BrickLink Discussion Forum

Had a new user order an expensive item, female name on the BrickLink account,
male name on the Paypal account, same last name. A few days after receiving the
item, the Paypal account holder filed an unauthorized use of account chargeback.
Until this is settled, beware of orders from this account: rebecca_21

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Oct 4, 2023 13:24

Subject:

Re: where do you find brick lots on BL?

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Help, CykillsGarage writes:

Hi everyone! I wanted to know where do I find brick lots here on BL? i'v
tried looking up "custom item" and "brick lots" in the search
engine, is there something I'm missing? thanks!

Are you looking to purchase bulk, unsorted, used bricks?

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Oct 1, 2023 22:02

Subject:

Re: Share your daily experiences...

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, popsicle writes:

Thought I'd share pics of my workout spot posted earlier:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1429439

Our workouts are every other day. But to the extent I'm able to push my schedule,
sometimes more frequent for me

The second pic is of an impressive cattail like bush found throughout the shoreline
area. Some standing 20+ ft. tall. Beautiful. Didn't take pics of the of the
Osprey pair though, sadly haven't seen them lately

But if they do show
themselves, I promise to get my phone out to share with you all here. They are
impressive!

Have a wonderful day

Pampas Grass

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Sep 11, 2023 23:20

Subject:

Re: Never Forget

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:

John P

In my corner of the world, living in our little country town of about 10k people,
we were given the opportunity to memorialize 9/11. A remnant of the towers is
now mounted in our town square, on display. One of the 'rules' was that
the twisted piece of steel must not be washed prior to installation, as it had
the DNA of lost souls on it. Chilling!

At the Planning and Zoning meeting to discuss the installation, one member, quite
choked up with emotion, quietly said that it needed lighting. All eyes turned
towards her. She continued, "the people had been in the darkness... I want
them to have light". The Mayor was the first to speak afterwards, and quietly
affirmed, "those souls would have light".

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Aug 18, 2023 22:29

Subject:

Re: Sorry Again

Viewed:

66 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

In Technical Issues, wildchicken13 writes:

Dear BrickLink members,

I would like to sincerely apologize for the performance issues that the site
has been experiencing this week. On Wednesday, during monthly maintenance, I
attempted to bake a 14-inch pizza Margherita using the excess heat produced by
BrickLink's servers. Unfortunately, while preheating the servers to 475 degrees
Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius), some of them overheated and were permanently
damaged. I have been busy helping the BrickLink team replace the damaged servers
and we are almost finished but you may continue to experience some lingering
issues as we get everything back online.

These issues are totally unrelated to the ongoing conflict between the Pizza
Gang and Le Mustard Club.

I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused for those of
you who use other parts of this site besides the forum.

If you have any questions, please contact the help desk: https://helpdesk.bricklink.com/Main/

They usually respond within 2-3 geological epochs, but may take longer to respond
during periods of unusually high geological activity.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

But I thought a good margherita pizza oven temp was between 700F-900F...

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Aug 3, 2023 17:45

Subject:

Re: Green baseplate in Eldorado Fortress?

Viewed:

57 times

Topic:

Catalog

In Catalog, jodawill writes:

I was just looking at this baseplate:

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemIn.asp?P=2552px6&in=S

It's marked as an alternate in Eldorado Fortress. Does anyone know why? Surely
this must be a mistake.

Wow though, for that price, I ought to dig out my baseplates...

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Aug 1, 2023 15:14

Subject:

Re: What say ye all ?

Viewed:

63 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, cosmicray writes:

Buyer places an order, I fill order, and ship it. Buyer receives order and claims
that I sent them Light Bluish Gray instead of Light Gray for 7 lots. There were
no parts ordered in Light Bluish Gray.

Of the 7 lots, I still have stock of 4. So I compares parts in those lots to
my color board (actual parts, for every color I have ever encountered, and usually
1x2 bricks). All 4 compare correctly to Light Gray, but a difference can be seen
when compared to LBG. Of those 4, one shows never to have been made in LBG, only
LG.

Of the 3 lots that the buyer ordered all I had available, all were from three
sets recently parted out. Those sets have release dates of 2000, 2000, and 2003.

At this point, I’m taking the view that the parts were LG as ordered. Curious
to see what those who deal with this regularly have to say.

TIA, Nita Rae

As someone who has sorted untold pounds of used grays, having proper lighting
helps immensely. The new daylight LED lights are fantastic for color checking
grays. A little hard on the eyeballs, but worth it for how quickly you can sort
bricks.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jul 28, 2023 23:04

Subject:

Re: Who sells Lego by the pound?

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Selling, legoranger00 writes:

I’m looking for any bricklink stores or websites that sell Lego by the pound.
If you know any bricklink stores or websites that do, please let me know.

New or used? I've got a bunch of used bulk I'd work a deal on.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jul 11, 2023 18:25

Subject:

Re: Canadian Postal Issues

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Shipping, uticabrix writes:

Is anyone else from the US having postal delivery issues from Canada? Their
postal service has returned 5 of the last 6 we have sent. All of them had address
verified and sent back out only to be returned again. We haven't had a
problem ever with Canadian postal until now.

Could you give some more details on the items shipped, how they were packaged,
did you print through Paypal's shipping, and any other information that could
help pinpoint the problem? Right off the top of my head, maybe sending in regular
envelope and/or first class mail instead of package rate for goods, improper
addressing on Paypal shipping forwarder service, could be others, details please.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jun 10, 2023 23:12

Subject:

Re: selling parts.

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In General, Nubs_Select writes:

In General, mkbricksandmore writes:

Hi. Everyone I've been selling over a few months. I've suddenly hit a
snag. What's the key to getting people to purchase parts?

since we have now entered the summer season there is often a dropoff in sales.
they should pick up once we get closer to Q4. the only way to get more sales
is to keep listing and if wanted run larger % sales

Yes, summer break is the ideal time to catch up on inventory, do sorting, add
in more stock, hit the summer garage sales, it's building time, both inventory
and playing!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jun 3, 2023 15:08

Subject:

Re: 10030 Imperial Star Destroyer (Not original)

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

My Own Creation

In My Own Creation, mipszzz writes:

I have a question for everyone out there.

Back in 2004 I started collecting all the pieces for the Star Destroyer and along
with my collection I was able to complete it sometime in 2014.

It is based on the original instructions but I have improvised in some places.
For example the interior technic beams are black and not grey, the repetitive
greebling between the two halves uses different elements and I am missing the
2 grey domes at the top. There are a couple (maybe 4 or 5) missing light grey
plates.

I would think that you would have to be a true Lego Star Wars collector to know
that this is not the original set.

But this is 100% Lego - no compatible pieces.

I am thinking of selling it but I know no idea what it might be worth or if there
would even be a market for such a collection of pieces.

Please give me your thoughts.

Thanks

I've already parted out several, have a few more to go if you're looking
to finish it out with correct parts and sell it complete.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Apr 28, 2023 14:02

Subject:

Re: How does everyone sort used?

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Selling, tons_of_bricks writes:

So we're looking at trying to streamline of processing our used pieces. Currently,
we figured we handle each piece about 6 times from start to finish, and we'd
really like to cut that down a bit. Here's our current process.

1. Get a box of used pieces, break it down into about 40 or so broad categories
(brick modified, tiles, plate 2x, etc.).

2. When one of the boxes of those categories gets full, we'll break it down
to individual pieces.

3. We then take each individual piece and separate them into colors and putting
aside the decorated items.

4. We then take the colors, do the final deep lookover for fakes, defects, etc.
then count what we have.

5. We list each item, putting them into one of our several hundred organized
and labeled bins.

6. When ordered, we pull the piece from their bin and package it up, sending
it to the customer.

So how does everyone else go through the steps? As you can see, each piece is
handled quite a bit, but because of the quantities we deal with, we can't
figure out a way to combine any steps that will still be efficient.

This is interesting, because I've learned through practice that brains work
differently. I sort out the major stuff first, 1x bricks and plates, 2x bricks
and plates, 3+x bricks and plates, then slopes, trans parts, wheels/tires, and
technic/misc. That makes it easier to go back and sort by color, then by size.
When dealing with large quantities, the bricks and plates sell best, and you
can get them listed quickly, then take your time on the slopes, and technic/misc
stuff which tends to be onesie-twosie type pieces. This is how I sort, but my
wife and kids are color first, then by type, then pretty much how you've
laid out. They can't sort the way I do, their brains have problems registering
things that way, and they go much faster by color, whereas I can fly through
by seeing shapes. In the end, do what works for you, maximum output from the
minimum effort. Leave the slow/low volume movers for later.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Apr 27, 2023 22:37

Subject:

Re: Who sells by the pound?

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Selling, legoranger00 writes:

In Selling, kzinti writes:

In Selling, legoranger00 writes:

I’m looking for sellers with big inventories of parts, who sell them by the pound.
Post a response if you’re that type of seller.

I've got several thousand pounds of unsorted bulk used, if that's what
you're looking for.

I only want black, white, gray, silver, and trans colors. Can you gather up those
colors please?

Only just seeing this response, but we have begun sorting by colors. I have probably
over 200 pounds each of used Black, White, DBG, LBG bricks separated so far.
If these aren't sold in bulk lots, they'll be secondarily sorted for
listing in my shop. Normal prices are at $10 a pound for unsorted used bulk,
would $14 a pound be worth it for color sorted used bulk?

