Discussion Forum: Thread 343362

 Author: rainbowmist View Messages Posted By rainbowmist
 Posted: Jul 22, 2023 21:46
 Subject: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 95 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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rainbowmist (1186)

Location:  USA, Michigan
Member Since Contact Type Status
Oct 31, 2009 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: RainbowMists Bricks
Ok so a buyer ordered a part thru their wanted list and could not see what the
comments section said about a part I had in stock. So they wanted a refund of
that part because it was unsatisfactory. I gave the refund but how is that fair
to the seller????
 Author: UTLF View Messages Posted By UTLF
 Posted: Jul 22, 2023 22:04
 Subject: (Cancelled)
 Viewed: 36 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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UTLF (1267)

Location:  Canada, British Columbia
Member Since Contact Type Status
Oct 27, 2018 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: UTLF
(Cancelled)
 Author: rainbowmist View Messages Posted By rainbowmist
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 10:40
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 37 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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rainbowmist (1186)

Location:  USA, Michigan
Member Since Contact Type Status
Oct 31, 2009 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: RainbowMists Bricks
In Problem Order, UTLF writes:
  I think it's the buyer's fault for not reading through and checking the
parts they were buying; sure, the wanted list cart finder doesn't show comments,
but those comments appear when you create the carts and go through the checkout
- if the buyer didn't want "unsatisfactory" parts, then they should
have bought new ones or verified what they were buying before placing an order

Thank you I agree. Guess I have to start asking every buyer about these unsatisfactory
parts when they place an order to make sure they know what they are getting.
More time consuming.
 Author: UTLF View Messages Posted By UTLF
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 14:20
 Subject: (Cancelled)
 Viewed: 18 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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UTLF (1267)

Location:  Canada, British Columbia
Member Since Contact Type Status
Oct 27, 2018 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: UTLF
(Cancelled)
 Author: peregrinator View Messages Posted By peregrinator
 Posted: Jul 22, 2023 22:47
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
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 Topic: Problem Order
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peregrinator (777)

Location:  USA, New Jersey
Member Since Contact Type Status
Jan 21, 2003 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Faber Family Bricks
In Problem Order, rainbowmist writes:
  Ok so a buyer ordered a part thru their wanted list and could not see what the
comments section said about a part I had in stock. So they wanted a refund of
that part because it was unsatisfactory. I gave the refund but how is that fair
to the seller????

Pretty sure the comments are visible on the checkout page.
 Author: rainbowmist View Messages Posted By rainbowmist
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 10:35
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 28 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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rainbowmist (1186)

Location:  USA, Michigan
Member Since Contact Type Status
Oct 31, 2009 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: RainbowMists Bricks
In Problem Order, peregrinator writes:
  In Problem Order, rainbowmist writes:
  Ok so a buyer ordered a part thru their wanted list and could not see what the
comments section said about a part I had in stock. So they wanted a refund of
that part because it was unsatisfactory. I gave the refund but how is that fair
to the seller????

Pretty sure the comments are visible on the checkout page.

I was thinking the same thing. But the buyer is always right right? What about
when they use their phone to place an order?
 Author: jennnifer View Messages Posted By jennnifer
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 08:14
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 41 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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jennnifer (3535)

Location:  USA, Illinois
Member Since Contact Type Status
Sep 8, 2009 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Old Grey Bricks
In Problem Order, rainbowmist writes:
  Ok so a buyer ordered a part thru their wanted list and could not see what the
comments section said about a part I had in stock. So they wanted a refund of
that part because it was unsatisfactory. I gave the refund but how is that fair
to the seller????

When buyers use Easy Buy, they are able to check out without ever seeing the
Comments on their parts. They would have to manually go through each cart to
look for them.

It's been pointed out to BL many times since that feature was implemented.
It's very unfortunate, especially for sellers who take the time to note condition
on used items. Easy Buy gives unsuspecting buyers the lowest price option, even
if it's listed as damaged.

