Redisplay Messages: Compact | Brief | All | Full Show Messages: All | Without Replies| Author: | bb414973  | | Posted: | Mar 25, 2018 03:28 | | Subject: | Re: Make POSTING in Forum EASIER! | | Viewed: | 66 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, dreambuilder71 writes:
| | In Suggestions, MarieA writes:
| | In Suggestions, dreambuilder71 writes:
| | In Suggestions, MarieA writes:
| | In Suggestions, dreambuilder71 writes:
| | So I use to post in the forum all the time. About 4 or more years ago before
the new company took over BL and changed things on here.
And it was much easier to find the POST NEW MESSAGE button than it is now. Took
me about 5 minutes to find the damn thing! That is ridiculous!
Why can't I just click on the BIG Community button at the top right on every
BL page and then on that 1st page that comes up is a BIG EASY TO FIND AND READ
button that reads: POST NEW MESSAGE!
NO, what you have to do is look at all the little buttons at the top in the grey
bar that read:
Forum, Messages, Topics, Search, Stats...
Click on Topics, click on one of those topics and in the top right corner of
those pages it says in little size font: Post New Message....
I use to be good at BL. Thanks for the frustration. I was going to post an
announcement sharing that I am only 1 feedback away from the big 5 double 0 after
almost 11 years on BL but I will probably forget how to find the Post New Message
button in the mean time.
(Why do less than half the members on BL leave feedback? I'd be over 1000
if everyone left feedback. lol. It's the same on ebay.)
James
|
You can click 'post' before choosing a topic. The link is on the same
bar as 'topics'.
|
That doesn't show on my screen at all???
|
|
I can't even screen capture my desktop to show you that the POST word doesn't
come up for me at all??? I'm confused why it's not there for me???
How can I Print Screen and then paste it in this thread?
Thanks for the help.
|
No need, I believe you  Perhaps it's hidden by CSS because your device's
screen is a little narrow.
|
 |
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 25, 2018 02:11 | | Subject: | Re: Make POSTING in Forum EASIER! | | Viewed: | 43 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, dreambuilder71 writes:
| | In Suggestions, MarieA writes:
| | In Suggestions, dreambuilder71 writes:
| | So I use to post in the forum all the time. About 4 or more years ago before
the new company took over BL and changed things on here.
And it was much easier to find the POST NEW MESSAGE button than it is now. Took
me about 5 minutes to find the damn thing! That is ridiculous!
Why can't I just click on the BIG Community button at the top right on every
BL page and then on that 1st page that comes up is a BIG EASY TO FIND AND READ
button that reads: POST NEW MESSAGE!
NO, what you have to do is look at all the little buttons at the top in the grey
bar that read:
Forum, Messages, Topics, Search, Stats...
Click on Topics, click on one of those topics and in the top right corner of
those pages it says in little size font: Post New Message....
I use to be good at BL. Thanks for the frustration. I was going to post an
announcement sharing that I am only 1 feedback away from the big 5 double 0 after
almost 11 years on BL but I will probably forget how to find the Post New Message
button in the mean time.
(Why do less than half the members on BL leave feedback? I'd be over 1000
if everyone left feedback. lol. It's the same on ebay.)
James
|
You can click 'post' before choosing a topic. The link is on the same
bar as 'topics'.
|
That doesn't show on my screen at all???
|
|
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 25, 2018 01:44 | | Subject: | Re: Make POSTING in Forum EASIER! | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, dreambuilder71 writes:
| | So I use to post in the forum all the time. About 4 or more years ago before
the new company took over BL and changed things on here.
And it was much easier to find the POST NEW MESSAGE button than it is now. Took
me about 5 minutes to find the damn thing! That is ridiculous!
Why can't I just click on the BIG Community button at the top right on every
BL page and then on that 1st page that comes up is a BIG EASY TO FIND AND READ
button that reads: POST NEW MESSAGE!
NO, what you have to do is look at all the little buttons at the top in the grey
bar that read:
Forum, Messages, Topics, Search, Stats...
Click on Topics, click on one of those topics and in the top right corner of
those pages it says in little size font: Post New Message....
I use to be good at BL. Thanks for the frustration. I was going to post an
announcement sharing that I am only 1 feedback away from the big 5 double 0 after
almost 11 years on BL but I will probably forget how to find the Post New Message
button in the mean time.
(Why do less than half the members on BL leave feedback? I'd be over 1000
if everyone left feedback. lol. It's the same on ebay.)
