Bricksetters' Bricklink stores

SprinkleOtter · July 2016

@Calv
Shipping another head is simply out of the question- the fig cost $1.5, and the cheapest shipping here in the USA is $2.45.

I sent the fig in a padded envelope- with extra padding! My best guess is that something very heavy was put on the package...

Rebelego · July 2016

Give a refund, send another head, or get negative feedback. If I were you, I would just eat the cost. A store as small and as new as yours will be more effected by a negative feedback than say a large store with 200,000 parts and 12,000 feedback. Just my two cents.

KingAlanI · July 2016

All_That_Rocks said:

@KingAlanI I'd be interested to hear how you do it. Any storage location updates etc would be done while parting out.

I have zippered bags or plastic jars inside plastic grocery bags, with various sizes of each. The grocery bags are by color. Sometimes I put similar low volume colors in the same bag, and big colors in multiple bags. The smaller containers have specific parts or groupings of related parts, and the details depend on inventory levels. Minifigs, used and DUPLO are all separate. If a container is getting too full, I might re-sort by individual parts or smaller groupings. This general inventory management can be hard to separate from the work of parting out a particular set or filling a particular order.

All_That_Rocks · July 2016

@KingAlanI from what you say I take it that any knowledge of part location is purely in your head. If you had a request for a specific part would you know 'exactly' where that part is?

Maybe its a question of scale. If inventory is small or limited in selection it might be manageable but even with my modest store I think I'd struggle without exact reference in Bricklink to an items physical location.

Calv · July 2016

In my Bricklink store I use the Remarks field to hold the location where the item is stored in my system. When parting out other sets Bricklink will use this Remarks field and provide the location and revised quantity for the part - very useful!

If a part type is new to stock then it will create a stock record for the part and allow me to manually add the location when I have put it away. It is very important to get this location recorded correctly otherwise the parts will be impossible to find - trust me I have done it..... and I am still looking for some them!

In my storage system I have several different types of storage used dependent on the quantities in stock. Each location series has its own numbering sequence and it is important to allow for growth, because it will happen....

The main system is 3 IKEA Malm 4 drawer chests which hold numbered envelopes made from folded A4 sheets of paper. These are stored in 5 rows left to right and each drawer will hold about 150 envelopes. Cardboard dividers keep the rows tidy and separated from each other.

These drawers also provide a useful working surface and which hold Lidl storage drawer units at the back, useful for larger parts.

For larger quantites I use food containers from Poundland priced at 8 to the £1 and each of these are numbered Bulk 1 -400 at present, but the series can expand. The containers are stacked 5 high on IKEA Billy bookcases and IKEA Besta units fixed to the wall.

I also have another series of stacking drawer units, with each drawer containing an Advent calendar plastic tray cut apart to provide individual containers. These are useful for larger quantities of parts.

Plates live in a separate series of parts sorting boxes and minifigs have another series of smaller parts sorting boxes. There are also another 2 or 3 series of different containers in use as well.

One thing I do insist on is that each container for smaller parts is individual so I can pick it up and tip out the parts I need. This is not so necessary for larger items like large plates.

A useful tool to get is a Brother labeller which prints very neat plastic labels to stick on the storage boxes. Mine is a P-Touch 1000.

My system allows me to store 192000 parts of 6846 different types in a room 2.5 metres by 2 metres - but its getting full now!

KingAlanI · July 2016

All_That_Rocks said:

@KingAlanI from what you say I take it that any knowledge of part location is purely in your head. If you had a request for a specific part would you know 'exactly' where that part is?

Maybe its a question of scale. If inventory is small or limited in selection it might be manageable but even with my modest store I think I'd struggle without exact reference in Bricklink to an items physical location.

Pretty much. I know how I store a particular piece, but then I have to find where I actually put that container. If my inventory gets much larger, I might need something more formalized.

Rebelego · July 2016

I have recently shortened the name of my Bricklink store. It is now Great South Bricks. Stop on by! And remember, Bricksetters, put "Rebelego" in the comments for your order to receive a 10% off coupon.

