Storing and Sending Bricks Attached or Unattached?

Markyd7

Storing Bricks attached? Is this considered good of bad amongst sellers/buyers? (Not plates)
It seems like a good idea for saving space, counting and limit scratching!

I've asked a few buyers if they're ok with me putting bricks together to save space, all have said yes so far.
Would this be a good idea for an option for buyers to tick 'yes if needed' or 'no' in their settings? This then appears on their order somewhere.

DagsBricks

There's a huge debate over this. To be safe, keep all your "new" stock unattached. At the buyer's request, connecting is perfectly acceptable.

This will keep the most amount of buyers happy, I believe.

goshe7

^Agree. I will be glad to assemble any bricks/minifigs a buyer requests, but would not do so without them agreeing to it. I also wouldn't volunteer this service as it could take a lot of time.

Markyd7

I'm not saying the seller would have to do every time, just if it's needed to keep postage down.

Graham

NO please don't with New Parts - as far as I am concerned clicked once =used (like new).

As far as shipping It can be very compact by neatly packing - I learned "how" from my Favorite seller in UK - he quit after all the problems you know where.

Markyd7

Beginning with G? Graham

BWA

Just to add our 2 cents...,

"As we feel that Lego turns used the moment you open the (sealed) box it came in. All bricks and parts in our shop are marked as used and should be considered "Good" to "as new" quality. As a result the only items with the status new theoretically can only be (sealed in box) sets. Stickers are also always new."

Besides the question why would you want to buy new blocks opposed to as new? (is there a way to tell the difference?)... I f anyone knows please let me know..., or is it just a way to make it hard for the seller? (if so why not order the new parts from Lego?)

As to packaging... (and storage)..., Lego bricks seem to have a mind of their own when not tightly packed (in sorting machines), ques that's why TLG uses loose/oversized packaging..., as it is not only weight but more and more size that matters...
This is why we quote only.... (see previous discussions)

@ Graham: please share the secret?

pumbaugh

Given the current quality issues I have seen with LEGO I would never stack bricks when selling. I have seen many 1x1 bricks and slopes and some other pieces exhibit a cracking/splitting issue almost immediately when used/stacked/built with. That alone is reason enough for me to consider once stacked as used and never to be shipped as such. Just my .02.

Thor

I will also sometimes ask buyers if they want me to snap their bricks together to help them save on postage. For example, I can safely pack 372 2x4 bricks in a Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope if they are all snapped together. If shipped loose, postage will usually be several dollars more.

I would not, however, store bricks snapped together for a long time, especially in a place which is not climate controlled and has fluctuating temperatures.

When purchasing PaB at LEGO Stores, I will occasionally snap bigger bricks together (like 2x4 bricks). For 2x4 bricks, I can get 70% more in each cup. So I get a lot more for my money AND keep the price per brick low for my buyers. Moreover, if I could not snap 2x4 PaB bricks together, I would not even buy them or offer them for sale. For unsnapped 2x4 PaB bricks, the cost per brick climbs to $0.16 each, versus $0.09 each if I snap them together. If other sellers are selling these bricks for $0.15 each, it makes no sense for me to buy them loose.

Of course, when snapping these bricks together at the point of purchase, I will unsnap them when I bring them home.

I disagree with the opinion some have that briefly snapping PaB bricks together so you can buy more automatically makes them used. IMO, doing this is no different than test driving a new car or trying on a new shirt in a store. Moreover, the LEGO Store management and staff seem to have no problem with this; nor do they consider such PaB "used". When I bring my PaB cups to the cash register, the LEGO Store sells them to me and I purchase them "as new".

Thor

DagsBricks

I was hoping this debate wouldn't sully the question as it did over on the other site...

Loremonger

When I posed this question a couple years ago, most buyers who responded said that they would prefer to receive all their bricks loose.

Thor

Don't worry Brian. There is no sullying going on. The OP asked a question. I responded. Two posters expressed their opinion that snapping bricks together makes them used. I expressed a contrary opinion. Everyone has been very civil.

BinOfBlocks

I disagree with the opinion some have that briefly snapping PaB bricks together so you can buy more automatically makes them used. IMO, doing this is no different than test driving a new car or trying on a new shirt in a store. Moreover, the LEGO Store management and staff seem to have no problem with this; nor do they consider such PaB "used". When I bring my PaB cups to the cash register, the LEGO Store sells them to me and I purchase them "as new".

Thor

The OP ask about him storing bricks and selling them like this. LEGO DOES NOT DO THIS. The you compared sticking the bricks together in a cup your going to buy. Thats your choose with a product your buying. If i buy from someone selling me NEW bricks and they arrive to me all stuck together that is NOT the same as if i stick them together and buy them myself.

Thor

Eric, I know what the OP asked. The first two paragraphs of my post clearly and concisely answered the OP's questions. The paragraph you quoted above was directly in response to the opinions expressed by Graham and Pumbaugh in this thread regarding the condition of bricks that have been snapped together. If they can offer an opinion on this matter, I am sure I can offer a contrary opinion. It shouldn't be a problem. Everyone has been civil thus far. And no... To reiterate what I already posted, I would NOT ship my buyers bricks that are stuck together in the package without first asking them. Some buyers like this if it saves them money. Others prefer to pay more for shipping. So I ask my buyers their preference.

Thor

budgetkids

@Markyd7
All I can say is how I run my store.

Bricks that are new are NEVER attached, even PAB items. They are purchased, stored, and shipped never attached.

Used may be attached at purchase, stored separated, but 99% of the time shipped separated. The other 1% would be the exception like a recent order I had. A person bought about 900 used 2x2 DUPLO bricks from me. In this rare situation, due to the size of duplo bricks and the condition was used, they were indeed shipped attached. However, they did order some new ones from me and they were not attached and bagged separately from the used ones to not cause any sort of contamination.

I believe my methods make everyone happy. You never know if you will get a "never stick them together" person or an "I don't care" person. So the best policy is to always play it safe and assume the person buying from me(you) is on the "never stick them together" side. This makes everyone happy.

Chris