James
|
You can click 'post' before choosing a topic. The link is on the same
bar as 'topics'.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 8, 2018 19:56 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 73 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, 62Bricks writes:
| | In Suggestions, MarieA writes:
| | In Suggestions, 62Bricks writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | In Suggestions, WoutR writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | I have no real personal reason to be posting this suggestion and haven't
thought about what it would mean for my own business, but just something I want
to throw out there as I've been thinking about it for a while.
Why not separate professional sellers and private sellers? I mean with an icon,
a label, a colour, something like that. Right now there are private persons just
getting rid of some old parts they aren't using, and online stores that use
Bricklink as their platform. An entirely different world in every aspect, but
they will show up in exactly the same way.
For years and years there's this eternal clash going on between buyers and
sellers and it seems like they sometimes speak different languages when the buyers
demand "their rights" and the seller has no idea what they're talking about.
Much if not most of the grief going on on Bricklink may be caused by buyers buying
from private sellers and expecting business service. The main example I can think
of now is about whose problem it is when a package is lost, but also tax and
refund issues get confusing if it's unclear whether we're talking about
two people trading or about consumer rights.
So how about labels for private sellers and professional sellers?
|
Who will judge? The seller? I think that there are many professional sellers
who are pretending to be private. To be a business, you don't need to be
large, full-time or making a living wage.
|
Well, either you are a business or you're not, legally that's quite
clear-cut. As for the point of hiding a business as you and yorbrick pointed
out, that is a potential reason why it isn't perfect, but that still means
it is an improvement over the current situation. Also, there's no huge incentive
to hide, as many buyers may prefer real shops and also it would look pretty shady
if the seller has a big store or alot of feedback. Also, Vat and sales tax settings
should instantly cause the seller to be labelled professional. Not all professional
sellers use these features, though, so if I were a buyer I would like something
that includes professional sellers without tax settings and that would be immediately
visible and even could be filtered by. Right now Bricklink is a mall of actual
shops and people having little garage sales and from the front end there's
no difference. That strikes me as odd.
|
In the US it is not so clear cut whether an individual selling Lego online is
a business or not. From the point of view of the Internal Revenue Service if
you are engaged in any activity for the purpose of making a profit, you are in
business
|
Sounds pretty clear cut to me.
Surely it's the law that counts, not personal opinion?
|
The law says what a business is - not what "professional" means. The OP appears
to be suggesting that if you are filing taxes on your revenue (for example) that
makes you a "professional."
I take issue with that use of the word in this case, because, as I say, anyone
can get a tax permit. It doesn't make you professional in your dealings.
It would not be any benefit to the buyers here to see a shop labeled "professional"
because of its tax status. What benefits them is seeing if the shop actually
conducts itself like a professional business, and that is what the feedback system
is for.
|
Given the context - "...and private" - the OP is clearly using the word to refer
to business sellers. You can be a private seller and professional in the way
you do thing, so that's obviously not what was meant.
| |
| |
| | , the difference between professional and amateur is the manner of
doing business, not the size or tax settings. Anyone can get a tax permit, but
it doesn't mean they're going to run a professional business. Likewise,
a person who is only plowing his revenue back into buying more Lego and meets
the definition of a hobbyist can offer very professional service.
So I think any distinction would be meaningless. Let the feedback rating serve
this purpose.
|
|
|
|
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| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 19:13 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 63 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, enig writes:
| | In Suggestions, MarieA writes:
| | In Suggestions, enig writes:
| | It is more than just black and white, hobby vs private vs business.
Take my store for example. I am operating under a 'private business license'.
As in - I am using my real name for absolutely everything - there is no business
name. All the transactions are going through my 'personal' accounts.
But yes, I am using 'business' PayPal account.
|
Yes, this is called being self-employed in some countries, acting as an independent
in some others, etc. It's a common occurrence used by some professionals
too (some doctors remain independents despite the inherent fiscal risks). In
terms of most consumer law, and many other areas of law (such as health and safety,
employers laws, etc.) such people are still treated as a business.
| | I do have an employee, however I am also operating below the threshold where
I am obliged to register as a VAT payer. So as far as VAT matters are concerned
in EU business to business transactions - I can not deduct VAT, and all the goods
and services that I am buying are also VAT inclusive, where applicable.
One more interesting point - in Lithuania there is a law that allows two very
specific exceptions regarding the return of (purchased) goods. Toys and Child
Clothing are *not returnable*. Even if still brand new in sealed packaging, and
you have done nothing but walked out and walked back into the store a minute
later.
|
As an expert in EU consumer law, I frankly don't believe this. Used clothing,
fair enough, but brand new toys in their original packaging? Doubtful.
|
Phew. Finding the actual text proved to be a bit more difficult than I anticipated
but here it is
https://www.e-tar.lt/portal/lt/legalAct/712337a0164711e4afafe56485a7e49a
The green bulb and text 'Galioja' means that this piece of law is currently
in effect.