SprinkleOtter · July 2016

So, I sold a minifig a few days back that specifically says that it is the legs and torso, and today get this response...

"

The figure came today and does not have a head. I want either the head or a new one. This is unacceptable. Please respond to me immediately.

"

Have buyers always been this crazy?

bluedragon · July 2016

Sometimes buyers do not read the listing properly. When I sell something non-canonical, I always send a message so that the buyer acknowledges the specifics of the particular item and there are no issues.

graphite · July 2016

Daragh said:

I have been watching some Bricklink sellers videos on YouTube, too much time on my hands. I was wondering for sellers like Clutch and Bricktsar that use the numbered drawer system for parts, how do they find those drawers when parting out more sets that have the same parts, surely they don't have to use Bricklink to locate their own stock? Just interested to see if I am missing some logical answer.

They probably do. At least when parting out a set it will tell you that it is consolidating with a part you already have

graphite · July 2016

When I first started my store I labeled my sterilite containers so I knew where the bag with parts was, but as I grew quickly I had to move parts from container to container as I gained more of a particular parts and I didn't like spending the time to update the remarks and add new labels to containers.

Now I know offhand which container about 95% of my parts are stored (250k in my store) and there are only a few things (odd pieces) that I have to check a couple containers as I don't remember which way I classified it. I have all the containers grouped (plates, modified plates, bricks, modified bricks, technic etc etc) so I can find things quickly. In most cases I can grab a container without really looking because I know where it is.

Here is a post with a picture of my store parts. I have double what is in this picture now.

http://bricksetforum.com/discussion/comment/272126/#Comment_272126

SprinkleOtter · July 2016

graphite said:

When I first started my store I labeled my sterilite containers so I knew where the bag with parts was, but as I grew quickly I had to move parts from container to container as I gained more of a particular parts and I didn't like spending the time to update the remarks and add new labels to containers.

Now I know offhand which container about 95% of my parts are stored (250k in my store) and there are only a few things (odd pieces) that I have to check a couple containers as I don't remember which way I classified it. I have all the containers grouped (plates, modified plates, bricks, modified bricks, technic etc etc) so I can find things quickly. In most cases I can grab a container without really looking because I know where it is.

Here is a post with a picture of my store parts. I have double what is in this picture now.

http://bricksetforum.com/discussion/comment/272126/#Comment_272126

Are you selling new or used parts?

graphite · July 2016

I have a small selection of used but I don't buy used to resell. It is too much work. So most of my parts are new.

KingAlanI · July 2016

Just listed 2 #70605 Misfortune's Keep. By far the biggest set I've ever parted out, and looking up all those prices was even more frustrating than I thought. I still need to sort those and list some other sets I bought recently, but at least the big job's done. Also added a bit of used DUPLO from a garage sale. All I needed to do was update quantity numbers, such a relief after the 70605 marathon!

All_That_Rocks said:

@KingAlanI from what you say I take it that any knowledge of part location is purely in your head. If you had a request for a specific part would you know 'exactly' where that part is?

Maybe its a question of scale. If inventory is small or limited in selection it might be manageable but even with my modest store I think I'd struggle without exact reference in Bricklink to an items physical location.

Also, for big orders, I sometimes grab color bags and then check to see if anything from them is in the order. The color bags change location as I move things around.

graphite said:

I have a small selection of used but I don't buy used to resell. It is too much work. So most of my parts are new.

I focus on parting out new sets, but if I can get used really cheap, it's still worthwhile.

palmers9grb · July 2016

KingAlanI said:

Just listed 2 #70605 Misfortune's Keep. By far the biggest set I've ever parted out, and looking up all those prices was even more frustrating than I thought. I still need to sort those and list some other sets I bought recently, but at least the big job's done. Also added a bit of used DUPLO from a garage sale. All I needed to do was update quantity numbers, such a relief after the 70605 marathon!

All_That_Rocks said:

@KingAlanI from what you say I take it that any knowledge of part location is purely in your head. If you had a request for a specific part would you know 'exactly' where that part is?

