Sorting Pieces For Your Store

Once you have your store set up you need to get some pieces to inventory.  Everyone has a different way to sort.  I have changed the way I sort many times.  When you get a large lot of parts like this to sort it can be daunting.

I sort according to Bricklink’s categories since it is how you have to list the pieces.  I usually start with a few of the big categories first.  Bricks, Plates, Slopes, Tiles and Wedges. I will go through a box of parts and pull out all the pieces that fit in those categories.

Anything that is in the Brick category, I will sort them all together. I will sort them later by size. I don't sort by color. When I list, for example a 1x2 Brick, I will lay them all out and start with a color. When I am done sorting out the larger categories I will pack them up and store them until I want to list them.

I have two Ikea kitchen cabinets with six drawers each.  The boxes are from Ikea as well.  When it is time sort down to the smaller part level I sort into these boxes.  You can use anything but I like that I can keep the parts in the drawers and shut it when I am done.  At least with these pieces I try to keep each box a different piece but will put some together to save space.  When those bins are too full I will either bag them up to inventory later or I will take a bin and sort it out by color.

When I go to list them is the time I check for condition. Anything that has bite marks, excessive play wear or discolored goes. If it still has play value I will donate it with the other brands. If it is too damaged it is thrown away. There is a company that recycles toys but you have to pay to ship it to them.

When I have a lot of the same smaller pieces I might sort them ahead of time. Larger pieces I never do this.

Sorting is really what works for you. I have refined my way over years so give it a try and find what works. Now these got to get listed.