LEGO S@H "Black Listing": Did you ever receive this re-sale warning from Shop at Home?

[TheDarkness]

Take a breath people, consider different strategies and see what happens.

 

[Deez_Brickz]

I would like to respectfully disagree with this logic. In am not going to call out anyone on this site but I could give you several examples of this being BS. As for the poker analogy, If I sit down at a poker table with Doyle Brunson, and a bunch of other famous names in poker, would that mean I am a poker all star?? If I drop 50k on LEGO a month does that automatically make me some investing guru who knows all the ins and outs of the game?

Close but not what I meant at all. If you were serious about playing winning poker, would you read Super System 1&2 or would you ask some random joe playing 1/2 no limit at the local casino who rebuys every 20 hands?

So unlike others in this thread I am not jealous of folks like emazers and their success in this game. Instead - I seek them out to learn from them and how they have been successful and how they have grown their business. A few weeks ago I had a very nice 1 hr phone call with Ed. Great guy who shares a lot of great info. Yet some newbs call him out and accuse him of not having his inventory. That's what I don't need to read. Get what I mean?

[Diabolos80]

Close but not what I meant at all. If you were serious about playing winning poker, would you read Super System 1&2 or would you ask some random joe playing 1/2 no limit at the local casino who rebuys every 20 hands?

So unlike others in this thread I am not jealous of folks like emazers and their success in this game. Instead - I seek them out to learn from them and how they have been successful and how they have grown their business. A few weeks ago I had a very nice 1 hr phone call with Ed. Great guy who shares a lot of great info. Yet some newbs call him out and accuse him of not having his inventory. That's what I don't need to read. Get what I mean?

Well that makes sense, then. Still, you never know when some snot-nosed noob with a bad attitude will find the next sale. I was a snot-nosed noob once. Of course, I came in with the desire to learn, not to hate. And the fourth rule of BrickPicker is: You do not doubt emazers.

[What_does_the_future_hold]

While there's potentially some validity to the comments of who and where to seek advice, I would have to slightly disagree (and of course possibly face being ignored) because compared to an analogy of poker I think someone new to the Lego game who isn't on a "particular" level could still ad value although I will admit that it's still not as likely as people who've worked at a high level for longer. But I'm also never closed minded enough to admit that someone else no matter their age or experience couldn't come up with a better mousetrap for me to try. But that's just coming from an over 40 year old who's been around a while.

 

That being said, I think the biggest problem is very few people are willing to talk about what they really buy and sell in terms of dollars. Maybe because they aren't reporting the income, maybe because they aren't wanting to tip their hand, maybe they think people will call B.S. on them, or maybe because they just don't feel like sharing. No matter what the reason, I would say that it's nearly impossible to say what "your level" or anyone elses is so how do we evaluate who's "worth" talking to at your level? If we went by certain people's Brickfolio, then they only have $17k in product to sell, or for that matter I have $0, when in fact I may have moved nearly $1mil in product by the end of the year so does that make my opinions, experience, and information any more or less valuable than anyone elses? I guess that depends on who's reading it and what they are looking to learn or gain. And does that make me a big fish, little fish, or a whale; does it give me the right to only talk to a certain sub-set of people? I have no idea and honestly don't care because I'll listen to anything once and discard what doesn't work for me. Bottom line is there will always be some component of a swinging di

[willy431]

The emperor has no bricks? People started doubting me and saying I was "trolling" until I started posting pictures and receipts in the thousand of dollars. That has stopped But....now its even worse that folks now I am a real investor/collector/builder. The gin blossoms sang it best...so ill leave it to them. I am almost back to 0 reputation. A few more plus ones, me toos, I agrees, cat pictures and you tubes...And ill be there! ;^)

[Deez_Brickz]

While there's potentially some validity to the comments of who and where to seek advice, I would have to slightly disagree (and of course possibly face being ignored) because compared to an analogy of poker I think someone new to the Lego game who isn't on a "particular" level could still ad value although I will admit that it's still not as likely as people who've worked at a high level for longer. But I'm also never closed minded enough to admit that someone else no matter their age or experience couldn't come up with a better mousetrap for me to try. But that's just coming from an over 40 year old who's been around a while.

That being said, I think the biggest problem is very few people are willing to talk about what they really buy and sell in terms of dollars. Maybe because they aren't reporting the income, maybe because they aren't wanting to tip their hand, maybe they think people will call B.S. on them, or maybe because they just don't feel like sharing. No matter what the reason, I would say that it's nearly impossible to say what "your level" or anyone elses is so how do we evaluate who's "worth" talking to at your level? If we went by certain people's Brickfolio, then they only have $17k in product to sell, or for that matter I have $0, when in fact I may have moved nearly $1mil in product by the end of the year so does that make my opinions, experience, and information any more or less valuable than anyone elses? I guess that depends on who's reading it and what they are looking to learn or gain. And does that make me a big fish, little fish, or a whale; does it give me the right to only talk to a certain sub-set of people? I have no idea and honestly don't care because I'll listen to anything once and discard what doesn't work for me. Bottom line is there will always be some component of a swinging di

[Alcarin]

Buying 50 medium to large LEGO sets of one type is a gutsy move...maybe some would say foolish even,  I don't invest that way, nor do I recommend others to do so, but it is a viable strategy for some.  Banning a person for buying within the rules is wrong.  Banning them for circumventing the rules is acceptable, as long as the rules are posted and clear for all to see.  While many of us are in this for profit, most of us also build and enjoy the sets.  Those who just use LEGO bricks as a commodity will gain little respect from many LEGO fans, but they have a right to do so, at least in my opinion.

 

What is my main issue with all of this is a sort of erosion of freedoms and capitalism in this country(US).  There is a touch of Socialism mixed in with the limits set forth by retailers IMO.  It's similar to the "spread the wealth" idea.  I don't want to make it sound too political, but if a person wants to risk their money buying 50 LEGO sets as an investment, they should be able to, Little Johnny will still be able to buy a LEGO set.  There is no guarantee these sets will appreciate.  Heck, I'm sure some people bought 50 Prince of Persia sets thinking they were "Da Bomb."  Why don't the retailers complain when a person was buying up the terds?  Even LEGO was happy to unload their B-Wings(even though I like the set), I didn't see any mass suspensions for that sell off.  Just my two cents...

 

 

You are right... but i haveyou ever wondered what would the court say? I am 99% positive bringing this matter to the court would be ruled in favor of LEGO. 

 

As I recall shops have the power to NOT sell you or even ban you their items.

 

And by your own words that LEGO is a hot toy right now they want to capitalize on that and spread it to as much people possible (end consumers)

 

I think its fair but i doubt their strategy would work due to other shops not doing the same.

[Deez_Brickz]

So I placed an order last night for 2x BTTF CUSSOO sets and 1x 4x4 crawler (41999 limited edition) before midnight east coast time.  I never received an automated email reply but just figured that was due to the website  / traffic issues.

I checked order status this morning and it says cancelled.  I think this means 99% chance I am banned and 1% chance due to website issues.  I have sent an email to customer service asking for an explanation.  

[DoNotInsertIntoMouth]

So I placed an order last night for 2x BTTF CUSSOO sets and 1x 4x4 crawler (41999 limited edition) before midnight east coast time.  I never received an automated email reply but just figured that was due to the website  / traffic issues.

I checked order status this morning and it says cancelled.  I think this means 99% chance I am banned and 1% chance due to website issues.  I have sent an email to customer service asking for an explanation.  

 

Hmm, its possible, but it could have been that the crawler went out of stock and it tried to just cancel the crawler and accidently canceled all?

[What_does_the_future_hold]

So I placed an order last night for 2x BTTF CUSSOO sets and 1x 4x4 crawler (41999 limited edition) before midnight east coast time.  I never received an automated email reply but just figured that was due to the website  / traffic issues.

I checked order status this morning and it says cancelled.  I think this means 99% chance I am banned and 1% chance due to website issues.  I have sent an email to customer service asking for an explanation.

Yep. Hate to be the bearer of bad news but that's what happened/happens to me now that I'm banned. No email, and almost instant cancellation of the order.

[turbomattk]

Yep. Hate to be the bearer of bad news but that's what happened/happens to me now that I'm banned. No email, and almost instant cancellation of the order.

 

Have you tried to setup a new account?

[matt1147]

I ordered 2 bTTFs and 1 crawler last night. Whole order was screwed up - tax, promos, shipping, VIP points, etc. I called today and they said everything was fixed in the system and the order should go through fine now.

[What_does_the_future_hold]

Have you tried to setup a new account?

Yes I have and short of being completely dishonest they still cancel orders. I won't go so far as being dishonest with names and such so I can't say if that would work.

[What_does_the_future_hold]

I ordered 2 bTTFs and 1 crawler last night. Whole order was screwed up - tax, promos, shipping, VIP points, etc. I called today and they said everything was fixed in the system and the order should go through fine now.

That's great to hear. It does however follow their M.O. for banning so it could've gone either way.

[Darth_Raichu]

Yes I have and short of being completely dishonest they still cancel orders. I won't go so far as being dishonest with names and such so I can't say if that would work.

Unless your new account used completely different shipping and billing address than the other account, I honestly do not know how it would work

[Deez_Brickz]

Yep. Hate to be the bearer of bad news but that's what happened/happens to me now that I'm banned. No email, and almost instant cancellation of the order.

Thanks for the info.  Fortunately, I have friends that are willing to place orders for me.  And I scored some BTTF sets from Amazon before they sold out.  Hopefully, the new minecrafts will make it to Amazon also.

[What_does_the_future_hold]

Thanks for the info.  Fortunately, I have friends that are willing to place orders for me.  And I scored some BTTF sets from Amazon before they sold out.  Hopefully, the new minecrafts will make it to Amazon also.

You're welcome and yeah, I also ordered a nice slug of BTTF from amazon on pre-order. :)

[justgod]

Sharing my story....

 

I received the infamous reseller e-mail on July 11th. I figured it was exactly what it said - a warning. I had not placed any further orders until July 31st when I tried to pick up a Crawler. For some reason, I kept getting a message that my credit card could not be authorized. I tried several times until the site eventually locked me out for 24 hours. I chalked it up to the site issues that everyone was talking about. Yesterday, I tried again and received the same message, so I called to try and place the order over the phone. After pulling up my account, customer service placed me on hold and came back to inform me that:

 

MY ACCOUNT HAD BEEN LOCKED!!

 

I played dumb and he said he was not in the correct department to provide much more information and would have someone call me today, which has not yet happened. I have made very few purchases from LEGO Shop at Home (less than 2K this year), but did buy more than 5 of the B-Wing on May 4th, so I think that is what triggered it. I have nobody to blame but myself, so no need to pile on. I will continue to purchase from LEGO Shop at Home via a different avenue, but will be much smarter about it and try to color within the lines.

 

I just wanted to share my story to try and save others from the same experience.

[DoNotInsertIntoMouth]

Sharing my story....

 

I received the infamous reseller e-mail on July 11th. I figured it was exactly what it said - a warning. I had not placed any further orders until July 31st when I tried to pick up a Crawler. For some reason, I kept getting a message that my credit card could not be authorized. I tried several times until the site eventually locked me out for 24 hours. I chalked it up to the site issues that everyone was talking about. Yesterday, I tried again and received the same message, so I called to try and place the order over the phone. After pulling up my account, customer service placed me on hold and came back to inform me that:

 

MY ACCOUNT HAD BEEN LOCKED!!

 

I played dumb and he said he was not in the correct department to provide much more information and would have someone call me today, which has not yet happened. I have made very few purchases from LEGO Shop at Home (less than 2K this year), but did buy more than 5 of the B-Wing on May 4th, so I think that is what triggered it. I have nobody to blame but myself, so no need to pile on. I will continue to purchase from LEGO Shop at Home via a different avenue, but will be much smarter about it and try to color within the lines.

 

I just wanted to share my story to try and save others from the same experience.

 

Man that is rough. I bought 3 B-wings on the fourth, but have only spent about 150 dollars since - and all on things I actually opened. Sorry to hear it.

[spener90]

It's a disturbing attitude anywhere, any time, but it's especially disturbing on a site that is supposed to be about INVESTING in LEGO, for pity's sake. It's like a vegetarian showing up at a steak restaurant to wag his/her finger in everyone's face and explain they THEY are good because they only eat fish, while we're bad because we eat cows.

I'm a vegetarian, haha, we don't eat fish either...

 

 

 

Just my two cents...

My two cents is worth $37 in change.  (If anyone knows where this is from without looking it up, you are awesome!)

[sadowsk1]

Sharing my story....

 

I received the infamous reseller e-mail on July 11th. I figured it was exactly what it said - a warning. I had not placed any further orders until July 31st when I tried to pick up a Crawler. For some reason, I kept getting a message that my credit card could not be authorized. I tried several times until the site eventually locked me out for 24 hours. I chalked it up to the site issues that everyone was talking about. Yesterday, I tried again and received the same message, so I called to try and place the order over the phone. After pulling up my account, customer service placed me on hold and came back to inform me that:

 

MY ACCOUNT HAD BEEN LOCKED!!

 

I played dumb and he said he was not in the correct department to provide much more information and would have someone call me today, which has not yet happened. I have made very few purchases from LEGO Shop at Home (less than 2K this year), but did buy more than 5 of the B-Wing on May 4th, so I think that is what triggered it. I have nobody to blame but myself, so no need to pile on. I will continue to purchase from LEGO Shop at Home via a different avenue, but will be much smarter about it and try to color within the lines.

 

I just wanted to share my story to try and save others from the same experience.

That's interesting that they locked your account out.  If things did happen the way you described it sounds like your warning was your ban.  I'd be curious to know if it is the purchasing of certain items that locked you out or if any purchases thereafter would have had the same effect.  I'm sure they have an interesting formula for sending out warnings and locking accounts.  It almost seems like Lego has their mind set on whether or not a buyer is locked out, I wonder if it is in the criteria of their ordering patterns or particular products purchased that trigger this.  It has the feel of Lego slowly tracking down all potential resellers.  My imagination drives me to think of a list of all people that are known resellers and tracking down buying patterns in particular areas in case they try circumventing the lockout.  Ha, that would be crazy.

[justgod]

It stinks not only from an investor point, but as a fan of the product as well. I took it very personal. It's a good thing I don't drink or today would have been one heck of a hangover!

[spener90]

Take a breath people, consider different strategies and see what happens.

 

lego joker.jpg

I actually agree with the Joker?

[Deez_Brickz]

It stinks not only from an investor point, but as a fan of the product as well. I took it very personal. It's a good thing I don't drink or today would have been one heck of a hangover!

I feel your pain.  At least I am 40 miles from a Lego Store so if I really need something I can always drive to the mall.  But it does sting.I have numerous friends who will place an order for me and then I just pay them back - so all is not lost.  I won't ask anyone to order crazy multiples of a set for me though.

[justafrog]

I'm a vegetarian, haha, we don't eat fish either...

 

 

 

 

Depends on what flavor of vegetarian you are. Some of y'all eat fish, some cheese and eggs, some just plants, some only plants that fall naturally off of trees...  I can't keep up, it's just like the differences in Christian denominations, or Lego investors.