Happy New Year! I haven't been Bricklink or BrickOwl shopping in a while due to cashflow. Now that that has ramped up, I'm back on the spending train. In the meantime, a few items were racking up on my Wanted Lists. You would not believe how many stores were not able to fulfill a large amount of those items. Well you may believe it but I couldn't. In the past I could usually find one store with no effort. But now, how hard can it be to find a store with some light bley slopes, lots of medium blue bits, and some specific tiles? Apparently too tough. After several iterations of going through my wanted list I settled with the Windy One. I've passed on this store before but can't recall why. I have to wonder if this order will remind me why.
Profile
Seller: All items at Great Prices
Store: http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=owindy1
Feedback (at time of writing): 8799
Feedback
Ratio: 98.7% positive, some persistent issues regarding quality and completeness of order.
Location: USA, Washington
Prices: On par with or below 6 month average.
My Order
Order Size: 43 lots, 370 pieces.
Condition: 95% Used
Shipping Charge: Exact USPS pricing, minimum of $2.50. Charged $3.50 for a $2.92 label.
Extra Fees: None
Other: $3 minimum buy
Final
Cost per Part: $0.08
Timeline
Order Date: Dec 19
Invoice Date: Dec 20
Payment Date: Dec 20
Shipping Date: Dec 21
Delivery Date: Dec 23
Order Details
Why
this store: After a disappointing dozen visits to other stores there was enough here and reasonable enough terms.
Packaging: ALL parts mixed in a double non-zip baggie, rubber banded, wrapped in newsprint, then a taped up manila envelope. No bubbles. Some spillage. Lots of sorting. At least there was no plate stacking.
Part condition: Obviously Used
Communication: Quick, professional and friendly
Feedback left: Still considering, will likely be a neutral
Odd
telltale signs: None
Issues: Missing one lot, bitemarks, glue residue, color stains, slight yellowing. Sent an email regarding the missing lot and overcharged shipping. Missing lot and shipping overage refunded on request. The rest was too numerous and miniscule to deal with.
Recommendation
In checking this store's feedback you can see several negatives and neutrals, some even recent. This seller apparently is human as he makes mistakes. But he does seem to try to make things right. In his About Me page he acknowledges his mistakes and the fact that it might have something to do with his age related eyesight. I asked him to take an extra day or two if needed in order to ensure the accuracy of the order. Unfortunately he did not and a lot was missing. I'm also completely underwhelmed by the quality of many of the pieces. Yes, I understand what used means but bitemarks, glue residue, color transfer and just plain dirty are not acceptable unless noted as such.
I'm afraid I have to recommend shopping elsewhere.