BrickLink Discussion Forum

In Catalog Identification, jblock writes:

In Catalog Identification, TheBrickGuys writes:

I can not for the life of me figure out what this is or where in the catalog
it exists.

Any ideas?

[P=bbw008]

I tell you, for as often as I see questions about what this part it in the forums,
BL should put its picture and identifier on the front page for all to see...

There are a few parts that come up with some regularity:

http://www.qwertyboy.org/files/parts.php

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 19, 2018 15:35

Subject:

Re: Flag 4595a/b

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

In Catalog, mikmo writes:

I am quite sure that before this part was split into an a and a b part, metallic
gold was a known color for the original 4595 catalog item.

Now pearl gold is known for both variants, but not metallic gold.

I have the "right handed" version in pearl gold and also in what i am rather
convinced is metallic gold. The difference is subtle, but the metallic gold part
seems to have a slightly textured surface, whereas the pearl gold version is
completly smooth. Also the metallic gold version is a tiny bit darker.

Am i wrong here ?

See here:

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1090305

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 10, 2018 22:43

Subject:

Re: Difference between mold types

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

In Help, mfav writes:

It's very subtle, this difference.

So 19159 might no accept a bar in those pins (easily), correct?

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 7, 2018 22:28

Subject:

Re: Add weight for 71287-1

Viewed:

17 times

Topic:

In Catalog Requests, kompeitou writes:

Please add weight for set 71287-1 = 70 grams

Please use the proper catalog change request form:

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogReq.asp

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Aug 31, 2018 13:56

Subject:

Re: New parameter for lots: max per buyer

Viewed:

33 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, DeLuca writes:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, danielclark writes:

I'd be less inclined to shop in a store that restricts how much of an item
I could buy, especially if I could see they had more. When I search for parts
it's by highest quantity for my most desired elements. If a store is going
to retain some inventory then it's going to show further down on that list.

I agree, you should not see it. It would work exactly the same as the stockroom
currently works: You don't see what's back there that you cannot order.

The full quantity of a given item would not be visible on the item's Catalog
entry, but would it be visible on the item's entry in the store? It
is my understanding that it would, hence my concerns.

No, it should not be visible anywhere, just like a stockroom items is not visible.
If I have a lot of 5000 but limit it to 500 per buyer, it should show as a 500
size lot everywhere on Bricklink.
I intended it as a more automated version of the current way to do the same thing,
listing 500, switching on "retain" and writing "4500 left" in the remarks.
I agree it would be annoying to see things you couldn't buy.

There is a small downside that if a buyer places an order for 500, then happens
to browse the store again while not logged in, then they see that more stock
is available. So they log in and the stock is no longer available to them as
they have a current order.

It would take more than just a few changes. For instance, if you set a max of
100 per customer, and someone buys 100, when would your shop show 100 in inventory
again? If it gets shown right away (assuming you have enough set up), the customer
would see another 100, and could potentially add them to his existing order.
If you expect BL to block this particular customer from seeing the new lot, when
would this "lock" be lifted? At payment time? After shipping? Maybe never? Or
do you accept them being able to see the new 100 and do an order addition, thus
being able to buy them all in several order additions?

There would be quite a few checks etc needed, with many options for fringe cases
messing things up.

I do appreciate the idea, but I don't think it would be easy to implement.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Aug 18, 2018 09:30

Subject:

Re: How many sets released ?

Viewed:

27 times

Topic:

In Catalog, MiStErLu writes:

Hi,

On the first page of BrickLink i see 14 729 sets

When i download the set catalog to compare, i see 14 761 sets

Someone can explain me the difference ?

The number of sets you see in the catalog is “real time”, the one on the front
page is likely from when the page was rebuilt during a maintenance cycle.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Aug 10, 2018 12:21

Subject:

Re: Part variations

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Catalog Requests, mattkaupke writes:

I’ve noticed as of late that there have been some changes to the catalog resulting
in a number of my items being changed to “undetermined type”. For example 1x1x5
bricks listed as 2453 used to be hollow stud and 2453b was solid. Now 2453 is
undetermined, hollow is 2453a and solid 2453b

Is there an easy fix for this beyond manually changing each item part number?
Also, is there a list of the parts that have been changed in this way?

For the admins- is it possible for you guys to automatically do this for the
sellers when you make the changes?

