BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

We won't be signing up for xp either - it isn't aimed at our type of
store - its target is a large one - the 'Soccer Moms' so to speak who
want a set for little Johnny for xmas and do not need the complications of Bricklink
to hamper them.

(...)

Apparently xp requires Instant Checkout (not a problem for some), also requires
Paypal for Marketplaces (Again not a problem for some) but little else is known
about it.

And this is where it goes totally wrong. On the one hand, they seem to aim at
the broad casual consumer market, on the other hand, they force a highly specific
online-business-insiders-only payment method. If I would go to the local supermarket
and ask random people if they have bought something online last week, lots of
them are going to say "yes". If I ask them if they used PayPal, pretty much all
of them are going to respond "what's PayPal?"
And then I haven't even touched on PayPal's plan to dramatically increase
transaction fees by next month, which ruins their competitiveness compared to
other payment methods (but they are trying to circumvent the free market principle
by forcing sellers not to disclose the fees to buyers in as many countries as
possible, and encouraging the buyers to ask for PayPal because it is "free")

If they will implement a relevant payment method, then I will participate in
XP (for the Dutch market, the 4th largest country on Bricklink, this is iDeal).
If they don't, I won't. I'm done trying to make Bricklink see reason.
iDeal is one of the main reasons that I set up my own webshop, and now that I
have it, I don't really care what Bricklink does anymore. If they are not
going to add iDeal, that's just going to be more Dutch consumers for me in
my webshop

Hi Teup

Never heard of Ideal - is that Dutch only? Irrespective of that the business
model of xp does not suit our store and we wouldn't adopt it whatever happens.
We are not into selling large one-off sets at bargain prices - ours is a part
shop from top to bottom. Our orders average several hundred items and over 50
lots - that isn't going to be bought by a google search result which is what
we believe BL are trying to bring about. Instant checkout doesn't' work
for our store either and with over 40,000 items without dimensions in the catalogue
it is fair to say, probably never will - it is not designed well around shipping
methods and was not built to be adaptable (zip code pricing in the USA - The
largest market on BL), volume and weight based in the UK and most of Europe.
We have 14 different box sizes 3 large letters, and 11 small parcels, we never
ship a medium parcel as that is too costly so we are using multiple small parcels
to deal with weights over 2Kg and yes I know this could be set up but what a
hassle a different delivery method for each box type (each box has a different
tare).

We also have no concept of Bricklink dealing with our funds by way of Marketplace.
Far too many things against it for us to even consider it,((we know they have
claimed they are not into that, but who knows what might happen if we all give
them the right to do that)). but then it might suit some - that will only be
found out as and when they launch it, as unfortunately no communications is the
norm for the site - so no one will know what it is about til they launch it and
based on previous launches it will be some time before it would be 'bug free'
so to speak.

IC, in our view, needed to be regionalised and much more flexible in its design.
It works for some and that is great, and not for others, which is a shame, but
that is how they have done it. No talking, no discussion, no customer agreement,
here it is - if you don't like it tough, - that is what you are getting.
And the funny thing is BO launched with it and it is much smoother over there
and far fewer complaints about missing bits.

I can say without reservation that we will not be adopting xp at any time.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 9, 2019 07:14

Subject:

Re: More stockrooms!

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, nologolego writes:

But most importantly, it is sad to think we have no pilot or crew for Bricklink.
Is it fated to crash and burn eventually? Do we need to get our parachutes
ready?

I think it will be ok

I am more afraid of stupid changes than of Bricklink's
inertia. I'm not going to participate in this new Bricklink XP they're
developing, and I wish they hadn't come up with that idea. Anyway, as long
as Bricklink is just asleep it's fine by me. It's not dying, just sleeping

It generates money so if anything would happen to it, even the least interested
management would take measures keep it running.

We don't know either but think it may be okay. Many businesses fail because
they do not listen to their customers. That is a serious matter here, but they
have the market pull - thanks to Dan and all the excellent volunteers they have
had over the years. Customers
have a strange habit of going where the products are and BL is probably at the
top of the tree for that.

We won't be signing up for xp either - it isn't aimed at our type of
store - its target is a large one - the 'Soccer Moms' so to speak who
want a set for little Johnny for xmas and do not need the complications of Bricklink
to hamper them. In MP's presentation at Brickworld last year he suggested
an Amazon/Ebay model (we don't know if they have achieved that or not and
his throwaway comments about we will continue to support the classic site don't
fill many of us with enthusiasm, but those are the issues that are known at
present.
We were also informed some time ago that Phase I release was due to come out
in March ((and it didn't make it - rumour has it that Phase 2 will be out
at the end of the year)) so we still have plenty of time to contemplate this
radical change.

Storerooms - we don't use them either but we know people that do. It is,
however, unlikely that you will get any changes to the classic site as MP also
announced nothing more will be done on the classic site due to the fact they
feel xp is the future , they don't understand the 'spaghetti code',
and their
early changes were not met with enthusiasm.

Apparently xp requires Instant Checkout (not a problem for some), also requires
Paypal for Marketplaces (Again not a problem for some) but little else is known
about it. I think generally there is a lack of interest in this latest tangent.
It may appeal to some but large part stores may find it diametrically opposed
to the way they operate. There have been, since the announcement, not many threads
about it so everything may have changed or it may be exactly as they outlined,
we won't really know til it is released, it appears.

Not really convinced that is the best way to get new software accepted and 'taken
up' but it isn't our business to run it is theirs - we are only here
to pay the bills

.

How about this for a throwaway line - might not be our (Community) business to
run but then again, maybe it should be

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Aug 22, 2019 07:35

Subject:

Re: Cardboard sleeves in inventories

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Hygrotus writes:

In Inventories, yorbrick writes:

There is another one here if you need it that I happen to have on my desk.

I wasn't sure how to upload a part containing parts and how you are collating
the sets they came in.

From set 79012 contains one standard DARK RED cape

522 Minifigure Cape Cloth, Standard - Traditional Starched Fabric - 4.0cm Height
Parts: Minifigure, Body Wear

Added for you

6002415 (Inv) Cardboard Sleeve 6002415 with Contents
Parts: Cardboard Sleeve

added normal way category
'Cardboard Sleeve'
you see how it should be numbered and named.

As for which set found write in the note form when uplodaing part then I'm
adding it to additional note. See when you enter the part entry.

So if I understand this correctly we should use the inventory change request
for things that come in 'cardboard sleeves' 'little white boxes'
to include the printed number?

We have always keyed that straight into Google and found what was in the box
????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Aug 9, 2019 14:49

Subject:

Re: Why can't I enlarge pics anymore?

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Catalog, firestar246 writes:

So you used to be able to click on the picture of a piece in the catalog, sort
of a quick view. You'd see the years it was made, any sets/minifigures the
piece was in, etc. You all know what I'm talking about. Well, a few days
ago I couldn't do it anymore. I've tried three different devices.

Why would they make such a horrible change for? I rely on that heavily when listing
minifigure parts to make sure I have the correct listing. This is going to make
this job twice as long now.

Tried it here on w7 ie11 - no problems whatsoever. Sounds like it could be womething
at your end. Which broiwsers have you tried?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 8, 2019 12:17

Subject:

Re: 'Prefer My BrickLink Classic?'

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, randyf writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

very and fast - The site has become unstable yet again and although it isn't
with server 500 errors - I wonder if they are adding code to the site and it
is breaking it.

And they always seem to add it on a Friday as they are leaving for the weekend.

Why would anyone in their right mind or with any common sense whatsoever let
that happen. The mind simply boggles. There could be a million people (total
membership) trying to place orders or load inventory and unless they read the
forum and/or try workarounds they are going to be put off using the site. It
just doesn't make any sense to me but then again I am an old fashioned MD
- far too old to change my ways and very slow to catch on to new gimmicks.

Charlie Brown give me strength.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 8, 2019 08:08

Subject:

Re: 'Prefer My BrickLink Classic?'

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Abels_Bricks writes:

In Suggestions, crxefx writes:

X2 , No interest in AFOL whatever in the middle of what i'm trying to do!

Totally agree, also the AFOL stuff that pops up at the top of your searches.

But main gripe today would be I would love it if bricklink was working correctly
today. having to go to the front page to do anything is getting old.

David

very and fast - The site has become unstable yet again and although it isn't
with server 500 errors - I wonder if they are adding code to the site and it
is breaking it.

Might be an idea for BL to get a proper sandbox in place and use that for rolling
out updates and/or changes - like most development teams do.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 13:39

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Optionally included where?

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=22

That is not how it works when we upload our xml file from Briokstock. The file
has the category number in it but leads with the itemid.

Knowing how the tables work and what is in them would be helpful to get this
sorted, but suffice to say that when the xml data comes along Bricklink has to
make up its mind what to do with it and it cannot do that without the itemid
e.g. part no. It requires part no, colour and condition to see if the data submitted
is a new lot or matches an existing lot. So the item id is used somewhere - it
cannot just work from the category id.

It is a mandatory field out of Brickstock for an xml
update inventory. The only time lot numbers come into it are if you wish to update
existing inventory. Niek is right - the system is doing a lookup to pick up the
description so it can look up the product id quite easily.

It performs a lookup on the category only, nothing else.

Sorry that cannot work - the category could have hundreds of items in it so how
is it going to know which item to either add or update? It simply isn't logical.

Yes according to Bricklink
we sell lots but according to reality we sell items which make up lots.

In reality there has never been a single catalog item sold on BL

Mind blowing
I know, but download your orders with full detail - there is no such thing in
the catalog as a "Red Technic, Brick 1 x 14 with Holes" as a separate catalog
item, yet that is the only description on your invoice.

The catalogue is made up of many related tables - the order detail download is
useless as far as we are concerned and has been set up by Bricklink to offer
info they wish to offer not the info we need.

The fact
that this platform has no real inventory system available to stores does not
mean we cannot look at elements of the catalogue when we are bringing in data.
A schema would clearly establish this - Product ID cannot be duplicated and
therefore can be read easily when a lookup to that table is done.

What do you mean by Product ID - the lot ID or the catalog item ID? These are
two different things altogether and bear no relation to each other.

The lot id is a bricklink generated number assigned to each store for each item
no, colour and condition. That then represents , lets call it a stock item and
that is what we sell. Lot nos, however are cumbersome and clumsy, so we use Lego
design id nos or (Bricklink part nos) to refer to our items. No one uses lot
nos other than the system.

If I modify the xml file we created when we export xml to Clipboard - the mass
upload will not work - we get an error message that the file format is invalid.
If I put the itemid back in it works.

Export with a comment and delete the item field again, it will work. You could
conceivably list your entire inventory without a single catalog item id.

No, I am afraid it doesn't - the system tells us it is an invalid file format.

We have moved off the original point - the only real resolution to this is if
someone at Bricklink who understands the code

is willing to share that info
out in the forum.

Whilst I am confident nothing will happen over this suggestion it would be welcome
for BL to comment.

Admin ?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 12:40

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

That would be a valid argument, if BL weren't already showing the item description
on that exact same screen. If the program is able to show the description (which
is a lookup into the items table), it already knows the part number (or at least
grab it from the same table the description came from).

So yes, it is a request easily implemented.

Niek.

But the item number is optionally included, it is not even a required field.
And from what I can see, only the category field ties to the item number in the
catalog. As a matter of fact, you can list everything in your store without a
single catalog item number, so long as you have the category and comments fields,
mass uploads will work. We sell lots, not catalog items.

Optionally included where? It is a mandatory field out of Brickstock for an xml
update inventory. The only time lot numbers come into it are if you wish to update
existing inventory. Niek is right - the system is doing a lookup to pick up the
description so it can look up the product id quite easily. Yes according to Bricklink
we sell lots but according to reality we sell items which make up lots. The fact
that this platform has no real inventory system available to stores does not
mean we cannot look at elements of the catalogue when we are bringing in data.
A schema would clearly e4stablish this - Product ID cannot be duplicated and
therefore can be read easily when a lookup to that table is done.

If I modify the xml file we created when we export xml to Clipboard - the mass
upload will not work - we get an error message that the file format is invalid.
If I put the itemid back in it works.

Whilst I am confident nothing will happen over this suggestion it would be welcome
for BL to comment.