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Apr 22, 2023 21:17

Subject:

Re: Sammi

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:

Sammi is still hanging in there. She will not get off my desk or out of my lap.
I am so happy that she is here. We got a chemo treatment for her, but there
is no way to get the pill down her throat. It is a pill they told us not to
touch with out unprotected gloves. We decided to discontinue that because it
totally stresses her out and drives her away from us. There is a steroid pill
that we can bury in her food that does help and also makes her hungry. She has
lost a lot of weight and it is heart breaking to see her so small and frail.
I have come to accept that she will not be with us much longer and that as soon
as she is suffering it will be time.
My wife and I go to see musicales and in two weeks is Cats, (12th time I will
have seen that.) They are season tickets and bought as part of a package. I
want to go, but do not know if I can take that, it is a beautiful musical.
John P

All of the hugs man, all of them.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Apr 3, 2023 20:26

Subject:

Re: Issues w/ PayPal CashBack Mastercard

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Help, CheddaGeese writes:

Reaching out wondering if anyone has had the same issue I have been dealing with
and how to fix it.

I recently opened up a PayPal Mastercard Credit Card in large part for using
here on Bricklink, however when I get to the payments screen for an order it
does not show as an option. The only payment options shown are my cards/banks
linked to PayPal other than the PayPal card itself, and I am unable to 'add
the card' since it is already within PayPal by being a PayPal specific card.

Has anyone ran into this issue and knows how to fix it? I'm eager to start
using it to buy some minifigures!

I've seen a few ways they hide the use of it, where you have to select alternate
payment method, then it gives you a couple more, but you have to go deeper with
another link to access the credit card. Other times, I have seen it not an option
altogether, and had to use my other lines of credit instead. Paypal is weird.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 30, 2023 21:22

Subject:

Re: Worse news I have had in so many years

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:

I just found out my oldest cat Sammi has cancer. She follows me around, sits
in my lap and sits on my computer desk when I am doing things. She sleeps in
my arms all night along with the 4 other cats that sleep on my legs and feet.
I cannot move for most of the night because I do not want them to leave. I
care for my cats, especially her, more than anything else except my family and
country. She helped me deal with the death of my 18 year old cat in 2008 by following
me around and insisting on being with me and has always been very vocal when
I am not home. We have a very special bond that is much stronger than I have
with my other six cats that I also love dearly.
I do not mean to use Bricklink as somewhere to lay my ills, but I am not on any
other social media and have a very small family, none of which are in El Paso.
I know that there are many cat lovers here and other pet lovers. This is the
only place to try and share my grief. For all the members that have beloved
pets cherish them as much as possible while they are with you.

John P

John, despite my large stature, I'm such a softie when it comes to pets.
The last time one of our fuzzbutts made her last trip to the vet, I was so relieved
they had such a great staff. I could barely croak out a word, as I was choking
back the tears. I feel for you, and share your grief at what is to come.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 15, 2023 19:01

Subject:

Re: Buying large number of items

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Buying, ctinc1 writes:

I normally buy over 200 different part numbers. When I try to select to buy the
most that I can select at a time is 100 and so I end up having to buy from too
many stores because my order is being separated at the 100 item mark. I know
that I am doing something wrong, can someone please offer advice. I am putting
everything I want on my wanted list.
Thanks in advance

If I understand your predicament correctly, I may have an answer. After a series
of newbie Buyer folks popping into stores and ordering the entire store, only
to cancel the order, thereby tying up a Seller's entire inventory for weeks,
most Sellers implemented a lot limit in their stores. 50, 100, 200, whatever
they felt was a good number for a 'regular' order.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 10, 2023 18:26

Subject:

Re: Who sells by the pound?

Viewed:

74 times

Topic:

In Selling, legoranger00 writes:

I’m looking for sellers with big inventories of parts, who sell them by the pound.
Post a response if you’re that type of seller.

I've got several thousand pounds of unsorted bulk used, if that's what
you're looking for.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 27, 2023 18:08

Subject:

May 17, 2022

Viewed:

152 times

Topic:

That's when I ordered the Studgate Train Station and the Winter Chalet. 9
months, any updates?

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 25, 2023 11:13

Subject:

Re: How is this not feedback manipulation?

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

Feedback

In Feedback, bigasbricks writes:

Worthy of reporting to Bricklink? I have not responded to this valued customer
of Bricklink as of yet. These kind of messages never seem to be sent via the
Bricklink platform.

I kind of see this as a reverse NPB. In an NPB, the Buyer is given the option,
ignore this and get a bad feedback, pay and maybe get a positive, or accept the
penalty (NPX) and get a strike. Here, the Buyer is putting it straight forward,
choose your own adventure style.

There was a problem with your order, do you:
A) fix the problem and get positive feedback, or
B) ignore the problem and accept a neutral feedback for a job mostly done.

I get that people see the tone as somewhat rude, but honestly, it reads straight
forward, to the point, not rude in my opinion.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 22, 2023 20:57

Subject:

Re: Puzzle

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, SezaR writes:

I checked a summary of my orders and there is one buyer from Egypt.
I certainly never shipped to Egypt. This is a glitch of Bricklink that assumed
I had an order from Egypt because one of my buyers changed his address to Egypt
some time after I shipped to him.

Now the puzzle: how can I find who that buyer is? Just curious.

- I have checked my feedbacks. Nobody from Egypt. So we did not leave a feedback
for each other.
- there are about 200 users from Egypt. I can search their usernames, one-by-one,
in my email address. This works, assuming that buyer did not change his username
since he ordered from me.

Is there any smart way to find-out who this buyer is?

The emailed invoice should have their username in it, you can search for that
in your email client

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 22, 2023 20:48

Subject:

Re: dark red

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, BricksOfFaith writes:

Hello! I have gotten a large bag of all dark red Lego pieces, and I can see at
Least 2 different shades. Does bricklink have these two shades documented? Thanks

Beware, some years of dark red are extremely brittle!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 21, 2023 19:26

Subject:

Re: Feedback - does it still matter?

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Selling, BrickScope writes:

I used to chase feedback, and begged (kindly) to remind people to post. In the
early days I had a 85% feedback response rate. Today, that rate has dropped
to

So, does it really matter? After you pass a certain score, does a buyer really
care if you gain 1,000 more positive feedback or whether you get 10 or 500 feedback
per month? Is it only the positive rate that matters?

What do you say, my big friends?

Little Zoe

I'd say total transactions would be more helpful. If you see a seller who
has few positive, but a dozen negative, you'd question that. Now, maybe they
have done a thousand transactions, but only received a hundred positives, you'd
be able to see they had potentially more good transactions versus the 12 bad.
Overall number of transactions, and only those where they were the Seller. Otherwise,
you'd be able to buy your way off the naughty list.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 21, 2023 19:19

Subject:

Re: Seller form

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

In Technical Issues, LegoIconic writes:

I have uploaded all my information to become a seller, but I was told to resubmit
it? i don't know what was wrong and I haven't been told. everything I
shared with them was accurate. any ideas? thank you!

Looks like your selling option is green, good to go!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 19, 2023 17:25

Subject:

Re: divorce

Viewed:

80 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, legoman77 writes:

I decided to leave my wife and marry my high school sweetheart.

She graduates in June.

John P

Who gets the Barbie collection though?

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 18, 2023 18:15

Subject:

Re: Amount of parts.

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

New Stores

In New Stores, mkbricksandmore writes:

Hi. How many parts should I be listing for sale? I am currently at 500.

As others have stated, the more the better. As an example, myself, I will purchase
groups of sets to part out, making it easier to part out the same 100 types of
parts, across all the sets. When it comes to bulk, I'll sort out bulk when
I'm not working my normal job. If there's a down week or something,
I'll take full advantage. When things are slow on BrickLink, like Summer
or Tax time, those are the periods I take the time I usually pull orders in,
and use that for sorting and adding more inventory. Hope you get some use out
of all the responses!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 18, 2023 18:09

Subject:

Re: Are you satisfied...

Viewed:

45 times

Topic:

In General, Witch writes:

Hi all.
When you think about your life, are you mostly very satisfied how things have
gone? Do you ever regret for example not going to certain school/not taking a
job or quitting it/not starting a family/ or anything else that "maybe i
should have done or gone to"?

About myself: sometimes wondered, that should i have not quit some job, but then
i remember how bad it felt for me and how great it is to have time for hobbies,
even that i need to choose the cheaper ones or those that i can have for free,
and for possibility of seeing people with much time ☺️

I hope your week so far has gone as ok as possible.

Thanks for any replies

Very few regrets, as everything I have done has brought me to where I currently
am. One that does stick out is in not buying two pieces of real estate locally.
One was a one acre lot that had a house in need of removal, for $30k, but the
vacant land alone is now worth $100k. It would have been a perfect lot to build
a four-plex and rent the units out for retirement income. The other was a 20
acre lot I was going to buy, but didn't. It was selling for $99k, and the
person who bought it did almost exactly what I had planned to do. It now has
a beautiful new house built on it, and is probably valued close to $750k. Not
really regrets, but more like things I failed to act on and therefore didn't
reap the rewards of. In closing, if you get the shot, take it. Thank you for
coming to my TED talk.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 6, 2023 19:47

Subject:

Re: Set 75005 Box Needed

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

Wanted

In Wanted, robdran writes:

Hello!