As to this last question - the entry for 2453 had a description of "Brick 1 x
1 x 5", so it did not have "hollow" specified. Most sellers used it to sell the
hollow variant, but technically it could contain both. Moving all 2453's
automatically to 2453a would cause issues, as likely there are many listed under
2453 with a solid stud.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Aug 8, 2018 23:40

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 8247-1

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, randyf writes:

In Inventories Requests, qwertyboy writes:

In Inventories Requests, axaday writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory:

8247-1 (Inv) Road Rebel
44 Parts, 1999
Sets: Technic: Model: Race

* Change 2 Part Black {2536 Plant, Tree Palm Trunk - Undetermined Type to 2536d Plant, Tree Palm Trunk - Short Connector, Axle Hole with 2 Inside Prongs}

No undetermined parts seem to be in the bag. There are a couple of 2536d's
where they were supposed to be.

Kudos for updating these. But I am curious - it sounds like you were verifying
there are no “undetermined” variants in this set. Are you simply saying they
are now a specific variant, or were you half expecting to actually find an undetermined
version? Would your check not make the versions determined?

Niek.

Niek, meet sarcasm.

I have to admit, like Sheldon, I sometimes need someone to wave the “sarcasm”
sign...

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Aug 8, 2018 19:19

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 8247-1

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, axaday writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory:

8247-1 (Inv) Road Rebel
44 Parts, 1999
Sets: Technic: Model: Race

* Change 2 Part Black {2536 Plant, Tree Palm Trunk - Undetermined Type to 2536d Plant, Tree Palm Trunk - Short Connector, Axle Hole with 2 Inside Prongs}

No undetermined parts seem to be in the bag. There are a couple of 2536d's
where they were supposed to be.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Aug 2, 2018 19:11

Subject:

Re: Question on catalog image uploads

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Catalog, crazylegoman writes:

In Catalog, 62Bricks writes:

In Catalog, crazylegoman writes:

In Catalog, Pippyblocks writes:

Isn't 600 the longest side it can be?

In Catalog, crazylegoman writes:

I was just trying to upload an image to the catalog, and I got an error that
says,

Oops! There was a problem processing your request:

1. Parameter Error.

The image is within the 800X600 pixel size requirement. What else could be the
trouble?

David

It says 800X600 on the upload page. My image was 600 pixels tall, but less than
800 wide.

David

The error message for images that are too large specifically gives the reason.
Is it an accepted file type?

It's a .jpg file. Is there maybe a file size limit too? The file is 425KB.

I don’t know about a size limit, but a JPG under 800x600 weighing in at 425KB
is hard to believe. Even a 800x600 bmp will ‘only’ be 420KB. A JPG file is using
pretty agressive compression. Either the file is not a JPG, or it is not 800x600.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 22:51

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

51 times

Topic:

In Catalog, runner.caller writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, runner.caller writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

And which clown decide to delet the origin entry?

I for one would appreciate it if you kept things civilized. Is it really necessary
to start calling names?

Niek.

Sometimes, yes.

I see this name calling getting to be the norm in Internet conversations. To
me, people resorting to name calling admit defeat.

I thought (rather innocently I fear) that we in the BL forum could show some
restraint and be more civilized and have normal discussions, but it looks like
I am mistaken.

Sad.

Niek.

That has nothing to do with the internet. I would call you a clown too when you
are sitting in front of me and you did the same.

Like I said, sad.

And FYI - if you were to check, item 4495 is in the catalog. I am not sure if
they put it back or if it never left, but right now it is there. If they put
it back, it would be nice of you to acknowledge that.

Niek.

It's marked for deletion tho..

... and that is normal procedure, nothing new. See here for a list of all items
currently marked for deletion (several of them now have more distinctive mould
variants):
https://www.bricklink.com/catalogList.asp?itemObsolete=Y&v=3

Niek.

What's your argument then in saying that "it would be nice of him to acknowledge
that it's in the catalog" stating that it's in the catalog currently
all matter of factly is pointless if it's marked for deletion.

If you read back, the literal post was: “And which clown decide to delet the
origin entry?”. The entry is not deleted, it is marked for deletion. Big difference.

The other
user was saying they should leave undetermined as a permanent option.

I have no objection to that at all. What I object to (and I thought I was pretty
clear) is the unnecessary name calling.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 15:10

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

49 times

Topic:

In Catalog, runner.caller writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

And which clown decide to delet the origin entry?

I for one would appreciate it if you kept things civilized. Is it really necessary
to start calling names?

Niek.

Sometimes, yes.

That has nothing to do with the internet. I would call you a clown too when you
are sitting in front of me and you did the same.

It's marked for deletion tho..

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 10:42

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

And which clown decide to delet the origin entry?

I for one would appreciate it if you kept things civilized. Is it really necessary
to start calling names?

Niek.

Sometimes, yes.