Maybe its a question of scale. If inventory is small or limited in selection it might be manageable but even with my modest store I think I'd struggle without exact reference in Bricklink to an items physical location.

Also, for big orders, I sometimes grab color bags and then check to see if anything from them is in the order. The color bags change location as I move things around.

graphite said:

I have a small selection of used but I don't buy used to resell. It is too much work. So most of my parts are new.

I focus on parting out new sets, but if I can get used really cheap, it's still worthwhile.

I know what you mean I did 5 Spiderman and ghost rider before it was on the index. Takes alot longer than you think. Have just added some part to my store.

KingAlanI · July 2016

palmers9grb said:

KingAlanI said:

Just listed 2 #70605 Misfortune's Keep. By far the biggest set I've ever parted out, and looking up all those prices was even more frustrating than I thought. I still need to sort those and list some other sets I bought recently, but at least the big job's done. Also added a bit of used DUPLO from a garage sale. All I needed to do was update quantity numbers, such a relief after the 70605 marathon!

I know what you mean I did 5 Spiderman and ghost rider before it was on the index. Takes alot longer than you think. Have just added some part to my store.

even when there's an inventory, it's still tedious to go through every item in a large set.

Dedgecko · July 2016

SprinkleOtter said:

So, I sold a minifig a few days back that specifically says that it is the legs and torso, and today get this response...

"
The figure came today and does not have a head. I want either the head or a new one. This is unacceptable. Please respond to me immediately.
"

Have buyers always been this crazy?

Looking through some of your used used minifigs I see a lot of statements - "100% complete, except......."

If it's not all there, don't state that it's all there--BUT, NOTHING! That would be incredibly frustrating to anyone. Fine printing people to death is a great way to turn people way. Don't use 10 words when one will do.

KingAlanI · July 2016

Yeah, a lot of buyers don't read, but that does sound confusing.
I might list minifigures as missing a hairpiece or accessory, but not one of the major body parts, at that point I list minifigure parts separately.

SprinkleOtter · July 2016

Dedgecko said:

SprinkleOtter said:

So, I sold a minifig a few days back that specifically says that it is the legs and torso, and today get this response...

"
The figure came today and does not have a head. I want either the head or a new one. This is unacceptable. Please respond to me immediately.
"

Have buyers always been this crazy?

Looking through some of your used used minifigs I see a lot of statements - "100% complete, except......."

If it's not all there, don't state that it's all there--BUT, NOTHING! That would be incredibly frustrating to anyone. Fine printing people to death is a great way to turn people way. Don't use 10 words when one will do.

I thought I took care of all of those (they were posted without me realizing that I had copy-pasted the 100% part in), but that is not the issue here (nor do I see it as an issue at all- I have to let the buyer know that it is all there except the listed somehow, and if they can read the first two word, they can be bothered to read the next one).

The listing in question was worded completely differently.

KingAlanI · July 2016

Parted out a #70734 Master Wu Dragon, another marathon. Gotta do something about that. I've been entering my own prices, maybe I can have BL fill in an average and tweak that. My computer setup is a bit slow, especially for the big set pages, so maybe I should try on a library computer when I have time there.

padraic · July 2016

My store is called Brick Wave: http://www.bricklink.com/store/home.page?p=padraic

I've found that my storing method has to be changed as the store grows. Whats logical for a small store is not logical for a big store, and vice versa.

I'm now up to 33,000 parts in the store. I'm wondering if anyone has found linear growth in sales as they increase number of parts? Or do sales take off when you have a certain number of parts?

Rebelego · July 2016

It's a certain mix of Price, Unique Lots, and Number of Parts. No proof, just what it has seemed like as my store has grown.

I have several different storage methods. Depends on Size, Used/New, Amount.

Kevin_Hyatt · July 2016

Just parted out a pile of #40121 painting easter eggs sets.
I can't imagine parting out a set and entering all items manually! That's what 'part out set' is for!
www.jenzbricks.com

AdeelZubair · July 2016

My Bricklink Store Is Now Open!