Admin ?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 11:51

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

Thanks Niek

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 10:54

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

Thanks Niek

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 08:42

Subject:

Re: Helpful but ....

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

I voted yes, but I am not entirely sure this would be as simple as is believed
on first glance.

The reason that part number gets dropped is because in BL world, that part number
is not something used to differentiate inventory items. What you are adding are
lots, and not individual stock items or even different colours of an item. This
is the reason you cannot cost 2 different batches of the same inventory item
with different cost prices added at two different dates on BL, as you are merely
adding to existing lots, and not adding a new batch which must be reported on
separately. Showing the part number when importing would probably have to mean
that the lot would need an additional characteristic added to it to move it into
the realm of actual inventory of parts and not lots.

My information may be a tad wrong, but from experience, lots (that is your inventory
items) are differentiated only on the comments and the condition, nothing else.
It is, sadly, a throwback to auctioneer inventory where the lot is costed as
a unit and fees are earned on the unit. To get to a basis of project costing
or at the very least some average costing for your inventory items as actual
items and not lots, would possibly take a redesign of the entire inventory handling.

Thanks for adding your comments/thoughts to this. I am not convinced they should
apply, though. The xml file to the mass upload feature includes the part no -
if it is in that file it can be displayed on the verify page. I understand the
lot concept but as Bricklink does not really have an inventory management system
built in we believe picking this field up from the xml file that it receives
should not be a problem.

Having said that as the code is referred to as spaghetti by the development team
they may not understand how to do this.

Speaking of average costing that would be a blessing - but again little chance
of that as BL move towards no stores, no inventory just Amazon/Ebay esque model.
We won't be involved with that as, when and if it ever appears, and from
the comments we have had from others neither will an awful lot more.

Brickowl also doesn't have a proper inventory management system and although
handling Lego items isn't easy - Lego have an in house modified system -
they do not have to deal with condition. Here you have part no colour and condition
to cope with.

A fresh design would be ideal but development investment is not high on the priority
list, it appears.

If you look at a sample of a small file we did yesterday, in-between server 500
errors, you will see what I mean

95345
88
18
P
3
0.270
U

The lot number is checked based on item no, colour and condition and if there
is a match it adds to that lot; if not it creates a new lot and adds that but
it still knows the item no. Displaying it, ther4efore is a couple of lines of
code to be added (according to my head of development).

Thanks again for your comments and for voting for the suggestion.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 27, 2019 05:50

Subject:

Helpful but ....

Viewed:

232 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Firstly let me say that we know suggestions are not being implemented and according
to MP no work is being done on the classic site however this is a small request
which doesn't require huge amounts of development time and would make life
a bit easier.

Currently the method of manually adding inventory is long winded, provides no
audit trail of what has been done and at best is clumsy.

We use Brickstock for most of our updates to our store. It is much easier, quicker
and provides us with a complete audit trail - the only real snag is what happens
when the file gets to Bricklink, The verify screen drops off the Bricklink part
number for some reason so we are left with an audit trail which, when variants
are involved, isn't really all that helpful, although to be fair we have
used this for some time.

Simply placing the bricklink product code on the verify screen would be very
helpful and this is not a major programming issue. At the same time give us a
print button to print that screen Using the print command from the browser doesn't
work well with the page setup falling short of what is needed.

This is a simple matter and could be resolved in minimal time - please implement.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 1, 2019 11:17

Subject:

Re: Make website mobile-friendly

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

General

In General, crazylegoman writes:

I cannot figure out why someone would try to use Bricklink on a phone. A tablet
maybe, but even the biggest phone screens wouldn't be enough to make good
use of this site in any form.

David

Couldn't agree more.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Apr 22, 2019 13:11

Subject:

Re: Random Stockroom Items

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, antiquer88 writes:

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could tell me why random items show up as stockroom
items in my inventory. I have no items I have intentionally marked for retention
in stockroom, yet every Monday I go to my inventory and delete random items that
have shown up as zero count stockroom items.

Is this something I have done in error, or is it a system problem?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Stan.

It's one of those persistent problems that Bricklink is trying to fix. I
think something is really wrong in the bug fixing department, it seems their
ability to isolate a problem and target it effectively with a fix is really compromised.
Previously there was an issue with remark fields being deleted and it also took
a very long time and was also "fixed" in an "ok this time it really seems to
work but if you have problems let us know" way.
Several people have reported this issue. Hope for you guys they will do something
about it.

It is called by some 'spaghetti code' and they are far too busy with
getting XP off the drawing board (and it is nearly 2 months overdue (according
to Admin-Russell's suggestion of a March release.

Forecasting the release of new products is always difficult to be exact but ........
The Future of Bricklink as MP called it at Brickworld seems to be taking an eternity
(and we plan to opt out of it anyway, as will many others we are informed.

They are about to release a product which requires a feature that only 20% of
the total stores use - that isn't the best base for acceptance and if they
honestly believe that XP will convince the non IC users to move to it - their
crystal ball must be a bit murky.

Why not fix bugs - there are too many to go into here with a dedicated programmer
and focus the other developers on the new features, especially the ones that
are massively overdue (Sellers tools with what the stores want, please) e.g.
inventory management, sales metrics, query by form, improved printing capabilities,
updated price guide, major improvements to the store front and search capabilities.
Drop the API and provide tools that all members can use without having to be
a programmer.

NB - Why isn't your ID Pic amongst the ones in

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1137907

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Apr 15, 2019 06:53

Subject:

Re: Inventory backup

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In Inventories, waterman writes:

I was wondering if there is a way to backup the inventory of whats in your store,
and how to restore it if there was a problem with the website. I saw a section
in the Inventory screen for download would this be it and how is it done. If
anyone can help with this question that would be great, thank you so much.

HI there

There are 2 different ways to backup your inventory. The first is the one you
mention - download the inventory and save it as a xml file. If you then have
to restore it you can use the mass upload inventory feature to bring it back.

The 2nd way and somewhat easier, in our opinion is the use of Brickstock to download
your store inventory - that saves it as a bsx file and there is a reverse command
to upload it back to Bricklink.

Hope that helps

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Apr 15, 2019 06:49

Subject:

Re: Item changes gives problem in Brickstock

Viewed:

20 times

Topic:

In Inventories, JE_Romijn writes:

There are 10 items in my inventory in Bricklink that will not import any more
in Brickstock.
Bricklink changed the item numbers from this minifigs by adding a extra 0 on
the 10th of April I noticed.
Have tryed to delete 1 and add it again did not solve the problem. Any body here
knows what to do?

cty0055 cty0128 cty0146 are a few of theme

Greetings Ronald

Open up Bricksstock

Go to Extras - Update database - you should then see a screen telling you it
is updating the database - when that finishes then import your inventory - that
should fix things for the catalogue/database changes that Bricklink are making.

As an on-going thing you should always run the extras - update database command
each time you open Brickstock - this ensure you are working with the latest catalogue
updates.

Hope that helps.

BTW we see the sets you are querying in our Brickstock so they are in the catalogue.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 15, 2019 13:59

Subject:

Re: Attach files

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, TGS_brick writes:

Hi
I think it would be really nice, if I can attach files to my massages.
Regards
TGS-Bricks

Voted yes but it isn't going to happen. This has been asked for on countless
occasions and like many other good suggestions simply gets bypassed by other
development priorities. We have been waiting over 5 nearly 6 years now for sellers
tools (and no one really knows what we are going to get or when we are going
to get them - development are too busy with 'other things'.

Shame - the messaging system is one of the two most archaic elements of Bricklink
- we have gotten around the attachment thing by using Dropbox - but that doesn't
work for everybody.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 28, 2019 10:01

Subject:

Re: Brickstock questions

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Guys,

Appreciate both your responses as they shed some much needed light. It is a little
strange that BrickStock doesn't seem to have a Help section explaining all
this.

HI there sorry I missed this thread earlier

Please bear in mind that Teup's comments do not really apply to the UK.

Well.... it does. I'm just saying that the averge price that you see here
in Bricklink is not equal to the average price in Brickstock. These do not match.
Parting out a set at average price on Bricklink will result in you having higher
priced items than parting out that same set at average price in Brickstock.

Whether you wish to match the price of other stores including VAT, or whether
you want to compare yourself to their prices ex VAT... yeah, here you're
right, those are all your own business decisions.

But the fact is that the Bricklink priceguide does not match the Brickstock priceguide.
It's important to be aware of this. Pricing at the Brickstock average is
pricing below the Bricklink average.

As I said or at least implied - average pricing in the UK includes VAT and once
you adjust the downloaded price in Brickstock it matches as close as can be expected.
Nothing is perfect and Brickstock could use work on this but so could Bricklink.
The currency conversion is a bigger issue than vat as it applies to all apart
from the USA. Bricklink could do a lot more there and haven't.

Do USA prices include sales tax ? That differs depending on whether you ship
in state or out of state. So the whole pricing scenario based on Bricklink is
a bit shaky - it should be used as a guideline only not a 'real figure'.

Do the last 6 months sales prices include tzes of any kind or is it net. If something
sells at 10p that is the price that should be reflected. If you are vat registered
and can claim back the vat go for it - but for the majority of UK sellers that
is not the position - what you see is what you pay and that is what your cost
is. Pricing needs to be based on cost + not some weird price guide which no one
fully understands. They can tell you how it works but when you look at it you
only see a single figure not how that figures has been made up.

Again for example 1000 units sold at 8p one month but 10p the next month so average
is 9p, but that is not remotely accurate. If the currency conversion rate has
fluctuated then they might be selling at a totally different price, or the same
price.

The price guide needs major re-working and I do not believe that is going to
happen. It currently is a very crude tool which has to be manipulated to get
anywhere near reality.

If the design of the system is anywhere near what it should be there is only
one table with prices and those are converted from an exchange rate table each
time they are displayed, Somehow I doubt that.

Well, I guess that's all true enough. Some take the priceguide as just a
guide, some ignore it, some take it as some holy prescription. I tend to be kind
of the latter type... but that's not because I think these numbers are inherently
all so correct (you pointed out some of its shortcomings) but I just remember
that when I was a buyer I'd check the priceguide on everything and buy things
depending on them being at or below average. So it's more a presentation
matter that I want my prices to line up with that reference than that I give
that reference any "scientific" credit. So the priceguide is my starting point
and from there I decide what to buy. Instead of first buying, and then based
on what I spent deciding what my prices should be.

But that's just a personal decision of course. You could invent any kind
of pricing policy for yourself and there are good arguments for all of them.
Maybe in some of them it is actually a blessing that Brickstock downloads the
ex.VAT value.

But in what ever case, no matter what your pricing policy is, and no matter whether
you are VAT registered, no matter if you're a buyer or a seller, if you live
in the area where Bricklink displays prices including VAT for, for all these
people, it is just important to know this difference: priceguide on BL includes
VAT, priceguide downloaded through Brickstock excludes VAT. Then you can do whatever
you want with that information. But knowing it is important as it prevents us
from sleepwalking into a race to the bottom.

Ah what a grand place to start re-developing

(I think something might freeze over before that happens)

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 28, 2019 07:51

Subject:

Re: Brickstock questions

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Inventories, Teup writes:

In Inventories, calsbricks writes:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Guys,

Appreciate both your responses as they shed some much needed light. It is a little
strange that BrickStock doesn't seem to have a Help section explaining all
this.

HI there sorry I missed this thread earlier

Please bear in mind that Teup's comments do not really apply to the UK.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 28, 2019 05:18

Subject:

Re: Brickstock questions

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Guys,

Appreciate both your responses as they shed some much needed light. It is a little
strange that BrickStock doesn't seem to have a Help section explaining all
this.

HI there sorry I missed this thread earlier

Please bear in mind that Teup's comments do not really apply to the UK. There
are very few stores in the UK which are registered for VAT. In addition to that
if you are not registered for VAT, and we presume you are not you are still paying
vat for your Lego and the total price that you pay should be reflected as your
cost - not a VAT exclusive price.

Example - you buy a large cup of 2 x 4 bricks from your local Lego store and
pay £11.24 for that cup. That is a VAT inclusive price, so the cost of your bricks
is 11p each. Now you wish to list those on Bricklink - you obviously need to
cover your costs so your price is based on cost + (whatever margin you wish to
set). You do not reduce the 11p per brick to 9p and use the same process against
9p - that would be financial suicide.