That has nothing to do with the internet. I would call you a clown too when you
are sitting in front of me and you did the same.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 10:35

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

56 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

In Catalog, qwertyboy writes:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

And which clown decide to delet the origin entry?

I for one would appreciate it if you kept things civilized. Is it really necessary
to start calling names?

Niek.

Sometimes, yes.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jul 30, 2018 10:14

Subject:

Re: 4495, now 4495a and 4495b

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Catalog, Dino1 writes:

And which clown decide to delet the origin entry?

I for one would appreciate it if you kept things civilized. Is it really necessary
to start calling names?

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jul 23, 2018 23:41

Subject:

Re: Trans Neon Green Zamor Sphere

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, RecycledBrick writes:

Is there a sphere expert on Bricklink? I have wondered if the pictures are correct
even with the color variations with these.

https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1077007

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jul 23, 2018 13:31

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Part 44658c01

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, SylvainLS writes:

In Inventories Requests, sleeper447 writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory: [P=44658c01]

* Change {2 to 4} Part (Variable Color) 44658a Minifig, Weapon Knife

Comments from Submitter:
There is only one item (2 knives) registered, however you can clearly see on the box that there are 2 knives in the construction and 1 hold by the merman. Since they come by two as far as I know, it would seems that there are then 2 items, resulting in 4 knives.

It seems what you want is to change the inventory of a set (the one with the
merman) but this request is asking for a change in the inventory of the part
(the two knives as they come attached in new sets), not the inventory of a set.

Furthermore, set box pictures are not always correct. Set inventory changes should
result from either instructions (where parts are applied), or from the contents
of a freshly opened sealed set.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jun 28, 2018 12:36

Subject:

Re: 1x1 Plate

Viewed:

41 times

Topic:

Colors

In Colors, PurpleDave writes:

In Colors, superchicken77 writes:

Looks like somebody already got their hands on some.

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogPG.asp?P=3024&colorID=89

Still a bit too pricey for me. I'll wait until more German stores get them
and pick them up for 5-6 cents a piece.

Ooh... If those are legitimate, and not mislisted under the wrong color, I may
have to pick up a few hundred of those before they dry up again.

Some German shops seem to have access to large quantities of parts. Obviously
not from parting out, but from some other channel. 1x1 plates in particular seem
in good supply for them. I have no doubt these are listed correctly.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jun 18, 2018 19:53

Subject:

Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 2362-1

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:

Please make changes to the following inventory:

2362-1 (Inv) Large Circus Bucket
55 Parts, 2 Minifigures, 1995
Sets: DUPLO: Basic Set

* Delete 1 Part 4883c02 Yellow Duplo Car Base 2 x 6 with Red Wheels and Old Style Closed Hitch End
* Add 1 Part 2312c02 Yellow Duplo Car Base 2 x 6 with Red Wheels and Open Hitch End
* Change {4 to 7} Part Blue 3437 Duplo, Brick 2 x 2
* Change {1 to 4} Part Blue 3011 Duplo, Brick 2 x 4
* Change {4 to 7} Part Green 3437 Duplo, Brick 2 x 2
* Change {2 to 4} Part Yellow 3011 Duplo, Brick 2 x 4

Comments from Submitter:
This is a significantly incomplete list of similar things. What common characteristic do they share?

Acupuncture

[snip]

Witches

They are all in your post.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

May 28, 2018 10:17

Subject:

Re: Improve add item screen

Viewed:

44 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.

This is because new (and common) items are more susceptible to the "race to the
bottom" prices. New shops pop up with same sets as anyone else (because they
are all on sale). They part out as new, and price below average to get sales.
This happens less with used parts as there is way more work involved in listing
them (so fewer "get rich while doing almost nothing shops").

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 19, 2018 20:39

Subject:

Re: Save Offsite Paypal!

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, RecycledBrick writes:

What you missed is that you already agreed for BrickLink to:
— look into your PP transactions
— block payments and decide refunds.

I didn't miss those. How is Bricklink going access my PayPal account? It
doesn't matter what agreement is made, how do they get into it? I am just
wondering.

They don’t, and they can’t. BL has control over the BL-initiated transactions,
but only so they can request PP to delay the payment, subtract a fee, and/or
initiate a refund. They can’t reroute the transaction into their own account,
they can’t access (or even see) your non-BL transactions, it is solely more control
over the payment flow for BL-initiated PP transactions.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 5, 2018 23:41

Subject:

Re: Search Locally

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Pretty_Pieces writes:

I would very much like to see a "withing x distance of ..." option. We offer
local pickup or delivery to LUG/AFOL meetings, which saves buyers both time AND
shipping, but unless they know of us already, that option isn't searchable.