What you want to look at are the exceptions listed under 17.1 - they define the
goods that the seller is not obliged to return or to exchange. Buyer may only
do so if the seller agrees to. The most important one for us (9503) is at 17.22
Also just to add - don't blame you at all for doubting this. The list is
quite large. And, lucky me, google translate does.. a good enough job. If you
want a better translation of some lines - let me know.
Replacement and return of good quality goods
14. Proper quality goods are changed and returned in the cases and under the
conditions specified in Article 6.362 of the Civil Code.
15. Plants, animals and food of good quality are not altered or returned.
16. Goods used in specialized (only for use) stores, markets and municipal places
designated by the municipality administration or by distance contracts, as well
as weighing and measuring goods that were specially prepared, cut, cut, and so
on, may only be exchanged or returned with the consent of the seller.
17. The consumer's request to replace the purchased good quality goods with
similar goods or to repay the money paid for the reasons set out in Article 6.362
of the Civil Code can only be satisfied when the seller agrees to purchase the
following goods:
17.1. tobacco and tobacco products (codes according to the European Community
Combined Nomenclature, approved by Council Regulation (EEC) No 2658/87 of 23
July 1987 on the tariff and statistical nomenclature and on the Common Customs
Tariff (OJ 2004 Special Edition, Chapter 2 Volume 2, p. 382), as last amended
by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1001/2013 of 4 October 2013 (OJ
2013 L 290, p. 1) (hereinafter referred to as the Combined Nomenclature code)
- 2401-2402);
17.2. perfumery, cosmetic and toilet preparations (codes in the Combined Nomenclature
- 3303-3307);
17.3 photographic and cinematographic goods (codes according to the Combined
Nomenclature - 3701-3707);
17.4 printed books, reproductions and other products of the graphic arts industry
(codes according to the Combined Nomenclature - 4901-4911);
17.5 fabrics (codes according to the Combined Nomenclature: 5007, 5111-5113,
5208-5212, 5309, 5310, 5311, 5407-5408, 5512-5516);
17.6 carpet floor coverings, excluding carpets and rugs (codes in the Combined
Nomenclature - 5701-5705.00);
17.7. knitted men's, boys', ladies' or girls' underwear (codes
according to the Combined Nomenclature 6107-6109);
17.8 baby clothing (codes in the Combined Nomenclature - 6111, 6209),
17.9 pantyhose, socks, half-socks and the like (code according to the Combined
Nomenclature - 6115);
17.10 Men's, boys ', women's or girls' underpants, night shirts,
pajamas and similar articles (codes according to the Combined Nomenclature 6207-6208);
17.11. bras, waists, corsets and similar articles (code according to the Combined
Nomenclature 6212);
17.12 gems, precious stones, precious metals and articles thereof, other than
artificial jewelery (codes according to the Combined Nomenclature: 7101-7116,
7118);
17.13 machinery and mechanical appliances (codes in the Combined Nomenclature
8401-8487);
17.14. electric machines and apparatus, sound recording and reproducing apparatus
and television image and sound recorders and reproducers (codes according to
the Combined Nomenclature 8501-8548);
17.15. ground vehicles (codes according to the Combined Nomenclature 8701-8716);
17.16. boats, boats and craft (codes in the Combined Nomenclature - 8901-8908);
17.17. optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or
surgical instruments and apparatus (codes in the Combined Nomenclature - 9001-9033);
17.18. watches (codes according to the Combined Nomenclature - 9101-9114);
17.19 musical instruments (codes according to the Combined Nomenclature - 9201-9209);
17.20 weapons and ammunition (codes in the Combined Nomenclature - 9301-9307);
17.21. furniture, bedding, candlesticks (codes according to the Combined Nomenclature
- 9401-9406);
17.22. toys, games, other than sports and fishing tackle (codes in the Combined
Nomenclature - 9503-9505, 9508);
17.23. works of art, collectors' items and antiques (codes according to the
Combined Nomenclature - 9701-9706).
| |
| | So would I get classified as a business, or as a private seller? Am I a professional
seller? This is the single source of income for me and my employee, so I guess
it would be a 'yes'. Am I on par with some of the super-sellers here?
No.