Other EU countries have different guidelines for VAT - many you have to register
if you have a business with no real threshold.

The UK prices that you see in the price guide on Bricklink contain VAT - you
can be sure of that.

What isn't good is the currency conversion factor between Bricklink and Brickstock
- that requir3es a lot more fine tuning than taking a 10% inc/dec. We have been
usint Brickstock for almost 10 years now (pre Brickstock was Brickstore) and
have had no problems with pricing. Of course we have our own way of doing it
but if you look at it carefully and know where you want your prices to be you
can use it and it is much quicker and easier than using Bricklink - although
with sellers tools coming (maybe) who knows what will happen there.

There really isn't a single way to use the product - like everything in life
you have to make adjustments - especially to get where you want it to be. We
have learned by trial and error and experimentation how to use it and so can
you - it just takes time and patience. We also have our own external system where
we have tracked prices for nearly 10 years which helps us to get where we want
to be.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 16, 2019 13:53

Subject:

Re: BrickStock Sub-condition

Viewed:

17 times

Topic:

In Inventories, wilton1975 writes:

Hi all

I have downloaded an XML version of my inventory via Brickstock.

When I open it I do not see any way to specify a set's sub-condition ie incomplete
or sealed.

Is it possible or does BrickStock have no way to specify a sub-condition.

Does anyone know?

No sub-condition currently in Brickstock

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 16, 2019 08:01

Subject:

Re: We need a modern way to part out sets.

Viewed:

76 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, HallBricks writes:

The "Part Out" tool feels very outdated, and is tedious to use. One accidental
click on a link, and you loose every data you have put in for each lot.

I know there are third party software used to upload parts to your inventory,
but think a much more powerful way to part out set should be offered by BrickLink.
Maybe a software you download to your computer, but it could also just be a massive
redesign of the existing tool online.

What I miss the most is easier ways to manage lots that already exist in my inventory.
I don't want to open a new page just to check the remarks for a certain lot,
because if I forget to open that link in a new tab I will loose all progress
made with the other lots. This information should be visible on the same page,
or I should be able to open it in a pop-up window.

When parting out huge sets with thousands of pieces, it would also be nice to
be able to save the progress and continue later. Maybe there should be one upload
button for each lot, so I don't have to go through the entire list first
and then submit all changes at once.

There are of course lots of different features that could be implemented to make
the Part Out tool even more powerful, like more advanced ways to set up automatic
prices, like 10% below average etc.

YOu are of course right - that feature needs re-thinking. Having said that I
am not yet convinced leaving it in the hands of the developers, without a proper
specification will gie us what we want/need. It would be absolutely brilliant
if they come to the members and ask for input - then produce a spec for review
and then once agreed - write the code. Not really going to happen is it. No work
is currently being done on the classic site whilst all efforts are directed to
the next great marvel Bricklink xp and then, according to Admin_russell sellers
tools are next, whatever that means. As we have been waiting since 2013 for some
indication as to what that will be and the only message which evens mentions
features was that from Admin suggesting that B2B should be part of sellers tools
????? I wonder who asked for that and what does it mean?

People who run stores both new and old know what they need far better than those
who have not run a store. They should be asked what is needed and as I mentioned
in the first paragraph given a significant say in what is developed. Not goint
to happen, I am sure but one could hope.

For starters we ned as a minimum the following:

1. Inventory management
1. Sales Metrics/dashboard
3. Access to Google Analytics information for no of visitors etc
4. More printing capabilities (parameter/choice driven
5. More options using Query by Form
6. A totally revamped MY Inventory page
7. A proper part-out log (not the current one)
8. Redesign of the part out feature
9. Redesign of the add inventory page
10. Proper backup capabilities
11. Re-visit downloads and make them compatible with modern tools

And that list could go on for days

Sorry to kind of hi-jack your thread.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 27, 2019 08:26

Subject:

Re: Visit count incrementing

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jamescorkhill writes:

Thanks for replying. I kind of thought that might be the case and you have confirmed
it.

I'm very new to selling, but a web developer myself, so any tips welcome.
Do you just embed one into your terms/splash page?

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, jamescorkhill writes:

Hi
I was wondering if was possible, or if it would make sense to stop the visit
count going up when you visit your own store. This would give a more accurate
idea of how many other people have looked at your store.

If I am misunderstanding what it is for please correct me.

The visitor counter is totally flawed and should not be used as an indicator
of visitors. If you press and hold the F5 Ker whilst in your store, or anyone
else does, you can make the counter jump horrendously.

We went from 60000 visitors a long time ago to 250,0000 overnight and you know
that cannot be real.

We had our web designer deal with this and now use our own counter, which many
other people also do.

It is a shame really as it appears Bricklink use Google analytics and could provide
much better information but to date have not seen this as important.

Good luck with your suggestion but without a radical change to the way the Bricklink
one currently works it is not helpful information.

That is the normal way, but to be honest I amm not sure how our guy did it. Will
ask him and repost.

It would be so much better if Bricklink would open up Analytics and let us all
do and see what we want.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 27, 2019 07:47

Subject:

Re: Visit count incrementing

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jamescorkhill writes:

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 15, 2019 13:12

Subject:

Re: Add ability to download Part Out Log

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, JulieK writes:

Please add ability to download the list of sets shown on the My Inventory: Part
Out Log.
Thank You.

Bumping. It would be nice to be able to download this info into an excel sheet.
It would make cross checking my records easier.
Thank You.

Hi there - voted no but need to explain. The part out log as it stands at present
isn't really much value. It needs to incorporate the transaction detail (which
it holds) before it would be worthwhile downloading it. The only thing it contains
at present is the set id and the date you parted it out.

But, again, unfortunately nothing is going on on the classic site whatsoever
- all development effort is being utilized on Bricklink XP (or whatever they
end up calling it).

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 2, 2019 13:33

Subject:

Re: Add HTML functionality to shipping message

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Leut writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, Leut writes:

When I ship an order with a courier and I get a track-and-trace code, I also
add a URL to the message with which the buyer can easily keep an eye on the courier's
website and the status of the parcel.

This URL however can only be inserted as plain text and looks rather old school
and not quite professional as I would like to see. An image is attached to show
what I mean.

Is it a possibility there's some kind of HTML options added to the shipment
message with which we -the sellers- are able to create good looking messages?

If something like this already exists or if there are any other options I might
have overlooked, please do inform so.

Hi there - very strange

We add the tracking url to our drive through messages and it works fine.

This is the URL that we use, replacing the [TRACKING NUMBVER] field with the
Post Office tracking number.

http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/track?trackNumber=[TRACKING NUMBER]

That already looks better than mine.

But wouldn’t it be more nicer to mention the tracking number only in the drive
through message, and this tracking number is a hyperlink, on which the buyer
can click to get routed to the courier’s statuspage?

That above URL is pasted into our drive-thru messages with the appropriate number
in it (replacing the word tracking number) and over 5000 orders later we have
never had a problem other than they click on the link and the post office haven't
updated the information yet but that always goes away after a day or so.

Go to your postal service or courier web site and I am sure in their support
section they will have a list of the URL's to use with examples. That is
what we did

We still agree with you about smartening up the message capabilities so it can
be more of a marketing tool but at least you should be able to do this without
any problems.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jan 2, 2019 13:11

Subject:

Re: Add HTML functionality to shipping message

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Leut writes:

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 23, 2018 10:50

Subject:

Re: Part out value may not always be accurate

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, shovhans writes:

Dear bricklink development team,

Currently the "Part Out Value" page shows the value in average, which may not
be accurate if any seller posts an item with very high, or inaccurate price.

To better represent the part out value of a set, we need to add the following
additional metrics:
1. Standard deviation of the Average value shown
2. Median value
3. Breakdown list of all items with the above metrics for each item. Additionally
we would like to see the count for each item.

Thanks
shovhans

Whilst your suggestion is very good - nothing is being done by the development
team to the classic site whilst Bricklink eXpress is being developed. So it will
more than likely fall on 'deaf ears'. An awful lot more needs doing on
the entire part out process on this site. The part out log should not be just
a reminder of the date when you parted it out - it should contain full details
of the part out. You should also be able to see what the 'new lots' will
be from the first screen - we need more flexibility in the initial screen especially
with remarks fields, as well as seeing what we have the item listed as etc. etc.
Lots to do - nothing will get done. Shame really as it is a very important part
of the site.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 23, 2018 00:38

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 40145-1

Viewed:

154 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

40145-1 (Inv) LEGO Store
409 Parts, 1 Minifigure, 2015
Sets: LEGO Brand: LEGO Brand Store: Model

* Add 2 Part 4085b Orange Plate, Modified 1 x 1 with Clip Vertical - Type 2 (thin U clip) (Alternate)

Comments from Submitter:
6 sets parted out 2 had the b variant not d.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 21, 2018 12:03

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 40222-1

Viewed:

225 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

40222-1 (Inv) Holiday Countdown Calendar
250 Parts, 2016
Sets: Holiday & Event: Christmas

* Add 2 Part 4085b Orange Plate, Modified 1 x 1 with Clip Vertical - Type 2 (thin U clip) (Alternate)

Comments from Submitter:
5 Sets parted out - all b's not d's

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 21, 2018 11:50

Subject:

Re: Projectile Launcher

Viewed:

286 times

Topic:

In Catalog, TheBrickGuys writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

Change for the sake of change is often followed by complaints - it rarely serves
any real purpose. Agreed changes often come with compliments and welcoming. There
is a difference.

That's a reasonable assessment. However, I'm fairly confident that the
changes I've made or coordinated in the catalog so far were all improvements.
Still, I've gotten a number of complaints about nearly all of them.

How does that go - you can please some of the people all of the time but not
all of the people all of the time

NB - We haven't had reason yet to complain other than taking up the entire
forum with catalogue and inventory change requests ....

There are certain ones that talk allot about the changes needed yet they disagree
with just about EVERY change made. Hmmmm, makes you wonder.....

About what?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 21, 2018 09:39

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 40222-1

Viewed:

197 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

40222-1 (Inv) Holiday Countdown Calendar
250 Parts, 2016
Sets: Holiday & Event: Christmas

* Add 1 Part 44567b Light Bluish Gray Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 1 Finger on Side without Bottom Groove (Alternate)
* Add 1 Part 44302b Dark Bluish Gray Hinge Plate 1 x 2 Locking with 2 Fingers on End without Bottom Groove (Alternate)

Comments from Submitter:
5 sets parted out all without groove.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 21, 2018 08:43

Subject:

Re: Projectile Launcher

Viewed:

182 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

Change for the sake of change is often followed by complaints - it rarely serves
any real purpose. Agreed changes often come with compliments and welcoming. There
is a difference.

How does that go - you can please some of the people all of the time but not
all of the people all of the time

NB - We haven't had reason yet to complain other than taking up the entire
forum with catalogue and inventory change requests ....

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 21, 2018 07:56

Subject:

Re: Projectile Launcher

Viewed:

352 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, Teup writes:

What do you think?

That was the point of the Projectile Launcher category: to group all of these
together in one place. However, I'd prefer to wait for the launch of the
parts reclassification project to move these.

The first part of that project will be creating precise written definitions for
every category of parts. Once written definitions exist, then people will have
less room to bring out the torches and pitchforks when parts start moving.

Don't know if you noticed or not, but people sometimes want change and then
complain when it happens.

Change for the sake of change is often followed by complaints - it rarely serves
any real purpose. Agreed changes often come with compliments and welcoming. There
is a difference.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2018 11:45

Subject:

Re: Try that again

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

29112pb01 Plant Venus Flytrap Half with Marbled Red Spikes Pattern
Parts: Plant

- Not swure thie is correct in the catalogue. In all 3 sets that
it comes in there is an

x71 Rubber Belt Small (Round Cross Section) - Approx. 2 x 2
Parts: Rubber Band & Belt

white rubber band which holds the two halves
together. The instructions show the rubber band being used in each case. Should
there be an inventory for the part?

As currently set up in the catalogue 29112pb01 is for 1 piece i.e. half of the
assembly and the band is just another separate part. For an assembly the inventory
would need to be 2 x 29112pb01 plus one band but typically assemblies like this
are not catalogued.