Dawn
Pretty_Pieces

In Abbotsford, Alberta, for locals who may want to make note of our store!

Hey! Did we annex Abbotsford?

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Feb 28, 2018 19:40

Subject:

Re: Getting Frustrated Now With Bricklink

Viewed:

79 times

Topic:

Problem

In Problem, StormChaser writes:

In Problem, CheshireBricKs writes:

Your ability to inventory used Lego is appalling.

What specific problems are you having with inventories and what suggestions do
you have for improvement?

Not wanting to put words in OP’s mouth - to me it sounds like he is not having
issues with set inventories, but more with uploading used parts from a bulk lot
(so to put used parts in your inventory). That process, if only using BL-provided
tools, is painful. If it weren’t for BrickStock, I am sure our shop would not
flourish like it does right now.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Feb 23, 2018 13:14

Subject:

Re: Interface improvement

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, nectara writes:

In Suggestions, TheBrickGuys writes:

Don't forget the typical forum response to ANYTHING that admin tries to do....

Wrong
Is more like this

Sometimes it actually reads like this:

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jan 10, 2018 11:15

Subject:

Re: Not happy with instant checkout GUI at all

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

BL could definitely use some more features when it comes to picking orders. I
have written some in-house stuff that helps us with this.

- When picking an item for an order, you can click on the item to indicate this
lot was picked. The system keeps track of how far in you are by showing a "percentage
complete" on our orders overview, as shown in the first pic. Note that this info
is stored in a local database (per order item, and per order), so you can take
a break and pick up where you have left, even on a different computer.
- The second pic shows part of the screen while picking an order. At the top
right the page always shows the nr of lots in the order, the nr of lots not picked
yet (white), the lots picked (green), lots with an issue (red), and lots verified
during packing for shipping (blue). The "back" is to force a reload of the orders
page (a click on the browser's back button would show a not-updated order
list again), and "up" / "down" goes to the next / previous order in the list.
- When you click on the item picture, a popup comes up that shows some details
about the lot. Here you can add a comment to a lot which will show at the bottom
of the order page.
- When you click on the "Inventory" button in that popup, another popup shows
the sales and inventory for that part for all colors we have or sold. This way,
when picking an item, we can easily check (and correct) the inventory for all
colors.
- It also shows a "diff" for each part/color that will show all the inventory
changes for that item in a separate browser window. the "PG" link opens a price
guide for that item.

There are several other features in these order pages that I won't go into,
but above features have made our shop run so much better.

This is not something we can easily give to other shops to use, as it uses a
local database and a host of tools and programming languages, all tied to our
local infran and hosted on two Linux servers. For BL to implement this, it would
require some more info to be stored for each order item ("status", and "comment")
and each order. But it shows this can be done.

If BL wants to have a chat with me to see if/how they can improve these tools,
by all means, I am available.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Dec 23, 2017 20:49

Subject:

Re: Login problems on ipad

Viewed:

31 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, drclarkjr writes:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, drclarkjr writes:

If you were able to type in your user name, next time, don’t scroll-and-click,
just use your “TAB” key to have it select the password box. Type your password,
and hit the “ENTER” key. Done.

I have an iPad Pro, but have been a keyboard jockey ever since I started programming
(about 45 years ago), so this is how I always log in, never had issues.

Niek.

I thought of that, but there’s no TAB key on an iPad. Also, I hate typing when
I can’t see what I typed.

Well, there definitely is a TAB on mine...

Niek.

Is that a 12” iPad Pro? Totally different keyboard than mine.

Yes, it is, also hooked up a Logitech keyboard that doubles as a hard shell.
Highly recommended. Daddy needs his real estate (and speed), especially when
coding on the couch.

I also use Chrome instead of Safari, maybe that cuts down on the “sliding login
screen syndrome”?

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Dec 23, 2017 20:35

Subject:

Re: Login problems on ipad

Viewed:

22 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, drclarkjr writes:

I thought of that, but there’s no TAB key on an iPad. Also, I hate typing when
I can’t see what I typed.

Well, there definitely is a TAB on mine...

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Dec 23, 2017 19:22

Subject:

Re: Login problems on ipad

Viewed:

23 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, drclarkjr writes:

I have a new iPad Pro 10.5” running iOS 11.2.1. I just tried to log in for the
first time (on this device) and could not because the login window kept disappearing
when I tried to enter my password. I was in landscape orientation and the keyboard
was in the way, and when I tried to scroll the page up so I could type in the
password box, the login window would close. I finally made it work by rotating
the iPad to portrait orientation.

That scroll attempt also caused other screwups, like the cursor and entered text
not showing up in the data entry box, but below it.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Nov 12, 2017 21:53

Subject:

Re: Instant Checkout Package Restrictions

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, atkk writes:

In the Instant Checkout, Package restriction, please add "Maximum # parts" This
is required in order to ensure that a package is not larger than permitted.
For example, an order of 100 1x1 plates would be fine as lettermail, however
1000 of them would not fit, and thus would need to be shipped as a package.

A 1x1 plate is almost perfect for what BL set up to be weight-bound. These items
are considered a fluid when filling your packaging. Admin_russell has provided
an explanation on this several times.

I did a very un-scientific test. I used 3”x4” baggies, and a large bubble mailer
can comfortably hold 9 of them. So, I measured how many 1x1 plates I can drop
in one baggie. Turns out each baggie can easily fit 240 plates (and be no thicker
than 1.6 cm), which means I can ship well over 2,000 1x1 plates in a large bubble
mailer.

So not sure where you get your 1,000 number from that would require parcel shipping.

Furthermore, according to the catalog, BL says each plate is 0.2 grams, so I
can easily fit 400 grams of plates (again, according to BL calculations). I am
sure you know from experience that, with a “random” collection of parts in a
customer’s order, it is pretty difficult to go over 300 grams in a large bubble
mailer because you will run into volume issues. So in setting up instant checkout
shipment methods, you would be wise to limit your letterpost methods to say 300
grams (or maybe 325 if you are adventurous). With BL’s fluid packing of 1x1 plates,
it will cap the amount of 1x1 plates a customer can order with letterpost to
1,500.

As you see, both weight-wise and volume-wise, 1,500 1x1 plates easily fits letterpost.

Did I miss anything?

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Oct 24, 2017 11:53

Subject:

Re: Convert all units to Metric

Viewed:

44 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

I chuckled at the “going to the moon on pounds and inches” comment, but the US
paid their price in their space program, missing Mars with a flight due to a
metric / imperial mess-up.

You don’t need to go abroad (and beyond) for your examples: look for Air Canada
Flight 143 / Gimli Glider

True - I watched every Mayday TV episode, and that was one of them. Interesting
investigating, but sometimes a bit overly dramatic (that same episode, with the
kid on his tricycle trying to out-paddle a landing jetliner was a bit much).

I specifically mentioned the Mars mission mess-up because it goes with the pounds-and-inches
that got the same NASA organization to the moon.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Oct 24, 2017 08:51

Subject:

Re: Convert all units to Metric

Viewed:

47 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

In Suggestions, Brickler writes:

Hi,
I do prefer the metric system, hands down, but in the US we have standard measurement
system.
So all our weights and sizes for the mail are in Standard. Changing it make no
sense.

In the rest of the world we also have a standard and universal measurement system,
the metric system.

In Canada confusion rules. Officially we should be metric, but going to a DIY
store everything is feet and inches. Traveling distances are metric and we buy
litres at the pump, yet car fuel performance is miles per gallon (try explaining
your car does “one in fourteen” to a Canadian).

I chuckled at the “going to the moon on pounds and inches” comment, but the US
paid their price in their space program, missing Mars with a flight due to a
metric / imperial mess-up.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Oct 23, 2017 19:52

Subject:

Re: Use actual email for "contact me"

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, Brick.Door writes:

Is it possible to have emails sent from the actual address when someone contacts
me through the Bricklink site? Rather than having them generated from blservice@bricklink.com.

When I hit reply, the response goes back to Bricklink instead of to the email
author.

Either that or have it sent to a dead email address so at least I will get an
error that it wasn't delivered.

This has probably been suggested before.

Actually, there is some intelligence in the BL email system. If you reply to
one of those emails, it does indeed get sent to blservice@, but when it arrives
there, BL figures out where it should have gone, and forwards it to the correct
email address.

If you like, you can contact me through BL, and I will reply without changing
email addresses.

Correcting myself here - there is no magic happening at BL. They do send the
message out as coming from blservice@, but they set a "reply-to" mail header
containing the sender's actual email address.

So when you hit "reply" in your mail client, you should see the email address
of the person that emailed you filled in in the "To:" field.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Oct 23, 2017 19:11

Subject:

Re: Use actual email for "contact me"

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Brick.Door writes:

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Oct 7, 2017 08:35

Subject:

Re: Reduce Store Verification Time

Viewed:

28 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Brickwilbo writes:

In Suggestions, MarieA writes:

In Suggestions, redimension writes:

Team,

I have been waiting to open my store for over a month. I am more than ready to
start selling. Do you need help in this department? Volunteers to assist in matters
like this?

Cheers!

The process takes approx. two weeks after you complete the necessary steps. You
only completed at least two of those steps two days ago. You've been waiting
a month only because you didn't thoroughly read the information. I agree
the process could be simpler, but the information is there and simply needs to
be given the appropriate attention.

A better suggestion might be for BL to create an unambiguous list of things a
new store needs to do, with green ticks generated automatically against each
item as they're completed, with a "submit for review" button only available
after all other steps have been ticked off.

Agreed. All the information is there.
We've three people not understanding which settings to use.
They'd entered an unnecessary Store bypassword which keeps their stores locked.

Specifying a password there does not keep a store locked. We have a password
there, but our store is open. They specifically said that the "open" button did
not work.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Oct 4, 2017 09:14

Subject:

Re: Update item numbers of marked deletion items

Viewed:

21 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, novabrick writes:

In Suggestions, Cob writes:

Suggestion:

Please update the item numbers of items marked for deletion to end with "-md"
or something similar. I am putting together older figures and keep running into
guys that are marked for deletion. There is no way to know they are marked for
deletion on Brickstock until I pull up the catalog or try to upload the parts.

The best solution would be to delete the items marked for deletion.

Thanks,
Cob

Maybe put the item number in italics and then delete the item after like 3 month
or so. Like [p=4070a] has been marked for deletion for years it seems. I am not
sure what keeps items from being deleted after being marked for deletion. Bit
of clarification would be nice.

I believe an item cannot be deleted as long as it is actively referenced elsewhere
(most commonly in people's shop inventory, stock rooms, possibly set inventories).

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 16, 2017 13:31

Subject:

Re: Change to information held in Catalogue

Viewed:

26 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, qwertyboy writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, brickbrowser writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

The Bricklink catalogue has the perfect base for this change but it is a question
of whether the developers feel they can do it with minimum effort. Each item
in the catalogue has a PCC as well as its mould or design id number associated
with it. The PCC code is Lego's element id and it is what they print in their
instructions.

There have been lots of comments both in and out of the forum concerning part
weights and how there is a variance between colours of the same part number.
We have also experienced this. The simple way to deal with this is to add a weight
field against the PCC in the catalogue. This would allow the system to hold the
individual weights for each colour part and could be used to more accurately
provide cart weights for instant checkout when it comes out of preview.

There are far greater weight discrepancies / inconsistencies in batches of packaging
materials (even from same supplier), than those attributed to mold or part colour
differences. Furthermore, one weight submitter's scales and measuring technique
probably differs from another's to the extent that the exercise is moot.

I doubt that would ever be an effective use of people's time.

You may be right - the only thing is surely we have to start somewhere - as I
said in an earlier reply the current generic system only works because sellers/stores
have been doing this manually

For the record - when doing up shipping cost for an order, we have _never_ weighed
the order, we always used BL's supplied weight (unless of course the weight
was not specified). As far as I can recall, we have never had issues with an
order needing more postage than what was indicated by using supplied weights.

As others have indicated as well, adding weights to PPCs is a massive undertaking,
time that would be better and more profitably spent elsewhere.

Niek.

We weight every order and totally disregard BL's weight as
it does not make allowances for bags, other packaging materials and of course
the box we use. Strange you don't weigh your orders?

Poor choice of words, my bad. I meant - we don't weigh orders before determining
shipping cost. We have a good handle on what fits into where, and that includes
how much weight to add for packing material. We have enough NBPs to make packing-up-and-then-unpacking
a pain in the behind. If we over-estimated shipping, we refund. If we under-estimated,
we eat the diff. Same will happen when auto-checkout will come by.

For us, PPC weights are a non-issue, and (again for us) efforts would be better
spent developing other features.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 16, 2017 09:34

Subject:

Re: Change to information held in Catalogue

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

In Suggestions, brickbrowser writes:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

You may be right - the only thing is surely we have to start somewhere - as I
said in an earlier reply the current generic system only works because sellers/stores
have been doing this manually

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 15, 2017 13:14

Subject:

Re: Change to information held in Catalogue

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

So how do you suggest BL tackles the weight issues resulting from TLG mold changes?

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 15, 2017 11:39

Subject:

Re: Change to information held in Catalogue

Viewed:

46 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, calsbricks writes:

I would vote no, for two reasons:

- In 627 orders processed on the other site, with them having one weight for
each part no, we haven't experienced one single issue. Weight differences
are small, the likelihood of this "screwing up" auto-checkout is minimal, and
if it does make an err, the seller can chalk it up to the cost of doing business.

- TLG is known to have made changes to their molds just to save a few cents
by requiring less ABS. These changes are done to parts that keep the exact same
PPC, and most times BL doesn't differentiate (think hollow versus solid pins
under a 1x4 brick for example). Those weight changes could actually be more significant
than the weight change for different colors. In effect, the weight-per-PPC will
almost always be an approximation, not the 100%-always-correct-weight for a PPC.

In short, I am convinced these weight differences are a non-issue for auto-checkout.
Experience proves this. I am sure others can verify this. Don't make things
more complex than they need to be.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Sep 12, 2017 12:31

Subject:

Re: Moderate Forum Posts

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Ryanme writes:

It would also be nice if the posts were deleted instead of marked as cancelled.
This morning going through the board, I had to scroll past probably 25 or more
"Cancelled" posts

There is a setting for that one at least...

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Aug 27, 2017 23:40

Subject:

Re: sort by remarks for parting out

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Teup writes:

In Suggestions, BRWA writes:

Hi,
I have already made similar request, as I need to work out where my 40k+ parts
are in the store, especially the odd stranger item it would be good not to have
to tab the item to find out where it is stored.

However the older BL member hate change and BL absolutely refuses to consider
that we as sellers actually supply the funds that make the website happen, so
you can forget about any changes....

I have added my vote, despite the worthlessness of it!

Good luck with your store - I would suggest you right click the item inventory
and open the item in a new tab - am forced to do this on most new sets on at
least one or two items.

I have also asked BL(and so have others) to provide an option to sort by condition
and item number, but again the old farts on the site, advise that we are "doing
it" wrong if you store your parts by item number rather than category. And of
course BL Admin are happy to take profit from you each month and are not interested
how long it takes to get the parts in or out....in their eyes we are NOT the
customers the buyers are!

Good luck with your store,
Kind regards,
Dave
Brick Recycling WA

Could someone please explain the actual suggestion, because I still don't
understand? You mean to have the parto-out inventory list of a set sorted by
your own remarks, but how is that possible when remarks are still to be added
at the moment the list is generated? I really don't understand what's
being suggested here and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

The only thing I can come up with, is that they want BL to show remarks during
part-out for lots that are already in current inventory. So it might show a remark
when the part-out shows black technic pins (copied from the existing pins lot
in their inventory), but it won't show a remark for a new technic panel (as
they don't yet have that part in inventory).

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Jun 8, 2017 18:39

Subject:

Re: Paypal payment

Viewed:

39 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, swoosh_factor writes:

I think it will also lead to an increase in paypal/credit card chargebacks for
things like buyer's remorse and unauthorized account use that may otherwise
have ended up as cancelations or NPB's. I'd much prefer to deal with
the NPB process (for the ~1% of orders in my store) and keep my product in hand
than dealing with the double whammy of shipping items and getting hit with a
chargeback after the fact.

Most of these fears stem from guessing and assuming the worst. On the other site
with automatic checkout we processed close to 500 orders, with zero chargebacks
or buyers remorse. I firmly believe it will bring way more good than bad. And
if you don't want to do it, you can simply not offer it.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Apr 27, 2017 17:18

Subject:

Re: ORDER STATUS: change multiple at once

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, QCHUCKA writes:

You misunderstood me, I want to change the status of all "paid" orders
with 2 clicks total into "shipped", whether it is 5 orders or 20+ not change
the status per order, one by one . Clicking submit after just one is a little
silly.

You don't have to click submit after just one. You can pick a new status
for several orders, and then do the one submit click. So not "change status"
- "submit" - "change status" - "submit" etc, but rather "change status" - "change
status" ... - "submit".

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 21, 2017 20:31

Subject:

Re: Counterfiet Set Reporting

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, rofreder writes:

Hello All, and to my recent seller please accept my appologies.

Got in some other sets today straight from lego.com and compared elements. Couldn't
distinguish any serious differences. I suppose there is a little variation among
genuine lego factory molds and plastic composition.

Thank you all for your help and concern. Got my first set in the 70's and
thought I was an expert. Guess not.

Thank you for reporting back.

Nowadays, especially in online discussions, I see far too few people willing
to admit a mistake. I really appreciate this.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 20, 2017 16:07

Subject:

Re: Cross reference multiple parts with their set

Viewed:

54 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Kenopolis writes:

I was going through a used lot of LEGO I purchased, and I thought,
"How cool would it be if Bricklink had a feature that show the sets that parts
might have come from."

Example...

I have 3 red 2x2 cones, and 4 Green Hinge plates, and 2 Yellow 1x6 Wedge plates.

If you could enter these parts into a query, and have the system give you a list
of sets that contain those parts, it could possibly increase sales for many stores
by people wanting to complete sets. Increased sales for Bricklink sellers, means
more income for Bricklink.

You already have a feature that lists all the sets with specific parts, so I
imagine it wouldn't be too difficult to cross reference multiple parts.
But I know nothing about coding, so...

Like this?

https://www.bricklink.com/catalogIn.asp?viewMulti=Y

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 20, 2017 15:43

Subject:

Re: BrickLink you are losing business

Viewed:

100 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, Reki_Lobsheek writes:

It seems some sellers don't care someone is ALWAYS gonna lose money with
such a system: either the buyer being over charged for idiotic flat rate shipping
prices or the seller losing out when people order light but large items that
won't fit in bubble envelopes (for example the minifig wheelchair that came
out last year).

That is simply not true. BO is living proof of this. Especially for Belgium and
other small countries, you can set up shipping rates on BO that will allow automatic
checkout for the exact price the post office or the courier charges.

The only requirement is that all items in BL need to have proper dimensions,
not just "stud dimensions". This requirement has been recognized by the forum
for years now, and requests have been made to BL to open up some sort of way
for people to contribute these dimensions, but unfortunately BL has never done
so.

For large countries (like Canada and the US), there is an added complexity as
the exact same shipment can have different costs depending on where it ships
to domestically. Even knowing the province is not enough, as they are vast, and
rates differ significantly for where within a province you are shipping. But
as long as you are currently able to ship the exact same package for the exact
same price to a country, you can set up shipping tables for automated checkout
that capture this.

All that is needed are proper dimensions for the BL items.

On BO, if an item doesn't have its dimensions set up yet, the seller can
choose to have it default to a higher shipping cost to be safe, or have the
system default to generating a quote, in which case it works like BL does now.

(But this has been explained over and over again in response to all nay-sayers
unfortunately.)

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 16, 2017 12:12

Subject:

Re: price overview when buying a wanted list

Viewed:

72 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, TokerSays writes:

Niek - I am not here to annoy you. I'm annoyed. I am a grown man posting
on a forum for a child's toy trying to figure out why a tool I used to save
money has been removed.

Now I apologize for being in your sandbox but it seems to that this conversation
has done gone been had ready. So would you mind pointing me in the direction
of the thread where it was decided that the Buyer would foot the bill for maintaining
the solubility of the Lego marketplace?

And may I ask Niek - have you at any time been in direct contact with the administrators
of Bricklink concerning the average pricing tool? If so, what was your formal
complaint?

Thank you for this reply. It looks like this reply is from a 35-ish year old
man. Thanks.

As I stated each time, I have no issues with discussing the topic itself. And
I have no preference whether that tool is put back in, or is left out (although
I am leaning towards leaving it out).

The ONLY thing I had an issue with is the repeated campaigning, which
by the looks of this post you stopped - thank you.

In reply to your questions, I can't point you to a thread where it was decided
that the Buyer would foot the bill, because I don't think there is one. I
also have not been in direct contact with any admins. Aside from my belief they
will not entertain a direct discussion, I have no reason to contact them in this
regards, as again I have no preference.

Again, I understand you are frustrated by their decision to remove it. I get
that, and I respect that (and I have never said otherwise). You have made your
point (over and over if I might add), and I have chimed in somewhere way upstream
as well. I welcome the discussion, and I like to see other opinions and back-and-forths,
but it has to be a proper discussion, not a constant repeat of the same words,
and (for me) definitely no more campaigning like you did before.

Thanks.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 15, 2017 21:10

Subject:

Re: price overview when buying a wanted list

Viewed:

61 times

Topic:

It is crystal clear you are only here to annoy. I am done with this childish
behavior.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 15, 2017 20:41

Subject:

Re: price overview when buying a wanted list

Viewed:

60 times

Topic:

In Suggestions, TokerSays writes:

In Suggestions, dfurman writes:

You can go away now.

I’m not done yet. I have yet to hear a convincing reason why I should not, en
masse, be able to tell which one of your Lego bricks is priced at or below average?
I already have access to this information, why can I not have easier access?
Why can’t it be made easier for me to tell which one of these stores carries
the largest selection of average priced pieces?

I don't think anyone has issues with this being discussed. But I for one
would really REALLY like if you stopped campaigning so much by adding the URL
each time.

Again, I don't ask this because I am necessarily against the suggestion,
I just find this is getting incredibly annoying. Everyone on the forum knows
by now where to vote. Please stop. Please.

Niek.

Author:

qwertyboy

Posted:

Mar 15, 2017 17:42

Subject:

Re: Better Forum

Viewed:

60 times

Topic: