Bricklink search and buy options

GeordiePaul

I'm still pretty new to using Bricklink and was wondering if any experts out there can tell me if there's a way to enter a bunch of element IDs (and quantities) and then search for one store that has them all available?

For example, one store that has 100 of 4211052, 72 of 4211055 and say 50 of 4211413. Can I enter these IDs into a search field and have it spit out a single store that sells everything I need?

I only ask so I can order from a single store and pay one postage cost as opposed to buying from six or seven stores and paying multiple postage costs.

Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated as I'm dipping my toes into the wonderful world of MOCing!

Paul

CCC

You need to look up wants lists. However, you may end up paying more at one store than you would sourcing them from multiple, even including extra postage costs.

GeordiePaul

@CCC Thanks! Do you find that postage costs are reasonable for stuff you've ordered? I haven't been able to find postage info in advance of buying. I know this will vary wildly depending on how much you buy, size and weight, but I'm dubious of paying over the odds for say 100 2x2 tiles for example.

SprinkleOtter

GeordiePaul said:

@CCC Thanks! Do you find that postage costs are reasonable for stuff you've ordered? I haven't been able to find postage info in advance of buying. I know this will vary wildly depending on how much you buy, size and weight, but I'm dubious of paying over the odds for say 100 2x2 tiles for example.

Shipping will never be less than $2.45, and most charge in the $3 area for small orders. I've never been gouged for shipping before, and Bricklink sellers are crafty- they try any option they can to get shipping prices down so that you will shop with them again.

GeordiePaul

@SprinkleOtter Ah, good to know. Makes sense for repeat business as you said. I filled my online basket at the official Lego site, but not only did they not have everything I needed, the price was a little higher than I was expecting for the few things they did have. Bricklink is definitely my best option now.

SprinkleOtter

GeordiePaul said:

@SprinkleOtter Ah, good to know. Makes sense for repeat business as you said. I filled my online basket at the official Lego site, but not only did they not have everything I needed, the price was a little higher than I was expecting for the few things they did have. Bricklink is definitely my best option now.

And watch out for new vs. used- new is sometimes cheaper.

GeordiePaul

Really? You'd think it would be the other way around, right? Thanks for the heads up though :-)

SprinkleOtter

GeordiePaul said:

Really? You'd think it would be the other way around, right? Thanks for the heads up though :-)

One would think. But not always. :)

monstblitz

The auto find feature will work off your want lists and find either a 1 store solution like you are looking for, or the cheapest solution using multiple stores.  I echo Otter's thoughts about buying new.  New is sometimes cheaper and most of the time not that much more than used.  I've had some terrible experiences on Bricklink with used bricks.  Dirty bricks, broken bricks, smelly (smoke) bricks, etc.  Read the seller reviews closely!  Check all neutral and negative complaints and even look for backhanded compliments in the praise.  I could have avoided a lot of my bad experiences had I paid close attention to feedback.  I usually try new bricks first, but change it to used if it's a rare piece that is too expensive to buy new.

Fauch

the problem I have the most is bricks missing from used sets. fortunately the sellers will usually send them if you ask them.
I rarely have problem with used bricks. only with 2 sellers it was really noticeable so far, but in one case I got the sets for like 25% of rrp so it wasn't too bad.
sometimes there are substitutions. I think the biggest mistake I've seen was getting an alien grunt instead of an alien pilot in UFO abduction, though I actually liked that as I thought the grunt looked better / funnier.

GeordiePaul

@monstblitz I'll definitely be ordering new pieces instead of used now. Don't want to take any chances as a novice buyer. Maybe I'll branch out into used parts if I need a more rare brick (which will probably happen if I end up building Corner Cafe, Market Street or the Green Grocer modulars). Thanks for the advice!

GeordiePaul

@Fauch I just bought my first ever used set from eBay and the seller said it was 100% complete and to be fair it almost was. Had two black rods missing from the fire engine that comes with the Fire Brigade modular, but other than that everything was there. I'll just buy those two missing pieces when I place my first Bricklink order.

monstblitz

GeordiePaul said:

@Fauch I just bought my first ever used set from eBay and the seller said it was 100% complete and to be fair it almost was. Had two black rods missing from the fire engine that comes with the Fire Brigade modular, but other than that everything was there. I'll just buy those two missing pieces when I place my first Bricklink order.

I had a similar problem, but worse, with a used Green Grocer.  Most of it was there, but there were a handful of missing pieces and also many cracked pieces.  Luckily the seller worked with me and gave me a partial refund. 

As to your other post about bricklinking modulars, for Market Street I recommend using the Lego online pick-a-brick.  You can get almost the entire set there and you'll rack up VIP points and freebies.