Robert

Hi Robert - I thought there was all this talk and discussion about assemblies
a short time ago and that has changed but I will bow to your knowledge and separate
them out.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 8, 2018 11:39

Subject:

Try that again

Viewed:

224 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

29112pb01 Plant Venus Flytrap Half with Marbled Red Spikes Pattern
Parts: Plant

- Not swure thie is correct in the catalogue. In all 3 sets that
it comes in there is an

x71 Rubber Belt Small (Round Cross Section) - Approx. 2 x 2
Parts: Rubber Band & Belt

white rubber band which holds the two halves
together. The instructions show the rubber band being used in each case. Should
there be an inventory for the part?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 5, 2018 05:28

Subject:

Re: The 87552/94638/35378 saga

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

Good morning

You already have an open request for this issue. I have copied your message
and reposted it to the open request and moved this request from Catalog Requests
to Catalog.

I haven't had time to look at this issue closely, but I will soon.

Noted - we will carry on with our investigations as well.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 5, 2018 03:59

Subject:

The 87552/94638/35378 saga

Viewed:

91 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Good morning

It is now clear from the evidence we have gathered that the catalogue is not
currently correct for these part id's. The part

87552 Panel 1 x 2 x 2 with Side Supports - Hollow Studs
Parts: Panel

is correct but
should only be used for solid colours, similar to the 3004/3065. Both the 94638
and 353787 are for Transparent colours of the same part - we are in the process
of investigating those two parts to see if there is any difference in them.

So far the 94638 comes in 4 transparent colours Trans-Clear, Trans Bright Green,
Trans-Black and Trans-Light Blue. The part also carries a slightly different
description with Lego - incorporating the Letters PC (PolyCarbonite) at the end.

The 35378 is currently only available in Trans-Clear, Trans Light Blue and Trans-Black.

All 3 parts are available through the Lego Bricks & Pieces site as separate items.

What we suggest in the first instance is to separate 87552 and restrict it to
solid colours only. Hopefully in due course we will have the answer on the other
2.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 29, 2018 13:02

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

Can we get some agreement on standards for reporting stud sizes please. some
are re[porting width and length and ignoring height and others are including
height. This happens quite frequently on 1 x 1 items.

Just set a rule or guideline and reject any that do not meet that.

There are already rules and guidelines set:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=261

However, they could definitely be clarified when it comes to parts which don't
fit easy definitions. Therefore, I've added your project to the list:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2473

As for the part you mentioned in a subsequent post, it simply needed a correction
to remove the height and I have fixed it. Thank you for pointing it out.

That was only a single example - there are plenty more.

NB - We are not all that bothered by this as the stud measurements have no real
meaning

Perhaps not to sellers who only sell and don't use the product. To people
who actually build with LEGO parts, these dimensions can be quite helpful. I
have used them many times.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 29, 2018 05:05

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Want to know where we're going with the catalog? Hard to do without a map,
isn't it?

I'm excessively pleased to announce the all-new Catalog Roadmap in the Help
Center:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=2473

If you lose that link, you can always find the page in the Help Center for the
catalog:

https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?topicID=21

This is an effort to increase transparency about what is happening with the BrickLink
catalog and to make it feel more like a community effort. And, of course, to
get some stuff done.

And no, before anyone asks, I don't know what's going on with the site
roadmap. I thought it was a fantastic feature and I'm quite excited to finally
have something similar for the catalog.

Feedback? Ideas? Comments?

Morning

One more little item which needs attention

Can we get some agreement on standards for reporting stud sizes please. some
are re

15535pb02 Tile, Round 2 x 2 with Hole with Propeller with 3 Silver Blades Pattern
Parts: Tile, Round, Decorated

reads 2 x 2 x .33 whilst

15535 Tile, Round 2 x 2 with Hole
Parts: Tile, Round

reads 2 x 2

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 29, 2018 05:02

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Morning

One more little item which needs attention

Can we get some agreement on standards for reporting stud sizes please. some
are re[porting width and length and ignoring height and others are including
height. This happens quite frequently on 1 x 1 items.

Just set a rule or guideline and reject any that do not meet that.

NB - We are not all that bothered by this as the stud measurements have no real
meaning it is the actual dimensions which are important but until we can both
see that and use it getting some form of standardisation would be nice/helpful.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 28, 2018 03:03

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Catalog, jennnifer writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

Okay - our fist suggestions:

1. Get the dimensions field added to the catalogue page display as well as in
stores.
2. Introduce a level above the categories for the purposes of reporting and searching
e.g. Bricks would cover all sub categories of bricks e.g. modified, decorated
round etc. Without the catalogue it is unlikely Bricklink would still be here.

Just those two thoughts will take development time and careful planning and I
am sure those that are more heavily invoiced with the catalogue and inventory
updates will have tons more they wish to see.

Good luck getting any of that done - a roadmap is an interesting start and welcome
but it has to fill out with actions rather than just remaining a blueprint (as
the other one has done).

I would just like to quickly point out that the Catalog admins don't have
the ability to make developmental changes to the site. It won't be their
fault if your suggestions can't be implemented in a timely way. This road
map contains projects and ideas that don't require the BL office to facilitate.

Good ideas though!
Jen

Pity really. Comments understood. Best we leave at that. When the single most
important element of your organisation (e.g. the catalogue) has no programmer
involved and has no direct influence on development plans - something is not
quite right?????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 28, 2018 02:57

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

Good luck getting any of that done - a roadmap is an interesting start and welcome
but it has to fill out with actions rather than just remaining a blueprint (as
the other one has done).

The programming stuff is, as you say, out of my control. The projects you see
on the catalog roadmap, however, are things I have the ability to accomplish.
If you've been paying attention to inventories over the past year, you'll
see that this is not just idle talk. There were more changes to inventories
in the past year than any other year in BrickLink's history.

Not all of the catalog projects on the roadmap will be accomplished and some
of them may not even be attempted. But I can promise that you will definitely
see some catalog changes in the next 12 months.

Again - good luck with the new role.

Thank you!

Your comments are noted and understood - so as far as development goes it remains
status quo. Pity really - getting the data right in the database is only half
of the equation - the other half - getting it out in a meaningful and helpful
way is the other half and so much more needs to be done there. That helps both
sides of the market sellers and buyers.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 27, 2018 13:40

Subject:

Re: New Catalog Roadmap

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Catalog, StormChaser writes:

Catalogue administrator - a promotion? More work and still in a queue for development
(despite the fact that the catalogue is the single most important asset of the
organisation - it is what brings both buyers and sellers to the site and is known
throughout the planet as the most comprehensive database of its kind for Lego.
You need a developer (one with SQL experience and knowledge) dedicated to it
and in your control.

Okay - our fist suggestions:

1. Get the dimensions field added to the catalogue page display as well as in
stores.
2. Introduce a level above the categories for the purposes of reporting and searching
e.g. Bricks would cover all sub categories of bricks e.g. modified, decorated
round etc. Without the catalogue it is unlikely Bricklink would still be here.

Just those two thoughts will take development time and careful planning and I
am sure those that are more heavily invoiced with the catalogue and inventory
updates will have tons more they wish to see.

Good luck getting any of that done - a roadmap is an interesting start and welcome
but it has to fill out with actions rather than just remaining a blueprint (as
the other one has done).

Again - good luck with the new role.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2018 12:21

Subject:

Re: Price guide improvement

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, hpoort writes:

Reverse engineering and assuming the API provides us with a clue about the underlying
data structure, I would conclude that the price is recorded in the local currency
of the store. This makes sense as this would remove all currency calculation
from the equation when looking at the internals of a store.

The API for the GetPriceGuide says:
"This method returns price in the specified currency code
- If you don't specify this value, price is retrieved in the base currency
of the user profile's"
http://apidev.bricklink.com/redmine/projects/bricklink-api/wiki/CatalogMethod#Get-Price-Guide

The page generator will have to convert from many different currencies to the
currency requested by the viewer. No intermediate conversion through another
currency is needed, although mathematically there will always be any reference
currency in the currency conversion table.

For the 'items sold' prices, the engine will look up the currency conversion
table of that specific time frame, according to the help.

It seems pretty clear to me how it works.

Thank you for your thought's and comments they are helpful and it now seems
that several things are obvious. We do not have access to the API so it is not
possible for us to determine the information you have introduced.

A lot of calculations seem to be taking place when the price guide is called
up by an individual member, e,g, UK store looks up a common part which is sold
everywhere in the world and the system is converting all those store held currencies
(Could be 37 of them) to GBP at a rate that is being held in a currency conversion
table. That table gets updated by a link to xe.com on an hour by hour basis,
but the rate used for the page is not shown - this would be clumsy and create
a vastly complicated screen display. Maybe a link could be created against the
currency which would reveal the exchange rate used. Maybe that is not worth it.
Hmm. More to think through now.

Thank you again for adding your comments to this thread. They are helpful.

Hans-Peter

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

I would prefer it on the price guide so I didn't have to go back and forth.
Mind you this is all hypothetical cause they really are not doing anything with
the classic site whilst they work on XP.

I understand why you'd want it in the price guide, but there are many (37)
exchange rates to GBP, or any other single currency. While many pieces are listed
in USD, plenty are also in EUR, with other currencies also used. That's a
lot of extra information to list. You also wouldn't need to go back and forth,
as if it was set for one hour, you could note down the exchange rates of interest
and you would know they are guaranteed until the next exchange rate update time.

Interesting point - might need a bit more detail from Bricklink now. We understand
how the currency thing works in certain areas but we thought that the underlying
base currency for all prices was USD which Bricklink converts everything to and
then uses the xe.com exchange rate as and when necessary. So if what you are
saying is correct and the prices being shown for each country on the price guide
are converted directly from their currency to gbp that is a different story and
more thought would have to go into this. Unfortunately the help page isn't
really clear on how they are holding the currency from the outset. What you are
suggesting that if someone in India adds items in rupees then the system would
have to convert from rupees to gbp as well as any other currency and that would
be a different proposition entirely.

I do believe Bricklink should clarify this issue which would be helpful.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2018 10:16

Subject:

Re: Price guide improvement

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

I would imagine so, as converting a to b to c doesn't always give a to c,
even at xe.com.

Agreed but the way most multicurrency systems work their is a base currency as
well as a reporting currency as well as individual, currencies. You define what
is the base and you advise how you wish that to be reported. You also have things
like spot rates, rate tables etc, which just about covers all angels. Here it
looks a little bit like a free-for all in trying to accommodate all frequencies.
In fact if this was the case the price guide is almost useless on current items
listed - as for those items sold - you would need to see what rate they were
converting at when they were sold and factor that in. All in all vry messy and
inaccurate. Mixing 37 different currencies into gbp is problematic at the best
of times.

Hmmm.

For example, right now, 1 USD = 0.878393 EUR and 1 USD = 0.777160 GBP. Also 1
EUR = 0.884895 GBP. (They use six sig figs).

1 USD = 1 USD, so 0.878393 EUR should equal 0.777160 GBP. Yet this gives the
rate as 1 EUR = 0.884752 GBP, different in the fourth figure to the EUR-GBP rate
they quote.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2018 09:29

Subject:

Re: Price guide improvement

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

I would prefer it on the price guide so I didn't have to go back and forth.
Mind you this is all hypothetical cause they really are not doing anything with
the classic site whilst they work on XP.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2018 07:01

Subject:

Re: Price guide improvement

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

I thought current items for sale were all displayed using the exchange rate of
this moment. Why is it that important though if the exchange rate would be an
hour older?

That isn't how it works unfortunately. They change hourly, according to the
help pages. It would be far simpler to show the rate used at the top of the column.,
hence the suggestion.

I imagine doing instant lookups is just not efficient, as every time someone
accesses the price guide or looks at a store or a cart in another currency,
BL would need to access the exchange rates from xe.com. Plus I don't think
their (xe) rates are continuously updated anyway - aren't they something
like every 10 or 15 minutes, plus they also have some lag. I can totally understand
why BL sets them and fixes them for one hour, given how slowly they change (at
least change significantly, not in the 4th or 5th decimal place).

Understand what you are saying but it all depends on how the code is put together
to display the current data. It would be highly unusualk as well as inefficient
if they were storing the figures - good code isn't written that way, so when
we call up the price guid for a given element it should be doing those calculations
then and presenting the data - if that is the case then it is a simple matter
to add a single or couplof fields to the display.