A Deal From Adeel: http://www.bricklink.com/store/home.page?p=Adzbadboy

Rebelego · July 2016

Im not very computer savvy with this sort of thing... I would like to have a link (i guess) for my BL store. For example...instead of www.bricklink.com/blahblahblah I would like to have the address as just my store like www.greatsouthernbricks.com. that goes straight to it. I hope that made sense. what site should I use to set this up and how much is it per month/year? Thanks

ColoradoBricks · July 2016

@Rebelego that is what I have: coloradobricks.com points to my BL store. I paid about $12 / year, includes free website forwarding (all I need). I have mine with register.com but there might be cheaper places.

Rebelego · July 2016

Thanks @ColoradoBricks

graphite · July 2016

Yeah, I have lego.graphiteindustries.com from my web hosting that goes directly too my bricklink store as well but I always forget to use it when giving out the link.

KingAlanI · August 2016

Actually listed a bunch of stuff that I bought several days ago - 2 #41061 Jasmine's Exotic Palace, 3 #41176 Elves' Secret Marketplace, 7 #76037 Rhino and Sandman Supervillain Team-up, #70794 Skull Scorpion, #71310 Umarak the Hunter, #70334 Ultimate Beast Master, #75140 Resistance Troop Transporter
To list - 8 #70331 Ultimate Macy, #70737 Ronin Rex, #70737 Titan Mech Battle, #75903 Haunted Lighthouse
WalMart has more Macy left, I'll see how many more I can get and list them all at once.

I used to enter all the prices myself, now I have BrickLink fill in the averages and tweak that. I can keep some of the default prices if short on time. I've also been using library computers - fast connection, fewer distractions (and time limit discourages dawdling)

SprinkleOtter · August 2016

I have a question- in what way does it make sense to put a 20-lot limit on your store?

sklamb · August 2016

Just curious--when you say "have BrickLink fill in the averages" does the system use the average of sold piece prices, or the average of available piece prices? As a buyer, I'd think the 'sold' average would be more appropriate, but the stores I've seen that mention using an 'average price' as reference all seem to be using the 'available' average. (Of course, that's also usually to the benefit of the seller!)

flord · August 2016

Is it possible to blacklist stores? I have dealt (am dealing with) a couple of fraudulent sellers and never want to see them show up in listings again.

BrickDancer · August 2016

^Maybe they deserve a post on the "Seller Feedback" thread as well?

flord · August 2016

That will happen when there is an official resolution to this. I am expecting to go to Paypal to request a refund, unless this guy does an about face.

ricecake · August 2016

You can mark a store as "Least Favorite", and then I think there are options to exclude "Least Favorite" stores from your search results.

Daragh · August 2016

I have opened a Bricklink store. Currently there are 35,000 new parts and small sets (Mixels, polys and Friends animal series).

More parts added daily, the plan is to have 100,000 within the next month or so.

I plan to have a discount for Brickset members anyway but to get the store up and running from now to the end of the month 15% off all store prices and half price postage to anywhere in the world if you mention Brickset in the order comments.

http://www.xsbricks.com/

Any comments on the store, terms or anything at all welcomed.

Daragh

Coolguy5000 · August 2016

Having placed and received my first order from @Daragh I would highly recommend you take advantage of his current promotion he mentioned above! Great communication, easy transaction and a very happy Customer!

KingAlanI · August 2016

I got swamped last week by several orders and sorting several sets I'd parted out. I was trying to multitask and ended up working slower overall. I needed some parts from the sets for current orders, which has tripped me up before, but usually not this bad. I need to be quicker about sorting my new inventory. I got a bunch of gripseal bags of various sizes to help sort parts, and I'm shopping for plastic tubs to help organize the bags.

SprinkleOtter said:

I have a question- in what way does it make sense to put a 20-lot limit on your store?

Yeah. I say bring on big orders, though they may take a couple more days to sort.
Maybe those sellers can only handle small orders, or would rather sell a few high value items.

sklamb said:

Just curious--when you say "have BrickLink fill in the averages" does the system use the average of sold piece prices, or the average of available piece prices? As a buyer, I'd think the 'sold' average would be more appropriate, but the stores I've seen that mention using an 'average price' as reference all seem to be using the 'available' average. (Of course, that's also usually to the benefit of the seller!)

The part out page gives options for either, and weighted average by quantity for both of those.

stlux · August 2016

Took @Daragh up on his offer and received my order today. Very happy customer; good luck with your store!

Is it usual for BL sellers to include an item list with the order? Made it very easy to confirm everything was there. First time I see this, but have not placed many orders for parts yet... (mainly ordered sets before)

SprinkleOtter · August 2016

If I bought an order from someone and it never came/got destroyed in the mail, what are they obligated (need to, not should to) repay me? The cost of the order, or the cost of the order + shipping?

CCC · August 2016

What they need to do depends on where they are based - as need rather than should implies law and not just BL rules or guidelines. Unless you mean need to do to keep the buyer happy.

I'd expect them to refund the full payment - that is what they need to do in the UK.

SprinkleOtter · August 2016

CCC said:

What they need to do depends on where they are based - as need rather than should implies law and not just BL rules or guidelines. Unless you mean need to do to keep the buyer happy.

I'd expect them to refund the full payment - that is what they need to do in the UK.

USA to USA. Utah to NY, if that is relevant.

Basta · September 2016

SprinkleOtter said:

If I bought an order from someone and it never came/got destroyed in the mail, what are they obligated (need to, not should to) repay me? The cost of the order, or the cost of the order + shipping?

What do you think? Insurance, written warnings & the law etc. all come into play but assuming the seller has no reason to believe shenanigans I think they have to take the hit and refund the total amount including shipping.

Now being that it is neither parties fault the seller could try and work something out like a partial refund etc. That may work but most customers probably wont be happy with that as an acceptable resolution, and as a seller they should understand that.

Cost of doing business.

dafish · September 2016

Hello all, on a related topic, I guess you all know Brickbuilderspro which is a professional online shop selling customized bricks and instructions. I placed a 30 U$ order this spring, paid online and received a well-wrapped parcel within 10 days. Very nice and so far so good. Taking it home and putting stuff together I noticed that four bricks were missing (out of 12 green conical ordered for that item). I emailed them diplomaticly and asked for a solution. Never ever heard back from them... :-( Definitely not recommended.

graphite · September 2016

stlux said:

Is it usual for BL sellers to include an item list with the order? Made it very easy to confirm everything was there. First time I see this, but have not placed many orders for parts yet... (mainly ordered sets before)

A lot of them do include an invoice, mainly I would say because they print it to pull and check of the parts so they just included it in the package. Personally I don't. It is a waste of paper. I use my tablet to pull orders and when dealing with small orders adding the paper can actually push it over the next ounce limit and while its only 19 cents difference or whatever per ounce it is more for the customer to pay when they can just pull up the order on bricklink. I just put the order number on the mailing label.

brumey · September 2016

all those "buyers" with zero feedback wont give me feedback. i m writing them an email every week!
one of them even has -2 feedback now!

sucks big time! i want my customers to be able to pay with IBAN! only missing 2 feedbacks!

VorpalRyu · September 2016

Sorry to hear that @brumey. Don't worry, if I buy from you, you will be getting feedback, I hate not getting feedback, it doesn't take any time at all.

stlux · September 2016

I always give feedback as a buyer; sometimes with a bit of delay whilst an issue is being resolved. I'd happily order from you @brumey, but unfortunately your store currently doesn't stock anything from my wishlist :(

brumey · September 2016

i slept a bit on my store...
thinking of starting selling bionicle parts. i have a ton!

KingAlanI · September 2016

I use the part out page to calculate value of a set. Tonight I actually added the items to my inventory. I was afraid that would happen eventually. I was on mobile in a store and rushed to a computer. Fortunately I removed all the items before anybody tried to buy any of it, but it was still a pain in the butt.

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