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Showing content with the highest reputation on 11/24/2020 in all areas

  1. :lights please: This is going to come off as more snarky than I mean it to, but another good way to get around bans is to not get banned in the first place. A place explicitly against resellers like Target, you're playing with fire by placing tons of orders. It's generally a good idea to try to avoid drawing attention to yourself (and other resellers) to avoid changes in policies and such that make things harder for everyone. I mean, it's great people can get around bans and whatnot, and get free Promos by exploiting loopholes with backordered items, etc - But when people start actively LOOKING to exploit these things (SAH Promos, Kohl's Cash freebies, etc) - Eventually they are going to catch on and make changes, usually for the worse for all involved. Target not all that long ago was reseller friendly, as an example. The same could be said for other places that have tightened up like B&N. They didn't make these changes for no good reason. Just try to follow the stated policies and use a moderate amount of self restraint and it will be good for you, and for others in the same boat. And then you don't have to worry about getting around bans. :gets off soap box:
    7 points
  2. I, and I know lots of others, do just fine this way. Of course, everyone has their own methods. I have no idea what kind of volume you do, I do a pretty decent volume and have never run out of things to buy and sell and turn profits consistently for several years. There are always more deals than I have available capital/time for, that I can say. Obviously I am not going to change anyone's mind who has an "ends justify the means" mentality. People are going to do what they want to do. I would encourage people to think of the long game from time to time. And yes, I understand what you're saying. But we're not exactly talking about global politics and economies on this forum. There are lots of examples of industries that felt the gravy train would keep rolling forever, but then it stopped. There are also lots of industries that have coalitions of cooperation/non competition to allow them to spread out the gains. (Oil, Telecom, etc). Resellers are in somewhat direct competition with eachother, but they are also all on the same team. By and large, what's good for one reseller should probably be good for all, and the inverse is true as well. That's kind of the reason a forum like this exists at all, is it not? We share deals, help eachother. We hope to eliminate existing inventory of retiring sets together. So it's not like we don't work together for a common cause here, we do. My point being, if it's ok to tell people how to get around bans, why does it ruffle feathers to suggest, god forbid, one not get banned in the first place? People change their minds, or maybe haven't thought about ways in certain ways, or because certain things AREN'T talked about, assume certain actions are normal/ok. That being said, in this particular case, it's slightly different in that let's say, people are getting banned, and folks are giving advice about how to get around bans. A little advice on how to avoid getting banned in the first place seems like it should be mentioned as well. If a third world country was complaining that their rivers were on fire while trying to catch up ecomically, and someone told them maybe they should stop dumping toxic chemicals into their rivers, I don't think it would be viewed as hypocrisy. Someday we'll probably look back and say, "You know, maybe we shouldn't have burned down the entire Amazon basin." My overall point being, it doesn't hurt to look at the long game from time to time. And to encourage folks to do so. Especially in this day and age, if one thing has become apparent, lots of things that "didn't need to be said" - Seem to need to be said more than ever. But this is getting way off topic here. If folks want to debate anything further, feel free to PM me. And If I am coming off as being on a high horse, I don't mind that. I'd rather be on a high horse than no horse at all. And I am sincerely trying to help folks, I am not just trying to preach.
    6 points
  3. 1,677 pcs. Available January 1st 2021 - $169.99/€179,99/£169.99. This ~$150 price point has been offering some nice sets as a step down from the more expensive Supercar sets. This one could be easily modified to not include all of the stickers and still have a model that is recognizable. I cant wait to display this next to my Porsche 911 RSR.
    5 points
  4. If that doesn't work, I'll give you another address to try where you can have the shipments sent.
    5 points
  5. That may be true. Easier to empathize with sellers as "life happens" sometimes. I don't believe I've left a negative since a seller claimed their "dad worked for the FBI" then after the return was complete threated to mail me a bag of used marital aids.