It wouldn't do any harm to either have the exchange rate on the price guide,
or possibly better still, have a separate page where all the current exchange
rates being used are listed along with the time they were updated for those interested.
That way, it is one less thing on the price guide page. Of course, you can always
get the current BL exchange rate, by doing the calculation yourself, to about
4 decimal places.

I would prefer it on the price guide so I didn't have to go back and forth.
Mind you this is all hypothetical cause they really are not doing anything with
the classic site whilst they work on XP.

Still one can hope - it really isn't rocket science or a lot of development
time to simply display the number you have used for the calculation.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2018 01:40

Subject:

Re: Price guide improvement

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, BricksThatStick writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Thoughts ?

It's just a guide.

Yes, true so why not make it informative, rather than having to use guesswork
and trial and error.

If sellers want to use it to actually price their listings to the averages they
accept its not 100% perfect.

I am not sure anyone makes that assumption - we don't it is supposed to be
a data average and the currency conversion should be dynamic not hourly. Not
sure why this would cause any real problem for any developer.

Otherwise sellers should just see it for what it is and adjust their prices/set
prices as they see fit.

Many of us do but the adjustment should be based on real - not supposition.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 25, 2018 01:37

Subject:

Re: Price guide improvement

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

We are aware that nothing is going on on the classic site whilst the development
team focus on Bricklink XP, so we will make this as short and sweet as we can.

Having contacted the forum and put all elements of this together it is plain
that a subtle but important change needs to be in place for the price guide screen.

Understanding full well what happens with the 'sold at' columns those
can be left as they are until the whole price guide is revisited, whenever that
is going to be. The current items for sale, however needs s small but important
change, in our view. It is currently not possible to determine the currency conversion
rate for those figures. It could have been anyti8me in the last hour or this
hour or whenever.

Please simply add the two fields which are used to convert e.g. for example $1
= 'x' £;s and £1 = 'x$). This will enable any member, buyer or seller,
to at least get their figures correct when working offline. This is not a complicated
change/fix - it merely requires placing those fields on that screen each time
they change. The fields are held somewhere in the system even if it is a temporary
table, so it should be relatively straight forward to display them on the price
guide screen.

Thoughts ?

I thought current items for sale were all displayed using the exchange rate of
this moment. Why is it that important though if the exchange rate would be an
hour older?

That isn't how it works unfortunately. They change hourly, according to the
help pages. It would be far simpler to show the rate used at the top of the column.,
hence the suggestion.

By the way, in case you didn't know and it's useful - you can always
flip the currency of the priceguide by changing the vcID parameter in the URL:

Euro: https://www.bricklink.com/priceGuideSummary.asp?vcID=2&vatInc=Y&a=p&colorID=110&itemID=3005

Dollar: https://www.bricklink.com/priceGuideSummary.asp?vcID=1&vatInc=Y&a=p&colorID=110&itemID=3005

I just wish this was properly interfaced (and that there was an easy simple to
understand API to access these things without downloading the page and run into
download limits imposed by Bricklink)

Don't we all.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 24, 2018 13:01

Subject:

Price guide improvement

Viewed:

217 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 21, 2018 09:51

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 10258-1

Viewed:

14 times

Topic:

Inventories Requests

In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:

I also notified the original inventory
submitter of the change in case that person can provide any further insight.

Confirmed from the submitter to have been an error.

Great - all sorted now.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 20, 2018 13:02

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 10258-1

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

10258-1 (Inv) London Bus
1686 Parts, 2017
Sets: Creator: Creator Expert: Traffic

* Add 1 Part 62462 Metallic Silver Technic, Pin Connector Round 2L with Slot (Pin Joiner Round) (Alternate)

Comments from Submitter:
2 sets parted out both had metallic silver not flat.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Oct 4, 2018 07:44

Subject:

Re: Lego 10214 Tower Bridge 2 types of blue

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, Brick_Buyers writes:

Hi, I recently purchased The Tower Bridge and have noticed that the medium blue
4x8 plates are actually 2 different colour. I have shown pictures below that
outline this. The instructions say there are 18 4587271 plates, actually there
are two slightly darker plates. The lighter 16 say 4-35 on the bottom but the
darker 2 say 2-35. Can someone explain this? It is the same with some of the
other medium blue colours in the set as well.

Hi there

We just finished parting out 2 of these and there was not the difference you
have had. Could be they came from a different batch of plates;.

Everything we had was the right hand side of your photo. The left acutally looks
like dark azure or ish.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Sep 11, 2018 12:09

Subject:

Re: Request official BrickLink app

Viewed:

62 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, KaanDurak writes:

Hi ,
I use my phone alot and I also use Bricklink alot , but the site on phone isn't
that great , so please. Bricklink create a phone app of Bricklink , it would
be easier for phone users.
I hope the staff will see this and an official bricklink app will be created.
Thanks for reading

Voted no as this has supposedly been in development since the new owners took
over - there might be a version that will work on the phone with Bricklink XP
which is also under development, but that is not clear yet either.

According to the admins no development on the classic site is going on whilst
XP is being worked on and MP, the head of development said in his Brickwworld
presentation the future is XP, although the classic site will be maintained.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Aug 29, 2018 08:01

Subject:

Re: Minimum re-order level and auto wantlist

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, RoswellGinny writes:

In this day and age and all the talk about modernising the site, it is nonsense
that stores do not have inventory management at their disposal.

++++++++++++++++ 1 x 1,000,000!

Abso-frickin-lutely!

I have searched and searched and searched for an inventory management tool. I
have bought 2 and been refunded by their developers because they don't work
with my needs. I have tested out 5 others and rejected those as well. I'm
so frustrated by this problem I can't even talk about it without my blood
pressure spiking. It is the single largest headache in my business. It affects
my accounting, my sales, my purchases..... every aspect of my business.

We are in total agreement with that. We have developed our own in-house Access
system which deals with all aspects of running a store but doe not yet have full
inventory management in it. I am seriously thinking about putting one of our
developers on it but it should come from bBricklink who have access to the code
and database.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Aug 29, 2018 07:26

Subject:

Re: Minimum re-order level and auto wantlist

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, bje writes:

Can we please get a field in the my inventory page for a minimum stock level
for each item and can that please be used to trigger an automatic entry to a
dedicated wantlist as soon as the re-order level is hit?

So for example what I would want is say

3001 Brick 2 x 4
Parts: Brick

in red, I would like a minimum
inventory to be in my store of 30. I have 60 at present. An order comes through
for 40, and immediately that part in that colour gets added to my dedicated
wantlist for inventory.

The benefit would be that it is simply a wantlist that needs to be checked daily
and not inventory levels in brickstock or some other off-site inventory management
system. Also obviously easier to re-order as needed, especially for sellers like
me with very long lead-times.

Of course, the best would be if there could be a complete inventory management
on BL as to which this would just a small part of because I really find it frustrating
that inventory management on-site is essentially just the selling price and quantity
available, but... baby steps

We voted yes for this but it is unlikely to happen. This was asked for when the
new people took over Bricklink (2013). It was muted it was going to go into Sellers
tools but a series of speculative developments (Mosaic, Stud.io, MOC, plus the
up and coming XP)have prevented that from happening - the current one being XP.
In admins own words the classic site, other than fixing issues which are show
stoppers, is not seeing any developments major or minor whilst XP is being developed.

Serious inventory management is not a simple exercise and bearing in mind the
strengths of the current development team lie in other areas, it might be better
to 'hook' a proper inventory management system in but they are unlikely
to do that either.

In this day and age and all the talk about modernising the site, it is nonsense
that stores do not have inventory management at their disposal.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Aug 9, 2018 11:13

Subject:

Re: need new filter function for this website

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SGTENIGMA writes:

i have one suggestion that i think all would greatly appreciate. the function
capability to isolate and block individual sellers. what i mean is to make it
where if you have unsatisfactory service, you the buyer, can highlight the specific
seller and put him on your own block list. much like facebook. so that way, you
no longer see the seller when you search for future lego products. for the bad
shops will be filtered out and you wont see them. i just had an order that i
cancelled. i was instructed to go thru paypal and enter all their info in order
to buy their products. instead of going thru bricklink to get thru to paypal.
in other words, they wanted to circumvent the percentage you guys make when each
sell happens. so i refuse to let them circumvent and cut you out. pretty sure
they will give me a bad review. dont care. i believe in being honest. but i find
it frustrating that i have to write down each bad seller and have to review my
own list before buying. that is timeconsuming. appreciate it!

Voted no as this is already available. Just least favourite the store and you
will then no longer see them on searches etc once you mark your search preferences.

As for the Paypal it does appear you are talking about Paypal offsite v Paypal
on site. Lots and lots of stores still use Offsite rather than onsite, for a
variety of reasons so be careful you do not end up with no sellers to buy from.
Most established stores have links in their invoices which allows the buyer to
simply follow the link, make their payment and finalise the transaction.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jul 24, 2018 11:06

Subject:

Re: 71017-1

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

In Catalog, calsbricks writes:

Need a little help here. The above set number is on each of the polybag mingifugres
that we have but of course they are individual figures not a complete set. Have
just tried to replace the catalogue photo with our own image and the system keeps
falling over with an internal resource problem Server 500 error. (Solved this
problem)

The picture of the complete set is confusing and despite the fact that the description
clearly says it is a single random figure from the set, we still get questions
about it.

The price guide for the 71017 is also not very helpful as it shows the price
for the complete set not an individual figure.

Need to understand better what is going on here. Help.

We have managed to load our own image4 for this entry and after reading the very
lengthy threads previously posted on the listing policy for these we are happy
we understand - don't agree with it - but we understand it.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jul 24, 2018 10:21

Subject:

71017-1

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jul 20, 2018 00:02

Subject:

Re: Separating “buyer” and “seller” reviews

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jadonut writes:

A bricklink user may be an A + buyer but a mediocre seller. I’m dealing with
a seller who’s had bad reviews, ranging from water and crush damage to an order
that was cancelled without explanation. But this user has stellar buyer reviews
that reflect his overall rating.

If there’s not already, there should be a way to filter between these two types
of reviews so that users aren’t stuck with a bad seller who’s being advertised
so positively from their reviews as a buyer.

Morning

There is already a way to do this. Click on the members feedback number which
takes you to his overall feedback page. Go to the bottom of the page and you
will see a comment which shows Seller or Buyer and click on either one - that
then shows the most recent feedback as seller or buyer - whichever you have chosen.

Not all that obvious but it works and is certainly a way to do what you have
asked.

Hope that helps and good luck with your order.

BTW - not everyone ships same day.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jul 3, 2018 11:50

Subject:

Re: Adding the subnavigation to the home page

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Brickwilbo writes:

In Suggestions, Dutchblockhead writes:

Hi,

I would like to propose the idea to add the subnavigation to the homepage.
Alot of the times i want to look up the priceguide for a set and it always takes
some extra clicks.

The Catalog used to be on a separate Tab. Would be nice to have it back.

Agree with that +1

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jul 3, 2018 11:03

Subject:

Re: Adding the subnavigation to the home page

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Dutchblockhead writes:

Hi,

I would like to propose the idea to add the subnavigation to the homepage.
Alot of the times i want to look up the priceguide for a set and it always takes
some extra clicks.

Hi there

Not sure what you mean with this. If you just click on shop the price guide sub
menu is on the top right of that dropdown. Could you post a view of what you
mean.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jul 2, 2018 09:25

Subject:

Re: After posting feedback "Go Back" Button

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, randyipp writes:

Had no idea you posted about this till I randomly saw it on my activity page
yesterday. Still does not work in Chrome for me.

In Suggestions, Admin_Jaclyn writes:

Hi randyipp,

Thanks for reporting this issue! I have marked this suggestion as implemented
since a fix was released this morning. Please let us know if you are still experiencing
a problem.

Thanks again!

-Jaclyn
BrickLink Admin Team

In Suggestions, randyipp writes:

Please fix this "go back" button to load the orders page not actually go back
a page. This requires me to hit refresh in order to see what order needs feedback
next. It's not an issue when there are only 1 or 2 but more than that and
it can get a little annoying.

This issue was observed on Chrome, it may react differently on other browsers,
if so I would love to hear about which ones if the button works!

Thanks!