As far as customer service between private and hobby sellers goes.. most hobby
sellers will actually provide a much better customer service than some of the
businesses here at BL.
|
I completely agree with this. 'Hobbyist' sellers - whether recognised
in law or not - would be expected to provide greater attention to detail for
one thing, and probably a bigger sense of pride in dealing with orders the way
they would want their own purchases to be dealt with.
| | And I can not even leave an appropriate feedback when I get completely screwed
over by a 'professional' seller. Because I will often get stoplisted,
and that would hurt my business in the long run. There are few stores that would
have a fair number of very well deserved negatives from me, but I am still finding
myself having to buy from them from time to time.
|
|
|
It's probably Google Translate that's not dealing with the nuance correctly,
but point 17 doesn't really make any sense given the context you're providing.
If it is as you say, which I'm not doubting, then I don't see how that
can possibly be compatible with EU directives covering distance selling. Perhaps
it's saying a retailer is under no obligation to allow returns of toys bought
in-store, which would be fine.
It's like that near-mythical Italian law that prohibits sending toys through
the post, which does exist for those who still doubt, it is legal only insofar
as it doesn't impede with Italy's obligations under EU laws governing
the single market, and EU trade agreements with third-party nations that Italy
is bound by.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 10:22 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, enig writes:
| | It is more than just black and white, hobby vs private vs business.
Take my store for example. I am operating under a 'private business license'.
As in - I am using my real name for absolutely everything - there is no business
name. All the transactions are going through my 'personal' accounts.
But yes, I am using 'business' PayPal account.
|
Yes, this is called being self-employed in some countries, acting as an independent
in some others, etc. It's a common occurrence used by some professionals
too (some doctors remain independents despite the inherent fiscal risks). In
terms of most consumer law, and many other areas of law (such as health and safety,
employers laws, etc.) such people are still treated as a business.
| | I do have an employee, however I am also operating below the threshold where
I am obliged to register as a VAT payer. So as far as VAT matters are concerned
in EU business to business transactions - I can not deduct VAT, and all the goods
and services that I am buying are also VAT inclusive, where applicable.
One more interesting point - in Lithuania there is a law that allows two very
specific exceptions regarding the return of (purchased) goods. Toys and Child
Clothing are *not returnable*. Even if still brand new in sealed packaging, and
you have done nothing but walked out and walked back into the store a minute
later.
|
As an expert in EU consumer law, I frankly don't believe this. Used clothing,
fair enough, but brand new toys in their original packaging? Doubtful.
| | So would I get classified as a business, or as a private seller? Am I a professional
seller? This is the single source of income for me and my employee, so I guess
it would be a 'yes'. Am I on par with some of the super-sellers here?
No.
As far as customer service between private and hobby sellers goes.. most hobby
sellers will actually provide a much better customer service than some of the
businesses here at BL.
|
I completely agree with this. 'Hobbyist' sellers - whether recognised
in law or not - would be expected to provide greater attention to detail for
one thing, and probably a bigger sense of pride in dealing with orders the way
they would want their own purchases to be dealt with.
| | And I can not even leave an appropriate feedback when I get completely screwed
over by a 'professional' seller. Because I will often get stoplisted,
and that would hurt my business in the long run. There are few stores that would
have a fair number of very well deserved negatives from me, but I am still finding
myself having to buy from them from time to time.
|
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 10:17 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Speg writes:
| | In Suggestions, MarieA writes:
| | In Suggestions, Speg writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | In Suggestions, WoutR writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | I have no real personal reason to be posting this suggestion and haven't
thought about what it would mean for my own business, but just something I want
to throw out there as I've been thinking about it for a while.
Why not separate professional sellers and private sellers? I mean with an icon,
a label, a colour, something like that. Right now there are private persons just
getting rid of some old parts they aren't using, and online stores that use
Bricklink as their platform. An entirely different world in every aspect, but
they will show up in exactly the same way.
For years and years there's this eternal clash going on between buyers and
sellers and it seems like they sometimes speak different languages when the buyers
demand "their rights" and the seller has no idea what they're talking about.
Much if not most of the grief going on on Bricklink may be caused by buyers buying
from private sellers and expecting business service. The main example I can think
of now is about whose problem it is when a package is lost, but also tax and
refund issues get confusing if it's unclear whether we're talking about
two people trading or about consumer rights.
So how about labels for private sellers and professional sellers?
|
Who will judge? The seller? I think that there are many professional sellers
who are pretending to be private. To be a business, you don't need to be
large, full-time or making a living wage.
|
Well, either you are a business or you're not, legally that's quite
clear-cut. As for the point of hiding a business as you and yorbrick pointed
out, that is a potential reason why it isn't perfect, but that still means
it is an improvement over the current situation. Also, there's no huge incentive
to hide, as many buyers may prefer real shops and also it would look pretty shady
if the seller has a big store or alot of feedback. Also, Vat and sales tax settings
should instantly cause the seller to be labelled professional. Not all professional
sellers use these features, though, so if I were a buyer I would like something
that includes professional sellers without tax settings and that would be immediately
visible and even could be filtered by. Right now Bricklink is a mall of actual
shops and people having little garage sales and from the front end there's
no difference. That strikes me as odd.
|
Why does the way that this site works strike you as odd? You realize that this
concept is not founded by Bricklink but almost any site where multiple people
can come to one place and sell their stuff. Ebay immediately comes to my mind
but others as well. I belong to other sites where I sell stuff and some people
are hobbyists that use their excess product to fund their hobby and some are
their to pay the bills.
I feel like anyone that actually visits these shops and spends more than a minute
can easily tell a "professional" shop from a small time hobbyist. If someone
can't then they only really have themselves to blame for not spending the
time educating themselves.
|
You can usually spot a business a mile away. Whether the seller themselves is
legit or not, is something entirely different. Assuming I have certain rights
is one thing, having the 'business'; declare whether they are a business
or not confirms it.
If an obvious business declares themselves a personal seller, this would set
alarm bells ringing. If they're not declaring their trade, what chance they'll
allow you your legal consumer rights if something goes wrong?
|
That's what PayPal is for.
|
What if what you bought became faulty and the seller didn't want to know?
PayPal wouldn't necessarily refund in such a case, yet consumer law (in the
EU at least) would hold the retailer responsible for putting it right. PayPal
makes invoking some rights easier, but not all.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 09:27 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Brickwilbo writes:
| | In Suggestions, SylvainLS writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | […]
That's feedback and it's unrelated  There are businesses with low feedback
scores and hobbyists with high scores. It doesn't tell you anything about
the legal form of the transaction.
|
Nonsense. A “hobbyist” with several sales a week isn’t a hobbyist, whether they
are incorporated / registred / whatever or not.
|
Several sales a week of a €0,04 part doesn't make it a business.
The ordervalue is more important than amount of sales.
|
Intent, not volume or value, is usually the primary concern. If you buy with
the specific intention of selling all or part of what you've bought, you
are engaged in a trade. This would usually be enough to warrant registering as
a trader with the authorities, irrespective of the number of sales, profit made,
etc.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 09:04 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 41 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, Speg writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | In Suggestions, WoutR writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | I have no real personal reason to be posting this suggestion and haven't
thought about what it would mean for my own business, but just something I want
to throw out there as I've been thinking about it for a while.
Why not separate professional sellers and private sellers? I mean with an icon,
a label, a colour, something like that. Right now there are private persons just
getting rid of some old parts they aren't using, and online stores that use
Bricklink as their platform. An entirely different world in every aspect, but
they will show up in exactly the same way.
For years and years there's this eternal clash going on between buyers and
sellers and it seems like they sometimes speak different languages when the buyers
demand "their rights" and the seller has no idea what they're talking about.
Much if not most of the grief going on on Bricklink may be caused by buyers buying
from private sellers and expecting business service. The main example I can think
of now is about whose problem it is when a package is lost, but also tax and
refund issues get confusing if it's unclear whether we're talking about
two people trading or about consumer rights.
So how about labels for private sellers and professional sellers?
|
Who will judge? The seller? I think that there are many professional sellers
who are pretending to be private. To be a business, you don't need to be
large, full-time or making a living wage.
|
Well, either you are a business or you're not, legally that's quite
clear-cut. As for the point of hiding a business as you and yorbrick pointed
out, that is a potential reason why it isn't perfect, but that still means
it is an improvement over the current situation. Also, there's no huge incentive
to hide, as many buyers may prefer real shops and also it would look pretty shady
if the seller has a big store or alot of feedback. Also, Vat and sales tax settings
should instantly cause the seller to be labelled professional. Not all professional
sellers use these features, though, so if I were a buyer I would like something
that includes professional sellers without tax settings and that would be immediately
visible and even could be filtered by. Right now Bricklink is a mall of actual
shops and people having little garage sales and from the front end there's
no difference. That strikes me as odd.
|
Why does the way that this site works strike you as odd? You realize that this
concept is not founded by Bricklink but almost any site where multiple people
can come to one place and sell their stuff. Ebay immediately comes to my mind
but others as well. I belong to other sites where I sell stuff and some people
are hobbyists that use their excess product to fund their hobby and some are
their to pay the bills.
