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BiG Problem - please fix!
I just received an order for some track (32 corners), and shipping came up as "small flat rate box" - impossible!
I have the volume set at ⅔ actual volume by internal dimensions.
So I checked the track and I find it has not been given dimensions at all!!
OK I can fix it BUT not the order - I'm going to be out of pocket on this.
What it means then is IF an item hasn't been given dimensions an infinite number of pieces would fit in by volume.
The fix needs to be the other way round i.e. if a piece (any piece) hasn't been given volumetric dimensions in the catalog then the by volume shipping methods shouldn't show.
I'm removing ALL by volume shipping, until this is sorted somehow, and would suggest everyone else do the same to avoid getting hit like I just have!
This kills all flat rate boxes which is a shame because they are great value to the customer (when an order fits!)
and UK this would do damage on your Large Letter pricing and any where that has similar...
Graham
I have the volume set at ⅔ actual volume by internal dimensions.
So I checked the track and I find it has not been given dimensions at all!!
OK I can fix it BUT not the order - I'm going to be out of pocket on this.
What it means then is IF an item hasn't been given dimensions an infinite number of pieces would fit in by volume.
The fix needs to be the other way round i.e. if a piece (any piece) hasn't been given volumetric dimensions in the catalog then the by volume shipping methods shouldn't show.
I'm removing ALL by volume shipping, until this is sorted somehow, and would suggest everyone else do the same to avoid getting hit like I just have!
This kills all flat rate boxes which is a shame because they are great value to the customer (when an order fits!)
and UK this would do damage on your Large Letter pricing and any where that has similar...
Graham
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I hear you on that, but I also think part of it falls on the seller to make sure the catalog entry for their stock is up to date. I understand it is a pain to do, but it is also beneficial to all in generating a complete and accurate catalog.
Kyle
I wouldn't have expected this one.
Point still stands - whilst the catalog is still with lots of missing data, and in that some parts may slip thru - if they are large like this - it's an issue.
All it would need is a "default" to not allow volumetric shipping calculations if any parts have no volume.
In the meantime I've disabled the Flat Rate options
Graham
I do realise the size of the task, and how much still needs to be done, this one turned out not TOO painful as it was only a zone 4, however consider it then a "heads up" especially to y'all over there with the Large Letter rate…
on which you are fortunate as over here the Large Letter must bend to qualify…
Graham
Automation in shipping and handling is very tricky...., quotation can also be used as a tool to "kindly" recline an order... (To many lots, not enough items, see other discussions) before entering into the "legally binding contract" etc....,
Why do you think TLC uses those big boxes and airy bags? (maximize weight/volume in storage and shipping)...
NB.: we came over from the other side with 8.000+ diff lots, are we all off a sudden responsible for these items?
(I placed two orders yesterday, one BL and one BO. The BO one has shipped. The BL one, I just got invoiced and then had to go to Paypal today, so maybe it'll ship tomorrow? Maybe?)
I understand that is a lot of lots to be responsible for, but at the end of the day, each seller is responsible for what they list for sale. I know I am very small time, but from my standpoint in try to set aside a little time each day to work on items in my inventory which have information missing. From a community database standpoint, this will help in creating a complete database.
@catbricks the automatic shipping cost calculation was my biggest draw and biggest separation between BrickOwl and another LEGO site. It brings it more in line with other ecommerce websites.
OK I've started on the dimensions.
anyone else who started including volumetric based shipping ie Flat Rate (US) Large Letter UK - and others.
I would suggest hold off there is a lot of parts to add dimensions to - my inventory is 25% missing dimensions.
Actually I am sort of surprised as I would have thought that data came from TLG - agh NEVER ***assume*** anything!
I've submitted dimensions for about half dozen items, I have another 598 to go and that's just New parts!
The by weight was working OK, only a few orders got over charged, which when I caught them I refunded.
So this will be a long (time consuming) process… I wil try and do some each day.
Graham
@all Flawless checkout (especially with Lego bricks/parts) from any country to every country sounds like utopia..., besides there are some Lego items (container / large barrel... plant / pine tree large) that no matter how often you measure them, they have a mind of there own in an envelope..., which might result in fines/returned package etc...,
As a "hobby" store we don't want to run the risk of "losing" money to the mailservices, paypal etc., hence we only quote..., As a commercial vendor I ques you want/need to run the risk and get the order....(and move your stock)
The "commit to purchase" before being informed of all costs drove me away from BL as a buyer a long time ago, or at least I only bought from "good" sellers, and by good I don't only mean good parts and good service. Also that I knew how much they would charge in TOTAL.
In the beginning I was ripped off more than once, under the threat of NPB. The worst was paying nearly $10 post on a package that displayed $3.45.
Another, a seller in good repute, who advised me that I could add more parts "for the same shipping costs" - so I took them up on that - and received a new invoice with an "extra charge" (that wasn't there before) - when I asked why, I was told it was for "reprinting the order" - the fee £1 ($1.50).
So that was my biggest draw to BrickOwl, and I still believe it is the best way to do business, doesn't matter whether you are "hobby" store OR business, actually the IRS and HMR&C consider you a business by virtue of the fact that you are selling anyway. So run a "hobby" store at your own risk!
PayPal will have already reported you as a seller, if you have more than a certain number of transactions within the year - regardless of business account or not.
So once all the dimensions are in - volumetric pricing will re-appear at ALLEGORY!
I have spent a lot of time on shipping methods, considering all the variables, I'm not sure how many orders I have had here - but this was one that cost more than it should, fortunately it was to a nearby State, so it was small.
The only one that got me was a set that fell within the weight table, but with packaging cost nearly double -so I've added "custom" weight to sets to allow for that.
All my orders (other than mentioned) are coming in with shipping at ± $1 max, usually + and usually within ¢25-¢50.