I am looking to buy the box for Star Wars Lego set #75005 - Rancor Pit. I am
assembling this set for my son and am missing the box currently. I have been
having a hard time finding just the box for sale. If anyone is willing to sell
one, it would be very much appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your time!

If I had any, they'd be in deep storage. I can check this weekend though.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 26, 2023 18:20

Subject:

Re: Tell Me: What Do Sellers Want Most?

Viewed:

61 times

Topic:

In General, RecycledBrick writes:

An inventory tracking log. Anytime, anything in your inventory is added, deleted,
or changed it is logged. That way we can see what is happening to our inventory
and we can put to rest the debate whose fault the inventory variances are.

Picture is from that other site. If they can do it, Bricklink should be able
to.

Amen, I have far too many orphaned lots of parts that should be Zero according
to inventory and stock pulls, yet there they are.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 4, 2023 22:26

Subject:

Re: The BrickLink Designer Program Continues with Series 1

Viewed:

122 times

Topic:

Designer Program

In NEWS, Admin writes:

Dear BrickLink Members,

We’re proud to share that the BrickLink Designer Program will live on! We’ve learned from the BDP 2021 Invitational, and the program is here to stay. Series 1 is the first in the new, permanent program. We’ll continue learning and adjusting to make each future Series better.

How Series 1 will work

Series 1 will span 2023 and early 2024, with these milestones:

Create Your Designs: December 9, 2022—February 2023
We invite all LEGO enthusiasts 18 and older to design your models in Studio.
Open Submission: February 1—28, 2023
Submit your models during a 4-week window to be considered before the deadline on February 28, 2023 at noon Pacific US time.
Crowd Validation: March 7—March 31
We invite all BrickLink members to vote for their favorite submissions. This crowd vote weighs in alongside the BDP’s internal selection criteria and influences the designs chosen for crowdfunding.
Review: April—May 2023
Our team checks every design for building experience, brand fit, and crowd favorites.
5 Designs Announced: Late May 2023
We’ll reveal the five Series 1 designs. Then we’ll collaborate with fan designers to prepare them for production.
Crowdfunding: February 2024
BrickLink members will be invited to pre-order their favorite designs, with a limit of 2 of each set per household. All designs that receive over 3,000 pre-orders will be produced. We will manufacture up to 20,000 of each set on a limited production run.
Production and Shipping: Summer/Fall 2024
We produce the sets in the factory. Orders will be ready to ship approximately 6 months after crowdfunding. Actual dates and shipping times may vary.

What calling it “Series 1” says about the Program’s future
We’re committed to helping you realize your ideas through the BrickLink Designer Program. By calling this iteration Series 1, we’re indicating the BrickLink Designer Program has matured from the one-off 2021 Invitational into a program we can sustain over time. With this and each future Series, we’ll issue a fresh brief and Submission Guidelines. This way, the program can evolve as we learn from experience during each series.

Next Steps for aspiring Fan Designers

Check out the BrickLink Designer Program homepage for the overview and detailed timeline.
Before you start building, Review the Submission Guidelines, which all submissions must follow.
Download the latest version of BrickLink Studio, which includes the BDP Series 1 Palette.
Register for our live webinar December 14th at 8am Pacific / 5pm CET to learn more about the Submission Guidelines. Can’t join live? We’ll make a video available after the session.
Ask any questions in the new BrickLink Designer Program forum, where we will monitor and respond.

We’re looking forward to your submissions!
The BrickLink Team

When can we expect movement on the orders from the last series of sets from May
2022?

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 21, 2022 00:49

Subject:

Re: Advice wanted from current sellers

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In Selling, Lego.my.eggo writes:

Can a non-AFOL (someone who wouldn’t know a slope from a cylinder) successfully
sell a large inventory on BrickLink?

Here’s the background: I need to get rid of a large inventory that is taking
up way too much space in our two-bedroom NYC apartment. I’ve already shipped
several large boxes to Lego’s donation program, and I could conceivably donate
the rest, but I have a recently retired relative with way too much time on their
hands who could also use a little cash and they’ve expressed interest in opening
a store on BrickLink using the inventory. The problem is that the individual
in question isn’t acquainted with Bricklink’s parts classification system, which
has a steep learning curve and can frustrate even the most dedicated users.
Assuming that I pre-bag and label all of the parts for sale with the part number
and color, and pre-sort everything into bins ordered numerically by part number,
is it feasible for someone to be a seller using solely that information (e.g.,
without knowing whether something is classified as a modified plate versus modified
tile)? Thanks.

You can always start with the basics. Plates and bricks are a solid pillar to
start a shop, and if that goes well, start learning the rest as you go. Like
spelling words in school, learn a new one every day. Same for most colors, basics
are simple, with exotic colors being learned over time.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 10, 2022 19:37

Subject:

Re: Where we come from, over who we are?

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, popsicle writes:

These are the Lesters, my mother’s grandparents. They were Mormons that emigrated
from England to Utah. Mr Lester was a stone mason that was enlisted to help with
the temple in Salt Lake.

They had 13 children, two of which perished in childhood. One of the two (a boy)
drown in the great salt lake with newspaper articles reporting on it. Another
of the 13 was named Elizabeth, my mother’s mother (depicted -center- in the second
pic) with my mother, Darlene to the right and her sister, Margaret on the left.

My fathers lineage is a California story, well into the 1860s gold rush days.

That’s “where I come from” As to who I might be?

Of the 13 Lester children, Elizabeth (the youngest and my grandmother) made the
decision to break away from the church and move to California. Knowingly becoming
the black sheep of the family, which had to be supremely difficult. There in
California she had two children (girls) my mother being one. Elizabeth carved
out a life for herself and her daughters in southern Calif, becoming Mrs Temple
City among other considerable achievements for women of that time and place.
Dated some politically influential types as well

according to my dad.

I got to know my grandmother. She and I would have long talks at her bedside
before she departed. In those talks, my understanding of my mother and her seven
marriages with each of my siblings having different fathers, grew.

-Cory

How cool! My family history isn't so much a tree, as a bush. I actually have
a Great-Aunt Grandma! Among other oddities, my mother's father was the first
generation of his line born in the US, while my father's side, half came
over 100+ years ago, and the rest were of Mayflower lineage. In fact, my wife
and I come from the same Mayflower family, one child is her lineage, the other
child is mine. Makes my daughter her own 15th cousin or something. And the Mayflower
father? He actually came over twice, once before the Mayflower voyage to set
things up for those coming over to the colony, returned and then came over again
on the Mayflower with his family. Also, my colony family ran a pub, and got in
trouble with the law for selling alcohol outside of hours. Fun stuff, history.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 5, 2022 21:53

Subject:

Re: What is your most rare LEGO item?

Viewed:

75 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, ImperialFleet writes:

I thought it would be cool to find out

Mine is a sealed 1095, which I cannot find sealed anywhere. And I mean rare,
not expensive, though it can be expensive!

Sold mine, but had one of these:

30042 Plate, Modified 4 x 5 with Trap Door Hinge
Parts: Plate, Modified {Red}

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Oct 22, 2022 19:43

Subject:

Re: Good Estimator for Shipping Charges

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Shipping, SDF_Bricks writes:

I often find myself having to make 2 trips to the post office. The first to get
a quote for the packed item, and the second to actually ship the item. The lady
at the post office said it was the only 'reliable' way.

Is there a fool-proof on-line tool that provides a correct quote for shipping,
based on weight of box and dimensions?

Do I need to invest in a desktop scale as well?

Royal DS10 shipping scale: $20-$35
or Trips to the Post Office with gas at $4+ a gallon...
Makes sense after about a dozen trips...

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Oct 9, 2022 14:03

Subject:

Re: Stripe VS Paypal

Viewed:

69 times

Topic:

Payment Methods

In Payment Methods, galeatter writes:

been using PP for years but starting to question its integrity. Does anyone use
only stripe and does it work well for you? Does it work like pp with printing
shipping labels?

Stripe is a payment processor only. No label printing, no shipping, only processes
payments.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Oct 8, 2022 21:54

Subject:

Paypal and Politics in the news...

Viewed:

427 times

Topic:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/new-paypal-rule-the-company-can-take-2-500-from-your-account-for-sharing-misinformation/ar-AA12KrF5

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Oct 3, 2022 21:57

Subject:

Re: USPS Holiday Rate Increase Has Started...

Viewed:

59 times

Topic:

https://about.usps.com/newsroom/national-releases/2022/0810-usps-announces-proposed-temporary-rate-adjustments.htm

In Shipping, Brickman4you writes:

I'm sure most here knew this was coming, so just a reminder.

Sent out an order this morning and noticed the jump in price.

1 x First Class Package @ $3.58
1 x USPS Temporary Holiday Rate Increase 10/2/22 to 1/22/23 @ $0.40
Total = $3.98

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Sep 13, 2022 22:50

Subject:

Re: Looking to order lots of White Pieces

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Buying, LegoBuilder122 writes:

Everyone Please suggest to me high feedback stores that have good prices on lots
of pieces that ship to the USA and that have super good prices for shipping and
the pieces. I want to get a lot of white pieces like plates and stuff for a moc
I am working on.