I feel like anyone that actually visits these shops and spends more than a minute
can easily tell a "professional" shop from a small time hobbyist. If someone
can't then they only really have themselves to blame for not spending the
time educating themselves.
|
You can usually spot a business a mile away. Whether the seller themselves is
legit or not, is something entirely different. Assuming I have certain rights
is one thing, having the 'business'; declare whether they are a business
or not confirms it.
If an obvious business declares themselves a personal seller, this would set
alarm bells ringing. If they're not declaring their trade, what chance they'll
allow you your legal consumer rights if something goes wrong?
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 08:23 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 59 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, WhiteHorseMatt writes:
| | In Suggestions, 62Bricks writes:
From the point of view of the Internal Revenue Service if
| | you are engaged in any activity for the purpose of making a profit, you are in
business and should be reporting that revenue and paying taxes on it. There are
exceptions for "hobbyists," but even there the line is not so clear.
|
It is the same in the UK. If you are offering goods for sale with the intent
to make a profit, then the income is taxeable and should be declared. So arguably
everyone in the UK listing new bricks for sale would fall under this.
|
In the UK, all gains are subject to tax unless the law explicitly says otherwise
(ISA interest, gambling wins, etc.). Most people listing new bricks for sale
would be considered a trader, but not all. It's perfectly possible for someone
to buy a set with the intention of building it at some point, only to then leave
it open but unused in a cupboard for years. Selling the bricks in this case wouldn't
be considered a trade and would only attract tax if the gain was so large as
to attract Capital Gains tax.
| | The Inland Revenue does not want people on a small turnover setting up as a business,
declaring a loss, and claiming tax back from their main job. The figure I had
quoted to me was £2K turnover.
|
This isn't true though I've often heard similar things said. People often
say that their BL trade is a hobby and that they're not a business. This
isn't true (at least in the UK). 'Income from a hobby' isn't
a thing under UK law - the only time UK law mentions income from a hobby is when
it precludes losses from the hobby from being set against other income. That's
it. Anyone engaging in a trade should register with HMRC, losses or not.
| | The other implication of being a registered business vs just a guy, is consumer
protection legistlation. In EU for example, you have a right to return as part
of distance selling law, and lots of protection regarding description of goods,
being fit for purpose etc. This is completely different if you are buying business
to business, and many of the protections we rely on as a consumer just don't
apply.
|
This is precisely why the OP's suggestion has merit. If you're a consumer,
knowing who you're buying from - and the resulting rights arising from that
transaction, can only be a benefit.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 08:02 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 49 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, axaday writes:
| | I have no idea what the point would be. Would Bricklink have two sets of policies
and minimum standards?
|
In many jurisdictions, buyers have vastly different rights depending on whether
or not they're buying from a private individual or a business.
| |
In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | I have no real personal reason to be posting this suggestion and haven't
thought about what it would mean for my own business, but just something I want
to throw out there as I've been thinking about it for a while.
Why not separate professional sellers and private sellers? I mean with an icon,
a label, a colour, something like that. Right now there are private persons just
getting rid of some old parts they aren't using, and online stores that use
Bricklink as their platform. An entirely different world in every aspect, but
they will show up in exactly the same way.
For years and years there's this eternal clash going on between buyers and
sellers and it seems like they sometimes speak different languages when the buyers
demand "their rights" and the seller has no idea what they're talking about.
Much if not most of the grief going on on Bricklink may be caused by buyers buying
from private sellers and expecting business service. The main example I can think
of now is about whose problem it is when a package is lost, but also tax and
refund issues get confusing if it's unclear whether we're talking about
two people trading or about consumer rights.
So how about labels for private sellers and professional sellers?
|
|
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 08:00 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 50 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, 62Bricks writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | In Suggestions, WoutR writes:
| | In Suggestions, Teup writes:
| | I have no real personal reason to be posting this suggestion and haven't
thought about what it would mean for my own business, but just something I want
to throw out there as I've been thinking about it for a while.
Why not separate professional sellers and private sellers? I mean with an icon,
a label, a colour, something like that. Right now there are private persons just
getting rid of some old parts they aren't using, and online stores that use
Bricklink as their platform. An entirely different world in every aspect, but
they will show up in exactly the same way.
For years and years there's this eternal clash going on between buyers and
sellers and it seems like they sometimes speak different languages when the buyers
demand "their rights" and the seller has no idea what they're talking about.
Much if not most of the grief going on on Bricklink may be caused by buyers buying
from private sellers and expecting business service. The main example I can think
of now is about whose problem it is when a package is lost, but also tax and
refund issues get confusing if it's unclear whether we're talking about
two people trading or about consumer rights.