    4 points
  6. you must have seen my Dickens .. it was subzero outside
    4 points
  7. @Achilles I understand your sentiment, however what i don't agree with is places like Target and Walmarts "reseller policies". If Target and Walmart didn't want resellers they would put in actual stock/order limitations over night. This is a very easy programmatic check. Amazon has enforced this for years. Walmart even tried it, then backed it out. Target only wants resellers when it best fits them, unfortunately the way they handle that policy is terrible and ham-fisted. They have this nebulous fraud detection/cancellation policy. The fact you don't know if you are going to get banned or if your orders are going to go through, is A BAD POLICY and a BAD website/user experience. They need to establish a policy and enforce it through the website. They want their resellers, just not certain ones and only at certain times with some quantities but not too many quantities. This screams to me that they have terrible technology and sales leaders making poor decisions.
    3 points
  8. If anyone is a glutton for punishment... 76052 Classic Batcave available at Zavvi for RRP Get your hands on a set that has been retired for 32 months! https://us.zavvi.com/toys-construction/lego-super-heroes-batman-classic-tv-series-batcave-building-set-76052/12691627.html
    3 points
  9. I am weak .. i see a sale and it is game over
    3 points
  10. Apparently the Lego VIP refractory period is 6 days... because their dickens will be ready to go a second round
    3 points
  11. I basically follow the Amazon/SAH method for all sites - which I guess in this example would mostly mean places like Target and Walmart. If it lists a QTY Max 3, I order 3. I don't place multiple orders of that item. A week later (Amazon), or month later (SAH) - if it's still on sale, or if it goes back on sale again in the future, I'll order again. I understand some people like to go very deep on individual sets, which admittedly I tend to avoid doing. It's pretty rare for me to have over 30-40 of any $50+ set. I can only think of a handful off the top of my head. Obviously, following limits makes that trickier to get hundreds of any given set. I also probably do more in-store shopping than most folks. I don't necessarily wait for sets to be on the verge of retiring either, so I take advantage of sales throughout a set's lifespan. Getting specific sets at 30% off when you are targeting them is pretty easy to do. Usually when I strongly suspect a set is within a year of going, that's when I tend to start buying. Sometimes I am wrong and end up holding longer than I intended to, but it's not that big of a deal - it's very rare. And yes, there are some sets this makes it hard to acquire large quantities of, but in my experience there are very few "golden gooses" that are exponentially bigger than other strong performers - and personally, I am ok not getting them. Consistently doubling up with a variety of sets isn't hard to do when purchased at 40-50% off, even 30% off. And I find in the post TRU/Kmart world, there are more and more retailers carrying LEGO. For me, I find it EASIER to get stock today than say even a few years ago. And I increase my yearly purchase budget every year. Would I LOVE to have a pile of Town Halls sitting around? Of course, but I am not losing sleep over it. Nor am I struggling to make money without them. I am definitely NOT trying to come off as telling everyone how to operate. My horse isn't THAT high. I am well aware people have different goals/budgets/methods/targets/options. I think I was just trying to say one can still do just fine doing this while staying in the ring, so to speak. And I do admit, I get antsy about the idea of folks specifically abusing certain policies that make it tougher for ALL of us in the future. And as I said, it can be just as helpful to assist folks in avoiding bans in the first place, then just assuming everyone is going to get banned and have a way to get around it. I don't think banning is inevitable, or should be. In full disclosure, the only place I ever got banned was K-Mart, like 10 years ago. Before I even knew banning was thing. I was taken completely by surprise. And if I had known I COULD have gotten banned, I would have adjusted accordingly. I didn't think they cared. Honestly, I would have been appreciative of someone giving me a head's up that it was even an option and how to avoid it. By no means am I defending these guys (Target, Walmart) - I agree 100% with you. It's frustrating and annoying. And yes, they take advantage of US when it suits them. But ultimately, they are the ones with the power in this situation. I wish they were all way more clear cut about it all too. I just want to help prevent MORE terrible and ham-fisted policies from them and other retailers in the future. *I* Don't agree with their reseller policies either. But they clearly don't have to care what I agree with. And we are all well aware that retailers and even Shop at Home have a Love/Hate relationship with Resellers, which does kind of go back to my original point. As long as we don't rock the boat too hard, or piss off too many customers who whine and complain, I think things exist in a stable balance. I am on your side here, guys, I promise Now that everyone knows my secrets...
    2 points
  12. If only Target didn't do that special release with Lilly Pulitzer in 2015....
    2 points
  13. 1. do not order using phone app. 2. order using chrome on a desktop, incognito mode. 3. order a set for instore pickup. see if it goes through. pick it up. 4. then place a combo order for instore pickup and also an item to be shipped to you. once that goes through you should be back up and running. continue ordering what you want to be shipped to you and some other instore crap you may or may not have any intention of picking up. this sounds like bs - i know. this is what has worked for me.
    2 points
  14. Lego's new botanical 2021 line up: 4020--Creator 18+ Cheech and Chong's Rockin' Cannabis 1122--Captain Toad's Groovy Shrooms 43111--Disney's Belladonna for Juniors Unnamed Trolls set that is rumored to contain a new element in the shape of CBD gummies Note, all bricks will now be made from edible 100% organically grown plant-based plastics that will last between 1 to 24 months--the same lifespan as average holiday fruitcakes.
    2 points
  15. Two Facebook marketplace purchases 4184 Black Pearl with minifigures - $182 shipped $80 Shipped for 10 Speed Champions 76895 Ferrari F8 Tributo 76896 Nissan GT-R NISMO 76897 1985 AUdi Sport Quattro S1 75890 Ferrari F40 Competizione 75891 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Race Car 75892 McLaren Senna 75895 1974 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.0 75886 Ferrari 488 GT3 Scuderia Corsa 75885 Ford Fiesta M-Sport WRC 75884 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback
    2 points
  16. The bonsai is superior, but this is a really interesting and creative set. Maybe I'll build it for my tiktok. .
    2 points
  17. 20% off all Desktop Wallpaper downloads.... hahaha
    2 points
  18. Yeah, but its only $65 mo with your Amazon Store card.
    2 points
  19. was saying what is on sale is 20 off, I listed the best stuff
    2 points
  20. is all 20 off, no daily deals which was expected, Biggest 4 sets are vestas, T1, Tantive, Droid Commander after that Shanghai, Flinstones, Steamboat which leaves the usual random brickheadz, some seasonals, random small / medium sets, crappy selling themes (hidden side) and hardlines stuff. just no reason for them to do much this year though. Raised the GWP thresholds to 150 and still sold out in 2-3 hours at most stores and still sold tons without them. If you do want a big set though I'd get it this weekend. Just don't see much being left after BF/CM if they do as much as the did this weekend. looks like all the holiday stuff is pretty much gone for the year, at LL as well. Which blows.
    2 points
  21. 2 points
  22. last year I posted the pic of the candy cane and xwing on 11/27 so a little early still. Pics both of the last 2 years were about dec 2/3
    2 points
  23. they canceled the sky lander and shipped the Lego ...
    2 points
  24. I went in to pick up some stuff at Kohl's tonight and they have all of the 30% off stuff in big yellow LEGO floor displays. My store had them unmarked, so nobody was buying them. They also have the new Knights of Ren ship and HP Privet Drive also in a floor display for 20% off. $15 back on $50 still applies to everything.
    2 points
  25. Official images of the 2021 X-Wing - courtesy of Brickset:
    2 points
  26. I've only received 1/3 of the orders that I placed back in October. Each order didn't have the same qty. The other two say that they're supposed to be arriving 11/25-11/30, but no shipping information on either of those orders yet.
    1 point
  27. Got my Monster Book! Set was in a box and well packed.
    1 point
  28. This about sums up the source of the difference of opinions. Some of us fundamentally differ strategy wise. If you want to go deep, say 300+ sets on a soon to retire set, there arent that many options besides reordering unless your friends/neighbors/in laws with a Walmart Store manager.
    1 point
  29. Going to post office to pick something up sucks. The time this happened to me they wanted to collect at the door, of course you have to be home for that to happen. The second point wears me out though, I don't like it when sellers do that. They could have scheduled a pickup and got this thing in the mail sooner.
    1 point
  30. If its okay to violate limits lightly, set the limit to what the actual limit is and enforce it. Its that easy. Image you have a kid and you let them run around the house with an ice cream cone 95 out of 100 times. But 5 in 100 times you ground them for doing it. Not a very effective policy.
    1 point
  31. If im understanding correctly, essentially what youre saying is this: Target limits purchases to 3. Us resellers hate that and want more. Violating the limit policy lightly works and isnt flagged. Flagrantly violating the limit policy gets you banned and invites scrutiny of resellers in general, potentially causing more effective limits to be put into place at a later time, like amazon. So to keep the golden goose alive, please refrain from going wild. Pigs get fat hogs get slaughtered. Is that the basic idea? Not sure I agree. At some point policy will likely match amazons. Maybe we should milk it while its still doable. Not everyone has the same sourcing options. For some Target may be the primary source, especially on deals like this week.
    1 point
  32. I'm curious...what policies do you follow and how do you determine what they are? The clearest examples are places like Barnes and Noble that will sell to resellers, but impose hard quantity limits. That's pretty clear...they will sell to you up to a point and then stop. However, what about places like Target that simply reserve the right to refuse to sell to resellers and freely allow customers to place multiple sequential orders. What do you follow there?
    1 point
  33. Yeah, I took a picture and sent it to the seller. Apparently 4oz is not close to 2lbs.
    1 point
  34. Do you have proof of payment of that $6? If yes, sounds like a pretty easy case - the seller needs to refund, otherwise go to EBay CS and force a refund. If no, this might be trickier.
    1 point
  35. That sounds like a great way to not make a lot of money.
    1 point
  36. I may be getting the stink eye tonight because of this. I have had arrival notices today from orders through Walmart, Target, Amazon, and SAH. Anyone want to buy something from me so I can arrive home and say, "Sure, this may be $1500 worth of LEGO that blocked our porch, but I sold a $50 set today!"
    1 point
  37. Lol no one's ever honest. I only got 2 seriously
    1 point
  38. I got 2x Dickens on the same HH account, I thought one would be canx but it’s going through.
    1 point
  39. Wouldn't be surprising. It's no surprise if fewer kids are buying 'standard' sets like x-wings, since the prices are getting so much higher than they used to be. Even adjusted for inflation the most recent x-wing cost 50% more than 6212 (at least in the UK), when it serves the same purpose. Worrying about advanced techniques and price-to-part ratios is the preserve of AFOL nerds like us - kids just want the damn toy.
    1 point
  40. Looks great and very recognizable. Would be nice to see a small bump for 75886 that were to be had for a $5er @ walmart.
    1 point
  41. Oops, I forgot about Bail Organa. Bail Organa is the only brand new and unique minifigure which is found in 75244. The Captain Antilles in 75244 is also unique but is also a remake from 10198.
    1 point
  42. Maybe i missed something... we’re you saying that you know that all sets are 20% off? or just listing sets you would buy at 20% off
    1 point
  43. Wasn’t it 4 free items ? Pretty sure it was
    1 point
  44. I am doing a hybrid of both; small sets go FBA and bigger/ expensive ones FBM. the learning curve for FBM was a bit steeper than I expected (especially for some scenarios ) but between the good folks here and reading on the seller forums , it hasn't been all that bad other than other issue I am still dealing with ( item returned to Amazon DC ) . Only one buyer attempted a scam but Amazon eventually sided with me vs tens on FBA the I never saw my money back on . Not a big fan of communicating directly with buyers, but I have m templates handy than address 90% of the issues, so thats a big help . Like others said having a proper process ( right size boxes for example ) and good connections with you local mailing people is def a plus. Do I regret not going all in on FBA ? no ... will i stop using FBA ? probably not either, especially for certain items that won't make money FBM .
    1 point
  45. 1 point
  46. Rumors are that the along with their change in packaging from plastic to paper, Lego is taking an ecologically sensitive approach to the diner as well. The revamped Diner will feature more vegan options including Impossible burgers. That's all I can say at the moment. Stay tuned.
    1 point
  47. Only one... that’s the limit right? ‘wink wink’
    1 point
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