Are you looking for new or used? If used, I've got a 75 gallon tote full
of white that's been sorted from bulk used that we could talk about.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Aug 16, 2022 21:00

Subject:

#76405 Hogwarts Express Collector's Edition

Viewed:

92 times

Topic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtEWn9O3I2Q

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Aug 13, 2022 22:17

Subject:

Re: Anyone havig very slow sales?

Viewed:

68 times

Topic:

Sales

In Sales, ImperialFleet writes:

I havent had an order in 4 days. But just last week I was having about 5 orders
a day. I guess summer slowdown hit late lol. I've had good sales all summer!

Annual slowdown as back to school days approach. Everyone is spending cashola
on clothes, crayons, and laptops.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jul 30, 2022 22:17

Subject:

Re: International shipping using Pirate Ship

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Shipping, brac.brick writes:

For those of you who ship international and use Pirate ship, is it fairly straightforward
or do you have any tips ?

I used to do international shipping on Paypyal before COVID struck and then I
switched to just domestic US. Now I use Pirate ship and while it looks fairly
easy, I'd like to know what those of you have experienced, any issues with
the customs form or the new VAT (not sure if applicable). Thanks in advance.

As stated, anything that requires an IOSS number, use Pirateship, everything
else can go through Paypal.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jun 27, 2022 17:09

Subject:

Re: Deutsche Post to U.S. taking forever

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

Problem

In Problem, LegoDadVa writes:

Seller shipped an item on June 10. DHL tracking is clear on that. The last
update is June 11 (The shipment will be transported to the destination country/destination
area and, from there, handed over to the delivery organization- US Postal Service).

USPS has never initiated tracking on the package. Can I assume that the package
is in a crate either at seaport in Germany, German airport, waiting until it
can fill the crate to ship the crate to NYC?

This is one of the longer delays on any package from Europe I have seen. Typical?

Typical, plus when it arrives, it might look like someone was playing rugby with
it. 8/10 received on my end looked like it.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jun 25, 2022 14:24

Subject:

Re: Happy Birthday, Dan

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

Announce

In Announce, Danielsmom writes:

Wishing my beloved son, Dan Jezek, a happy 45th birthday, today. He would be
so proud of his creation, BrickLink, still bringing so much fun and enjoyment
to so many around the world. We miss him every day, but feel his presence right
here on the biggest LEGO marketplace in the world! Thanks, Dan, you’ve done
a great job, level88, and will always be a part of this wonderful place called
BrickLink.

All my love,
your mom,
Eliska
June 25, 2022

Warmest of hugs. He truly lives on in all our hearts.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jun 20, 2022 21:41

Subject:

Re: Happy 22nd Birthday, BrickLink!

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, wildchicken13 writes:

I know it's late, but according to this page, BrickLink was founded 22 years
ago from today: https://www.bricklink.com/v3/about.page

I've only been using the site for about eight years or so now, but even in
that time BrickLink has gone through some incredible changes, transforming to
better serve the needs of the LEGO community. I can only imagine what the next
22 years will bring.

For context, here are some statistics: https://www.bricklink.com/help.asp?helpID=1304

The charts only go through 2013, but I don't need to see the rest to know
that BrickLink is a thriving marketplace.

Play Well!

P.S. Today is also Juneteenth and Father's Day in the U.S.

And today is my 21st anniversary of my BrickLink account! It can legally drink
now!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jun 14, 2022 22:45

Subject:

Re: Foreign Order sent to...Carol Stream IL?

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Shipping, Bond writes:

This is the first time this has happened to me as a seller.

I use Stamps.com. When I prepared a shipping label for a customer in France,
the data I entered and the subsequent printed label had me send the parcel to
what I believe is a customs distribution center in Carol Stream, Illinois.

My customer is a bit worried, and I must admit to some trepidation as well. It
arrived at that facility on June 6, which was eight days ago.

Have any other sellers experienced this? Is the place legit? Seems odd that Stamps.com
would print out a shipping label, based on USPS data, to a bogus place. I need
to know what I should tell my customer (unsure, not to worry, etc?)

Thanks for any assistance.

- Pat

Ship-station sends all International mail there to be forwarded in bulk to the
destination country. On every label you print, you'll see a second International
tracking number at the bottom. Be sure to either use the US tracking number up
top, and detail what is happening to your customers, or use the International
one, and also inform them that they will not see immediate movement due to local
shipping occurring first.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

May 29, 2022 21:12

Subject:

Re: 9V train purchase - battery a problem?

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

LEGO products

In LEGO, LegoDadVa writes:

Amazing. Thanks for clearing that up. That was my initial impression but I was
not sure.

While we are at it, do the more recent train iterations contain a type of battery
I should be wary of if I ever purchase a set that is several years old?

In LEGO, brickablocks writes:

There is no battery. THe motor is powered by the track, which is powered by
a train speed regulator:

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=2868b&name=Electric,%20Train%20Speed%20Regulator%209V&category=%5BElectric,%20Train%5D#T=S&O={%22ss%22:%22US%22,%22iconly%22:0}

Older 9V sets have metal covered rails and use the speed regulator. Newer 9V
sets are RF controlled using a remote controller, do not have metal covered rails,
so they have an on board battery pack, rechargeable. The life on them isn't
the greatest, but they do a fair job.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

May 17, 2022 15:49

Subject:

Re: Five projects funded

Viewed:

73 times

Topic:

Designer Program

In Designer Program, macebobo writes:

Five projects funded in less than 22 minutes

1) Winter Chalet
2) Studgate Train Station
3) 1950's Diner
4) Mountain view observatory
5) Modular construction site

Congratulation to all of the designers.

Yes, congratulations. I will sulk a bit about the Science one not getting in,
and move on with my life. *sigh* For now, I think I'll self medicate with
a chocolate Frosty from Wendy's to soothe my pain.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

May 12, 2022 12:59

Subject:

Re: How much interest in bulk lego is there here?

Viewed:

86 times

Topic:

In Selling, Hardstone writes:

I have been getting ready to get back into selling lego, however I am not sure
if BL is the most ideal marketplace in which to do so. I don't plan to sell
individual parts like before, instead I plan to sell only bulk lego by the pound.

I am also reluctant to sell here because I will be selling in bulk. I have divided
up a bulk lot I purchased into several pre-wieghed 1-pound packs, taking the
time to eliminate any obvious non-lego that I spotted while doing so. However,
the bulk lot I purchased spans thousands of pieces and I can't guarantee
that all non-lego were rooted out. There may still be some remaining within the
packets I set up.

Right now my plan is to set up my listing(s) on ebay, however I would be willing
to upgrade my account here to a seller again and list them here instead if feasable.
Any advice is welcome while I continue planning and preparing.

Currently selling bulk by the pound, but shipping costs are a huge factor. Have
had many International folks opt out of orders for outrageous shipping costs.
Not much better for local either. See a lot of business at the end of the year,
and the beginning, but just a slow trickle during the year. It's also hard
to find those custom lots unless you're looking for them.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

May 5, 2022 14:54

Subject:

Re: Is there a way to auto-pay monthly fees

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, mattkaupke writes:

Is there a setting that will auto-pay my monthly invoice when it is issued?

As there is no BL message that accompanies it and I don't get a notification
in the page header, the only way I ever see them is if I happen to open whatever
page it is that finally shows the payment due notification. It's not a page
I open often - the profile maybe? I stumbled upon it this morning only to realize
I hadn't paid my April fees.

Why can't I set it to auto charge my Paypal account or credit card upon receipt
of the invoice? Or is there a way to do this? Or maybe at least to get a message
in BL messages when an invoice is issued so I get a flag on the header?

Not currently, but you could always pre-pay for a while. Figure your annual sales
charges and pay that much at the first billing. Should be running on credit until
end of the year.

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/mystore/fee.page

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

May 2, 2022 14:37

Subject:

Re: Seller not shipping order - Scammer?

Viewed:

75 times

Topic:

In Buying, Quackjunkie writes:

Hello all,
Just curious if anyone has run into many scammers on this site? I've placed
over 50 orders on this site and never had any issues until now. I placed an order
on 4/23, Seller didn't invoice until 4/27 which I paid within an hour. Seller
has all positive feedback most recently about the quick shipping and responsive
seller. I've since sent the seller several messages on both BL and direct
email with no response.

Luckily I paid with Paypal. Has anyone had to request a refund before, is it
easy to do?

Strange, I've had such a wonderful buying experience on this site prior this
purchase!

Not everyone can turn an order around in 24 hours. I'd caution patience.
This isn't Amazon by a long shot.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

May 2, 2022 14:34

Subject:

Re: Pirate Ship

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

In Help, rbritton31 writes:

How good is Pirate Ship for doing labels, price compared to PayPal shipping,
and can you get insurance to cover first class international packages. I have
been using PayPal for years now and they moved me to Shipstation of which I'm
not a fan of but can tolerate. My 3rd party insurance was always done with Shipsurance
in the past and then single packages weren't possible so I went to InsurePost...now
they are sending you to Shipsaver which completely sucks. Just wanting simple
shipping and simple international coverage that I can offer if need be for reasonable
pricing.

Please chime in...what do you all use and pay for??

Thanks

It's good as all the others. I use it mainly for International, as you have
the IOSS option there, but not in the Paypal freebie Shipstation account. So,
for that, it gets better marks than Shipstation.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Apr 29, 2022 19:49

Subject:

Re: From years of working with Lego on BrickLink

Viewed:

75 times

Topic:

In General, popsicle writes:

16 years already? Ouch! The only thing still moving fast as you age, seems to
be time.