So how about labels for private sellers and professional sellers?
|
Who will judge? The seller? I think that there are many professional sellers
who are pretending to be private. To be a business, you don't need to be
large, full-time or making a living wage.
|
Well, either you are a business or you're not, legally that's quite
clear-cut. As for the point of hiding a business as you and yorbrick pointed
out, that is a potential reason why it isn't perfect, but that still means
it is an improvement over the current situation. Also, there's no huge incentive
to hide, as many buyers may prefer real shops and also it would look pretty shady
if the seller has a big store or alot of feedback. Also, Vat and sales tax settings
should instantly cause the seller to be labelled professional. Not all professional
sellers use these features, though, so if I were a buyer I would like something
that includes professional sellers without tax settings and that would be immediately
visible and even could be filtered by. Right now Bricklink is a mall of actual
shops and people having little garage sales and from the front end there's
no difference. That strikes me as odd.
|
In the US it is not so clear cut whether an individual selling Lego online is
a business or not. From the point of view of the Internal Revenue Service if
you are engaged in any activity for the purpose of making a profit, you are in
business
|
Sounds pretty clear cut to me.
Surely it's the law that counts, not personal opinion?
| | , the difference between professional and amateur is the manner of
doing business, not the size or tax settings. Anyone can get a tax permit, but
it doesn't mean they're going to run a professional business. Likewise,
a person who is only plowing his revenue back into buying more Lego and meets
the definition of a hobbyist can offer very professional service.
So I think any distinction would be meaningless. Let the feedback rating serve
this purpose.
|
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 7, 2018 07:28 | | Subject: | Re: Separate professional and private sellers | | Viewed: | 63 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, yorbrick writes:
| | I don't think it would improve anything, and may actually allow what are
in reality businesses to hide behind the personal tab.
|
Many do already by omission or ignorance, at least this way there'd be an
active choice for every seller to make.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 1, 2018 03:38 | | Subject: | Re: Getting Frustrated Now With Bricklink | | Viewed: | 80 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Speg writes:
| | The comment section is great for adding whether or not a piece if mint or has
issues. Honestly, any real universal grading system would result in a nightmare
for both buyers and sellers.
|
I understand, grading would be difficult if it was on a mandated scale, but each
store should be able to differentiate between Used (Like New), Used (Fine) and
Used (Poor), etc. Vast majority of stores don't add comments so buyers have
no idea of the quality until it's actually received.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Mar 1, 2018 01:24 | | Subject: | Re: Getting Frustrated Now With Bricklink | | Viewed: | 80 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, crazylegoman writes:
| | In General, PurpleDave writes:
| | In General, SylvainLS writes:
| | With New, you can easily part out sets into your inventory. With Used, when
you don’t know which sets the parts are from (and whether they are all there),
it’s more work.
|
Exactly. New, you part out and list an entire set all at once. Used, you track
down and list a single piece.
|
If you're parting out a new set, yes; the same doesn't hold true for
adding Pick-A-Brick to a store or other parts bought as new for the purpose of
reselling.
It's extremely obvious that you would have to find individual parts in the
catalog here when adding used parts to a store. It's been that way from
the beginning. I just don't understand why OP was getting upset with that
method. What does he expect—a BL scanner to identify used parts?
David
|
Adding a part to your BO inventory is a 3-click, same-page process once you've
found the part. I get the feeling that BL has a far more convoluted method, but
I use BrickStock and Bricksync so I wouldn't know.
But I read the OP as meaning that all used bricks are treated the same; there's
no grading built in to the system. Everything is binary, either new or used.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Feb 28, 2018 07:14 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 936-1 | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Add 4 Part 132-teeth Black Tire Smooth Old Style - Small with Teeth (Alternate) (match ID 1)
* Change 4 Part Black 132old Tire Smooth Old Style - Small {Regular to Alternate} {match ID 0 to 1}
Comments from Submitter:
Just opened a sealed set. The small tyres are def 132-teeth not 132old. Adding as alternate because other sets may include the other tyre?
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Feb 21, 2018 07:39 | | Subject: | Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 801-1 | | Viewed: | 29 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests | |
|
| In Inventories Requests, bricksalabim writes:
| | In Inventories Requests, MarieA writes:
| | Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Delete 1 Part x77 Black String, Cord (Undetermined Type)
* Add 1 Part 3186 Red Fence Gate 1 x 4 x 2
* Change {3 to 2} Part Red 3006 Brick 2 x 10
Comments from Submitter:
Just opened two of these sets. String missing in both, only 2 2x10 bricks in each and the gate top was included but missing from current inventory.
|
Did you open new sealed sets or used sets?