Still does not work in IE11 either.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 22, 2018 11:13

Subject:

Inventory Change Request for Set 10698-1

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Please make changes to the following inventory:

10698-1 (Inv) Large Creative Brick Box
790 Parts, 2015
Sets: Classic

* Add 1 Part 15254 Light Bluish Gray Brick, Arch 1 x 6 x 2 - Medium Thick Top without Reinforced Underside (Alternate)

Comments from Submitter:
4 sets parted out today and all 4 had this alternate

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 16, 2018 11:24

Subject:

Re: Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 62Bricks writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, 62Bricks writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, JulieK writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, jenwick writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Please consider the following:

1. Add colour as an option
2. When using the 'by category filter@ please show sub-totals by category

Can you elaborate on what you mean by these two points?

You can get that info from the catalog page, make sure the color info tab is
clicked.
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3004&idColor=10#T=C&C=10

Thanks but we already knew that and it isn't what we want. When you search
your inventory you should be able to do the same as you can when you are within
your store. Choose a part no and a condition and a colour. The only way this
can be done currently is via a PCC and a condition filter.

Hope I have now made that clearer.

The issue is that although the search option is labeled "Catalog Name and Number"
it is actually Catalog Name OR Number." BL has the part numbers and part names
in separate fields and it does not search them both at once. If you include a
part number in the search terms it defaults to a part number search and ignores
the other keywords.

So if you search for [3004 dark green] it only searcesh on 3004 and ignores the
"dark green," so it shows you all your 3004s.

To search by color and part, do not search on the part number but use
the part name. Try searching your inventory with "any part of field" selected
for [dark green 1x2 brick] and you should get the results you expect.

That does work your Goatleg knowledge of how it works is useful. Having said
that not many people would be aware of that and it still would be easier to do
it the way we suggested.

At the end of the day it is not a significant programming change to alter the
query by form using colour as a 'where' statement, especially if there
are separate fields in the database.

Well the color information is actually in two places - in the color field as
well as in the name - and like the part number search, it will default to searching
the color field if you search only for a color name. Try an inventory keyword
search for [dark green] and you'll get nothing, because it tries to do a
color search but the color field is not included in the query.

I assume the somewhat crippled nature of the search function was meant to reduce
the load and improve response time on Bricklink's original servers. Searching
three fields at once was maybe more than it could handle in a reasonable amount
of time. Capabilities have advanced considerably.

Yes things have moved on and now with the announcement from Brickworld it looks
like it doesn't matter anyway cause we will be another Amazon if the CEO
has his way. If we wanted to sell on Amazon we would open on Amazon. (It is a
hopeless site anyway with excessive fees, the worst customer service on record
and despite his billions prone to dramatic and total flop decisions). He got
some right after the disastorous start which made him very wealthy - now he dabbles,
pays his employees peanuts and has 10 recent flops with the tangent decisions
he has made - but at least he can afford them.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 16, 2018 10:51

Subject:

Re: Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, 62Bricks writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, JulieK writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, jenwick writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Please consider the following:

1. Add colour as an option
2. When using the 'by category filter@ please show sub-totals by category

Can you elaborate on what you mean by these two points?

You can get that info from the catalog page, make sure the color info tab is
clicked.
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3004&idColor=10#T=C&C=10

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 16, 2018 10:20

Subject:

Re: Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jenwick writes:

OK, I understand the color part and totally agree. Now can you explain point 2

We seem to be having a two person dialogue on this but, sadly that is what happens
to lots of suggestions, both good and bad.

Currently when you go to the My Inventory page, you see below:

What we would like to see is a sub-total line entered below each major category
e.g. sets; parts, minfigures etc. showing the totals for lots, items and value
and then at the bottom of this we would like a summary which would read something
like this (Not real figures, of course)

On the summary you might want to see the % breakdown on lots, items or value
so this should be 'choosable'

It took ma few minutes to do that so you could image how long it would really
take up if you had to constantly add up numbers. All of which computers are here
for.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 14, 2018 13:32

Subject:

Re: Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, JulieK writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, jenwick writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Please consider the following:

1. Add colour as an option
2. When using the 'by category filter@ please show sub-totals by category

Can you elaborate on what you mean by these two points?

You can get that info from the catalog page, make sure the color info tab is
clicked.
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3004&idColor=10#T=C&C=10

One more thing. Everyone knows that behind Bricklink there is a SQL database.
The My inventory page is a query by form (in effect) - that means there is little
if any programming to add the colour filter and writing the code to provide sub
totals and a summary might take half an hour, at most. They already provide a
summary at the bottom of each inventory and although that should be improved
(similar to what Brickset provide) at least the idea exists somewhere.

So many little things that could make the site more helpful.

These are simple things which would make it easier for store owners, most of
whom do these types of things offline because they are not available through
the site. Part of sellers tools ? I don't believe anyone knows as these have
yet to be defined. Perhaps that will be in the new roadmap announcement being
made at Brickworld.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 14, 2018 13:23

Subject:

Re: Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, JulieK writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, jenwick writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Please consider the following:

1. Add colour as an option
2. When using the 'by category filter@ please show sub-totals by category

Can you elaborate on what you mean by these two points?

You can get that info from the catalog page, make sure the color info tab is
clicked.
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3004&idColor=10#T=C&C=10

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 14, 2018 13:21

Subject:

Re: Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, jenwick writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Please consider the following:

1. Add colour as an option
2. When using the 'by category filter@ please show sub-totals by category

Can you elaborate on what you mean by these two points?

Of course

On the right hand side of the My Inventory page there are several options to
choose from, but one that is missing is colour. When I want to see how many dark
green 1 x 2 bricks I have I have to put in 3004 and look at hundreds to find
the dark green, rather than just choosing dark green 3004. You can do this if
you use the PCC but who know those off the top of their head.

On the sub totals when you see your inventory by category it is a simple list
broken by Sets, Parts etc. Rather than having to add up all the totals of lots,
items and value manually, it would be better if they were sub totalled so at
a glance I could see how many of each mainline category we have at any time.

Hoppe that makes it clearer if not let me know and I will put together some screen
shots of how we think it should look for easier use.

See below two very crude attachments - the first shows where we would like the
colour filter and the 2nd shows a small cut-out of the left hand side of the
MY inventory screen where your inventory is shown by category. We would like
subtotals after each main break e.g. sets, parts, minifigures, etc.

A summary at the bottom would be nice so at a glance you can see how your inventory
is broken down e.g.

Lots Items Value % of total

Sets xxxx xxxx xxxx
Parts xxxx xxxx xxxx
Minfigures xxxx xxxx xxxx

Again, at a glance one could tell a good deal more about your inventory from
this simple calculation.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 14, 2018 12:53

Subject:

Re: Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, jenwick writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Please consider the following:

1. Add colour as an option
2. When using the 'by category filter@ please show sub-totals by category

Can you elaborate on what you mean by these two points?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Jun 12, 2018 07:58

Subject:

Improvements needed on My Inventory Page

Viewed:

99 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Please consider the following:

1. Add colour as an option
2. When using the 'by category filter@ please show sub-totals by category

It would also be a good idea to incorporate the ability to update selected inventory
items into a superlot.

In addition, whilst you can use external tools to work on pricing it would be
far better if that type of tool existed on the MY Inventory page.

We are aware there has been discussion over sellers tools since 2013, and these
things may or may not be in those new tools, however it is now 5 years since
that discussion began and to date, I am not sure anyone is aware of what may
or may not be coming.

We are led to believe that Admin_Jaclyn is project managing the sellers tools
- Could we have an indication as to what is being considered, please?

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 28, 2018 07:37

Subject:

Re: Improve add item screen

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Pippyblocks writes:

Out of interest, I noticed some of your used plates are slightly more expensive
than your new ones. I've noticed this with my inventory before when I've
gone through to adjust pricing and wondered why / how this happened because obviously,
customers would pick out the new over used as it is cheaper.

Hello there

Thank you for your comments. Sometimes used is more expensive than new based
on demand and availability. Like you we would always buy new if that were the
case. We get buyers who buy the used even though new is less expensive. It doesn't
always marry up with logic and is part and parcel of the Bricklink/Lego world.

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Yesterday I added about 6000 dark green 1 x 1 plates to our inventory as we continue
to build up quantities of standard items. I listed them at our standard price
and then later on went to my inventory page, called up that item and added a
tiered price at 1p below our standard price for quantities of 100 or more. Fine
- no problem.

Today additional stock of that particular item came across my desk to be added
and I went to add the item - filled in all information to add the additional
pieces. Lo and behold the system removed my tiered price and set it back to 0.

As it is not really possible to remember all the items we have on tiered pricing,
I believe the system should either show you this or have an option to retain
tiered pricing.

Anyone else - or is there a workaround to ensuring the tiered pricing sticks.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 28, 2018 07:15

Subject:

Re: Improve add item screen

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

The workaround is there - don't use the ad item screen. Go to my inventory
and simply change the quantity of the part and submit changes. Please consider
enhancing the normal add item screen to either see the pricing you have set up
or to retain any tiered pricing for that item.

Thanks.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

May 28, 2018 07:12

Subject:

Improve add item screen

Viewed:

96 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 11:59

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Brickwilbo writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, WoutR writes:

In Suggestions, PurpleDave writes:

Bricklink famously ground to a halt, twice, because it got hacked. The site
may have been restored to working condition, but a lot of us want nothing to
do with risking exposure of our financial accounts to anyone who may be lurking
behind the scenes. Sellers don't want to give Bricklink the level of control
required to accept payments through Bricklink. Bricklink has announced that
in about a month, they plan to scuttle offsite Paypal as a payment option, without
even taking any input from their core membership. The reason stated was that
new, usually one-time buyers, can't figure out where the payment button is
when they select offsite Paypal as a payment option, so they plan to basically
cut off any buyers and sellers who refuse to use any other form of payment, and
who especially want nothing to do with any onsite Paypal options.

Make offsite Paypal an opt-in payment option. Sellers obviously have to select
up front which payment options they will accept. Make all _buyers_ voluntarily
choose to see offsite Paypal as a payment option when checking out. If a seller
does not accept any other payment options, have them flagged as "does not ship
to you", just like if they were from another country and didn't have your
country enabled for shipping options. If a new buyer signs up, they should be
required to read an explanation of how offsite Paypal works, and confirm that
they want to be able to choose that as a payment option before they even see
it appear in lists.

But seriously, don't chase away a bunch of your regular customers in the
hope that you might be able to "grow your business" on the bank accounts of people
who just get sent here to buy a replacement part that LEGO Consumer Affairs can't
provide, or who are looking for just one retired set, and will never log in again
after they receive their shipment.

Was there not a page in my account settings where I could select my payment methods?
And a filter that hides stores that do not accept my payment types?

Then all what needs to be done is make the default setting for accepting Offsite
Paypal "OFF". (I would not recommend the name "offsite Paypal", I think that
name only makes sense within the current discussion. )

Maybe it was this one... https://www.bricklink.com/storeSettings.new.asp

And yes, save offsite Paypal as an option.

https://www.bricklink.com/wantedSettings.asp?viewFrom=P

Thanks for the link - never been there before as wanted lists are not required
for our buying.

Even the payment method element is flawed in design terms. We just had to cancel
an order from someone who chose to pay in euros via Bank Transfer. We only accept
UK pounds for bank transfers and that is/was stated in our terms but because
we aaccept euros (accepted currencies) they were allowed to choose that currency.
Currencies should be defined against payment methods. If you set up bank transfer
you should be able to say GBP only and have that as a viable payment methods.
Again it is not a complicated thing to do - you could have an all radio button
or individual buttons which would need to be marked by the stores for what they
will accept.

They have gone the other way - here are the currencies we accept and here are
ther payment methods you can use. ?????????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 06:26

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

66 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, WoutR writes:

In Suggestions, PurpleDave writes:

That page has been disabled for a while, however buyers can choose their acceptable
payment methods in the advanced search options and Paypal is still listed there.
Not sure about wanted lists cause I don't use that feature, but am sure I
have seen it mentioned somewhere.

Even the payment method element is flawed in design terms. We just had to cancel
an order from someone who chose to pay in euros via Bank Transfer. We only accept
UK pounds for bank transfers and that is/was stated in our terms but because
we aaccept euros (accepted currencies) they were allowed to choose that currency.
Currencies should be defined against payment methods. If you set up bank transfer
you should be able to say GBP only and have that as a viable payment methods.
Again it is not a complicated thing to do - you could have an all radio button
or individual buttons which would need to be marked by the stores for what they
will accept.