Anyway, in those years I’ve developed what could be termed: category likes. Certain
categories within the catalog I tend to buy from when bored, simply because I
enjoy or appreciate the items. I would call it collecting, but it’s not really
that. I have collections, none Lego related.

No, I spend money on these Lego, rationalizing the expenditure with “I’ll sell
it someday in our normal course of doing business here." I guess the perceived
difference for me, is that simple fact; the intention to sell at some point

Well this morning, after several cups of jo, I started pondering those categories
I’ve come to enjoy, and asked myself why? That is, why do I appreciate them,
say over others?

Are there items of particular categories within the BL catalog, you tend to
enjoy more than others? If so, what are they and why the affinity?

I’d enjoy reading your thoughts on this, and have mischievously omitted a personally
salient bit for now: my categories. I will post them, but I would kinda like
to read some of your thoughts, first

-Thanks

I recall finding my first Technic piece in Metal Blue. From then on, when I'd
place orders for projects and parts, I'd buy everything within reason in
that color. Just recently, I listed it all for sale, and it's been a liberating
feeling.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Apr 20, 2022 10:44

Subject:

Re: Dealing with a psychotic customer

Viewed:

77 times

Topic:

In Off Topic, 1001bricks writes:

In Off Topic, firestar246 writes:

In Off Topic, Graham. writes:

Therefore I know with 100% certainty I sent the correct part. I called them out
on this and asked them to check other orders they may have placed.

Are you absolutely sure? There is a chance that you accidentally listed a right
hand as a left hand. We've unfortunately done that several times.

On the other hand... (ha ha) the (IMO) proper and easier way to fix the problem
would've been to refund the said 20 cents (maybe) and that's it.

Now it's become a mess where no one knows who's right

OP stated that they refunded the ENTIRE order, and still this behavior on the
part of the Buyer.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Apr 9, 2022 20:07

Subject:

Re: why doesn't Bricklink help?

Viewed:

82 times

Topic:

Feedback

In Feedback, M1275 writes:

I received a false, malicious rating. There is corresponding correspondence showing
this. Still, it's impossible to remove this, why?

Sounds like you both need to sit down and communicate about what it would take
to work this situation out. You could both start with removing your negative
feedbacks for each other, and then talk.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 24, 2022 17:02

Subject:

Re: Items for sale - Seller Location

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

In Suggestions, Brickwilbo writes:

In Suggestions, hugibricks writes:

Hello there.

I'd be shocked if this hasn't been requested. But why can't we have
a default setting for Items for Sale and set the seller location.

I'm not interested in "anywhere" and every time change this to my local region
australia. It's never not annoying to do this every time.

It already exists in the settings:
https://www.bricklink.com/priceGuideSettings.asp?viewFrom=P

That's only for the price guide, not for when you are searching for or raking
prices on an items page.

I think the question is why isn't there an option to set the default seller
location on item pages (for example, this one https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3001
) to be the buyer's country.

It has been asked for multiple times in the past but ignored.

Or a geographical setting, 50 km/miles from me, same country, postal code,
whatever. Narrow down the options a bit. I find myself wanting someone within
50 miles, because I know the post office MIGHT get things here quicker than say,
1,000 miles and thirteen Postal hops in between.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 20, 2022 19:40

Subject:

Re: Non-delivery of an order

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Buying, StickyBrickit writes:

I ordered about £20 worth of parts over a month ago and the item never arrived
(and was not sent tracked so there is no tracking info). I've messaged the
seller a few times and received only one response so far (to my first message,
with the seller saying they had sent the package and it should be with me shortly).
It was posted over a month ago so I don't think it's going to arrive.

What's the best way to ask for a refund? Do I contact the seller to ask for
it or does Bricklink have a system for requesting a refund? (Like eBay with
the "item not received" option).

So far I haven't officially asked for any money, although the seller does
know it hasn't arrived as I've messaged them 3 or 4 times now. Just wondering
the best way to start the conversation with them.

Thanks in advance

$0.02 here, if it was International shipment, you could be in for a two, three
or more month wait.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 11, 2022 20:35

Subject:

Re: No delivery, seller refuses payback

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Help, MDA999 writes:

I bought some parts on an italian shop end january. I never got it delivered,
contacted the seller multiple times and each time he told me to look into it.
Nothing happens. Now he sent me information, that the delivery can't be tracked
and is not insured so he can't do anything about it. Since I can't find
anything on how to solve this on bricklink, I decided to hand it over to paypal.
He insisted I agreed on his policy not being responsible for lost packages. I
replied that he's selling inside EU and the law says he is responsible. He
counters with his terms, I counter that these are illegal as he is a seller inside
EU. Now he claims he is private, yet he nowhere states that in his shop, it's
always "our shop". I'm fed up. Is he responsible or not? (We're both
in EU)

Just a word from someone who has dealt with postal service in the area: Please
be patient. There are packages that have taken 4-5 months to arrive, but they
have arrived. If you can be patient, please do so. Everywhere you ship these
days, there are problems. US Postal Service took the unheard of steps of shutting
down almost all classes of service to Australia from the US due to those issues.
Again, patience. However, if you've already pressed it back to Paypal, and
the Seller does refund your money, and the parts do show up at a later date,
months down the road possibly (we won't ever know, but you will), be sure
to pay what's due if that happens. If you can't find it in you to be
patient, at least be fair.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 9, 2022 18:51

Subject:

Re: Add IOSS number to Paypal Ship Station?

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Shipping, zorbanj writes:

I didn't see anywhere to enter the IOSS number either so I ran the label
in Pirateship. I read here on the forum that the IOSS entry box is only available
if you have a paid subscription to Shipstation. Nice, forcing you to pay for
something
that is required.

In Shipping, Mistress_Lisa writes:

First time shipping to EU since the change. I received the pdf from BrickLink
and printed it out to attach to package, no problem. But in the email is a note
that I must add the ioss number to my shipping carrier, so that the buyer doesn't
get charged VAT twice. Where do I add that number to Paypal Ship Station??

Lisa

Found the same. Went to Pirateship

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Mar 6, 2022 22:57

Subject:

Re: Shipment lost but delivered

Viewed:

78 times

Topic:

In Selling, Petesbricks writes:

I am going to lose my mind! An unopened box was purchased $875. Leaving Chicago
to Italy. Took 2 months before leaving Chicago and buyer thought it was lost
but tracking showed it was moving. Buyer filed a dispute with me and, of course,
PayPal always sides with buyer so buyer was refunded all 927.15 and I had to
pay a $15 dispute fee. Fast forward and I happen to check the tracking number
only to find out it was delivered 2weeks after the dispute! I reopen the dispute
and give them proof I paid shipping and gave them a tracking number. Today I
have been informed that I did NOT prove the buyer received this shipment so I
don’t get paid! WHAT??!!! I don’t know what to do. Please help me.
Emily

Have had many issues with Italy Post, and have yet another package heading out
there this week. Seems to 'get lost' on both sides of the pond, and then,
after about 4-5 months, pops up. I had one of my last Buyers initiate a Paypal
dispute over it, despite my urging them to please, please, PLEASE! be patient.
The package arrived a few days before the dispute was set to go in their favor.
Needless to say, they were unhappy about the very long transit time, but what
can Sellers do? Quit selling to Italy, I suppose. And other International destinations.
Perhaps that is what the postal agencies and Countries want. *shrug*

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 25, 2022 08:32

Subject:

Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In General, calsbricks writes:

I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)

Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?

I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)

It's an internal function of the BrickLink database. Every lot entered has
to have a unique number which is used as a primary relational key within the
database. Data tables link to all sorts of stuff, and every part entered reads
your user number, part number, color, etc. Almost every item aspect is linked
to other tables, which hold other data. The entirety of BrickLink could not function
without it.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 18, 2022 22:45

Subject:

Re: Advise or experience you're wiling to share

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Shipping, peregrinator writes:

In Shipping, kzinti writes:

In order to get access to the IOSS entry feature, you have to have a paying level
account. The minimum account level is 50 packages a month, at $9 per month.

Pirate Ship is free and has a field in which you can enter the IOSS or HMRC number

I believe I'll do a hybrid solution, let Shipstation do domestic shipping,
as it's tied to Paypal and the address information ports directly over, which
so far appears to be free. For International though, I'm examining Pirate
Ship to handle that function. Setup an account, and will run through a practice
label to see what's what.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 18, 2022 22:34

Subject:

Re: Advise or experience you're wiling to share

Viewed:

29 times

Topic:

In Shipping, C0lsanders_ writes:

You're being charged? I had seen some people on here mention that, but with
no real proof. Are you certain you are? If so, what do I look for in my account
to see that? I have nothing in mine to say I'm being charged. In fact, my
shipping page has been saying that "UPS is now available with your free account".

Thanks,
Miles (C0lsanders_)

In order to get access to the IOSS entry feature, you have to have a paying level
account. The minimum account level is 50 packages a month, at $9 per month.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 18, 2022 21:13

Subject:

Re: Advise or experience you're wiling to share

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

In Shipping, WildBricks writes:

If you go through SS directly you can not only enter this platform's IOSS,
but BO's as well and select the correct 1 for your order.