As per instructions I do agree for the string (but the string is shown on one
of the box images).
I don't agree for the bricks. Look at page 7 of the instructions: there are
3 red 2x10 bricks necessary for that model.
|
I opened two sealed sets, one from 1970, the other from 1972. I know the years
because they included catalogues. Both had only two 2x10 red bricks. I am not
unfolding the instructions I have because I'm selling them as new, but I
believe your references to them.
| | And the gate top doesn't show up in the instructions for None of the models
(only the gate base is used as handle). So, if it is really in a new set, it
should be marked as extra.
|
I've no problem with that
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Feb 21, 2018 06:21 | | Subject: | Re: Inventory Change Request for Set 801-1 | | Viewed: | 27 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests | |
|
| In Inventories Requests, StormChaser writes:
| | In Inventories Requests, MarieA writes:
| | Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Delete 1 Part x77 Black String, Cord (Undetermined Type)
* Add 1 Part 3186 Red Fence Gate 1 x 4 x 2
* Change {3 to 2} Part Red 3006 Brick 2 x 10
Comments from Submitter:
Just opened two of these sets. String missing in both, only 2 2x10 bricks in each and the gate top was included but missing from current inventory.
|
I don't foresee any problems with approving these requests, but it would
be great if you could post a couple photos of the sets for future reference.
Also, please describe the condition of the sets when you obtained them (brand
new, used, etc.). This thread will be saved permanently.
|
The sets were new/shrink-wrapped.
Sorry, can't provide images as I took the parts I needed, parted out the
rest and recycled the boxes. I will remember in future.
The inventory of 801-1 includes set 802-1 with a note that says "Exactly the
same polysterene tray which includes all of set 802 is also in this set. The
wrapping around this tray (the box of set 802) is not included. Together with
this polysterene tray is another box, which contains all of the other bricks."
However, the contents of the polystyrene tray included in the sets I opened varied
to the stated inventory of 802-1, in that only 1 of 3707 was included, but with
an additional 3705 (total 2). I cannot say whether this was because 802-1 is
currently inventoried incorrectly or that 801-1 doesn't actually include
set 802-1 but a very similar variant of it. I wasn't sure how to reflect
this is the current inventory of 801-1.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Feb 21, 2018 05:31 | | Subject: | Inventory Change Request for Set 801-1 | | Viewed: | 40 times | | Topic: | Inventories Requests (Entry) | | Status: | Open | |
|
| Please make changes to the following inventory:
* Delete 1 Part x77 Black String, Cord (Undetermined Type)
* Add 1 Part 3186 Red Fence Gate 1 x 4 x 2
* Change {3 to 2} Part Red 3006 Brick 2 x 10
Comments from Submitter:
Just opened two of these sets. String missing in both, only 2 2x10 bricks in each and the gate top was included but missing from current inventory.
|
|
| Author: | bb414973 | | Posted: | Jan 24, 2018 00:13 | | Subject: | Re: Politics, LEGO and Bricklink | | Viewed: | 75 times | | Topic: | Suggestions | |
|
| In Suggestions, laurenyves writes:
| | I made the necessary changes to allow this to happen immediately when asked so
that is why it is allowed now.
To respond to others about geography, Bricklink should not assess geographically,
Cyprus depends on the EU and identical shipping rates that consequently makes
it impossible for the instant checkout to work properly.
|
Not all postal services determine costs to Cyprus based on membership of the
EU or not. However, whether or not to consider Cyprus as being in Europe depends
on who you consider to be the authority on such things. Geographically it's
on the small Anatolian tectonic plate rather than the Eurasian plate, which could
in theory place it in Europe, Africa or Asia depending on your point of view.
The 'border' between Europe and Asia is decided by historical convention
rather than an official demarcation, and as such may be marked differently by
different authorities. For us Brits, Cyprus has long been placed in Europe, likely
because it was under British control as early as the 1870s. Every atlas I own
shows Cyprus as being part of Europe.
The Council of Europe (not the EU) believes that countries accepted as being
geographically in Eurasia could also therefore be said to be European. Consequently,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Georgia, Russia and Turkey are all members, and
Kazakhstan could apply to be a member. Eurasia technically goes all the way to
the Pacific which, given the CoE's stance, could in theory see China, Mongolia
and many others considered as potential Council of Europe members.
Obviously it depends what you're talking about I suppose - geography or geopolitics
- but to us Brits (or at least this is how I was educated), Cyprus qualifies
on both counts
|
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