They have gone the other way - here are the currencies we accept and here are
ther payment methods you can use. ?????????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 06:17

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

63 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Are they going to go through 11,000 stores and remove the Paypal option from
their payment methods when the April date comes around?

Well, no, they simply remove the old PayPal payment method from the main system
once, and then it will be as you say, people (like me) who haven't accepted
will automatically get an instruction to enable the new PayPal. That's what
I assume anyway.... then again, it's Bricklink... they can't even remove
multiple forum posts by one spammer at the same time...

I think they may have already done the first bit as I do not see a payment method
for Paypal or paypal offsite in the selectable payment methods options (drop
down). I really meant from the stores point of view. There are countless numbers
of stores who only accept Paypal - by disabling it as a payment method does that
mean the stores will have no payment methods? That will cause a moderate amount
of chaos. Not everyone reads the forum, by a long way and announcements such
as the one that was made will not have filtered through to all stores. So you
wake up the morning after and find that no one can check out of your store? Sounds
unreasonable even now, but who knows.

Really not sure how this decision was made or why - the ticket thing was a non-starter
- there is more to this than that. Instant checkout has still only mustered less
than 15% of stores - is still buggy. Onsite Paypal is still flawed as far as
a buyer having multiple Paypal addresses and yet here we are ...... ????????

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 02:20

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

78 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, chetzler writes:

I'm curious if BL will continue to offer the multitude other off-sites methods.
Anyone looked at what is still available? There's a bunch I've never
even heard of, and seriously, is a Western Union transfer a better option than
PayPal off-site?

Our Paypal account works for both Bricklink and our main company - there is absolutely
no way ever that we would allow Bricklink access to funds in that account or
details of transactions in that account - it is really none of their business.
I am sure that other people who have Paypal accounts and use them for Bricklink
also use those for other things and would not want any involvement with Bricklink
in their account.

This does not appear to be well thought through and even though it says you may
revoke the permissions you have given by signing up to this agreement what does
that mean - do you still have a paypal account for use on Bricklink or not? Is
it online or offline?

Are they going to go through 11,000 stores and remove the Paypal option from
their payment methods when the April date comes around? Stores will wake up to
a 'cannot receive orders as you have no payment methods available' (imagine
the tickets from that !!!!!) or are people going to set up other payment methods
but give Paypal offsite instructions in their invoices. How can they possibly
police this?

The mind boggles .....

All the clamour and yet no response from Bricklink. It is like they are saying
take-it or leave it (which is never a good idea in the best of environments.)

Such a real shame ........

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 01:48

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

62 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, PurpleDave writes:

Couldn't agree more. If they really are having so many tickets about the
Pay button, refer those tickets to the store(s). I am sure there are far more
tickets coming in over issues with other matters on the site than this. For a
payment method which has worked flawlessly for nearly 7 years (5000 orders received
and 1000 placed) it does not seem logical nor to their benefit to stop it. It
could, however be money driven - if you use Paypal onsite Bricklink must be getting
something out of it where as offsite is outside of their earning capability'.
But then so is every other payment method.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 16, 2018 14:44

Subject:

Change the price guide screen

Viewed:

97 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Currently there is no way you can determine easily from looking at the price
guide what currency conversion has been used to determine the move from USD to
any other currency. As this figure has to be held/determined (calculated) somewhere,
whether in BL or by xe.xom it is available to be displayed and updated as regularly
as the price guide.

If Bricklink displayed that figure it would be very helpful for everyone's
use whether buying or selling. This is especially relevant for the last 6 months
sales which is a floating figure and is not easily determined - (it can be done,
but is very long winded and takes a lot more time and effort to get right.

As for the changes this would require, they are absolutely minimal from a coding
point of view and it would help to solve the never ending threads about currency
conversion and the price guide.

It would also help with Brickstock, but I am sure that is of no concern to Bricklink.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Mar 11, 2018 05:49

Subject:

Must have improvements

Viewed:

170 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

As there is almost constant changes going on in the catalogue stores need more
features to ensure they are up to date. For example - we received orders over
the weekends for many of our

3794 Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with 1 Stud, Jumper (Undetermined Type)
Parts: Plate, Modified

pieces which of course have been changed
to

3794a Plate, Modified 1 x 2 with 1 Stud without Groove (Jumper)
Parts: Plate, Modified

. I had to go to my inventory page for the part and change each and
everyone of these from 3794 to 3794a, That 'dropped 4 or 5 small images -
(we will re-do those photos and submit) but they had photos before we changed
them from 3794 to 3794a.Hmmmm

It is a very simple select and update query in SQL - surely one of the developers
can put together a screen to allow us to update multiple items in our inventory
at once. We are in the dark ages here really.

In addition I noticed yet another quirk which is simple enough to sort out but
untouched

We hold bulk amounts for many standard items (in the thousands of each of them)
and decided to set up a tiered pricing schedule for each of those taking 1p off
at each quantity break. Fine - it was still a manual exercise for over 100 items
but we went through that - only to find that we either had to repeat this each
time we added to that part or we would lose that tiered pricing. The options
on consolidate are far too limited. We need at least another method of new price
and retain old tiered pricing.

Neither of these changes require huge amounts of time or development effort but
both have needed doing for some time.

It may be a question of priorities or design or ????? but surely such simple
mods can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

It does get exasperating sometimes. And Brickstock will not allow you to make
these changes offline and upload them either. We have tried that and failed.
We have also advised Patrick but he has gone missing at present.

Come on Bricklink - the stores need their tools (just like buyers, if not more
so)

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 23, 2018 10:37

Subject:

Re: Interface improvement

Viewed:

66 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In my opinion, icons that accurately represent functionality are a key part in
having a good interface. It has come to my attention that the icon of the Community
tab is outdated and needs improvement. Briklink has changed alot and the smiley
face simply does not suit a modern Bricklink where a forum is intended for poorly
informing the community of unwanted selfish business decisions only to ignore
the responses.

I've designed a better icon for this tab. Hope to see this implemented soon!

A little while ago when Jaclyn's predecessor was here I got a lifetime ban
from the forum for something similar to this. Fortunately she got the 'move
on out order (P45 in the UK) and Jaclyn re-instated me with full apologies.

Good luck with it.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 18, 2018 10:30

Subject:

Minor improvements to add inventory

Viewed:

76 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

I am sure there are lots of sellers who are waiting to see what enhancements
Bricklink as and when the finally release the sellers tools they hafve talked
about..

We would like to see a small modification done now to help on the 'add inventory
screens'. This would take a programmer less than an hour to accomplish and
it would aid most sellers.

When you manually add an item to your inventory you can do it in one of several
ways. When you go this route some things, which are important are missing.

From the main catalogue page for any given part choose Add to my inventory. This
takes you to the add inventory page and fills in some of the details for you
e.g. part no; colour etc, leaving you to add the quantity, price, condition and
any remarks you wish to make. You then click on the review item button at the
bottom and it takes you to the review item page where you do not see all the
relevant information No part no - no remarks. How can you really review the information
if it isn't all presented to review. Good memory? Maybe if you are only doing
the odd one, but if you are using this in anger it would be very helpful if the
review item page had the part no on it as well as the remarks field.

A similar situation occurs with the mass inventory upload. Once you paste your
xml file into the window you choose verify and all the parts in that file are
listed but instead of displaying the part nos for the items it drops them off
despite being in the xml upload.

Again a very minor programming job which would aid the sellers.

Think about it Bricklink. Make the site easier for us to use.

See images attached.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 10, 2018 04:54

Subject:

Re: Please bring Order Download up to date

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

Problem

In Problem, Minifigforlife writes:

Agreed. Make this a suggestion post and I will vote yes.

Done

Now let's see what happens.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Feb 10, 2018 04:24

Subject:

Please bring Order Download up to date

Viewed:

118 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

To Admin/Development

The order download feature is clumsy and nor set out to work in today's IT
environment. Please bring it up to date and provide choice for which columns
that the user wishes to download. Choosing include details is insufficient. More
people would use this feature if the flexibility in design was improved.

Bring the formats up to date as well as even Excel 2010 is unhappy with the MS
excel download. Stop combining the colour field with the description field etc.,
etc etc.

If improvements here are planned for sellers tools, please let us know and provide
an anticipated delivery date for that. We want to download our orders into our
off-line system and at present this is a totally manual exercise.

Those of us who use off-line systems need more flexibility to deal with data
from Bricklink.

We haven't pout this as a suggestion cause quite honestly we do not feel
that route works very well at all.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 20, 2017 09:10

Subject:

Re: 'blservice@bricklink.com' as the sending addr

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, BigBBricks writes:

The system works as designed BUT time has moved on and better methods are available.

I believe it works like this...
You will see the buyers email addy and be able to reply back to it if they do
not have their privacy settings turned up

You will see a reply to BL addy if they are turned on

The best method would be to have BL operate an email server of their own which
would convey the messages through BL so that an admin would be able to see the
communications if necessary (same method as BO uses).

I'm sure the people in charge of the future BL seller tools will include
a more modern approach.

Big B

You can get some pretty long, if not very long odds on that happening

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 18, 2017 03:13

Subject:

Re: A better idea ?

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

I don't really understand what you're suggesting, in particular the combination
of "forcing" and "template" - which as far as I can see is by default something
that can be customised. Are you asking for more macro tags maybe to make these
templates more powerful? If so, which?

My apologies for not making this clearer. I didn't mean the macro tags
at all. I meant specifically creating different templates to handle different
circumstances. Those that have a variety of payment methods acceptable might
need a different template to handle their IBAN payments v Paypal v ????. As for
'forcing' what I meant was the subject line has now been changed to read
order confirmed instead of this transaction has been placed. Not everyone is
happy with that and it was supposed to be for instant checkout orders only but
it is that way for all orders.

Basically we are asking for more flexibility with the use of templates. Macro
tags are only one element of it. We agree there should be a weight one as well.

I personally have always wanted to see a weight macro tag added. That would help
me alot generating shipping costs in my software. Would be even cooler if there
are ways to do computation with this within Bricklink, with some advanced macros.

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

Sine the rollout of Instant checkout and various updates there have been a number
of posts regarding the templates BL are forcing users to use.

Would it not be a better idea for the number of templates to be increased so
the stores can have their own choice of how they want it organised and addressed.

This is a simple code change for the programmers and allow some more flexibility
for the stores in addressing the various issues e.g. IBAN and bank details; etc.

Just a thought

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 17, 2017 13:19

Subject:

A better idea ?

Viewed:

145 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 16, 2017 07:56

Subject:

Allow stores to modify Order Notifications

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Stores need the ability to modify the 'Subject Header' in the order notification
template. This currently is not available to stores, but it should be.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Dec 16, 2017 07:54

Subject:

Please include in Sellers tools

Viewed:

69 times

Topic:

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Please include in the release of sellers tools a mechanism to allow stores to
back up not only their stores inventory but also their settings.

There, apparently is now ay to do this at present.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 28, 2017 13:56

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, chetzler writes:

In Suggestions, Rob_and_Shelagh writes:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

In Suggestions, PurpleDave writes:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

I think it should be mandatory by Bricklink that any seller not using Instant
checkout will

Automatically will have the Quote option enabled.

What is the harm in that?

I voted No. On the surface, I don't really care if sellers enable the Quote
function, but I don't want to see it become a mandatory part of my shopping
experience. I have zero interest in Instant Checkout. If someone doesn't
have one key element that is the only reason I placed the order, I'd rather
be able to just cancel out of it without having my money even get involved, much
less having to wait for refunds to clear (something which can take a few weeks
if PayPal flags the refund for investigation like I've had happen a few times
in the past), where IC forces you to pay up front and hope your seller has their
inventory locked down.

For Quote, my main concern would be that if everyone is forced to have it turned
on, and sellers start getting thoroughly sick of having quotes auto-cancel because
elements end up being short due to other orders coming through during the turnaround,
we might see stores restricting sales to quoted orders, preventing me from being
able to just place my order and be done with it.