I make sure to put a memo on each international order detailing the convoluted
shipping solution that Shipstation and Paypal have left us with. And since Shipstation
doesn't have an IOSS field, no idea if orders will be double charged VAT
on acceptance. I make sure to include all proper documents with the order, even
on the domestic cycle, I attach the Customs documents.

Good luck!

Running the numbers:

I sold 214 orders in the past year, at $9 a month basic service level, up to
50 packages a month, that's about $0.51 per order just to have an account.
My number of International orders was 46, or 22 percent of those total orders,
which for those alone comes down to roughly $2.35 each just to maintain an account
for International postage. I'll have to figure out what the US Postal price
difference is printing direct from their site, versus any discount that Shipstation
might provide and see if it's worth the $108 per year for just that singular
IOSS feature.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 17, 2022 22:44

Subject:

Lego in the big blue sea...

Viewed:

162 times

Topic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjP1VCc4Imk

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 17, 2022 21:29

Subject:

Re: Advise or experience you're wiling to share

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

I have had some issues with International shipping.

First, in the US, they ship domestically to postal forwarding centers, which
means you have two tracking numbers assigned to each International package. One
that gets it to the center, the other is the outward facing, international one.

When I note the international one on the order sheet, Buyers ask how come the
order doesn't show it's been shipped several days later. When checking
the domestic tracking number, it shows it's been shipped, and arrived at
the center, but has not yet been re-labeled and sent on, so the international
tracking number doesn't show any movement.

I make sure to put a memo on each international order detailing the convoluted
shipping solution that Shipstation and Paypal have left us with. And since Shipstation
doesn't have an IOSS field, no idea if orders will be double charged VAT
on acceptance. I make sure to include all proper documents with the order, even
on the domestic cycle, I attach the Customs documents.

Good luck!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 14, 2022 21:55

Subject:

Re: Sellers beware!

Viewed:

75 times

Topic:

Feedback

Welcome to BrickLink! Most Sellers here are small businesses, but they take their
feedback scores very seriously, and by that, I mean their customer service. I
get that issues arise with orders, but communication should always be the first
step. Something not right, expectations not met, communicate. Most Sellers want
to ensure that Buyers have a great experience. Failing that, there are several
avenues a Buyer can take, but it should always be first on the list of solutions,
communicate.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 5, 2022 17:19

Subject:

Re: Shipstation Watch

Viewed:

68 times

Topic:

In Shipping, axaday writes:

I have been monitoring the PayPal Shipstation issue now for 8 months. That is
when I first started getting banners that PayPal shipping would be changing.
Little by little, people are switching over. I don’t understand how it can operate
that way. I would have expected one company to have a license until a certain
date when another company takes over. But after 8 months I am still just as
I always was. I got an email once that my changeover was imminent, but it was
not imminent. I saw people say here that you had to go sign up, but I didn’t
sign up because it didn’t seem like it was impressing the people who did. Now
I am reading here of people that are being charged. I know I saw banners on PayPal
saying it would stay free and I didn’t have to do anything. Now I am wondering
if all the people who got charged are people who went and signed up.

Is there anyone here who actually knows the entire story?

One day, I logged in and did postage the current way, the next day, I logged
in and there was Shipstation. Banners, emails, and the like received, but since
like last June or July. I thought they had forgot about me, nope. Shipstation:
Do not want.

All International packages go to some clearinghouse where they are properly set
up with their International labels. Which means that you ship it with a US tracking
number and label to them, then they ship it out with an International tracking
number and label to the final destination. Talk about confusing. Customers are
asking why their packages are being delayed so long in getting out to the post.

I have a disclaimer I send to all International Buyers explaining the system,
and how bonkers it is. Worst of all, there is no place in the International papers
online to put the IOSS number for BrickLink, so you can imagine how excited Buyers
are about having to pay twice, and file to get their money back. Just check the
forum.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Feb 1, 2022 21:10

Subject:

Re: Gt3rs rims

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

Wanted

https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=23800&idColor=11#T=P&C=11

In Wanted, NeilDalby writes:

I'm after a set of rims for 42056 gt3rs please

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 29, 2022 14:44

Subject:

Re: Baseplate 14x20 brown

Viewed:

35 times

Topic:

Catalog Identification

In Catalog Identification, Calzebue writes:

Hi there, forgive me if this is not the right place to post this question. I
will move or delete it if I'm wrong.

Someone can tell me in which set there are 14x20 brown baseplates?

Thanks in advance.

Luca

No known sets.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 28, 2022 19:06

Subject:

Re: New rules in Hungary...

Viewed:

68 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, legomalego writes:

Any friends in Hungary that can help.

Are there new CDC rules out of Hungary that would cause a seller to back out
of a sale that was quoted on and paid for to Canada?

Thank you

I can say from experience that delays into and out of certain countries have
been abysmal due to Covid. Also, US Postal to Australia has cut off all shipping
with the exception of the highest cost Priority Express International, so even
small orders will cost $75 USD to ship. This whole thing is going to get worse
too...

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 26, 2022 12:12

Subject:

Re: Impossible to remove an item from order?

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Selling, Shintaku writes:

I tried after a lot of time that I didn't need this option, to remove an
item from the order.
That was not possible, and no explanation why were given.

Can someone explain me these news?

Thanks

Click: https://www.bricklink.com/retractOrderItem.asp

Enter Order Number

Edit order items, change quantity or delete items.

Submit for approval from Buyer

Wait for approval, then proceed to process order normally.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 25, 2022 13:04

Subject:

Re: BL collecting sales tax on resale purchases

Viewed:

104 times

Topic:

Any time a purchase was made on BrickLink by a legitimate reseller, the taxes
paid on the sale should be excluded, or paid back upon request and presentation
of a reseller license. That's all.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 24, 2022 20:29

Subject:

Shipstation, with a 'T' instead of a 'P'...

Viewed:

188 times

Topic:

Sorry for the ramble, it's been a long day. I know things need to be re-imagined,
things need to update, get better, but that's just not the case for much
of Shipstation. Thankfully I only do a few orders a day at my busiest, but still.
Latest shipping label, went through the whole process
of creating the label, charging me for it, then when I go to print... "She's
dead, Jim!". I get a link to the payment, a link to the tracking, and every time
I go to print or load the label itself, Error. Real conducive to business there
folks. Just a poor User Experience to round out a kind of a bummer day. Someone
post me some cartoons, stat! I'm ambling off to watch some mind numbing Netflix
show. I'll figure out sometime later whether I have to switch to Pirateship,
void the label, shortsell Shipstation to the point that all the hip kids want
to get in on the action and it folds overnight, or simply quit, or possibly all
of the above. For now, I'm off to Netflix and chill. Goodnight all!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 15, 2022 20:11

Subject:

Re: First Class Tracking

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Shipping, siddarth writes:

I saw the following on a seller's splash page...

"Standard first-class shipping does not come with tracking or insurance."

True about insurance but besides sticker sheets, what could someone be selling
that doesn't fall under first class package service which includes tracking?

Sadly, First Class Package Tracking for International items only goes as far
as the recipient's port of entry. Once delivered in Country, the USPS couldn't
give a rat's behind, and can't even be bothered to look it up. Half the
time, that in Country tracking is worse than USPS, and rarely gets updated, even
upon delivery. I know there are exceptions, but in the past 6 months, virtually
every late delivery issue for International orders has revolved simply around
trying to keep Buyers calm about delivery, because some places are taking 3-4
months to deliver a simple package. Pay more, get less.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 15, 2022 19:12

Subject:

Re: ShipStation Address Validation

Viewed:

34 times

Topic:

In Shipping, chetzler writes:

Just got switched over to this garbage.

I've created 10 labels so far. On the last 8, ShipStation forces me to accept
or reject an address update (which is merely the same address but in all-CAPS).
Regardless of whether or not I accept the update it then immediately says the
address is invalid. The only I way I can get it to accept the address is to
click the edit button, then make ABOLUTELY NO changes and save it.

ShipStation's customer service is of absolutely no help. Has anyone else
experienced this particular problem?

All of the other extra clicks and loses of functionality were bad enough, but
this one is leaving me pulling my hair out. I'm starting to dread every
new order because I know it's going to be a fight just to get the label printed.

PirateShip may soon be getting another customer...

Have not seen this yet, but the package dimensions are a pain in the tuckus for
padded mailers. Tried setting them up as defaults, but they want other things
that I don't want to put in, and it won't accept them without it. Just
a simple, 'Is it smaller than 12x12x12?' would suffice.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 15, 2022 19:09

Subject:

Re: Cost calculations (for part outs)

Viewed:

110 times

Topic:

In Selling, Yellow.Brick writes:

When I originally uploaded the first batch of ~100,000 pieces I didn't care
much about inputting my costs because I knew what I spent and that was my target
break even point.

... I always forget about taxes.

So moving forward I want to enter those fields in BS and as far as I can tell
there are at least two ways to do this:

1: Divide the amount spent by the total number of parts. This is imprecise though
because a 1x1 plate shouldn't have the same cost as, say, a minifigure.
It can get a price in but it means I'll pay higher taxes on minifig sales.

2: Normalize the prices by working from the part out values. Here I would do
the mass pricing for the set in BrickStore, then calculate that piece's percentage
in to that total price, then multiply that percentage by the original purchase
price.