BrickOwl will attract more and more buyers due to the checkout, I think it likely many will buy from stores that don't require "request quote" - in the same way that many buyers prefer "buy it now" on eBay.
I have found a quick way to size items, and plan on adding dimensions to at least 10 parts per day.
What I did was print an easy to read grid in mm increments, then place a book end (or heavy object) at "0" - then all I do is place the item against 0 in the 3 dimensions, bearing in mind you don't need to measure the studs (width and length is 8mm per stud - height is 10mm per stud +1mm) - this does not apply to Technic Beams!
G
Liftarms (if that is what you mean by beams) are 8mm high as well as wide.
http://brickowl.com/help/stud-dimensions
Brian
I say because the actual measurements of one single beam empirically come out to 7 mm one way and just over 7 mm the other.
Joe
I would say it is OK to round up to 1.6mm grid increments. It can only improve the shipping situation, right?
Brian
Bottom line - business decision involved guys.
Robert
I can't think of any other venue, besides the other place, not only do you have to wait for a quote before ordering/purchasing, but you are also "committed" under the ToS to buy regardless of how much you are actually charged - or how long you have to wait to receive an invoice.
If all internet business was like that, there wouldn't be any internet trade.
@All
As a seller. On the other place I had upfront charges posted based on price bands - on a win some loose some basis. If someone complained about being "overcharged" I refunded - same as I did on eBay. It was rare, but "customer service" is everything these days - and it matters not whether you consider yourself a "business" or a "hobby store"
On BrickOwl other than when I can use the Flat Rate boxes/envelopes my shipping charges are usually within a few cents of what it would cost.
Volumetric pricing is a really big deal in the US, due to the priority "Small Flat Rate Box" - once an order goes over 13oz gross you can't send regular first class (inland) and Priority Mail has 9 price bands - that's within the US ONLY! Then there are another 17 price bands international.
And @Robert - you have no idea how fortunate you are with just 4 global price bands!
I am working on my store never needing the request quote feature, or at least there will be a price for instant check out - "request quote" optional if the buyer feels its too high.
I will continue submitting dimensions until everything has a size, then volumetric pricing will be back (I make the dimensions of the box at 75% actual size to allow for packaging)
@Brian - understood after all you micro-scale builders deal in microns!
As a carpenter I deal in measurements that include things like "and a bit" - only I know what a "bit" is and it varies depending on size of work - you would be surprised at how accurate it ends up!
For shipping "close enough" should be good enough (IMO)
With regards "actual size" of parts, and my "easy calculation" with errors: - all the parts missing dimensions are "odd" and need measuring anyway - all the "standard parts" seem to have dimensions already - so I am actually physically measuring them (with my homemade "jig").
If you want the dimensions "exact" on the standard parts they will need to be edited as they are already in (not by me!)
Graham
As for rounding up in general, I am not in charge here but NO.
Individual parts are being measured, measure the part. No previous knowledge of grids needed. An assembly the same, just measure it.
Rounding up to the mm I can understand, but not to improve the shipping. If possible the most accurate measurement should be given with no rounding, if the most accurate tool you have measures to the mm OK. If your tool only measures to the cm you should wait until you get a new one to measure things.
The concept of padding part dimensions instead of personal shipping bands throws off the system. I have found a bunch of parts people have put in padded dimensions that cause something not to fit a 2cm envelope when I know it does.
I am not saying your system would not be accurate to the same mm Brian or that you are padding dimensions, I don't want to take the time to start testing.
I am just against the concept of rounding up to "help" with shipping. I see it as backwards compared to having parts accurate with the shipping bands containing the tolerances and have been waiting for a chance to mention it. Mostly to the members rounding to the cm.
Joe
Robert
Truth to your points for sure.
That said the way I have set things up, weight bands with only needing dimensions for dividing envelope and parcel, has been incredibly accurate. Forgiving parts with missing or incorrect dimensions. And it gets better every day.
When everything has nice dimensions I may start testing out volume limits. Now if the envelope is so full it does not fit there is usually enough value to justify paying any extra out of my profits.
100% accurate no, but the time I have saved with the system calculating things has far outweighed any losses I have incurred. I believe that was part of your point, the big picture is more important than micromanaging each single transaction.
Joe
Robert
OK as I am still adding dims - the smallest increment is 1mm, the specification states "the smallest box it will fit in" so if a part is even a hair over; say it measures 9.2 x 9.2 x 9.2 then the "smallest box" would be a 10mm cube so I round up to the next whole 1mm. Surely I shouldn't round down?
I would agree you never round down, if you are comfortable with 9.2 I would not see a need to round up past 9.5 if at all.
I read your comment a bit closer. It is possible to enter decimals of a mm in the fields, I have seen and had many accepted. I can only assume the system takes this into consideration.
That I did not know!
So now what?
To measure parts to nearest 1mm takes about 1-2 minutes to locate part and measure/enter + time to move to next part which involves going back minimum 3x page
To measure using a micrometer - well that's enough to put an end to me adding dimensions!
As dimensions are for packing by volume - or are there other reasons?
Wouldn't close be good enough? - to nearest mm up?
Then also some parts could be made to measure volumetrically smaller by manipulation (example Horse)
Graham
It would seem that most "standard parts" have been entered as "close" already (8mm/stud length & width)
The more the buyer can fit in an envelope before the price point changes the better my profit, the happier the buyer is.
Perfection is not achievable, but the more accurate the better.
The system best fits in all the boxes, if I remember correctly, and all the gaps and spaces are not accounted for. So generally there will be lots of extra space for packing even if the odd side was rounded down.
I am just stating my views from what I understand, not trying to make this an impossible task.
I have been giving them to the mm, and I will also measure the height so if that's good I shall continue, as and when.