00 means to me is almost nothing, to others they may have saved for 2
weeks. That is how I look at it.
I changed the description in my idea listing, feel free to look at it.
I think that is the only way my OCD triggered brain is going to be able to accept
this. All I see is 2 heads in one photo, represented as 1 item, which are clearly
2 different heads.
I appreciate your input.
I think the alternate views are a good thing. But I have decades of experience
not days.
A minifigure listing should only contain the items contained in the inventory
for it on bricklink, no accessories or alternate parts. Some sellers might
include them but it’s not something buyers expect (tho like with everything,
there will always be 1 or 2 out there who might).
It might make you feel better to think about how most of the customers shopping
for minifigs do not have the instructions and haven't looked at them online.
They don't want the set. They are browsing minifig listings. It is likely
that they are unaware of the optional pieces.
It might make you feel better to think about how most of the customers shopping
for minifigs do not have the instructions and haven't looked at them online.
They don't want the set. They are browsing minifig listings. It is likely
that they are unaware of the optional pieces.
Thank you for that. I actually never thought of it from that perspective. How
profoundly and simplistically true.
You should sell a minifigure as it is inventoried in the catalogue. Some sellers
add an extra item, like a weapon or utensil, but there is no need to go beyond
that.
I regularly read through dozens of minifig listings, and only a very small percentage
of sellers do anything like what you are contemplating. The vast majority sell
the minifig as it is inventoried in the catalogue.
As well, in all my time selling minifigures, I have never had a customer complain
that he did not get what he expected, or that I should have included extra parts
that are shown in the instructions.
I don't think the problem you are worried about is actually a real problem.
And it certainly makes no sense to include a bunch of valuable parts for free
when you don't need to.
You should sell a minifigure as it is inventoried in the catalogue. Some sellers
add an extra item, like a weapon or utensil, but there is no need to go beyond
that.
I regularly read through dozens of minifig listings, and only a very small percentage
of sellers do anything like what you are contemplating. The vast majority sell
the minifig as it is inventoried in the catalogue.
As well, in all my time selling minifigures, I have never had a customer complain
that he did not get what he expected, or that I should have included extra parts
that are shown in the instructions.
I don't think the problem you are worried about is actually a real problem.
And it certainly makes no sense to include a bunch of valuable parts for free
when you don't need to.
There could also be a problem with postage costs if you use instant checkout
and don't manually change weights.
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