~Jen
 Author: cosmicray View Messages Posted By cosmicray
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 08:17
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 48 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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cosmicray (3495)

Location:  USA, Florida
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Oct 1, 2000 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
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Store Closed Store: Cosmic Toys
In Problem Order, jennnifer writes:
Easy Buy gives unsuspecting buyers the lowest price option, even
  if it's listed as damaged.

Bug, not feature. Lowest price ≠ best outcome (and concurrent happiness). We
are selling happiness, disguised as LEGO brand blocks.

Nita Rae
 Author: rainbowmist View Messages Posted By rainbowmist
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 10:38
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 24 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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rainbowmist (1186)

Location:  USA, Michigan
Member Since Contact Type Status
Oct 31, 2009 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: RainbowMists Bricks
In Problem Order, jennnifer writes:
  In Problem Order, rainbowmist writes:
  Ok so a buyer ordered a part thru their wanted list and could not see what the
comments section said about a part I had in stock. So they wanted a refund of
that part because it was unsatisfactory. I gave the refund but how is that fair
to the seller????

When buyers use Easy Buy, they are able to check out without ever seeing the
Comments on their parts. They would have to manually go through each cart to
look for them.

It's been pointed out to BL many times since that feature was implemented.
It's very unfortunate, especially for sellers who take the time to note condition
on used items. Easy Buy gives unsuspecting buyers the lowest price option, even
if it's listed as damaged.

~Jen

Thank you I did not know that. I don't use easy buy I just do it the old
way of finding parts without the convenient/faster ways.
 Author: wildchicken13 View Messages Posted By wildchicken13
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 14:39
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 26 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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wildchicken13 (876)

Location:  USA, Illinois
Member Since Contact Type Status
Aug 11, 2014 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Wild Chicken
In Problem Order, rainbowmist writes:
  Ok so a buyer ordered a part thru their wanted list and could not see what the
comments section said about a part I had in stock. So they wanted a refund of
that part because it was unsatisfactory. I gave the refund but how is that fair
to the seller????

Many buyers shop using a wanted list and the easy buy/auto select algorithm.
They don't really have time to look through all of their store carts to check
for comments or read long store terms.

You can refuse to give the buyer a refund, but you may end up on their least
favorite list, neutral/negative feedback, PayPal dispute, etc.

In short, it's just the cost of doing business here.
 Author: cosmicray View Messages Posted By cosmicray
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 16:12
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
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 Topic: Problem Order
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cosmicray (3495)

Location:  USA, Florida
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Oct 1, 2000 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
View Collage Pic
Store Closed Store: Cosmic Toys
In Problem Order, wildchicken13 writes:
  In Problem Order, rainbowmist writes:
  Ok so a buyer ordered a part thru their wanted list and could not see what the
comments section said about a part I had in stock. So they wanted a refund of
that part because it was unsatisfactory. I gave the refund but how is that fair
to the seller????

Many buyers shop using a wanted list and the easy buy/auto select algorithm.
They don't really have time to look through all of their store carts to check
for comments or read long store terms.

You can refuse to give the buyer a refund, but you may end up on their least
favorite list, neutral/negative feedback, PayPal dispute, etc.

In short, it's just the cost of doing business here.

In one context, you could be correct. But how is it correct if the seller makes
valid and important comments on a listing, but the buyer is shielded from seeing
them ? I ask this because a new buyer here, might just use Easy Buy, and then
receive something that was accurately described, but not what they needed/wanted/desired
?

This becomes a problem when a seller has a part, something that hasn’t been manufacturerd
in over 20 years, makes absolutely clear the situation with the part, but ends
up in a no-win situation ? The seller is acting properly, the buyer believes
they are acting properly (but with no experience on BL), yet the transaction
fails.

I might have just such a situation sitting in front of me, and am wondering now
what ?

Nita Rae
 Author: wildchicken13 View Messages Posted By wildchicken13
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 17:10
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
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 Topic: Problem Order
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wildchicken13 (876)

Location:  USA, Illinois
Member Since Contact Type Status
Aug 11, 2014 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Wild Chicken
In Problem Order, cosmicray writes:
  In one context, you could be correct. But how is it correct if the seller makes
valid and important comments on a listing, but the buyer is shielded from seeing
them ? I ask this because a new buyer here, might just use Easy Buy, and then
receive something that was accurately described, but not what they needed/wanted/desired
?

This becomes a problem when a seller has a part, something that hasn’t been manufacturerd
in over 20 years, makes absolutely clear the situation with the part, but ends
up in a no-win situation ? The seller is acting properly, the buyer believes
they are acting properly (but with no experience on BL), yet the transaction
fails.

I might have just such a situation sitting in front of me, and am wondering now
what ?

Nita Rae

The problem is that everyone uses this site a little bit differently.

Some people come here looking for a particularly rare or expensive item. They
comb through all of the available listings, read the seller's comments and
store terms, and check the seller's feedback profile before purchasing. They
care a lot about the condition of the item and may complain about any damage
that was not accurately described by the seller.

Other people come here to build MOCs. They may not have the time or patience
to comb through listings individually, so they use algorithms to do that for
them. They may not take the time to read through the seller's comments or
store terms. They may not care as much about condition as accuracy but they may
still complain about damage even if it was accurately described by the seller.

And some people come here to sell gummy bears! (Does anyone actually buy them?)

In short, you have to decide what your priorities are. If it's customer service,
then work with your buyer to find a solution that's acceptable to both of
you. If not, then, well… you can do whatever feels right to you, I guess.
 Author: cosmicray View Messages Posted By cosmicray
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 17:58
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 23 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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cosmicray (3495)

Location:  USA, Florida
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Oct 1, 2000 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
View Collage Pic
Store Closed Store: Cosmic Toys
In Problem Order, wildchicken13 writes:
  In short, you have to decide what your priorities are. If it's customer service,
then work with your buyer to find a solution that's acceptable to both of
you. If not, then, well… you can do whatever feels right to you, I guess.

I’ve reached out to the buyer, via a Comment on the order. Going to give it a
couple of days to see if they respond. For context, this is the listing in question


https://store.bricklink.com/cosmicray?p=cosmicray&itemID=333074793#/shop

As the buyer is brand new, I am concerned that they missed the comment concerning
condition. The sets were brand new, but the wires did not survive the years,
and they have not been produced for ~20 years.

Nita Rae
 Author: rainbowmist View Messages Posted By rainbowmist
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 18:14
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 21 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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rainbowmist (1186)

Location:  USA, Michigan
Member Since Contact Type Status
Oct 31, 2009 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: RainbowMists Bricks
In Problem Order, cosmicray writes:
  In Problem Order, wildchicken13 writes:
  In short, you have to decide what your priorities are. If it's customer service,
then work with your buyer to find a solution that's acceptable to both of
you. If not, then, well… you can do whatever feels right to you, I guess.

I’ve reached out to the buyer, via a Comment on the order. Going to give it a
couple of days to see if they respond. For context, this is the listing in question


https://store.bricklink.com/cosmicray?p=cosmicray&itemID=333074793#/shop

As the buyer is brand new, I am concerned that they missed the comment concerning
condition. The sets were brand new, but the wires did not survive the years,
and they have not been produced for ~20 years.

Nita Rae

I previously have had new buyers who order parts with flaws and most the time
they are fine with the part after I message them. Most buyers are pleasant to
work with. But then sometimes you get buyers who don't ask any questions
at all or want to communicate.
 Author: wildchicken13 View Messages Posted By wildchicken13
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 19:25
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 25 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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wildchicken13 (876)

Location:  USA, Illinois
Member Since Contact Type Status
Aug 11, 2014 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store: Wild Chicken
In Problem Order, cosmicray writes:
  I’ve reached out to the buyer, via a Comment on the order. Going to give it a
couple of days to see if they respond. For context, this is the listing in question


https://store.bricklink.com/cosmicray?p=cosmicray&itemID=333074793#/shop

As the buyer is brand new, I am concerned that they missed the comment concerning
condition. The sets were brand new, but the wires did not survive the years,
and they have not been produced for ~20 years.

Nita Rae

That's another consideration: Many members here are new to the site and don't
understand how everything works, subtle part/color variations or how old LEGO
really is. Perhaps they registered here just to get the connectors.
 Author: cosmicray View Messages Posted By cosmicray
 Posted: Jul 23, 2023 20:20
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 28 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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cosmicray (3495)

Location:  USA, Florida
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Oct 1, 2000 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
View Collage Pic
Store Closed Store: Cosmic Toys
In Problem Order, wildchicken13 writes:
  In Problem Order, cosmicray writes:
  I’ve reached out to the buyer, via a Comment on the order. Going to give it a
couple of days to see if they respond. For context, this is the listing in question


https://store.bricklink.com/cosmicray?p=cosmicray&itemID=333074793#/shop

As the buyer is brand new, I am concerned that they missed the comment concerning
condition. The sets were brand new, but the wires did not survive the years,
and they have not been produced for ~20 years.

Nita Rae

That's another consideration: Many members here are new to the site and don't
understand how everything works, subtle part/color variations or how old LEGO
really is. Perhaps they registered here just to get the connectors.

The buyer did not see the comments on the listing, which suggests they used Easy
Buy. I have offered, and am awaiting their response to keep the order or to cancel/refund
it.

Nita Rae
 Author: cosmicray View Messages Posted By cosmicray
 Posted: Jul 24, 2023 11:37
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 24 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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cosmicray (3495)

Location:  USA, Florida
Member Since Contact Type Status Collage
Oct 1, 2000 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
View Collage Pic
Store Closed Store: Cosmic Toys
In Problem Order, cosmicray writes:
  In Problem Order, wildchicken13 writes:
  In Problem Order, cosmicray writes:
  I’ve reached out to the buyer, via a Comment on the order. Going to give it a
couple of days to see if they respond. For context, this is the listing in question


https://store.bricklink.com/cosmicray?p=cosmicray&itemID=333074793#/shop

As the buyer is brand new, I am concerned that they missed the comment concerning
condition. The sets were brand new, but the wires did not survive the years,
and they have not been produced for ~20 years.

Nita Rae

That's another consideration: Many members here are new to the site and don't
understand how everything works, subtle part/color variations or how old LEGO
really is. Perhaps they registered here just to get the connectors.

The buyer did not see the comments on the listing, which suggests they used Easy
Buy. I have offered, and am awaiting their response to keep the order or to cancel/refund
it.

Nita Rae

Payment refunded and order canceled. I’m out the PayPal fees, which are less
than the shipping that would have been spent. So we have some resolution (for
this order) but not for new customers missing important comments.

Nita Rae
 Author: Kenopolis View Messages Posted By Kenopolis
 Posted: Jul 24, 2023 12:26
 Subject: Re: Buyer cannot see comments thru wanted list.
 Viewed: 27 times
 Topic: Problem Order
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Kenopolis (1253)

Location:  USA, Missouri
Member Since Contact Type Status
Feb 7, 2010 Contact Member Seller
Buying Privileges - OKSelling Privileges - OK
Store Closed Store: Kenopolis Brick Stack
I discovered this years ago. And yes, it's annoying, but it's the nature
of the beast, until someone comes up with an alert to buyers to approve anything
with a note on it.

I don't use instant checkout in my store, so it's not as much of an issue
for me, but I message buyers when they purchase an item that had damage noted,
before I send the invoice.

Something like, "I know that lots of buyers use wanted lists, and comments
on items noting condition can often be missed."

I then explain the damage to their item, and offer them the option to accept
the damage, remove the item, or cancel the order.

THIS PART IS IMPORTANT

I then give them a link to the "Order Item Removal Request" page. This
page is very difficult to find in bricklink.

I explain that they just enter the order number (Pasted in the note)
and select the item to remove. Then I approve it, and we are good.

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

Most people are already aware of the damage, but appreciate the courtesy.
So far I have had some remove the items, and only had a few people cancel their
orders. They were all grateful that I notified them, instead of just shipping
it. It has yet to result in a negative feedback.

The key is being courteous about it, and apologetic.

The other option, is just not to sell damaged items at all, but on expensive
items like the old antenna, or expensive figures... well... some people are
not picky, and want the discount.

Good luck, and I hope it goes well for you.