I'm looking at the amounts you're talking about, and in the one example
all I can see is maybe a $2 difference. I'm not big on just throwing away
money, but I've run into stores where simply placing the order could cost
$20-50 more for very basic parts. $2 extra in shipping costs seems like a bargain
at that point. I've placed orders where the cost of the parts was less than
1% of the invoiced total, not because the seller decided to rake me over the
coals on shipping, but because the order was for maybe $0.25 in parts. Generally,
that would be a very cost-prohibitive way to order parts, but sometimes I find
that there's literally only one store without a massive minimum buy that
has something I need for a MOC, and they have absolutely nothing else I want
to buy from them. So, I can either suck it up and pay shipping on maybe one
or two pieces, I can scrap my plans and see if I can come up with a new design,
or I can play the long game and hope someone else lists that part under more
favorable conditions...and probably cut my output down to nothing in the process.

I should of made it clearer but everybody seems to be missing that fact I'm
only saying it quote should be 'offered'

Buyers do not have to use it.

If you don't care about all the fees, or which shipping charge you will get,
and you want to guarantee the parts are yours, fine you can check out as normal.

I'm just saying Quote should be enabled if your fees and postage are not
calculated (by instant checkout) before being legally obliged to pay

I agree with the suggestion but note you are not "legally obliged" to pay for
an order online if you change your mind and no longer want it. The only problem
here is those sellers that try to enforce you to pay for all those add-on fees,
won't let you cancel and give you an NPB saying an order is legally binding
and their fees were stated (or hidden) in their terms somewhere. Although those
sellers are the minority that is why your suggestion gets my support.

Robert

So you are actually OK with allowing a few bad sellers to dictate terms to the
rest of us? Why is that it OK with you? I find it unacceptable. This is just
totally backwards! Why can't anyone think of a way to penalize the FEW bad
sellers instead of the MANY good sellers?

Where does it end? Will you be as supportive of this attitude when you are forced
to ship every order with insurance or tracking because of a few untrustworthy
buyers? I don't particularly like receiving large orders in bubble mailers
because the mailers are prone to damage and the pieces get scratched; I think
every order should be shipped in a box. In fact, I think we should FORCE every
seller to ship orders in boxes because that's what I do for 99% of my orders
already--no skin off my back! That's not a big deal, right?

We just HAVE to get away from this one-size-fits-all make-everyone-conform mindset.
This attitude is why most all of our governments are bloated and ineffectual.
I will again put forth the idea of a probabtionary period for new sellers and
problem sellers (an idea that actually addresses the root cause!) Once you've
shown you are a good actor, restrictions are lifted. As for the rest of us,
please just leave us in peace and let us run our stores as we see fit!

Well said - here, here - All individuals may be equal but that doesn't make
them the same and the same applies to BL stores. Why in earth's name would
we want to implement features that just aren't needed? If you find a store
that isn't communicative or helpful just move on - it will not take many
people moving on for them to disappear. Leave appropriate feedback when you have
to to warn others. There are lots and lots of ways to deal with this other than
forcing something down someone's throat. We are totally against that, and
that is in addition to the fact that the quote system is flawed in thought and
design. Let each and every store run its business - BL holds the marketplace
and they get paid a generous sum of money to do that but if you allow them to
start dictating how you have to run your store, then the marketplace loses its
individuality and identity I don't believe anyone really wants that.

The probationary period isn't a bad concept to look into and there are other
ways as well to get at the sellers who seem to create this type of thread in
the forum.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 27, 2017 14:34

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, MarieA writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

I believe in instant checkout even though I still have a few problems with it
that are still not being addressed. However:

I believe you should know the cost upfront of your cart, fees and shipping before
being obliged to pay.

I recently placed an order and again the fees and extra are so buried within
the terms the parts cost become 34% more! also I was invoiced for the larger
box option, and I know if using the instant checkout the parts would have easily
fit into the smaller letter rate. I read the terms 3 times and still some fees
were still easily missed.

This happens over and over again, its not a one off.

I think it should be mandatory by Bricklink that any seller not using Instant
checkout will

Automatically will have the Quote option enabled.

What is the harm in that?

Every customer can make a decision up front if the fees and postage are reasonable
and acceptable. When im invoiced a total random bunch of fees I am not entered
into the contact agreement before knowing them.

Sorry Paul - voted no - don't like to see anyone forced into doing something
they don't wish to do. I have never had what happened to you happen to me
and have placed 1000 orders on Bricklink. No quotes asked for - none received.
Graneted postal costs are never our main concern when we need parts and there
are others where it is vitally important.

If I did ask a seller for a quote even if they didn't have it enabled and
they simply didn't respond, I would think they don't want my business
and find the items elsewhere, if possible.

As a seller it is our responsibility, amongst others, to communicate with our
buyers either pre-sale, during processing or post sale. If we don't do that
we are letting ourselves down as well as other stores on the site.

Forcing this as a feature is not, in our opinion, the right way to deal with
it. Avoid those stores and move on - when enough buyers do that and their orders
dwindle or even fall off a cliff, that fixes the problem cause they will disappear,
hopefully.

I just dont think when placing an order I have to guess what prices you are going
to choose for me.

You currently dont include you packaging materials in the weight, you also say
you may impose the insurance

so I place a 212g order with my cart valued £41

which of the following am I going to pay? (from your chart)

101 - 250 Large Letter
No Tracking - Tracked - 2nd Class
- 1.30 - - - - - - - 2.40 - - - - - - 2.32

101 - 250 Small Parcel
No Tracking - Tracked - 2nd Class
- 3.40 - - - - - - - 4.40 - - - - - - 3.90

or once packaging is added (and I know you package very well in sturdy boxes!)
is it going to take me into 251g-500g range?

251 - 500 Large Letter
No Tracking - Tracked - 2nd Class
- 1.74 - - - - - - - 2.84 - - - - - - 2.68

251 - 500 Small Parcel
No Tracking - Tracked - 2nd Class
- 3.40 - - - - - - - 4.40 - - - - - - 3.90

I think It will fit in the small letter 250g range 1.30 price and I dont want
insurance.

You package it well and takes it into the 251g small parcel brakcet and you also
decide that Im high risk and want to insure it and send it tracked 4.40 or 2nd
class 3.90. Do you think I should not know up front? which one of the 9 prices
it could be? rather than have to guess?

This is just a quick scan or your terms pages, there are other sellers who offer
a simular postage chart that also add package fees and paypal fees that you would
have to calculate also on top of the guessed postage price.

Its only about making the experience as simple as possible for the customer.

Y

What you are missing in reading the terms, and I think I am going to do something
about that, shortly is how we deal with an order once received. Our postage tables
reflect nothing more than an image of those from Royal mail - They are meant
as a guideline. When we get an order we send out our own acknowledgement which
is much more detailed than what Bricklink offers and in it we explain how things
work in our store. We inform everyone that they will have rock solid firm shipping
costs/options in 24 - 48 hours after we have pre-processed the order. We pick
all orders first and pre-package them to guarantee postage costs.

We then receive a response from that buyer and invoice them exactly as they are
expecting and have chosen. No guesswork, no gimmicks just a simple process of
picking the order pre-packaging it and advising the buyer of that. I suppose
you could look at that as a quote but not a BL one (Their quote system is flawed,
badly - doesn't work properly on inventory and is not enabled in our store.
I am now going to add to our terms and policies page a reflection of that order
acknowledgement which should make it totally clear what is going to happen, give
the buyers their choices for shipping and confirming that we charge no fees whatsoever
- just postage at cost.

And at this point, do you allow your customer to cancel the order if the shipping/extra
fees are deemed by them to be excessive?

simple answer yes but we don't charge any fees just postage at cost

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 27, 2017 12:02

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

Never ever had this problem and I do not believe we have ever not responded to
a query pre an order. Again move on and go somewhere that want's your business,
rather than dealing with someone who obviously doesn't.

What impression does a new user get of the whole of BL when they come across
a seller that won't let them checkout, won't give them a quote and won't
reply to an email asking about postage costs. Bad sellers tarnish all sellers,
especially if the buyer is new.

I think you might be stretching it a bit. Bricklink has continued to grow year
on year ever since it started (without either a quote feature or IC). I am sure
that will continue. If the quote system wasn't flawed in the way it handles
inventory, then maybe, just maybe more people might embrace it. As for ic only
time will tell there. some have adopted some haven't. Still quite buggy and
missing key features e.g sales tax,etc. etc.

Quote from recent first time user

Thank you very much for making my first order on bricklink smooth

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 27, 2017 11:28

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 27, 2017 11:08

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, chetzler writes:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

No, No, NO! Voted no.

Automatically will have the Quote option enabled.

What is the harm in that?

-Someone else buys the parts while the customer is waiting on the quote!
-It makes the purchase process longer!
-It's a draconian one-size-fits all approach!

Every customer can make a decision up front if the fees and postage are reasonable
and acceptable. When im invoiced a total random bunch of fees I am not entered
into the contact agreement before knowing them.

And they still can in my shop and many others! I charge no additional fees and
my shipping rates are quite clear (I usually end up paying some of the shipping
myself). Don't try to force me to run my shop in a particular way just because
a few other sellers are shady!

"Request for invoice" works just fine and my sales have remained steady even
after the instant checkout debacle, so people are still OK with using this method.

Instant checkout still does NOT allow for calculation of sales taxes and even
though this is on the road map I have very little faith that it will be implemented
properly. IC also (as far as I can tell) calculates shipping strictly on weight
and volume. I would appreciate a system that mirrors my shipping tables: give
the customer one price if his order contains a set and another if it contains
only parts. This would be far easier to implement.

I'm sorry you ran across a bad seller, but again, I'm am getting very,
VERY tired of the knee-jerk reactions around here that propose up-ending the
processes of a bunch of good sellers just because a few bad sellers are jerks.
If you have to read the terms multiple times that should be a sign to leave
that store.

Some people are always going to try to game the system, IC or not. "Caveat emptor"
will always be good advice, just do a little research as always and stick to
sellers with a good track record.

+111111111111 - wholeheartedly agree.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 27, 2017 11:07

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Bricklord writes:

Fully supported. I have had the Quote function enabled since it was first introduced,
and have no intention of ever screwing myself and my customers over by implementing
that goat rodeo called Instant Checkout. Sellers should be obliged to offer the
Quote Function if they opt not to use Instant Checkout. The latter must not be
made mandatory though. If it does, I and a large number of other sellers will
leave.

That said, the Quote function must be improved. Instead of an obfuscated tab
at the very end of the checkout process, it should be the fork in the road right
at the start.

Nothing should be mandatory as far as this goes. You have over 11,000 unique
sellers on this site and they will all have an opinion of whether they want to
offer quotes or instant checkout - leave it that way and you may end up filtering
out the 'damaged goods sellers' that seem to happen - this is really
odd, I must say all this talk about sellers not responding etc. We have been
buying for a very long time on this site and have never had a seller not respond
to any query we had pre, during or post sale. Most of them are happy to get their
orders in and process them and certainly do not want to turn away business. Maybe
people should name and shame them

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 27, 2017 11:02

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

In Suggestions, PaulOfBricks writes:

I agree. I think it is perfectly acceptable that a buyer should be able to refuse
to pay if they were not told of the total costs for an order in a clear and simple
way. Some seller's terms are contradictory and / or confusing (for example
charging lot fees but do not consolidate lots), and also not knowing what packaging
the seller will use can change the costs significantly.

We believe that already exists - a buyer can request to cancel an order at any
time and most reasonable sellers will simply cancel and move on, that is what
we do.

Either make quotes mandatory, or allow buyer-led cancellations if they do nto
want to proceed once invoiced with the true total.

Don't agree. If you are going to do that why not make all features mandatory
- new layouts, instant checkout etc. Taking away people's choices is never
a good idea.

I am amazed at how many sellers don't reply to emails asking for quotes.
I've had two sellers that did not reply to messages in the past week, and
one other saying that I should be able to work it out by myeslf from their terms
page. Of course, I couldn't work it out as they don't say how much their
packaging weighs. Not only do they lose a sale now, they will probably lose all
future sales too.

Never ever had this problem and I do not believe we have ever not responded to
a query pre an order. Again move on and go somewhere that want's your business,
rather than dealing with someone who obviously doesn't.

Author:

calsbricks

Posted:

Nov 27, 2017 10:57

Subject:

Re: No Instant Checkout = Force must offer Quote

Viewed:

36 times

Topic: