BrickLink Discussion Forum

Greetings fellow Bricklink sellers,

I have moved into a new place with more space and looking to reorganize my sticker
lots. I am currently using an accordion style folder organizer, which has been
ok but I have too many stickers so it is not the most ideal.

I am curious what every one else is using to organize their stickers?

Regards,
Quinton

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Feb 6, 2024 09:01

Subject:

Re: Nothing received. PayPal said to go to court?

Viewed:

98 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, lozzajp writes:

Hello,

I spent £25 on an order which is a fair bit of money to me, and never received
the item or any communication from the seller on this website or given email
address. I was advised on here to open a case with PayPal as they will handle
everything, but they closed the case in favour of the seller.

Again no communication from the seller and PayPal won't give me any information,
their response was for me to go small claims court in my county??? PayPal won't
let me reopen the case.

Has anyone else encountered this? My understanding is PayPal would be useful
and help in these scenarios, but this just totally now feels like I have been
scammed on bricklink despite using the recommended channels and methods.

Anyone have advice for me here?

I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but it looks like you are
a new buyer and perhaps your address on Bricklink is not accurate? Have you
double checked that? This is something the seller should've helped figure
out.

Considering paypal sided with the seller is indicative that they shipped to the
address provided and supplied tracking to prove it. I think it is pretty disappointing
that they are not communicating, though.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Nov 18, 2023 04:22

Subject:

Re: Frustration w/ Yellow Minifigures

Viewed:

89 times

Topic:

LEGO products

In short, I don't at all agree with LEGO's staunch position on "yellow"
washing its minifigs that don't represent a certain IP. Their argument (as
quoted in the above article) that yellow is "race-neutral" is insulting,
as only light-skinned people can truly relate to that tone of color.

It turns out, Lego is health conscience in that people with yellow skin have
jaundice and if your skin and or eyes matches a Lego figure

then it's
time to go to the doctor!

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice/

Jaundice is when your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow. It can be
a sign of something serious, such as liver disease, so you need to get urgent
medical help.

Lego was kind enough to create jaundice indicator test for 50+ years now!

Now of course the world is diverse with numerous different races, so the best
way to test for this is by checking your eyes. If your eyes are the same color
as a Lego figure, it's time to go to the doctor!

that yellow is "race-neutral" is insulting,

as only light-skinned people can truly relate to that tone of color.

The only people that can truly relate to yellow skin are those with jaundice
and the Simpsons. Thus I suspect the OP is not really a fan of Lego, but really
just an employee of Mega Block trying create drama.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Jun 30, 2022 15:50

Subject:

Re: Simple solution to the feedback problem

Viewed:

36 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:

In Suggestions, peregrinator writes:

In Suggestions, firestar246 writes:

In Suggestions, peregrinator writes:

In Suggestions, Captain_Q writes:

This will relieve smaller stores of the burden of a lifetime penalty for a
1st impression that can be overcome in 6 months instead, with proper corrections.

What if the store has run into recent issues that aren't reflective of its
overall performance?

Then that'll be a good warning to be careful buying from them until their
issues are over, at which the negative score will beginning disappearing.

Hmmm, well what if a store had a good number of sales in the past but not very
many in the past 6 months, and gets just one negative or neutral in that span?
Again, that would not be reflective of the store's overall performance, and
it's hardly fair to force a store to wait up to 6 months to clear their reputation
because of one bad rating, which may or may not have been deserved.

I like the lifetime rating as it gives a warning to check feedback. If the recent
six months are all good, then it is not a big deal.

Whereas if it is six months only then a bad seller can rack up loads of negatives,
sell elsewhere (or using another account against the ToS) for six months, then
get one feedback off a friend or fake account and they are back to 100%. Then
there is no warning to a buyer to check their feedback as they are 100% (from
one feedback).

If decay is introduced, I'd prefer it done on transactions rather than time.
So for example, the percentage could be done on the last 500 feedback (or less
if below this). That way a seller cannot lay dormant over summer and come back
at 100% just before Christmas.

A seller with this mentality is going to be suspended long before they can take
advantage of a new cycle. If they are racking up negatives / complaints to some
how exploit this system then that means they are probably going to get a lot
of NSSs or forced to close by Admin.

Also if they are starting a new cycle and get 1 positive from a "friend" and
soon get a negative because they are attempting to exploit a buyer then they
are at 50% praise already and no one will want to buy from them for the new cycle.
It's going to be hard to sell with that type of feedback. Thus you just
made a good argument in using the 6 month over lifetime.

This is the point of using the 6 month, you have to constantly prove you are
up to the task. Which is not hard when you figure it out. And it's mostly
about respecting the buyer.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Jun 30, 2022 14:18

Subject:

Re: Simple solution to the feedback problem

Viewed:

40 times

Topic:

Suggestions

In Suggestions, peregrinator writes:

In Suggestions, Captain_Q writes:

This will relieve smaller stores of the burden of a lifetime penalty for a
1st impression that can be overcome in 6 months instead, with proper corrections.

What if the store has run into recent issues that aren't reflective of its
overall performance?

I think that can happen to anyone. But in 6 months any negative or neutral feedback
will still be seen in the lifetime Praise but will eventually evaporate from
6 month Praise as is the current system.

MY solution is for Bricklink to make a much higher emphasis on the 6 month recent
Praise as being more prominent over the Lifetime and thus more important in consideration
for buyers.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Jun 30, 2022 12:45

Subject:

Simple solution to the feedback problem

Viewed:

165 times

Topic:

Suggestions

Status:

Open

Vote:

[Yes|No]

Greetings fellow Bricklinkers,

I have a simple solution to what I see as one of the more frequent complaints
I see sellers have about bricklink, and it is the feedback system.

SOLUTION:

Switch the Lifetime Praise on the top right for the recent 6 Month Praise
available under the "Feedback" tab, as the first rating a buyer sees.

This will relieve smaller stores of the burden of a lifetime penalty for a
1st impression that can be overcome in 6 months instead, with proper corrections.

A store's reputation is one of the most valuable intangible assets it has.
And the metric for a store's reputation is the feedback system. If you have
a good reputation that means a buyer will feel more confident in committing to
a purchase knowing that the end result will leave them satisfied over being frustrated.

I personally buy and sell quite a bit on Bricklink and I find my first impression
of a store is not always correct because of how things are currently designed.
The current system be default shows a buyer what a stores lifetime Praise is
vs the most recent 6 months Praise. IMHO, the recent 6 months is more important
and should be the default for what a buyer will see on first impression.

Why the 6 Month over Lifetime? To me this tells me whether a store is currently
on track reputation wise, corrected problems, overcome issues resulting from
being a new seller. When a lifetime Praise for a small time / new seller may
forever be impacted by one single simple neutral that might literally say "No
problems".

I know from the first impression that if the lifetime states 80% praise then
I am very hesitant to buy. I follow that up by looking at the 6 month and if
the praise 100% then that first impression is erased for me. But for those that
don't know to look at the more important 6 month Praise may forever be turned
off and go to another store.

NOTE: 1
I have provided my store as an example of what to switch. Lifetime can still
be found, but under "Feedback" tab where the current 6 month is at. I frankly
don't think this solution impacts my store personally, I however would appreciate
it as a buyer as well newer stores would benefit.

NOTE: 2
Ebay goes by a 12 month Recent feedback as default, as well other larger online
venues do something similar.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Mar 16, 2022 11:47

Subject:

Re: GOOD OLE SHIPSTATION

Viewed:

43 times

Topic:

General

In General, pitz8008 writes:

They sold me a tracking number this morning that is already in use. And I wasn't
informed of it until the package was already dropped off at the post office.
This is the third time in like the last 2 months they have done this to me. What
a crap company. Never had these problems when paypal handled the postage themselves.
And of course they no longer have chat enabled or a phone number.

I just had this happen to me. A customer complained about their order being
shipped to a wrong address as the tracking stated their order was already delivered
in a different state, 6 weeks before they even ordered even though I just dropped
their order off.

SMH at Paypal, there was nothing wrong with their system before and Shipstation
is clunky mess at best.

I just saw some other forum messages that it may be a system wide issue with
USPS

https://www.bricklink.com/messageThread.asp?ID=318485

interesting.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Mar 16, 2022 11:44

Subject:

Re: old tracking numbers

Viewed:

30 times

Topic:

Shipping

In Shipping, cosmicray writes:

In Shipping, Amazingly writes:

Has anyone ever printed labels and the tracking number given showed as being
delivered months ago? I have 5 in a row yesterday I sent out and one buyer asked
me why it shows as being delivered already back in January. I've never heard
of this in thousands of labels printed before. Thanks

What postage generating service made your label ?

Can you see the old usage of the tracking number, and precisely how long ago
was it (a date of Delivery would be helpful) ?

Nita Rae

This just happened to me. Using ShipStation via Paypal.

I dropped the package off yesterday, so clearly not enough time for delivery
yet. But the tracking states the order was delivered 6 weeks ago, well before
the customer even ordered, to an address in a different state.

What a joke. Paypal shipping was working perfectly fine before they integrated
ShipStation.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Sep 3, 2021 21:29

Subject:

Re: How are other sellers organizing sticker?

Viewed:

38 times

Topic:

In Selling, Captain_Q writes:

Greetings,

I have accumulated quite a few sticker sheets and I am needing to upgrade the
way I store them. I have plastic storage drawers dividing categories and bags
for each sticker sheet lots from parting out sets.

How are other sellers organizing their Lego sticker sheets?

Regards,
Q

Thank you everyone! Lots of good advice and it's cool to see a bunch of
different styles in organizing process for Lego sticker sheets.

I decided to go with this accordion style File Organizer with 64 slots! Purchased
from Ebay. Though I am pretty certain it will be more slots than I will need
but I rather have more than not enough.

I will be organizing the stickers alphabetically by their set category.

Thanks again for the help have a good day!

-Q

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Sep 2, 2021 22:48

Subject:

How are other sellers organizing sticker?

Viewed:

120 times

Topic:

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

Jun 1, 2021 01:42

Subject:

Re: Marketplace Panel meeting minutes

Viewed:

85 times

Topic:

Administrative

In Administrative, randyipp writes:

In Administrative, leopard37 writes:

Perhaps that seller is selling so well they have no time for the forum...

Agreed, someone with nearly 10k feedback in a year seems like a member who might
have some decent input as to what sellers might need.

Besides, I think calsbricks makes up for this member never using the forum, haha

I agree, not everyone of the panelists needs to be the exact same and if one
of them does not post much on the forum, then does it matter?

But dang! Someone with 10k feedback in a year probably has some useful insight.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 30, 2021 17:18

Subject:

Re: Orders Down 60%???

Viewed:

106 times

Topic:

In Selling, Not2BadBricks writes:

Hi All

Just wondering if other Stores are suffering a large drop in orders in recent
weeks? ( We are in UK ).

In January February and March we were averaging 25 orders per week this has now
dropped drastically to 7 orders per week or 1 per day!.

This seems to be since COVID lock down was lifted but can’t be sure?

This is only our 9th month since opening so don’t know if certain months or seasons
are less busy than others? Or is this the Norm without COVID?

Our store has more lots and inventory than any previous months yet this is the
slowest custom has been since we opened in August 2020.

Any other stores seeing similar patterns to this and if so why is it like this
and can we expect things to start picking up again at some point.

Any answers would be much appreciated

Many thanks

Summer has arrived, meaning people with disposable income will probably want
to spend money on outdoor activities, shows, movie theaters, concerts, etc.
Especially now that a good many people are vaccinated and it is safe to do so.
Add that it was not safe last summer because of COVID19 means a lot of people
are extra antsy to get out of the house this Summer.

Selling Lego is more or less seasonal. Winter and fall months are better for
sales while the end of spring and Summer are the worst. Happens every year.

You are in the UK so I imagine Brexit is not helping either, in regards to sales
with countries in Europe.

Just need to adapt, like running sales, and discounts on your items will help
counteract the dip. But there is only so much that can be done.

Regards,
Captain Q

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 23, 2021 03:08

Subject:

Re: What are my business options on Bricklink ?

Viewed:

64 times

Topic:

In Selling, alexbinary writes:

In Selling, Captain_Q writes:

In Selling, alexbinary writes:

Hi folks, let’s say I want to make a business selling LEGO on BrickLink. What
are my options ? What works best ? Should I buy sets from LEGO and sell the parts
individually ? Should I buy sets and resell them directly ? Should I buy parts
from other BL sellers and resell them at higher prices ? Other options ?

Thanks for your help.

The secret is to find the niche that works for you.

Seems like an interesting view. Do you have example of such niches ? Have you
found yours ?

A lot of people on here part out sets to sell the individual pieces.

When I was living in a big city I use to haggle with people on Craigslist that
were selling their used Lego. Then turn around and sell that here. Not sure
if you have Craigslist in France, but perhaps something similar?

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 23, 2021 02:53

Subject:

Re: What are my business options on Bricklink ?

Viewed:

53 times

Topic:

In Selling, alexbinary writes:

The secret is to find the niche that works for you.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 22, 2021 19:38

Subject:

Re: Help with Light Brick / Single Side Light

Viewed:

25 times

Topic:

Help

In Help, cosmicray writes:

In Help, Captain_Q writes:

Greetings,

I was wondering if anyone knows of a guide / website for getting older Lego Light
Bricks to light up?

Thank you!

- Captain Q

6035c01 Electric, Light Brick 1 x 2 with Single Side Light (6034 / 6035)
Parts: Electric, Light & Sound

Do you have one that is not functioning ? The large photos suggest they are conventional
filament lamps (not LEDs). Those style lamps do burn out, and would need replacement.

Nita Rae

I get customers requesting how to get these to function, like what other parts
do they need to accomplish that; I typical mention with a battery pack from a
train set and plates and wires with the proper electrical conductors. I frequently
point them to older train models, but I was wondering if their were alternate
parts or other ways to get them to light up.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 21, 2021 20:36

Subject:

Help with Light Brick / Single Side Light

Viewed:

84 times

Topic:

Help

Greetings,

I was wondering if anyone knows of a guide / website for getting older Lego Light
Bricks to light up?

Thank you!

- Captain Q

6035c01 Electric, Light Brick 1 x 2 with Single Side Light (6034 / 6035)
Parts: Electric, Light & Sound

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 19, 2021 16:49

Subject:

Re: tracking shows delivered, buyer not received

Viewed:

32 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, peregrinator writes:

In Problem Order, Captain_Q writes:

Did they purchase insurance? Because if they did not, then you are technically
not obligated.

I don't think this is correct. Insurance is for sellers to be able to recoup
their costs in the event of a problem. Lack of insurance does not absolve the
seller of the responsibility to ensure the buyer receives the product.

As you have a store. Does this mean you buy insurance for every single order
or only when a buyer pays for it when you ship?

Some stores on Bricklink have very clear TOS that state they won't cover
losses if the buyer has not paid for insurance. When I make purchases on BL,
I don't expect a store to cover losses if I don't pay for insurance in
an event were USPS loses a package. However with my store I will provide that
service for free so customers can buy with confidence.

Now if the OP states in their TOS that they won't cover losses in the event
USPS lost a package and if the buyer has not paid for insurance then that is
their choice. I think it is bad business but that is their prerogative if they
so choose.

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 19, 2021 02:02

Subject:

Re: tracking shows delivered, buyer not received

Viewed:

61 times

Topic:

Problem Order

In Problem Order, wendybrowne writes:

hello,
I sent order out, tracking shows delivered, buyer says he did not receive.

what is my obligation at this point?
i dont feel that I have any obligation to refund or send duplicate parts to the
buyer. what say you?

I find there are 3 or 4 possibilities for this.

1: (the most likely) USPS delivered the customers package to a neighbor. This
can auto correct within a couple of days.

2: Sometimes the package is scanned before delivering and USPS may actually deliver
it with a day or two

3: Lost or stolen,

can happen

In these situations I explain that it could be #1 or #2 and that the best
way to find out is to wait several days because a neighbor could end up delivering
it within that time span. Most of the time it is one of those, like 80% to 85%
of the time in my experience when tracking states delivered.

Did they purchase insurance? Because if they did not, then you are technically
not obligated.

I personally provide free insurance on orders up to $35 in value so after waiting
a bit I would offer to send replacements, if I have the parts and a partial refund
for those I do not. It's a bummer situation so I feel bad for the buyer
as they for not receiving what they paid for and I am under the strong belief
that Lego should be a happy experience and not one that is upsetting.

-Captain Q

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 18, 2021 15:51

Subject:

Re: API /orders internal error

Viewed:

73 times

Topic:

Technical Issues

In Technical Issues, ralphs_bricks writes:

In Technical Issues, Stellar writes:

In Technical Issues, ErwinNL writes:

Hi,

I get an INTERNAL ERROR message when getting orders using the API.

Kind regards,
ErwinNL

Same here...

Working now!

Still not working here.

Or here

Author:

Captain_Q

Posted:

May 10, 2021 13:38

Subject:

Re: USPS being God Awful again?

Viewed:

37 times

Topic:

Shipping