EXAMPLES

1: Set price plus tax, $107
Total pieces 994

107 ÷ 994 = $0.107

So a $9.00 minifig from this set would have ~$8.89 of taxable profit. (Booooo
Mr. Taxman)

----

2: The same parted out set is priced at $331.60.
$9.00 Minifigure accounts for 2.7% of the part out price.

$107 x 2.7% = $2.89

This drops the taxable income to $6.11. (Still; Boooo Mr. Taxman)

----

Personally I prefer method #2, but it's cumbersome, requires excel, and apparently
BS doesn't like to open XML files I save.

Is there a work around for this or just do it manually?

And/Or is there another method I'm overlooking?

I take cost of the set as the basis, part out set into Brickstore, then take
total cost of current market value, divide that by cost of set, and that gives
you the percentage to multiply Brickstore prices by to get their weighted actual
cost by current market value.

Example: If a set costs $100, parted out into Brickstore shows all parts at 6
mos avg total value of $180, divide $100 cost by $180 value, and you get .556,
or 55.6%. Bulk multiply all parts values in Brickstore by a decrease of 55.6%,
and you'll have your actual weighted cost by current market value.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 12, 2022 18:17

Subject:

Re: What Would You Do Different?

Viewed:

58 times

Topic:

Announce

In Announce, StickyBrickit writes:

Just a thought experiment for those of you who run a store. If you could go back
in time to when you started selling Lego, what's the one thing you'd
do differently?

For me it would be not buying mixed-up bulk sets to rebuild and sell as used
complete sets. I didn't realise just HOW MUCH TIME it takes to check each
part, find / order replacements, list, store, package and post each one. Return
on investment for most sets is so poor if they come in mixed-up bulk lots that
even if the Lego was given to me for FREE I still don't think it would be
worth the time in most cases (unless the sets are rare / expensive!). Deffo not
worth it for City sets and similar though...

I'd have invested $50k in bulk brick purchases (instead of only $3k) from
the guy I met who had the scrap contract with the Mexican Lego manufacturing
facility. That stuff was pounds and pounds of great bulk parts, with thousands
of the same parts, but almost all of it worth big money. Remember the rare LBG
6.6L bars and 1x1 DBG cones without ridge from the 10179 sets? I had thousands
of them!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 9, 2022 15:07

Subject:

Re: 1x4 brick help (from set 1658? )

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

Catalog

In Catalog, Legomanijak91 writes:

Can anybody tell me which part is this? I assume it is from some old Ferry (maybe
1658?) set but I can't find it in catalog. This is sticker not decoration
on the brick.
And how much does it worth?

Thank you!

Dusan

Looks like maybe a misprint of

3010p21 Brick 1 x 4 with Ferry Squares Light Blue in 2 Lines Pattern
Parts: Brick, Decorated

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 6, 2022 19:57

Subject:

Re: "squishing" issue with packages

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Shipping, psusaxman2000 writes:

In Shipping, kzinti writes:

Problem comes when using Large Envelope rate versus Package rate. Expect all
Large Envelope rated goods to be machined.

Bubble mailers don't use envelope rates though. They still use First Class
rates just like you do for boxes.

It really is personal preference I think, but the agreed consensus is that mailing
it a general envelope is a no no.

Large Flats is a class within First Class Postage rate that allowed larger envelopes
and padded mailers, anything up to I believe it was #5 padded mailers and up
to 1/2 inch thick. So, a #00 padded mailer shipping a dozen 1x10 bricks would
work. Then they started machining everything, and all that went out the window.
Now, you are only supposed to ship goods by First Class Package rate.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 6, 2022 17:16

Subject:

Re: "squishing" issue with packages

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

Problem comes when using Large Envelope rate versus Package rate. Expect all
Large Envelope rated goods to be machined.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 6, 2022 09:33

Subject:

Re: "squishing" issue with packages

Viewed:

50 times

Topic:

In Shipping, cosmicray writes:

How much void space was there between the box and the set ?

What did you fill the void space with ?

Nita Rae

The outer box was maybe an inch larger than the contents overall. The entire
box was filled with 21102 sets, and the void was packed firmly with bubble wrap.
This was someone throwing it, kicking it, or otherwise manhandling it in transit.
Weight was only like 11 pounds overall, so it wasn't exactly a brick of lead
either. Solid, yes. It took some brute force to make this damage occur. Currently
arguing with the US Postal service over insurance coverage, but that's like
arguing with my mother in law, and she's been dead for over a decade.

Having said all of this, I invoiced an order with an oversized box, and the Buyer
complained of the high postal prices. I know, right? I read about the postal
rate changes coming up Monday, so I re-ran the same package info, but set for
shipment after changes. Price dropped a good $7-$10 depending on Service Level.
Needless to say, I explained how the Buyer could save money by just waiting to
ship until next week. Who knew?

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 5, 2022 22:19

Subject:

Re: "squishing" issue with packages

Viewed:

70 times

Topic:

In Shipping, kzinti writes:

In Shipping, drskyscraperx4 writes:

Hello!
I got a message from a buyer today saying that their package was "squished" by
shipping machines and the part (a lego head) they ordered must have fallen out.
I'm giving them a full refund, but I'm wondering if it's me or
USPS that's at fault here, and if USPS is, if there's any way to get
a refund from them (I didn't insure it since it was just $6 total, but if
their equipment was responsible, that's on them, right?). I shipped via USPS
first class "large envelope", since my package was between 1/4" and 3/4" thick.

This was why US Postal rules were changed, most significantly on International,
that any type of goods of value, had to be shipped package rate. They got tired
of finding minifigures in their sorting machines. Allegedly. Seriously though,
I have had a couple flat envelopes go through the sorting machine and end up
looking like (insert political party after a bad election here).

Though, I will add that even shipping items as packages doesn't mean the
US Postal service will not try and fubar your package, as evidenced by one of
my latest shipments, see photos (courtesy of Buyer).

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 5, 2022 22:15

Subject:

Re: "squishing" issue with packages

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

In Shipping, drskyscraperx4 writes:

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 4, 2022 18:14

Subject:

Re: New IRS Reporting Req's for 2022

Viewed:

93 times

Topic:

In Selling, ZSchoonover writes:

All,

In the event you haven't seen it, the IRS is requiring payment platforms
to issue 1099-K's to individuals who gross $600 or more per year, starting
this year... The previous threshold was $20,000 with at least 200 transactions.

https://newsroom.paypal-corp.com/2021-11-04-New-US-Tax-Reporting-Requirements-Your-Questions-Answered

The IRS won't go after four people for Trillions in taxes, they'll go
after four Billion for $1,000 each in taxes.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Jan 3, 2022 17:26

Subject:

Re: Accept missing parts?

Viewed:

48 times

Topic:

Same! Communication is King!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Dec 31, 2021 12:29

Subject:

Re: What can we do to remove NSS?

Viewed:

61 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, zorbanj writes:

This should take care of the NSS, but the seller will automatically lose the
inevitable PayPal claim. PayPal and untracked shipping are fundamentally incompatible.

In Problem Order, kzinti writes:

If you have a receipt from purchasing shipping, or a photo of the label, respond
to NSS with that information. You have indeed shipped it, but it has not arrived
yet. NSS deals with non-shipment. If you have proof, present it, tracking or
not, and if you have copies of the emails with the Buyer where they agree to
take the responsibility for lost package, include copies of that as well.

Agreed, however the OP stated they wanted to deal with the NSS issue.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Dec 30, 2021 17:56

Subject:

Re: What can we do to remove NSS?

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Problem Order, Friend.bricks writes:

Hi,

We wish to kindly ask for help with NSS. Buyer placed an order with us and asked
for cheapest shipping. We replied that it would have no tracking and no insurance
in that case. As he accepted that and paid his invoice, we shipped his order
without tracking and insurance - as he ask for. Several days ago, he contacted
us that he still did not get his order. We very politely explained that there
is not much we can do right now – maybe there is only delay with shipment (Christmas
time) and if by chance order would be returned to us we will inform him. We also
asked him if there is anything else, we could do for him. As he still did not
get his order after few next days he issued NSS and he is saying that he has
no proof no reason to believe we shipped his order and even if we shipped it
and if it is lost, it is our fault and we are responsible for it.

In our store terms and conditions is written that if order is not insured we
are not responsible for damaged or lost shipment. Isn’t it so that, if buyer
requires shipping without tracking and insurance and if we have in our store
terms and conditions written that we are not responsible for lost or damaged
shipments if they are not insured, so if he place an order he agrees with our
terms and conditions and he is accepting that risk of damaged or lost shipment
is on his shoulders?
We shipped over 2000 orders in last 10 years and even 30-50% of them were send
without tracking and insurance we did not have such a problem in the past.

Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves? Buyer paid via Paypal. We are
getting suspicious whether the buyer did not plan this. What if he already got
his order, he is saying that he do not have it and wish to get refund. We will
never get any proof if he got it or not. From buyers 24 orders he already has
1 NPB with negative feedback.

Please what can we do? Many thanks for your advices and support.
Best wishes,

Friend
Friend.bricks

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Dec 15, 2021 21:22

Subject:

Re: BrickLink Designer Program Nov 2021

Viewed:

63 times

Topic:

Designer Program

In Designer Program, Poncke writes:

Hi ,

Congrats! The set(s) you pre-ordered from the BrickLink Designer Program have
been crowdfunded.

Now your sets go off to production. Yours are expected to ship in August 2022.
Creating awesome new sets takes some work, but we're sure it'll be worth
the wait.

You can visit LEGO.com for more info about your order(s).

----------------------------

I've ordered the Venetian Houses and the Retro Bowling Alley.

Excited that they go to production, but have to wait 9 months to actually have
them

LOL

What have you ordered and how will you get through the 9 month wait?

Laughing ever so heartily because outside of BrickLink, on a whim, I bought a
John Deere tracked loader at some online auction for $1,500. Didn't know
if it would start, run, or anything (it did!). Oh, it was also located in the
middle of a field in Central Wisconsin 1,200 miles away. This was just before
Thanksgiving 2020 and I still haven't 'received' it, technically.
LOL Maybe this Spring...

Sidenote: After doing some research on the loader, I found out it might have
facilitated the death of the operator while in operation. Working to confirm
or reject that information. If true, I basically bought the Carrie of dozers.

Auction photos located at: thelittlestdozer.wordpress.com

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Dec 11, 2021 10:03

Subject:

Re: What happens next

Viewed:

94 times

Topic:

Architecture is everything, so rebuilding a house on a crappy foundation only
results in more issues down the road. The site needs a complete rebuild from
the bottom up, and if the core system is built out correctly, the subs can be
handled Agile style for quicker results.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 24, 2021 19:31

Subject:

Re: Move Death Star 10188-1 to UCS

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

Catalog Requests

In Catalog Requests, 1977_mauro writes:

Hi Admins,

please move this set:

10188-1 (Inv) Death Star - UCS
3696 Parts, 24 Minifigures, 2008
Sets: Star Wars: Ultimate Collector Series: Star Wars Episode 4/5/6

to Ultimate Collection Series.

I can explain why we should do that. In the past it was already included as a
UCS set but was removed due to my request, as at this time 10188 was NOT listed
as UCS in BrickSet UCS list or other UCS lists on other pages.

You can see here the removal from UCS list:

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogReqList.asp?itemID=78848

When you now do the reasearch again, you will see that all UCS lists included
this set as a UCS set. For that reason we should reject my old request and put
it again to the UCS list.

I do not want to start the debate what UCS list means as there is no clear declaration
to that but for this set it is clear as we are the unique catalog that does not
include this set into the UCS list.

Thanks
Mauro

Mom's voice: And if everyone else blew up the Death Star, would you?

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 23, 2021 13:11

Subject:

Re: RARE SAMSONITE FROM '66 & '67 NOW ON SALE!!!

Viewed:

73 times

Topic:

Sales

In Sales, legoman77 writes:

In Sales, GandABricks writes:

Our Samsonite LEGO Sets are now 50% off in our store! Grab a piece of LEGO history with these amazing little sets from the late 1960's! We are the only store on BrickLink to have these vintage sets for sale, and finding them in complete and 'sealed' condition is extremely hard to do, and the price reflects that. Combined with our FREE SHIPPING UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER sale, this is the time to buy! These sets will be shipped via insured, signature required, priority mail through the USPS at NO CHARGE to you! Grab them before they're gone!

-The G & A Bricks Team

G & A Bricks
New Jersey, USA

Hate to be the turd in your punch bowl, these are not all that rare. Your selling
price is about $2450 or $1950 too much. I had around 10 of each and half were
sealed.
John P

I still have most of that stuff packed away, waiting for me to build the new
office someday, with lots of display shelves in there.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 22, 2021 19:56

Subject:

Re: Lost packages: is this coincidence or... ???

Viewed:

70 times

Topic:

In Buying, Leftoverbricks writes:

Over the past four months (July-October) I placed 48 orders from which 10 outside
my own country. From those 10 orders, 2 orders were lost in the mail. That is
20% of orders lost!

Both had tracking, both last scans were somewhere at the customs in Amsterdam,
then nothing after that.
One was from Thailand, the other one from Germany (which shouldn't have make
it to the customs anyway since Germany is EU).
The sellers and I did everything possible so far to connect with the shipping
companies and Postnl, but to no avail. (I like to emphasize that I had no problems
with the sellers involved in the transactions, they were great!)

Packages get lost every time but 20% as in my case is exceptional.
It's getting stranger however.
Both orders were for VERY VERY VERY rare parts. Parts that seldom appear in a
shop because they were only in one set.

To prove this I include two screenshots from the price guide which show the rareness
of the parts I've ordered. The blue dot is me. As you can see the parts are
indeed very rare and pricey. None of the two are available in any shop in the
world.

I'm not paranoid (at least I hope I'm not) but the very coincidence of
ordering two very rare parts on BL that both were lost at Amsterdam customs makes
me think that there's more going on here.

Martin

Postal service everywhere has suffered. I've had orders taking 3-4 months
to arrive, so please be patient with your Sellers. It's bonkers everywhere.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 18, 2021 19:22

Subject:

Re: Shipping

Viewed:

24 times

Topic:

In Help, nikitasam writes:

A couple of my orders abroad were returned, how can I send them, what did I do
wrong?

If they went to Italy, Australia, or several other Countries, their postal
services are just overloaded. Some are not accepting anything other than Priority
Express shipments, like Australia. You will need to go to the USPS website to
find if there is a service bulletin for where you are sending them. After that,
you'll have more information to go on.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 15, 2021 22:25

Subject:

Re: How long would you wait

Viewed:

57 times

Topic:

In Selling, CSC writes:

To cancel an order someone placed in your store?

I have an order where the buyer needed to wait for shipping cost. I sent the
invoice and contacted the buyer, but they have not paid yet.

So how long would you wait until cancelling the order?

If I get no response, I usually try an external email, or BrickLink message.
After that, start the NPB process.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 15, 2021 19:31

Subject:

Re: Australia first class mail suspended??

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

In Shipping, BrickAndStone writes:

Hey sellers, My usps is stating that shipping to Australia first class mail is
suspended . Is this so ?

And Priority was suspended as well, leaving only Top tier shipping option Priority
Express. Have had several cancellations from Australian shoppers in the last
few months due to this. Yay postal service!

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 15, 2021 19:29

Subject:

Re: SHIPSTATION

Viewed:

55 times

Topic:

In General, pitz8008 writes:

Anyone else having a problem with trying to print labels from paypal using shipstation?
It keeps saying there's an error processing my payment and to try again later.
No clue why paypal had to switch to shipstation.

Still on the old system with paypal here, but did notice that International postage
payments must be by credit card or other, and it will not allow balance payments.
Very odd indeed.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 15, 2021 11:17

Subject:

Re: Handling non-LEGO bricks in bulk purchases

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In General, V_JAMS writes:

We usually sort all the non-Lego out into another box and donate that to a local
charity. I would make sure nothing is non-Lego though when you list, so be diligent.

In General, ventusignis writes:

I purchased several pounds of LEGO from someone in bulk off of craigslist. I've
gone through about 1,600 bricks so far and found some (20-30 so far) Tyco and
Megabloks mixed in.

First off, is trying to inventory all 25 pounds of bulk lego I bought a pointless
exercise? Also how strongly should I filter out non LEGO bricks when going through
it? I am not planning on reselling anything. I've given up on precisely differentiating
colors already (light gray or bluish light gray? Is this old brick a shade of
nougat? Is it a faded yellow?)

I did notice that Tyco plates are 1/2 brick tall, not 1/3 brick tall which is
interesting

Same on both.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 9, 2021 14:54

Subject:

Re: Feedback Etiquette and Retaliation

Viewed:

52 times

Topic:

In Help, SailorMan20 writes:

I recently received a package that I ordered from Italy (I'm in the US).
It took over two months to arrive. This is not my first international package,
but everything else I've ordered has arrived much quicker (usually no more
than 2-3 weeks). When I gave feedback on the seller, I honestly said that the
product was in good condition, but I gave it a negative feedback because of the
long time.

Now, the seller has messaged me and told me to remove the feedback because it
wasn't their fault, but that of the postal service. They threatened to give
me a bad feedback in retaliation and have now done so. Now, maybe they were
right and that long postal delays are not usually cause for poor feedback. If
that is the consensus, I'm happy to modify, though I still think people should
know if their packages will take 60+ days to arrive. But retaliatory feedback
seems out of line. Is this normal? If not, is there anything to do, or just
ignore it?

This feels like one of those Reddit: AITA forums. ESH! A negative for slow shipping?
Bad form. I can see if it was slow to go from the Seller to the postal service,
but seriously? You are dinging the Seller for problems outside of their control?
Not to mention Italy's postal service is a worse joke than the US Postal
Service. Retaliatory feedback is also not cool, do not condone that either. Communication
is king.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 5, 2021 22:41

Subject:

Re: USPS delaying tracking info?

Viewed:

42 times

Topic:

In Shipping, Yellow.Brick writes:

I've seen this happen a lot while shipping from home where the tracking number
doesn't update until the following day on USPS.com, but are the tracking
numbers that start with LZ any different?

I've got an international shipment that was picked up yesterday and on the
website it still just says "label created".

USPS sucks. That's all I have to add. They suck.

Author:

kzinti

Posted:

Nov 4, 2021 14:38

Subject:

Re: Pricing very rare items

Viewed:

51 times

Topic: